By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
Russian diminutive of Alexander
"defending men"
Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander. Less known in the English=speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive -- probably because of…
Dutch short form of Matthijs
"gift of God"
Usually pronounced to rhyme with nice — though others may rhyme it with Jace — Thijs is a popular Dutch name short for that country's form of Matthew. Matt Lauer's half-Dutch son is called Thijs.
Latin botanical name
"the apples"
A name given to apple--specifically crab apple--trees. The first syllable rhymes with Cal.
Elmar is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'noble' or 'famous' (el) and 'famous' or 'renowned' (mar). The name has been used throughout northern Europe, particularly…
Sanskrit, Hindi
"reddish brown"
This colorful Sanskrit name belongs to the Hindu god Aruna, the charioteer who drives the sun god Surya across the sky. Aruna can also be masculinized to Arun. It can also be a female name in…
Mathe is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It likely developed as a variant of Matthew or Matthias, both deriving from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' In certain…
Matyo is a distinctive masculine name with Hungarian origins. It's a variation of Matthias or Matthew, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' In Hungarian…
Azerbaijani, English
"nobleman; world or country commander; ruler of the people"
Elmir can either be an alternative form of the Old English Elmer, tying it to nobility and fame, or it is a popular Azerbaijani choice that blends the Turkic element el with the Arabic amir to form a…
Burli is an uncommon masculine name with possible Germanic or Swiss origins. In Swiss German dialects, 'Burli' can be a diminutive form meaning 'little boy' or 'young lad,' used affectionately. The…
Irish and Scottish, meaning unknown
The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn,…
Matyi is a masculine Hungarian name, functioning as a diminutive or nickname form of Mátyás (the Hungarian variant of Matthew). This endearing short form has been used for centuries in Hungarian…
Hebrew
"my vineyard"
This rarely heard name belonged to a son of Reuben in the Bible. Might be too close to karma.
Matha appears as a masculine name in this context, though historically it's more often seen as a variant spelling of Martha, which is traditionally feminine. Martha derives from Aramaic meaning…
Turkish variation of Aymen, Arabic
"righteous, right-handed, blessed, lucky"
Short form of Micajah, Hebrew
"Who is like God?"
Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for…
Berat is a masculine name with Turkish origins, where it holds significant cultural importance. In Turkey, the name is associated with Berat Kandili, an important Islamic holy night. The name derives…
Italian, Greek, Spanish, Tswana
"lion man; brave lion; torch, shining light; God's plan"
A Top 10 name in Switzerland, Leano has a number of possible origins. On one hand, it may derive as a contracted form of Leandro or Leonardo, meaning "lion man" and "brave lion" respectively.…
Nevio is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word 'nevus' meaning 'birthmark' or 'mole'. It can also be connected to the Latin 'nevius', meaning 'new' or 'fresh'. While not…
Mateu is the Catalan form of Matthew, a name derived from the Hebrew name Mattathia, meaning 'gift of God.' Common in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and other Catalan-speaking regions, Mateu…
Yiddish diminutive of Abraham
"Father of multitudes"
Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.
