By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 127 pages
of 127
Word name and variation of Axel, Scandinavian
"axle; father of peace"
Turns Axel into a word name.
Azir is a powerful, concise masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It may relate to the Arabic name Aziz, meaning 'powerful' or 'respected,' or could be associated with the Hebrew name…
Welsh
"fair, blessed"
Wynn or Wyn is a Welsh male name deriving from the very productive gwyn element, which forms part of all Welsh names ending -wyn or -wen, as well as the Gwen names and the Irish Fin- names. Wynn is a…
Basque
"handsome"
This is one Basque name that is very transferable to the American context — and it has a great meaning, too. The feminine version is Eider or Ederne.
Kain is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Cain, one of the most ancient names in Judeo-Christian tradition. In biblical accounts, Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve who…
Diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel, Hebrew
"given"
Six Feet Under transformed Nate's image from crusty uncle to cool guy. Nate is one of a new generation of nicknames that go directly on the birth certificate. Other similar names: Sam, Jack, Mack.…
Nature name
Mostly feminine, though "Office" star Rainn Wilson gives it a slight masculine twist. You might also use this as a short form of Raines.
Akai is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Japanese, it means 'red' and is derived from the word '赤い' (akai), symbolizing passion, energy, and vitality. The name also appears in…
Latin
"friend"
One of those place and surname names that hasn't be used much as a first name yet -- but could soon. You could think of it as a fun, one-syllable twist on Amos. Ames is also notable as a surname that…
Variation of Max, English and German
"greatest"
Max, with something X-tra.
Northern Indian form of Shiva, Hindi
"benign, kind"
A short, snappy form of the name Shiva, this name is associated with the Hindu god of destruction and restoration. Currently a rising choice in England and Wales.
Hebrew, Kurdish, Armenian, Thai
"high elevated, fortress; calm; child of the sun; glittering, temple"
Aram is a popular Armenian name with a pleasing sound that became known in this country through the works of William Saroyan, namely the 1940 book of short stories, My Name in Aram , centering on…
Hebrew
"oak tree"
The boys' name Elon is best known today as the name of Elon Musk, eccentric billionaire founder of Tesla and SpaceX. With Canadian singer Grimes, Elon Musk has a son with an even more unusual name, X…
German and Swedish
"secret"
Name with connotations both mystical and tragic, newly popular in Europe. For English speakers, though, this name might be ruined by its homonym ruin.
Variation of Shion or Zion, Japanese, Hebrew
"tide, aster + remembrance; highest point"
With its distinctive X initial, Xion is a name that stands out, and more parents have been drawn to it in recent years. Currently given to around 90 babies each year, Xion is nearly four times as…
Arabic
"faith"
One of the most famous Arabic names, Iman is a gender-neutral choice fairly evenly balanced in the US given last year to 110 girls and 80 baby boys. Another spelling popular in some countries is Eman.
Spelling variation of Cody, English
"helpful, pillow"
The Kodi respelling of early 90s favorite gender neutral name Cody might have gone unnoticed were it not for Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, star of Jane Campion's Power of the Dog .
Spanish, diminutive of Ricardo
"dominant ruler"
Consider this short form for your little Richard.
Russian variation of George
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago , but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
Japanese, Indian, Native American
"happiness; good fortune; fort; allies, friends"
Concise and cool, Kota is a name with multiple origins, making it a versatile choice that travels well. As a Japanese name, Kota, also spelled Kōta and Kouta, is associated with good luck, joy,…
