By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 127 pages
of 127
English, Irish
"bold, brave; battle"
Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.
Irish
"dark"
Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby…
Kern is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Germanic usage, it derives from words meaning "warrior" or "kernel" (suggesting the core or essence of something). In Irish…
German and Jewish surname
"clover"
The whimsical quality of the work of Swiss artist Paul Klee is somehow reflected in his name, although many would mispronounce it to rhyme with key. Say it like clay.
, English, diminutive of Clement
Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
Kolm is a masculine name with likely Germanic or Scandinavian origins. It may derive from Old Norse elements or represent a shortened form of names containing 'kolm' or similar sounds. In Estonian,…
Italian place-name
Singer Perry is long gone, but the beautiful northern Italian lake conjures up a clear and tranquil image.
Conn is a masculine name with ancient Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic word 'conn' meaning 'wisdom' or 'chief.' In Irish mythology and history, Conn of the Hundred Battles was a legendary High…
Duno is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Italian or Germanic roots, potentially serving as a shortened form of names like Arduíno or functioning as a…
Diminutive of Curtis
"courteous, polite"
Short and to the point, muscular and strong.
Coop is a masculine name with English origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Cooper, which itself began as an occupational surname for barrel makers or those who made wooden vessels. As a…
"swamp, marsh"
Buoyant but lightweight.
Curi is a masculine name with multicultural roots. In Latin American contexts, particularly Peru, it relates to Quechua origins meaning 'gold' or 'precious metal,' connecting to the rich indigenous…
Kaou is a masculine name with multicultural origins, appearing in various forms across West African and Japanese cultures. In West Africa, particularly in countries like Senegal and Mali, it may be…
Cees is a masculine Dutch name, pronounced 'case' or 'kays,' functioning as a short form of Cornelis, the Dutch variant of Cornelius. This name has Roman origins from the clan name Cornelius,…
Dutch diminutive of Cornelius or Cornelis
"horn"
This diminutive of Cornelius (and Cornelis) has plenty of coolness and charm, along with a creative connection to Dutch artist Kees van Dongen. Popular in The Netherlands, it sounds similar to the…
Koty is an uncommon masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a diminutive form of Dakota, a Native American tribal name meaning 'friend' or 'ally.' Alternatively, it could be a variant…
Daru is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Persian, it means 'remedy' or 'medicine,' reflecting its connection to healing and wellness. In Hindi, Daru can mean 'wine' or 'alcohol.' It's…
Kran is a concise masculine name with diverse origins. In some cultures, it may be related to birds, particularly the crane, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. In others, it could be derived…
Grue is an uncommon masculine name with Norse and Scottish origins. In Norwegian, 'grue' refers to dread or horror, while in Scottish dialect, it can mean 'to shudder' or 'to feel uneasy.' The name…
