By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
English word name
"slow, sad, songs of lamentation; a music genre of black American folk origin"
While Ivy Blue has made the color a more popular choice for girls, Blues — as in the musical style — could feel more masculine. While some may find it a sad and gloomy choice, thanks to the phrase…
Invented name
Actor Terrence Howard and wife Miranda created this name for their son inspired by the Chinese mythological creature called the Qilin, a good omen predicting the arrival of a sage or ruler.…
Welsh, Latin
"around the valley; rival"
Gentle and poetic and most often heard in Wales, Emlyn joins Emrys as soft, interesting alternatives to popular Em- names like Emmett and Emery. Sometimes viewed as a Welsh variation of Emiliano, it…
Irish
"crow, raven"
In Irish legend Fiachra was one of the four children of Lir who were turned into swans for 900 years. St Fiachra is the patron saint of gardeners.
Jamaican
"messenger"
Gwen Stefani put this possibility on the map for boys when she and Gavin Rossdale welcomed Zuma Nesta Rock in 2008. Bob Marley was born Nesta, making this name a meaningful musical choice. It's also…
Maori
"palm tree"
Nikau is among the most popular Maori names for boys in New Zealand. It sounds like a cousin to Nicholas, but Nikau is actually the name of a palm tree native to the islands.
Micko is a spirited masculine name with multiple cultural connections. Primarily used as a diminutive form of Michael in Eastern European countries, particularly in Slavic regions, it carries the…
Short form of Armando
In the US, Mandy may be a common girls' name, a Bobby Soxerish nickname for Amanda, but in the Latin community, it's a popular nickname for Armando, the Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of…
Frisian
"a Frisian"
Friso is a name that refers to Frisian person living in the Dutch province of Friesland. The name has become more popular in recent years as it was used for a member of the Dutch royal family, making…
Aimil is an uncommon masculine name with Celtic origins, particularly associated with Irish and Scottish Gaelic traditions. It may be a variant of Amhlaidh or Amhalghaidh (anglicized as Aulay or…
Emlen is a rare masculine name of English origin, likely derived from either a surname or possibly related to the Germanic name element "amal" meaning "work" or "labor." This distinctive name has…
English variation of Byron
Why not stick with the original.
Swedish diminutive of Sigmund, Sigfrid
"victory"
Popular in Sweden — Ziggy would be English cognate.
Greenlandic
"oil used to seal skins"
Minik has long been among the Top 10 names in Greenland, but only came to international attention in 2011 when the Danish royal family used it as one of Prince Vincent's middle names . Minik also has…
Finnish, Swedish diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
A great choice for a native Swedish speaker, but not as user-friendly as some of the other international short forms of William — Pim (Dutch), Gwil (Welsh), and of course, Liam (Irish).
Amery is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from ancient elements meaning "work ruler" or "industrious leader." It shares origins with the more common Emery and Emory, all evolving from…
Adria as a masculine name derives from the Latin 'Hadrianus,' meaning 'from Hadria,' an ancient city that gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. While more commonly used as a feminine name in many…
Catalan variant of Alexis
Very popular in Catalonia, in part because of its use by a number of pro athletes. English speakers, though, may interpret it as a "yoonek" spelling of Alex.
Diminutive of Mercer
"a merchant"
Merce Cunningham (born with the French version Mercier) was a highly influential avant garde dancer-choreographer and his name still resonates with an aura of bold originality.
Mende is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. In some West African cultures, particularly among the Mende people of Sierra Leone, it serves as both an ethnic identifier and personal name.…
