By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 127 pages
of 127
Spelling variation of Rowan, Irish, Frisian, English word name
"little redhead; rowan tree; raven; animal with a coat of two interspersed colors"
This sleek, warm-hued spelling spin on Rowan was chosen by Sharon Stone for one of her three sons back in the 2000s and it has since risen in popularity in the US. While it remains a long way behind…
Irish
"ancient"
A handsome Irish name for boys, very popular in that country, but in the US this traditional spelling might cause pronunciation problems. Still, whether Cian or Kian, it's simple and straightforward…
Hebrew
"mountain goat"
A unisex Hebrew name sometimes given in Israel to kids born under the goat sign of Capricorn; it's also spelled Yael/Ya'el.
Arabic
"sword, protector"
Classic Arabic name seen as both a first name and a surname. The pre-Islamic Arabian Sword is also called the Saif.
Greek
"desire, love"
The name of the Greek winged god of love (usually romantic and sexual love) may seem a lot to live up to, but like other deity names, it's on the rise. In a recent year, it was given to more than 130…
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes
Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old…
Modern Greek spelling of Ares or short form of Aristotelis, Dutch variation of Adriaan
"ruin, bane; the best purpose; man of Adria"
With Ares trending upwards, this modern spelling is following in its footsteps, most notably in the UK where it climbed 200 places in a recent year. Also in the charts in France, it can be considered…
"leader, guide"
Short and friendly in sound but with a strong meaning, Hadi is a name of Arabic origin, that appears in one of the names of Allah, al-Hadi.
Greek mythology name
The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously. The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down…
Entered the vernacular with the rising star of Shia LeBeouf. The meaning and origin of the name are disputed, though the actor has been quoted as saying he's embarrassed by its meaning in French:…
Dutch diminutive of Coenraad, variation of Cohen, or Australian place name, "bold advisor; priest; thunder"
"bold advisor; priest; thunder"
Like many short forms now popular as full names in the Netherlands, Coen—also spelled Koen—originated as the diminutive of the more old-fashioned Coenraad, the Dutch Conrad. In this case, it would be…
Zael is a concise masculine name with possible Hebrew origins, potentially derived from a name meaning "God has delivered." Its compact, single-syllable structure gives it a modern, streamlined feel,…
Variation of Dion
Though a variation of Dion, this name made it into 2013's Top 1000 while the original did not.
Norse
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Closer to the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small group of names with similar roots: Ivor, Iver, Ivo, Ives, and Evander, which all make rugged yet gentle feeling choices. Used…
Sanskrit
"immortal"
Amar is a masculine name found across India and Pakistan. It is popular in expatriate and diaspora communities, especially in Great Britain.
English
"valley"
A light and breezy nature name that's currently in style limbo, despite its pleasant meaning, Dale was originally a surname, used for someone who lived near a valley. It was a Top 100 choice in the…
Variation of Colt, English
"young horse"
Depending on how you look at it, a variation of the word name Colt or an abbreviated form of Kolton.
Color name, also diminutive of Grayson
The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and…
Hungarian, Slavic diminutive; variant of Bodhi "God protect the king; divine gift; enlightenment"
"God protect the king; divine gift; enlightenment"
Bodi is a succinct and friendly looking name, with a number of possible origins. One one hand, it could be a diminutive of the Hungarian Boldizsár, which ultimately derives from the Babylonian…
Word name or variation of Hayes
Is Haze a spiky, contemporary form of Hayes or is it an obscure, slightly trippy word name? Is it what Blaze is to Blaise and Jaxon to Jackson or is it more in line with Misty, Stormy, Rainy, and…
