By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 273 pages
of 273
Variation of Johan
"God is gracious"
Variation of Johan that may simplify pronunciation for English speakers.
Welsh, variation of Ambrose
"immortal"
Magical and powerful, but gentle and approachable too, Emrys is a Welsh name which may be worth considering if you're looking for something less common that Dylan, Evan, or Morgan. An offbeat epithet…
Diminutive of Jordan
A cutesy short form of Jordan that's never been overly popular. Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson is one famous bearer.
Elyas is a masculine name with rich cultural history, primarily representing a variant spelling of Elias or Elijah. With roots in Hebrew, the name means 'Yahweh is God' or 'the Lord is my God.' This…
Danish, version of Hebrew Absalom
"the father is peace"
Most American parents would choose to use the more commonly seen variant, Axel, but .this form is preferred in Denmark and Norway, and also ranks in the French Top 400.
Diminutive of Kenneth
Kenny might be all South Park to some, but it has been in steady use in the US since the 1930s. Singer-songwriters Kenny Chesney and Kenny Loggins were both born Kenneth.
Sanskrit
"ray of light"
Though it sounds like a modern invention, Kiran is a traditional Hindu name from India; chosen for her son by actress Kelli Williams. Author Kiran Desai is a woman and this name, which bears a…
Diminutive of Krishna, Hindi, Sanskrit
"black, dark"
Although Krishna is popular in India, only this diminutive variation made the US Top 1000 in 2013. It also features in the UK Top 1000, appealing in its simplicity, ability to work in multiple…
French surname from place name Perci-en-Auge
Percy is an adorable old name that is finally shedding its pampered Little Lord Fauntleroy image in this new era of boys with soft yet traditionally male names like Jasper and Elijah. Originating as…
Hebrew
"lion"
Aryeh, which can also be spelled Arye or Arieh, is a Biblical name sometimes heard in modern Israel. In the US, this is the most popular spelling by far, given to 100 boys last year. But the girls'…
"God has heard"
The authentic Biblical form of a name that has become even more popular alongside Jaden, Jayden, Jaidan et al. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, whose children are named creatively after their…
Hebrew, spelling variation of Ronan
"song; little seal"
Ronen derives from the Hebrew word ron , meaning "song," but in America it is also used as a spelling variation of the Irish name Ronan. With both Ronan and Ronin is the Top 500, Ronen has also…
Russian variation of Jacob
"supplanter"
What a difference a couple of letters make: Old World version of most popular name never quite made it out of the shtetl.
"the roarer"
Rudra is a lively Sanskrit name meaning "roaring", "howling", and "crying", though it is occasionally interpreted as meaning "frightening and fierce one". A popular boy name in Nepal, and India, it…
Variation of Asaiah, Hebrew
"the Lord hath made"
This contracted form of Asaiah was one of the fastest-rising boy names of 2019, but has yet to reach the popularity levels of its longer counterpart. Concise and less vowel heavy as it is, Asiah is…
Greek
"defender"
This name comes from Greek mythology, where the Titans were a band of immortal, powerful giants. Popular movie of 2000 Remember the Titans may be partly responsible for this name's ranking in the Top…
Arabic, Hebrew
"dove"
Yunus is the Arabic form of Jonah, also used in Turkish. In Islam, Yunus is a prophet.
Arabic
"rider, knight"
A great uncommon English-Arabic crossover choice, easily pronounceable internationally.
Diminutive of Lorenzo
Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
Turkish
"intelligent"
While it looks like a creative respelling of the ubiquitous Aidan, Aydin has Turkish roots and means "intelligent." While there will most certainly be issues with spelling, those attracted to the…
