Five Letter Boy Names
- Carol
Origin:
English, LatinMeaning:
"man"Description:
Although now usually considered a female name in the US, Carol actually had a good run of popularity for boys too, peaking at #325 in 1937 and remaining in the US Top 1000 until the mid 1960s, when its popularity for both sexes began to decline. It derives from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles.
- Mynor
Description:
Mynor is a masculine name primarily used in Latin American countries, particularly Guatemala. It appears to be an alternative spelling of 'Minor,' which has Latin origins meaning 'smaller' or 'lesser.' In Guatemala and other Central American regions, the name gained popularity during the latter half of the 20th century. The unique spelling with a 'y' instead of an 'i' gives the name a distinctive character while maintaining its pronunciation. Mynor is associated with qualities such as reliability and determination. While not widely used internationally, the name maintains steady popularity in specific cultural communities and is occasionally found in the United States, particularly in areas with significant Central American populations.
- Nayan
Description:
Nayan is a masculine name with roots in several cultures, primarily Indian and Sanskrit origins where it means 'eye' or 'beautiful eyes.' In Hindu tradition, it can symbolize vision, perception, and wisdom. The name also appears in various forms across Southeast Asian cultures. With its melodic two-syllable pronunciation and ending with a consonant, Nayan carries a contemporary sound while maintaining deep cultural significance. While not widely used in Western countries, it has maintained steady popularity in India and among Indian diaspora communities. The name offers parents a meaningful choice that's relatively easy for English speakers to pronounce while honoring South Asian heritage. Its brevity and pleasing sound pattern give it cross-cultural appeal.
- Ozzie
Origin:
Diminutive of Osmond, Oswald, or OscarMeaning:
"divine; deer"Description:
Ozzy has been on the rise in recent years and currently sits in the Top 1000 in the UK and the US. The Ozzie spelling has yet to catch up, but has nevertheless gained more attention thanks to its popular counterpart. Given to 135 boys and to 50 girls in 2023, for every one Ozzie there are three Ozzys.
- Ravan
Description:
Ravan is a masculine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Hindu mythology, Ravana (slightly different spelling) was a powerful king in the epic Ramayana, known for his scholarship and strength despite being an antagonist. The name can also be found in Persian culture where it relates to 'flowing' or 'going.' In contemporary usage, Ravan has gained modest popularity as a distinctive boy's name with an exotic sound. Its relatively uncommon status in Western countries gives it a unique quality, while still being straightforward to pronounce. The name carries connotations of power and intelligence from its mythological connections, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with substance and cross-cultural significance.
- Rudie
Description:
Rudie is a masculine name functioning primarily as a diminutive form of Rudolf, Rudolph, or Ruud. These parent names have Germanic origins meaning 'famous wolf,' combining elements that signified glory and strength in ancient Germanic cultures. Rudie offers a more approachable, friendly alternative to the more formal Rudolf. The name gained some recognition through music, notably in the 1960s song 'Rudie Can't Fail' by The Clash. While never achieving mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Rudie has maintained consistent if minimal usage. The name carries a slightly vintage, affectionate quality while retaining connections to its stronger traditional form. Its informal charm makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with both personality and historical roots.
- Qirin
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
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. Pronunciation is like the Irish name Kieran.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Jovan
Origin:
Slavic variation of John LatinMeaning:
"God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"Description:
Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for John. It is in fact the Slavic variation of John and may be an original way to honor an ancestral John.
- Ulric
Origin:
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"Description:
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
- Farin
Origin:
Persian, Germanic, French, IrishMeaning:
"praise, commendation; journey, traveller; iron gray; little man, dove"Description:
Farin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Persian, it means "praise" or "commendation", while in Germanic contexts, it may relate to "journey" or "traveller."
- Yancy
Origin:
American variation of Jansen, Dutch, Native AmericanMeaning:
"son of Jan; yankee"Description:
Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of John, Yancy could work to honor anyone in your life with a John-related name.
- Tariq
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"the one who knocks at the door"Description:
A strong and confident name growing in popularity, in numerous spellings.
- Karol
Description:
Karol is traditionally a masculine name in many Slavic countries, though it can be used for both genders in different cultures. It's the Eastern European equivalent of Charles, derived from Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' In Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, Karol is a common male name, while English speakers might perceive it as a feminine variant of Carol. The name gained international recognition when Karol Józef Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II. Karol has a strong, straightforward quality with its two distinct syllables and firm ending. Its cross-cultural versatility makes it appealing to parents with Slavic heritage or those seeking a name that works in multiple languages.
- Yarik
Origin:
Diminutive of Yaroslav, RussianMeaning:
"fierce and glorious"Description:
This Yaroslav nickname is more accessible than its full form for an English-speaking child and its similarity to the likes of Erik and Maverick means it travels well. Yaryk is the Ukrainian form.
- Kaleb
Origin:
Spelling variation of CalebMeaning:
"devotion to God"Description:
Kaleb is one of several boys' names starting with k that started life as a classic C name, Caleb. Kevin Federline named his boy Kaleb Michael Jackson.
- Ochre
Origin:
Greek, EnglishMeaning:
"pale yellow"Description:
Ochre is an exceedingly rare name, found only a few times since the nineteenth century, and not showing up in any current data. Yet it means much the same thing as popular Sienna (another clay coloured with iron oxide) and sounds similar to fashionable Oakley. A strong earthy nature name that is both unusual and evocative.
- Kalab
Description:
Kalab is a modern variant spelling of Caleb, a masculine name with Hebrew origins from the Old Testament. In Hebrew, Caleb (כָּלֵב) means "faithful" or "devoted," alternatively interpreted as "whole-hearted." In the Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan, and along with Joshua, was rewarded for his faithfulness. This contemporary spelling with a K adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. The name has seen steady popularity in various English-speaking countries, with this particular variant emerging in recent decades as parents seek unique spellings of classic names. Kalab combines historical significance with a modern orthographic twist.
- Ryien
Description:
Ryien is a contemporary masculine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling of Ryan or a newly created name. With its distinctive spelling, Ryien maintains the appealing sound of Ryan while offering a more unique presentation. The traditional name Ryan has Irish Gaelic origins meaning 'little king' or 'kingly,' and it's possible Ryien carries the same etymology. As a modern variation, Ryien has limited usage data and historical background, placing it among the creative adaptations that have become popular in recent decades. Parents might choose this spelling to provide their child with a familiar-sounding yet distinctive name that stands out on class rosters while still being relatively intuitive to pronounce.
- Sahil
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"guide, leader"Description:
A name that could set an Indian boy on a path to leadership.
