Updated May 2023
Across 8 pages
of 8
English
"long hill"
Classy-sounding surname name usually bypassed in favor of the simpler Landon.
Occupational name
"servant in charge of a larder"
The surname of humorist Ring is a new entry in the trendy occupational class -- but watch the lard.
Danish
"fellow / partner"
Lauge is unheard of in most English-speaking countries, but is in the Top 50 in many Nordic countries. Despite is lovely meaning, Lauge's pronunciation and spelling issues are unlikely to make it…
Nature name
The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
Irish, Anglicization of Laoghaire
"herder"
We'd be leery of this one.
French
"brown-haired one"
The best-known bearer of this name by far is basketball superstar LeBron James. While LeBron James is a great athlete and American hero, only 19 baby boys were named LeBron or Lebron in 2021.
Estonian
"beloved"
A cognate of the Finnish unisex name Lemmitty, although Lembit is only used as a masculine name. Famous bearers include a 13th century king and military leader, and British former MP Lembit Opik.
Finnish
A rare Finnish name which is used for both sexes, usually in the middle spot.
English fruit name
Sour or sweet? Enough like Lennon, Leonard, and Clement to work, or best left in the fruit basket? That's up to you to decide, but Lemon has been appearing in the US charts for boys since the 1880s.…
Slovene variation of Leonard, German
"brave lion"
Chirpy form of Leonard that's common in its native Slovenia.
Dutch diminutive of Lennart, Swedish
Old-school nicknames for boys are back, and Lenn is a great candidate for revival. Single-N Len may not be as cool as this Dutch version, originally a nickname for Lennart.
Germanic
Diminutive of names beginning with the element liob "dear, beloved".
Anglo-Saxon
"beloved friend"
An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.
Latin
"free"
Liber was the name of the Roman god of wine, freedom, and male fertility. It is etymologically linked to the word "libation," referring to the ritual practice of sharing drinks.
English word name
"freedom"
Much more common on girls, but this virtue is occasionally given to boys too. It has the option of Bert(ie) as a nickname.
Lienzo is an uncommon masculine name with Spanish origins, literally meaning 'canvas' or 'linen cloth.' This artistic name evokes creativity, possibility, and the blank canvas of potential that a…
Variation of Iliodor, Russian from Greek
"gift of the sun"
Liodor is the Leo and Theodore mash-up you didn't know you needed — with authentic Russian roots! It ultimately derives from the Greek name Heliodoros.
Irish mythological name
Lir is the Irish god of the sea, the equivalent of the Welsh Llyr which some equate with Shakespeare's King Lear. This is one of those rare names that is simple and has a deep history with an…
Welsh
"the sea"
Llyr is a name with a great meaning and a lovely sound, but that sound is going to be next to impossible to get non-Welsh speaking people to pronounce (google the double L sound in Welsh). If you are…
"shelter"
This English surname offers an interesting mix of images: it sounds upper-crusty yet macho, and also conjures up the coziness of a wintery ski lodge. As a surname it is associated with the…