By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 755 pages
of 755
Kacen is a modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a contemporary spelling variation of Cason or Kasen, which themselves derive from English surnames. Alternatively, it could…
Kalvin is a masculine name that serves as a modern variant of Calvin, which derives from Latin 'calvus' meaning 'bald.' The K-spelling gives the traditional name a contemporary edge while maintaining…
Spelling variation of Camden, place name
"winding valley"
Gentle but solid, Camden is currently in the US Top 200, and subsequently, alternative spellings have made an appearance. Kamdyn shares the popular K initial of Kaden, Kannon, and Kairo, the trendy Y…
Variation of Patton or Peyton, English
"fighting man's estate"
Once an obscure, surname-inspired option, Payton (and Peyton) hiked up the charts back in the 90s, likely inspired by the football star Peyton Manning. While both spellings were more (statistically)…
Variation of Terence.
Persian or Arabic
"long night; era"
A common name in the Muslim community, where it may be a Persian name or a variation of Ayan, a name with a timely meaning.
English word name
"pseudonym"
We think, probably, most parents who name their sons Alias are using it as a variation of Elias.
"having good fortune"
Recently chosen by singer Elle King for her son. Lucky is a name that could see a considerable rise in the near future, as word names continue to heat up.
French
"forest guardian"
The list of occupational boys' names continues to expand, and this is one of the latest to ride onto the range. With a hint of cowboy and Western, a sprinkle of preppy surname, an outdoorsy,…
Modern invented name
Americanization of Trevor that is catching on, as are other versions Trevion and Trevin.
Hindi
"full of life"
Vivaan is a life-related name from India that has made its way onto the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2014. While unusual, it has a familiar and appealing lively sound and feel. However, be aware…
English surname
"hare land"
Arlen is a surname long used as a first name: It ranked on the US Top 1000 from the late 1920s until the late 1960s. Originally, Arlen was a variation of Harlan which came from Harland, a place-name…
Latin
"fortress, walled town,"
Chester is a comfortable, little-used teddy-bear of a name that suddenly sounds both quirky and cuddly. Chester was a Top 100 name in the US from the 1880s to 1929, gradually fading till it finally…
French surname
"golden"
Dior was among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys in the US in the early 2020s, but was the fastest- falling name for boys in the 2023 statistics. Its connection to French luxury…
Short form of Esaias or variation of Esau, Hebrew
"salvation of the Lord; hairy"
An energetic and compact Spanish name, likely derived from Esaias or Esau, it is best associated with actor Esai Morales of American Family and Bad Boys fame. Pronounced as EH-sye in Spanish, it may…
Variation of Micah
"who is like the Lord"
Micah is now in the Top 100, so naturally the spelling variation Mikah is getting some love too. Either spelling would be a fun and fresh way to honor a Mike or Michael.
Arabic
"letters of the alphabet"
These letters begin the 20th chapter of the Quran (surah Ta Ha). A noted bearer is Egyptian writer Taha Hussein, one of the most influential 20th-century Egyptian intellectuals, who was nominated for…
"the one who knocks at the door"
A strong and confident name growing in popularity, in numerous spellings.
Spelling variation of Terence
In the US, this variation is more popular than the original. Terrence has been in the US Top 1000 since 1920, but Terence has been left behind. Alternate spelling Terrance is the most popular…
