By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 127 pages
of 127
Dutch and German form of Mike, Hebrew
"Who is like God?"
Simply a Dutch and German form of Mike, said the same.
Japanese
"forest"
A fashionable name, thanks to prominent Japanese fashion designer Hanae Mori, but non-Japanese might hear it as MORRIE or MAURY.
Fictional name
This short and punchy name from the anime-inspired television series "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is one of the coolest character names out there. Derived from the Chinese 火 (huǒ) meaning "fire,…
Roby is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant of Robert, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "fame" and "bright." This shorter, friendlier version maintains the…
Ryen is a contemporary male name that serves as a modern spelling variation of Ryan. The traditional Ryan derives from Irish Gaelic origins, specifically from the surname Ó Riain, meaning 'descendant…
Short form of Stanley
"near the stony meadow"
One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.
African, Ethiopian
"he has been seen"
Taye, also used as a short form of Taylor, began to stand on its own with the emergence of actor Taye (born Scott) Diggs.
Tion appears to be a modern given name that emerged in the United States in the latter part of the 20th century. It may have originated as a shortened form of names ending in '-tion' like Donation or…
Diminutive of Vernon, English
"place of alders"
Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.
English word name
Actor Wood Harris, best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire , brought this one into the lexicon. Wood is Harris's nickname -- his real name is Sherwin David -- but it's the name he's…
Galician variation of John
X names are always intriguing, and this Galician version of John is no exception...except, it seems like an awful lot of complication. Other variations of John that might prove more wearable in an…
Botanical name from Latin
"maple"
Acer is the Latin botanical name for the Maple tree. Where Maple feels quite feminine, Acer is a more masculine way to reference this tree.
Greek mythology name
Aion is the Greek god of eternity, the root of the word eon. Some equate Aion with Chronos, the god of time.
Hebrew
"his highness"
Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think…
English surname; diminutive of Ashley, Ashton, etc
Although usually spelled without the final 'e', this version commemorates tennis immortal Arthur Ashe. Seth Meyers' son Ashe was given his wife's maiden name.
"stag, gazelle"
Ayal is a boys' name used in modern Israel but virtually unknown in the US. Even more popular in Israel is the female form, Ayala.
English, diminutive of Albert and Bertram
A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.
Scottish
"slope of a hill"
A Scottish word name and a short form of Brayden, Brae has a gentle but solid feel to it. However, a 'bray' is also the sound a donkey makes.
Hebrew word name
"tea, alive"
Pronounced CHY, it's a word name meaning tea in many Eastern languages. The Hebrew name is pronounced without the C as HAI.
Diminutive of Odell, English
"of the valley"
Originally a short form of Odell, a place name turned surname that hails from England.
