By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 31 pages
of 31
Cornish, from Caius, Latin
"rejoice"
This name of an ancient saint and one of the first knights of King Arthur's Round Table has a modern, if feminine, feel.
Kev is primarily a shortened form of Kevin, a name of Irish origin meaning 'handsome' or 'gentle birth.' Originally derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, Kev has evolved into a standalone name in…
Kyp is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a shortened form of Christopher, a variant spelling of Kip (which itself can be a nickname for various names including…
English surname
Téa Leoni and David Duchovny named their kid Kyd in 2002, but he usually goes by his middle name, Miller. Probably a wise choice, given the homonym. On the other hand, the association with…
Lad is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Czech and Slovak cultures. Though brief, it carries rich meaning, deriving from elements signifying 'harmony,' 'order,' or 'peace.'…
Lac is an uncommon masculine name with minimalist appeal. Likely derived from French or Vietnamese origins, it carries different meanings depending on the cultural context. In French, 'lac' means…
Lay is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple origins. As an English name, it evolved as a short form of names like Layfield or as an occupational surname for someone who worked with…
Diminutive of Alonzo
"noble, ready"
For older generations this still summons silent horror star Chaney; for others it's a pleasant if slight nickname name.
Leb is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Hebrew, it means 'heart,' symbolizing courage, emotion, and the center of being. It may also have Slavic roots, where it…
Loy is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple origins. In English contexts, it often serves as a diminutive of Eloy or Loyal, carrying meanings of 'elegance' or 'faithfulness.' With…
Lyn as a masculine name has multiple origins and interpretations. It can be a shortened form of names like Lyndon, Lincoln, or Linden, or used independently. In Welsh, 'lyn' means 'lake' or…
Slovene
"May"
The Slovene name for the month of May. It is used as a male name, which is unusual given that most translations are connected to the goddess Maia and considered to be feminine.
Nap is an uncommon masculine name that can function as both a standalone name and a nickname. It may originate as a shortened form of Napoleon, the name of the famous French emperor, which derives…
English, diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel
Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.
Catalan and Russian variation of Neil, Irish
"cloud"
Better to stick with the Neil spelling in the US, where the word "nil" also means "zero." But this is a Top Ten name in Catalonia.
Egyptian
"ancient waters"
Couldn't be simpler...or more worldly — though it could lead to some head-scratching.
Diminutive of Yaniv, Hebrew; Neville, English; or Nevin, Irish
"he will prosper; new town; holy"
Short and strong multicultural option for a son. Nev Schulman (born Yaniv) is the creator of the MTV series Catfish .
Nic is a masculine name that functions as a short form of Nicholas or Dominic. It derives from the Greek 'nikē' meaning 'victory' when used as a diminutive of Nicholas. As a standalone name, Nic has…
Welsh diminutive of Aneurin
"honor"
This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
Literary name, meaning unknown
Better hold off and hope for a daughter so you can name her Anais.
