By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
Welsh, meaning unknown
An obscure name from medieval Welsh literature (the surreal Arthurian tale The Dream of Rhonabwy ). Like many Dyf- names, it may well come from a root meaning "water".
Persian
"eternal"
Jayko is a contemporary masculine name with a dynamic, modern feel. Though uncommon in traditional naming records, it appears to blend elements from various naming traditions. It may be a creative…
Arabic
"contentment"
An Arabic name borne by Ali al-Ridha, a 9th-century Shia imam.
Icelandic variation of Elias, Greek
"Yahweh is God"
The form of Elias used in Iceland, where it currently ranks in the Top 50.
Finnish diminutive of Klaus, Nordic and German
"people of victory"
This Finnish nickname for Klaus could stand independently on birth certificates.
Scottish nature name
"estuary or arm of the sea"
Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.
Diminutive of Fintan, Irish
"white fire, white bull"
A retro nickname for the ancient Irish saint's name Fintan, still heard on occasion in Ireland and the UK. English actress Finty Williams is the most notable bearer.
Turkish word name
"valiant"
A common Turkish word name for boys signaling valiance and bravery.
German, English
Neele's roots can do in different directions- In Germany, Neele was traditionally a unisex name derived from Cornelia and Cornelius, but today has gone strongly to the girl's side (similar to Evelyn…
Greek mythology name
Zelus or Zelos was the god of rivalry and competition, one of the four winged Daemones who were gods for Zeus. This rare name is one mythological choice that may not come back in the modern world.
Jüran is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots, representing a regional variant of the name George, which derives from Greek "georgos" meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker." The…
Norse
"thunder wolf, or twelve"
Derived from an Old Norse name meaning "thunder wolf", but long associated with the Swedish/Danish/Norwegian word tolv "twelve" and therefore given to the twelfth child of the family.
The Greek god of intellect, Coeus is one mythological figure whose name has not been revived in modern times...but should be.
Swedish
"bear"
Björn is a pervasive Swedish name that can be found on popularity charts throughout Northern Europe and now in the US as well. There are too many renowned Björns (and Bjørns and Bjorns) to list them…
"ram"
A Titan and, according to some sources, the god of the constellations. It also means "ram" in Ancient Greek, though it not etymologically related to Aries.
Hebrew
A phrase used in versions of the Bible, possibly referring to Satan.
Shiya is a masculine name with varied cultural origins. In Hebrew contexts, it may function as a diminutive of Isaiah (meaning 'God is salvation'), while in some Asian cultures, particularly Chinese,…
Lithuanian, from Latin
"belonging to the lord; to give wealth or very wealthy"
Domas feels like a fresh take on Thomas, but it is either a short form of Dominykas, the Lithuanian form of Dominic, or Domantas.
Japanese
"the great way"
The name of an era in Japan spanning from 806 to 810, as well as that of the influential photographer Daidō Moriyama.
