Names That Mean Form

A Yiddish variation of the lofty Mordecai. Singer Avrum Mordche Schwartz and performer Mordche Hersh Hershkowitz are notable bearers. 

Mordche

Ron is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of longer names like Ronald, Aaron, or Byron. Ronald, its most common source, derives from the Old Norse 'Rögnvaldr,' meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'decision maker.' 

Ron gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s through the 1970s. Its brevity exemplifies the trend toward shorter, more direct masculine names. The name projects a straightforward, unpretentious quality that has helped it transcend generations. 

While its peak popularity has passed, Ron maintains steady usage and recognition across English-speaking countries. Notable bearers include actors Ron Howard and Ron Perlman, and more recently, the character Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter series has kept the name familiar to younger generations.

The Russian and Ukrainian form of the Biblical Reuben has a slightly sharper sound than its international counterparts, though it keeps that appealing ROO beginning. Also transcribed as Rufim, it is currently a rare choice. 

Ruvim

Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.

Amaury

A cool and straightforward Vietnamese name, which resembles the increasingly popular Hawaiian name Koa.

Khoa

Mica is not the same name -- though it sounds the same -- as Micah, but the h makes it feel more masculine.

Mica

Gabe ranked in the Top 1000 from 1880 until 1905, when it fell into obscurity.  There are fewer than 100 boys named Gabe, just plain Gabe, each year in the US, compared with over 10,000 named Gabriel. Our advice: Go with the crowd and choose the angelic long form, and then call him Gabe if you want to.

Gabe

While the (male) French form is pronounced in English like the girls' name Michelle and the German form had a hard k-like sound in the middle, this variation of Michael is distinguished by being used evenly for girls and boys in the U.S.   For either gender, though, pronunciation issues will dominate.

Michel

This strong and commanding Russian name is pronounced ah-KEEM. 

Akim

Carlito is an affectionate short form of Carlos or Carl -- or Charles for the matter -- used informally.

Carlito

Clovis

Suzie (and Susie) was the one of the It Nicknames of midcentury America, right up there with Debbie and Kathy.
Suzie and all her sisters are off their popularity peak now, but not forever. Look for your baby to name their baby Suzie or Susie.

Suzie

A perennial classic in the Netherlands, short-and-sweet Dirk is starting to feel like a fresher alternative to cousin Derek.

Dirk

Rare but rising, Gryphon is an intriguing name that combines several stylish associations. The Gryphon spelling relates directly to the fierce legendary creature that's eagle in front, lion behind. But there's also the authentic boys' name Griffin, a name that's maintained consistent popularity for a quarter century without getting too popular.


Gryphon

Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it. 

Alys

A sweet, breezy short form of Eleanor, that happens to coincide with the name of an ancient Italian town. It is a popular choice in Switzerland, Finland, and France, though the spellings Eléa and Éléa are currently preferred in the latter country. Typically pronounced like Ella, you could pronounce it eh-lee-uh, it basing it on the ancient place name, though choosing Ellia would probably avoid confusion. 

Elea

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas.  Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Silvano

An elaboration of Marisa, a combination of Maria and Louisa. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Marisela

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

Olivette

Davy and Davey are certainly short forms that are frequently used but rarely wind up on the birth certificate. And why, since David is such a handsome, classic, yet short and simple name on its own?