By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Flemish
"little John"
Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.
Japanese or Chinese
"tenderness, gentleness; gold"
Similarity to the English name Jean could be a plus in a Japanese-American or Chinese-American family.
Jen is a short, crisp feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of Jennifer, though it can also be a nickname for names like Jenna, Jenny, or Genevieve. The root name Jennifer comes…
English, Spanish
"gem, precious stone"
A variant of Gemma/Jemma or possibly James too, Jemsa holds the appeal of Sasha, Misha, Ezra, Rosa, and Anya: international and intriguing.
Ethiopian, Amharic
"sun"
Jember is an Amharic boy name used in Ethiopia. Pronounced "JEM-bair", this name has a gorgeous meaning — sunset, sunrise, or horizon. Jem would be a sweet nickname.
Scottish variation of Jack
This is a Scottish pet form of John, the equivalent of Jack in England. Has long been used as a generic name for a Scotsman, here it's a generic name for a--well--jock.
Jockel is a masculine German name that originated as a diminutive form of Joachim. The name Joachim has Hebrew roots, meaning 'established by God' or 'may God raise up.' Jockel developed as an…
Jockum is a distinctive masculine name with Scandinavian roots, primarily found in Sweden and Finland. It evolved as a variant of Joakim or Joachim, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehoyakim,…
Diminutive of James or Jeremiah
This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.
English word name and surname
"joyful"
This cheerful name would be a fun seasonal choice of middle name for a child born around the holidays — or as a pet name for a dog or cat adopted during the Christmas season. Jolly has been used as a…
Medieval form of Julian
"youthful"
Galsworthy used this for "The Forsyte Saga," but in modern real life Julian would work better.
English flower name, from Latin
"reed"
Jonquil is an unusual flower name that is less outlandish than Daffodil and less common than Daisy. It just might appeal to parents seeking a singular botanical option. Unlike most flower names,…
Diminutive of Jonathan
"gift of Jehovah"
Jaunty, to say the least, Jonty might be an option if Johnny feels too old school. It has been noticed most often on the playing fields, as in U.K. rugby player Jonty Parkin (born Jonathan) and South…
Hindu
"victorious"
Jayant is the name of the son of the Hindu God Indra. Its meaning is derived from the Sanskrit word Jaya, meaning victory.
Spanish, feminine form of Javier, Spanish version of Xavier
"new house, bright"
Javiera, pronounced ha-vee-AIR-a, is not as well used as twin brother JAVIER, but makes an attractive Latina choice.
French feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Josephe is much less well-known in the English-speaking world than Josephine or Joanna. English speakers might have trouble with its similarity to the male Joseph.
Hausa
"light, fair"
Finnish
"Christmas"
The Finnish word for Christmas, occasionally given as a name to children born around the holiday.
French variation of Jordan
Jourdaine is a feminine name with French origins, developed as a feminine form of Jordan. The name ultimately derives from the Jordan River in the Middle East, carrying meanings of 'flowing down' or…
