By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
Latin
"lord, master"
Swaggering, cutting-edge choice equally appropriate for both genders. It's also very rare, given in the US in 2015 to only seven baby girls....and no recorded baby boys. Do you want to be the first?
English and French from Latin
"enduring"
Durant's meaning signifies staying power, a good quality to impart to your child. Notables with the surname Durant include Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Will and Ariel Durant, most famous for their…
Latin, based on Roman clan name
Had a burst of popularity in 2000 when the controversial case of the Cuban boy Elián González was in the news; his name combined his parents': Elizabeth and Juan.
Italian and Spanish from Latin
"blond, fair"
Elvio is a barely-ever-used name that might just be a hidden gem. From the Latin family name Elvius, international bearers of the name include several footballers and the Paraguayan poet Elvio…
English, Welsh, and Spanish surname
"of the East"
For some, a name that will evoke the beauty of the national park in the Colorado Rockies.
"joyous, festive"
A name from the ancient world that may get a mixed reception today. On the one hand, festive! On the other hand, fester. In the Bible, Porcius Festus was a Roman official who rubbed up against St…
"fortunate one"
Because the legendary Faust sold his soul to the devil, few parents would choose this for a child, although Fausto is commonly heard in Italy and Spain.
"faithful"
Fidelis has significant historical connections to Christianity, as Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was a 17th-century Capuchin friar who was martyred. The name has been used across various European…
"yellow hair"
A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
"strong one"
Now that Courtney is becoming more unisex for babies, surname Fortney also seems like a viable name for a boy. It fits the trend for names with an -ey ending like Huxley and Finley, with an added…
French variation of Hadrian
What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.
Latin from Greek
"cheerful, happy"
The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.
"harmless, innocent"
Innocent, the name of thirteen popes, is rarely heard in a secular setting, where its loaded meaning could open the door to ridicule.
Latin clan name
"wealth"
Lucretius is the name of the Roman philosopher who invented Epicureanism. But even in these days of old Roman name revival, Lucretius sounds a bit long-white-beardish, though it can be enlivened with…
Diminutive of Mercury, Roman mythological name
Merc has been introduced to the American public by the network executive character on Showtime's Episodes, and is a contemporary-sounding short form of the Roman god and planet name Mercury. Mercury,…
Latin, diminutive of Maurice
Soft and sensitive and elderly, associated with mega-best-seller Tuesdays with Morrie .
Latin, diminutive of Cornelius
A lot more substantial than Corny or Nellie.
Nicasius is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This distinguished and scholarly-sounding name has ancient roots and religious significance, as it…
Latin and Scandinavian variation of Oliver
Unconventional nickname option that's best kept as a nickname.
English word name
"month name"
November is one of a growing list of month names that can work for a baby boy, and is also one of the ideal names for November babies .
