Boy Dog Names That Start With U
Share
Copy link
- Ulysses
Origin:
Latin variation of the Greek OdysseusDescription:
Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero, eighteenth president Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which makes it both distinguished and kind of weighty for a modern boy. Ulysses was on the US popularity list well into the twenty-first century; it's off now, but Number 684 on Nameberry.
- Uriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield. Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine. These negative connotations may be wearing off, however. (Perhaps because people don't read as much Dickens as they used to.)
- Uri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my flame, my light"Description:
This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names.
- Uriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
It's the name of an Old Testament archangel that's symbolically given to boys born during Chanukah, but the possibility of unsavory nicknames (urinal?) make the short form Uri a better bet.
- Uhtred
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"advice"Description:
An Anglo-Saxon name that held on in Northumbria years after the Norman Conquest, and gave rise to the surname Oughtred. It's known today from the television series The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell's books: Uhtred is our Dane-bashing hero.
- Urban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the city"Description:
Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
- Ugo
Origin:
Italian variation of HughMeaning:
"mind, intellect"Description:
Ugo is very common in Italy, but here it might call to mind that little Yugoslavian car.
- Ulric
Origin:
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"Description:
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
- Uzi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is my strength"Description:
Despite its biblical pedigree and popularity in Israel, it has far too many ties to the lethal submachine gun to find many fans here.
- Umberto
Origin:
Italian variation of HumbertMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community.
- Urso
Origin:
Italian from LatinMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
- Utah
Origin:
American place name, UteMeaning:
"people of the mountains"Description:
This would make a startling but likable choice; poet Dylan Thomas used it for a character in his play "Under Milk Wood."
- Ulises
Origin:
Spanish variation of UlyssesMeaning:
"wrathful"Description:
Although Ulysses is the more recognizable spelling — the Latin name for epic Greek hero Odysseus, as well as the first name of US President Grant — Spanish Ulises is the more popular choice in the US. Ulises was at its highest in the early 2000s, and has since been on a downswing.
- Ulan
Origin:
FilipinoMeaning:
"rain"Description:
Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from uhlan meaning "cavalry, lancer".
- Urbain
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"city dweller"Description:
French form of Urban or Urbanus, borne by eight popes.
- Uz
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
A minimalist choice, Uz is the Biblical home of Job. It's also the name of a character in the Bible, the father of Aram and the grandson of Shem, as is Uzziah. Uz is one of those names that could go either way depending on the personality of your child: super-cool or scuzzy. Proceed with caution.
- Ugolino
Origin:
Short form of Ugo, Italian form of HughMeaning:
"mind, intellect"Description:
Ugolino could be a silly nickname for an oh-so-seriously named baby Hugh or Hugo or Ugo.