By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 127 pages
of 127
Safi is a masculine name of Arabic origin, meaning "pure" or "clear." It's derived from the Arabic word "safa," which conveys purity and clarity. The name carries the connotation of someone who is…
Short form of Severino or Severiano, Spanish, Latin
"stern"
A light and livelier form of the serious Severino, Seve is a Spanish diminutive, ultimately derived from the Latin Severus, meaning "severe" and "stern". Typically pronounced as SEH-beh in Spanish,…
Hungarian tree name, Hindi, Sanskrit, Japanese
"Dogwood tree; elixir, to extract; sound of the wind + genuine"
Popular in Hungary, but rare elsewhere, Soma is a botanical boy name, relating to the dogwood tree, notable for its white blooms and red twigs. Pronounced as SHO-maw, it ranked at #36 in its native…
Short form of Thaddeus or variation of Tad
Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.
Nature name
As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.
Diminutive of Antoni, Polish
"priceless one"
Seen across Europe as both an independent name and a short form of names such as Antoni and Anton. In the US, however, this is considered to be the feminine spelling.
Urie is a masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'Uri' meaning 'my light' or 'flame of God,' carrying spiritual significance. Japanese origins suggest meanings…
Wess is a masculine name that typically functions as a shortened form of Wesley or Weston. The name Wesley originated as an English surname meaning "western meadow," while Weston literally means…
Winn is a concise masculine name with English roots, functioning as both a standalone name and a shortened form of names like Winston, Winslow, or Edwin. Derived from Old English elements, it can be…
Green
"of Zeus"
With an X at the start and an O at the end, Xeno is undeniably modern and cool. If you're looking for a derivation, it could come from either the Greek male name Xenon, meaning "foreigner"; of from…
Hebrew
"praise Jehovah"
Yoav is a variation of Joab, a name featured prominently in the Old Testament.
Latin
"soul"
A rising vintage sweetheart for girls and a fresh new possibility for boys, following the likes of Nova. As a feminine name, it first became fashionable in England following the Battle of Alma –…
Arek is a masculine name with roots in several cultures. Primarily of Armenian origin, it means 'sun' or 'solar,' connecting to themes of light and warmth. The name also appears in Polish communities…
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of Arnold
"ruler; strong as an eagle"
Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
Finnish
This airy Finnish and Swedish name may derive either from Greek "aura" (breath; breeze), or from Old Norse "aurr" (earth; clay).
Axil is a rare masculine name that draws from botanical terminology, where an 'axil' is the angle between a leaf and stem where buds form. This scientific origin gives the name an intellectual,…
Variation of Ezra, Hebrew
"help"
Azur is a mixed up form of Ezra, a Biblical name attached to a handful of minor characters. This strong, simple name was given to 11 baby boys in the US last year.
Short form of any name that ends in -berto
To the Anglo ear, Beto may not make sense as a short form of Gilberto, Roberto, or Alberto. But it is, and the o-ending makes is friendly, sleek, and modern.
English word name
If you like the idea of King and Prince but find them too regal, too royalist, this might be the name for you. Eight boys were called Boss in a recent year, and while it may feel like a totally…
Modern nickname
Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.
