By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Medieval variation of Esther, Persian
"star"
The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter 's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an…
Choctaw, Native American
"thunder"
Thunderous name with Native American origins.
Plant name from Algonquian
"hickory"
Spanish
"adventurer, explorer"
A worldly and attractive choice for a child of any background. Two early New World explorers were Hernandos — de Soto and Cortés.
German
"hard, strong man"
A viable choice that may be growing on your family tree. Hartman Turnbow was a part of Mississippi's "First Fourteen", the first group of African Americans who attempted to register to vote in the…
Greek
"sacred name"
A name used in Germany and Holland as a form of Jerome, it's the unlikely moniker of fictional detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch.
English place name
No matter how much you love the novels of Papa H., don't saddle your son with this unwieldy appellation.
"owner of a patch of farmland"
A huve is 40 acres of land, so the occupational name Hoover refers to the farmer who owned and worked it. Hoover also relates to the rock band, the vacuum cleaner, the dam, and former FBI head J.…
Music name
Feels as if it's missing a syllable.
Herb is a masculine name that originated as a shortened form of Herbert, which comes from Germanic elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' Primarily used in English-speaking…
English
"from the island in the river"
Possible middle name for devotees of detective Sherlock...or the actress Katie.
"gray settlement"
Sweet and southern-feeling, maybe thanks to Horton Foote, author of Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful, not to mention the Dr. Seuss connection.
Hubie is primarily a masculine name functioning as a diminutive form of Hubert, which comes from Germanic origins meaning 'bright heart' or 'bright mind.' This friendly, approachable nickname has an…
Literary name
"one who forewarns of storms"
This name from the ancient Gilgamesh Epic would be a challenging choice; Hamish makes a more user-friendly option.
Scottish variation of Holmes
Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon.
"kingfisher bird"
This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.
Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie…
French from German
"comrade in arms"
French form of Hildegard
English surname
A possibility for fans of the mystery writer, but most parents would prefer Dashiell.
Spanish from Native American word name
"hurricane"
Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name , thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys…
