By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 31 pages
of 31
Ico is a compact masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'first-born son' or relate to various kanji combinations with different meanings. It also appears in some…
English surname name
"friendly"
The surname of enterprising journalist Nellie Bly and poet Robert Bly makes a simple, modern, and upbeat sounding choice for either a boy or a girl.
Diminutive of Lemuel, Hebrew
"devoted to God"
Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name. But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.
Ici is an unusual and compact masculine name with multiple potential origins. In French, "ici" means "here," suggesting presence and immediacy. The name could also be derived from various indigenous…
English word name
Refers, in literal terms, to a curved line -- as in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famed "arc of justice." Could also be used as a reference to Joan of Arc -- Arc being, there, derived from her father's…
Dutch form of Shem, Russian short form of Semyon, Hebrew
"name; he has heard"
A popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original, Sem is a Dutch variant of the Biblical Shem who was one of the sons of Noah. Only ever given to a handful of boys…
Italian
"tutor, teacher"
Vowel names are popular, but this word-name possibility takes it to an extreme.
Short form of Edward, English
"weathy guardian"
Edd is a shortened form of Edward, a classic English name derived from Old English elements meaning 'wealthy guardian' or 'prosperous protector.' While Edward has been borne by kings and remains…
Short form of Mathew or Matthew, Hebrew
"gift of God"
This short form of the biblical Matthew relates most directly to the shorter, rarer spelling Mathew. (About 7000 baby boys were named Matthew in the US, versus about 250 called Mathew.) Nearly 50…
Scottish diminutive of Simon
"the listener"
The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.
Diminutive of Columbus, English from Latin
"dove"
A forgotten nickname for Columbus, which itself is becoming ever rarer. Radio comedy program Lum and Abner , which ran for over two decades beginning in 1931, featured a character named Columbus…
Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf
"ancestor's relic"
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
Chinese surname
Yee is related to the surname Yu, a romanization of several Chinese characters. Yu is an ancient Chinese family name, one borne by the legendary Emperor Shun.
Gee is a masculine name that can have multiple origins. It may function as a short form of names beginning with 'G' such as George, Gerald, or Geoffrey. Alternatively, it could have originated as a…
Lue is a versatile masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, Lue (吕) is a respected surname and given name meaning 'backbone' or 'spine,' symbolizing strength and moral character. In…
Short form of Casper, Persian
"Imperial"
This short-but-strong name is popular for boys in The Netherlands. While Cass is usually a female name in the U.S., it feels just as right for boys.
The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)
Ebb is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from a word meaning 'low tide' or 'receding water.' This short, punchy name carries natural imagery related to the rhythmic flow of…
Diminutive of Adam or Adolph
Abstract painter Ad Reinhardt, né Adolph, gave his short name a lot of artistic cred, but it remained securely a nickname. The extra "d" in this version helps it stand on its own, for better or worse.
Ott is a compact masculine name with Germanic roots. It likely originated as a shortened form of names beginning with the Old High German element 'ot' or 'od,' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune,' such as…
