By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
Irish
"rich protection"
Variant of Eamonn, itself a form of Edmund
Dutch, variation of Jans
Variation of Jans.
Greek
"king"
In Greek Mythology, Minos was the first king of Crete. The Minotaur was born to his wife after Minos refused to sacrifice his bull to Poseidon.
English
"village with oak trees"
This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist -…
Arabic
"lord, master"
For several years this name ranked high with African-American parents, but it's definitely started to slide.
French
"dear one, sweetheart"
Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
Diminutive of Antonio
This short form of Antonio has long been used as an independent name, and would make a strong international choice.
Literary name
Auric is an Ian Fleming anti-hero, better known as Goldfinger. Better to go with James. Or even Bond.
Nickname name
Old-school nickname ala Spike and Babe that's favored by some hipster parents.
"contentment"
An Arabic name borne by Ali al-Ridha, a 9th-century Shia imam.
Turkish
"ember moon"
This Corey lookalike actually has quite a different sound – the final syllable rhyming with Kai rather than Lee or Ray. Its evocative meaning is a definite bonus.
Scottish nickname
"my pet"
Mungo is one of the most classic Scottish names but perhaps also among the most difficult names to carry. There is a St. Mungo whose proper name was Kentigern; he is the patron saint of Glasgow. It…
Welsh variation of George
A nice beachy name, but one that would require constant explanation.
German
"noble wolf"
Adolf may have been a Swedish royal name but the terrible dictatorship of Adolf Hitler has ruled out this name Adolf for any sensible parent. In the US last year, there were more than 100 boys' given…
Nature name
"clearing in a forest"
Shady, leafy nature-boy name.
"the one who distinguishes between right and wrong"
A common first and surname among Muslims.
Clyff is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Cliff, which itself is typically a shortened form of Clifford or Clifton. These names derive from Old English elements meaning…
Timmo is a masculine name with Finnish and Estonian origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Timothy. The name Timothy itself derives from the Greek 'Timotheos,' meaning 'honoring God' or…
Avrán is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of names like Avram or Avraham, which are forms of Abraham found in different cultures. The name has Hebrew origins meaning 'father of…
