By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 255 pages
of 255
Variation of Ryan or Hindi
"little king"
South African adventurer Riaan Manser introduced this name to the American and European world. After bicycling the entire coast of Africa and rowing with his girlfriend from Morocco to New York, he…
French variation of Onesimus
Variation of Barthelemy
Like the name it stems from, Bartheleme is a French variation of Bartholomew. As you might expect, the extent of its usage in the United States is limited to those of French heritage, primarily those…
Hebrew
"My God is my light"
This appealing Hebrew name is heard in Israel, and would fit in well with all the popular El-starting names for boys , such as Elliot and Ellery. It was given to just five American boys in 2015. Also…
"my father is judge"
In the Old Testament, Abidan was indeed a judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin and a leader at the time of the Exodus. Dan and Ab could work as nicknames. In 2015, there were only five boys in the US…
German
"bright day"
Almost unheard of in recent years, Dagobert has some connections to the French diaspora. Pere Dagobert was an eighteenth century Capuchin monk who immigrated to New Orleans from Quebec. Dagobert I…
Greek
"slave of God"
While Theodore means "gift of God," Theodulus has a much more solemn meaning. Nonetheless, its s ending and alternate path to nickname Theo could make it attractive to some brave parents. Theodulus…
Polish variation of Aurelius
"golden"
Along with Aureliusz, Aureli is a Polish form of Aurelius, a Ancient Roman name meaning golden, and made most familiar in the form of emperor Marcus Aurelius.
English
"man of Rome"
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly John became…
Hindu God of water and the ocean
This Indian name would make the perfect choice for those looking for a strong water-based name. A variation which may seem more immediately masculine to the English-speaking ear is Varun. The…
Slavic
"precious peace, precious world"
This name, used in many Eastern European countries including Serbia and Romania, has two possible (and equally lovely) meanings. The feminine version is Dragomira.
Astronomical name
Antares is a star in the Scorpio constellation, making it an interesting choice for babies born under that zodiac sign. It is the fifteenth-brightest star in the night sky, appearing as a reddish…
Huzaifa is a masculine name of Arabic origin with deep Islamic significance. The name honors Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, a revered companion (sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad and an important figure in…
Ianis is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It's primarily a Romanian variant of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' The name is also used…
Compound name
If you really can't decide between Alfie and Lee, then name him Alfie-Lee. Or possibly, Edward?
German surname name
This unusual German surname name continues the style set by the Grey family so stylish for modern boys.
Surname name
A few possible explanations for this name: It could be a creative spelling of Million, an elaborated variant of Milan or a reference to singer Christina Milian. We'll leave it up to you whether those…
Latin
"beloved"
Amatus is an ancient Roman name in the "Ama" family of names whose meanings relate to love -- they range from Amy to Amity to Amias to Amoret and Amatus.
French form of German Emmerich
"power"
A name popular both in France (where it's Number 405) and within the Cajun population, it's more substantial than Eric, and occurs twice in the Harry Potter series.
Native American, Inuit
"wolf"
An interesting possibility if you're looking for a highly unusual animal name.
