By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Spelling variation of Kai or short form of Cayden, Cayson et al
There were no baby boys named Cay born in the US last year, but there's no reason why there couldn't be, especially with the rise in popularity of the similar Kai as well as the nouveau proper names…
Amharic variation of Alexander
"defending men"
Variation of Alexander.
Dutch variation of Ludwig
"famous warrior"
Variation of Ludwig.
Finnish variation of Peter
"rock"
Variation of Peter.
Dutch variation of Arthur
"bear"
Once a diminutive for Arthur, now used in its own right. Tuur is a Top 100 name in Belgium and a Top 300 name in the Netherlands.
Finnish variation of Gertrude
"strength of a spear"
Variation of Gertrude.
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Benjamin
"son of the right hand"
This variation of Biblical Benjamin is used in Ethiopia. With various "Ben" names in style, from Bennett to Bentley, Benyam feels fresh but approachable. The name is also commonly spelled Binyam or…
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Thaddeus
"courageous"
If Theodore has lost its sparkle and Thaddeus feels a bit too serious, you may love the Ethiopian Tadeios. The Amharic version of Biblical Thaddeus has a fun and bouncy sound and comes with the cool…
English variation of Kiki, Finnish diminutive of Gertrud, or Hawaiian variation of Kate
"double happiness; strength of a spear; pure"
Keke is a multicultural double-punch nickname, notably borne by actress Keke Palmer. Palmer was born Lauren Keyana, yet her nickname does not derive from her middle name — her older sister had an…
Catalan and Russian variation of Neil, Irish
"cloud"
Better to stick with the Neil spelling in the US, where the word "nil" also means "zero." But this is a Top Ten name in Catalonia.
This variation of Biblical Benjamin is used in Ethiopia. The name is also spelled Benyam or Biniyam.
Danish and Norwegian variation of Bjorn, Swedish
The slashed O form of Bjorn is standard in Norway and Denmark. The umlaut variation, Björn is used in most other languages today.
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Matthew
"gift of God"
The most popular variation of this Biblical name is Mateo, which has now surpassed the classic Matthew. Matteo is not far behind, and other variations are rising fast as well. Mateos is a variation…
Ukrainian variation of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
Volodymyr, once a name unknown to most Americans, is now on everyone's lips due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy bears a common Ukrainian name for his…
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Andrew
This chic Ethiopian variation of Andrew has a stylish, international flair.
French variation of Romaric, German, and Scottish surname
"famously strong"
Romary is most commonly seen as a surname, although it would make a charming first name for a boy or girl. It has French and Scottish origins — the French form is a variation of the given name…
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Phineas
We love a fresh name that leads to the hip nickname Finn. Finhas is an Ethiopian variant of Phineas that does just that.
Finnish variation of Peter, English from Greek
The Finnish form of Peter was most common in its culture of origin in the 1950s and '60s.
Icelandic variation of Oliver, Latin
"olive tree"
The Icelandic form of Oliver, currently ranking in their Top 10.
Icelandic variation of Peter, English from Greek
Classic and common form of Peter in Iceland. A notable bearer is Pétur Pétursson, an Icelandic footballer.
