By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 755 pages
of 755
Irish
"rough peace"
Occasionally used in the African-American community to honor Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, known as "Emperor of the Kingdom of Africa," though his first name is more frequently chosen. Another…
Dutch and German form of John
"God is gracious"
Another spelling of JANNIK, a John form that has a terminally Olde Worlde sound to the American ear.
Italian variation of Blaise
"one who stutters or lisps"
Surprising relative of the French saints' name Blaise, which is definitely easier on the English ear than vowelsome Italian version. Also spelled BIAGIO.
Garvie is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Garbh, meaning 'rough' or 'rugged.' As a given name, it maintains its connection to Scottish heritage while offering a…
Catalan
"golden"
Intriguing name that's a Top 100 choice in Spain and virtually unknown outside that country. But has definitely possibilities for the adventurous baby namer.
Garvy is an uncommon masculine name with possible origins as a variant of Garvey, which has Irish Gaelic roots in the surname Ó Gairbhith, meaning 'descendant of Gairbhith' (rough peace). It may also…
"rough little one"
Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh , "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.
French
"to protect"
Straightforward surname with potential thanks to the rise of Carson. The actress Greer Garson gives it a splash of Hollywood glamor.
Scottish surname
"small or black stream"
An unusual and appealing Scottish family name that would work as well for a girl as a boy.
Invented literary name
Fanciful name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in his book Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz .
Literary invention
Ginger-homonym created by L. Frank Baum for a General character in his Oz books.
Latin
"desire"
The name of the Roman god of love, the son of Venus, considered so romantic as to be unfit for mere mortals. Yet now that Romeo and Venus herself are fair game for modern babies, why not Cupid?
Garrie is a unisex name that functions primarily as a masculine variant of Gary, though it can also serve as a feminine diminutive of Geraldine. Of Germanic origin, it derives from elements meaning…
Gari is a versatile masculine name with origins spanning multiple cultures. In Japanese, it can mean 'harvesting village' or relate to concepts of cutting and sharpness. In Georgian culture, it's a…
Garri is a masculine name with diverse origins. It may be a variant of Gary, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'spear' or as a short form of names like Garrison or Garrick. In Russian…
English occupational name
"one who whistles"
A new entry in the fashionable occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill…
Gerick is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins, likely a variant of names like Garrick, Gerrick, or Eric. The name Garrick derives from ancient Germanic elements meaning 'spear power' or…
"little battler"
Cathan is one Irish boys' name that remains underused and would be an intriguing way to honor an ancestral Catherine. It is related to Cain and, theoretically, the nouveau Cayden.
Scottish variation of Randolph
"shield-wolf"
An old name still occasionally heard in the U.K., but still and perhaps forever a foreigner in the U.S. Can be spelled Ranulf.
Yiddish diminutive of Abraham
"Father of multitudes"
Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.
