By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
Elven is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old English word 'ælf' meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being,' connecting it to mythological traditions. Alternatively,…
Hebrew
"gloomy"
Ephai may have a sad meaning but it's an interesting Biblical alternative to such widely-used names as Eli and Elijah.
"to arise; dawn"
The Biblical Zerah is etymologically related to such names as Zora, which also means dawn. While the vowel sound at the end of the name does not sound as feminine to our modern ear as it once did,…
Gilno is an exceedingly rare masculine name with uncertain etymology. It may be a variant of Gil (which itself can be short for Gilbert, Gilberto, or Gillian) with a unique suffix, or possibly a…
Hebrew, meaning uncertain
We've been hearing a lot more of Silas and even of Cyrus, which means the obscure Tiras may have a shot at resurrection as a same-but-different name. And you can call him Ti. The Old Testament Tiras…
"mighty one"
The Biblical Addar was a son of King Bela. This obscure name is simple and strong and well-suited to modern life. It feels almost like a cross between Adlai and Asher, two better-known boys' names…
Moris is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Morris or Maurice. The name ultimately derives from Latin 'Mauritius,' meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark-skinned,' originally referring to…
Elvyn is a masculine name with medieval English and Celtic roots, representing a variant spelling of Elvin or Alvin. The name carries connections to various meanings, including 'elf friend' or…
Burtt is a masculine name of Germanic origin, likely derived from names containing the element 'bert' or 'brecht,' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' It can be considered a variant spelling of Burt, which…
Norse mythological name
"day"
Dagur, one of the top boys' names in Iceland, is the personification of day. His mother is Nott, or night, and together they are thought to ride in a chariot around the earth every 24 hours.
Heló is a masculine name with roots in multiple cultural traditions. In Hungarian, it may be a variant form of Helő, which relates to words for brightness or light. In some Baltic languages, it could…
Icelandic from Norse
"eagle warrior"
A common name in Iceland, from the same origins as Arnold et al.
Icelandic variation of Alvar, German
"elf warrior"
A top name in Iceland, while its parent name Alvar, ranks highly in Sweden and Finland.
"breaker"
Popular in it's native Iceland, where Breki is almost four times as likely to be used as a middle name than as a first.
English word name
"a very large nail"
Spike is part mid-century nickname-name, ala Buster or Buck, and part word name, with an all-over cool creative dude feel thanks to directors Spike Lee and Spike Jonze. Mike Myers named his son…
Richo is an uncommon masculine name with an energetic quality. Likely a diminutive form of Richard or derived from the Spanish 'rico' meaning 'rich' or 'powerful,' it carries connotations of strength…
Word and comic book name
Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…
Vitor is a masculine name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name 'Victor' meaning 'conqueror' or 'winner'. This powerful name carries connotations of triumph, success, and…
Morry is a masculine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Morris, Maurice, or Mordecai. Morris derives from the Latin 'Mauritius,' meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish,' while Maurice shares…
Scottish and English
"from the burnt house"
The final s turns this name into a manservant.
