By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 31 pages
of 31
Latin
"lion"
French spelling of Leo, currently a bit hit with French-speaking parents.
Diminutive of Elijah, Hebrew
"Yahweh is God"
Once upon a time, Lye was used as a nickname for Elijah. These days it feels too deceitful — try Eli as a nickname, or if you prefer something truly vintage, Lige.
Chinese
"season; honest; history; stone"
Take your pick of pleasant meanings, depending on the character used.
Russian variation of Cyrus, Persian
"sun"
As attractive and straightforward as Kir may be, you may wish to go with the Irish spelling Keir (of different origins), due to Kir's association with the French cocktail.
Germanic mythology
"ancestor"
Ing is an Ancient Norse fertility god whose name derives from Ingwaz, most likely meaning "ancestor." Ing himself was considered to be the ancestor of the Ingvaeone tribe. Ing is said to be the…
Variation of Maj, Slovene
"May"
While the name for May is used as a feminine name in many languages, the Slovene word, Maj, is considered a masculine name. Both Maj and the Mai variation are in the Slovenian Top 100.
Slovene variation of Rocco, Italian
"rest"
Former Top 5 baby name in Slovenia, now on the decline.
Variation of Viktor, Scandinavian, Russian
"conqueror"
This short and striking Viktor nickname is more popular than the fuller form in the Netherlands, where it currently ranks in the Top 200.
Japanese
"gold; pleasure; close; average"
As with all Japanese names, the meaning of Kin changes depending on which kanji are used.
Hebrew
"generation"
Diminutive of Robert, English
"bright fame"
Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.
Malay and Indonesian
"owner, possessor"
From an Arabic word meaning "owner of", and often found as the first part of compound names.
Slovene diminutive of Boris, Slavic
"to fight"
The first syllable of Boris, popular independently in Slovenia. There, it is currently rising in popularity.
Slovene variation of Ulrich, German
"rich and noble heritage"
A relatively stylish choice in Slovenia, where it is the standard form of Ulrich. Unlikely to catch on in the US, where U is the least common initial. Urh is also a Slovenian place name.
English, Javanese, Yoruba, Akan, Efik
"echo, reverberation; one, first; tears turn to joy; born on a Thursday"
Used in Indonesia, Nigeria, Japan, Cameroon, and occasionally in the US, Eko is a multicultural and unisex choice that may be used as an English variation of the Greek Echo, a wordy choice from…
Hoy is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Scottish contexts, it derives from a place name meaning 'high land' or 'high island.' It may also have Chinese origins where it…
Aba is a concise masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Ghana, particularly among the Akan people, Aba is traditionally a male name given to a boy born on Thursday, following their…
German, variation of Abbott
A German surname you do NOT want to use as a first.
"father"
Short form of the Biblical name Abiah or Abijah, meaning "my father is God".
