By Pamela Redmond · Updated October 2026
Across 28 pages
of 28
Diminutive of James
"supplanter"
The cool form of James in the 1970s and '80s for both sexes. Still a more stylish short form than Jimmy, though many parents will want to call James by his entire, not-very-long name. In the UK, and…
Hebrew
"appointed, placed"
The long-neglected name of Adam and Eve's third son after Cain and Abel, Seth is appreciated for its gentle, understated presence -- and strong middle-name potential. It reached a high of Number 63…
"servant of God"
In the Bible, it's the name of an ancient prophet who was able to withstand Satan. It has gained modest attention in recent years, hitting the US Top 1000 in 2008. Abdiel Colberg is a Puerto Rican…
Hebrew, Igbo
"Yahweh is salvation; king"
Likely a variation of Isaiah, inspired by the Latin and Greek Esaias, and by the popularity of Ezra, Eziah could mean "Yahweh is salvation". Alternative Hebrew roots could include: a contracted form…
Hebrew variation of Jadon, modern invention
Jaiden could be a variation of the Hebrew name Jadon, meaning "thankful", however, it may also be a modern invention, taking inspiration from Hayden and Aiden and combining it with the popular J-…
Short form of Daniel, Hebrew
"God is my judge"
A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'
Variation of Nathaniel, Hebrew, Greek, "gift of God"
"gift of God"
Nathaniel is a wonderful classic name and Nathanael, the ancient Greek or Hebrew form, is as appealing and versatile. Appearing in the Top 1000 in England and Wales and the US, alternative spelling…
Spelling variation of Isaiah
After breaking into the Top 400 in 2011, this name has lost ground.
English, diminutive of Samuel
"told by God"
Sam has long been used on its own for boys, as accepted standing by itself as it is as a short form of Samuel. Straightforward and down-to-earth, Sam is the name of the son of the co-stars of The…
"God is my light"
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.…
Hebrew, variation of Azriel
"help of God"
This is the name of Angel of Death in Jewish and Muslim tradition, but that isn't putting contemporary parents off. With its cool letter Z and popular -ael ending, Azrael has been in the US Top 1000…
"Jehovah increases"
A widely used Hebrew form of Joseph, with a sophisticated and continental air.
"life"
A name that feels both lively and serious, Chaim was once more familiar as Hyman or Hymie. Now, the original form is on the rise, ranking in the Top 700 in the US, the Top 30 in Israel, and the Top…
Surname derived from David, Hebrew
"beloved"
Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as "son of David," but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge -- and…
"whom God made"
Jasiel and its alternate spelling Yasiel are gaining a following thanks to superstar baseball player Yasiel Puig, a Cuban native who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Biblical Jasiel was a…
Hebrew and Spanish variation of Aaron
This shortened variation of Aaron—it was Elvis's middle name—is now a widely used choice.
Spanish and Italian from Hebrew
"garden"
Carmelo is a well-used Hispanic name associated with Mt. Carmel, home of the prophet Elijah and the location of the convent for the order of Carmelites. Carmelo is also a saint's name and — in modern…
"carried by God, load, burden"
Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way. Similar to other popular choices like Amias, Asa, Moses, and Thomas, it has a contemporary air…
"as God is"
Old Testament name all but unknown outside the Latino community, it is nonetheless in the US Top 1000, where it has been since 1990.
Variation of Yehudah, Hebrew
"to praise"
This modernized version of Yehudah is the source of on popular choice Judah and is traditionally given to boys born at Chanukah — a Jewish festival of lights and rededication which is celebrated in…
