Five Letter Boy Names

  1. Leary
    • Origin:

      Irish, Anglicization of Laoghaire
    • Meaning:

      "herder"
    • Description:

      We'd be leery of this one.
  2. Elián
    • Origin:

      Latin, based on Roman clan name
    • Description:

      Had a burst of popularity in 2000 when the controversial case of the Cuban boy Elián González was in the news; his name combined his parents': Elizabeth and Juan.
  3. Arnar
    • Origin:

      Icelandic from Norse
    • Meaning:

      "eagle warrior"
    • Description:

      A common name in Iceland, from the same origins as Arnold et al.
  4. Shimi
    • Description:

      Shimi is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew contexts, it's a diminutive of Shimon (Simon), meaning "he has heard" or "God has heard." In Indian culture, particularly in southern regions, Shimi can be found as a given name with various meanings depending on specific language origins. The name has limited usage in Western countries but may be more common in Israel and parts of Asia. Shimi has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending, giving it a gentle, friendly feel. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across different languages and cultures.

  5. Polad
    • Description:

      Polad is a masculine name with Azerbaijani and Turkish origins. The name literally means 'steel' in these languages, symbolizing strength, durability, and resilience. This straightforward meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that embodies powerful qualities. Polad has been used traditionally in Azerbaijan, Turkey, and surrounding regions but remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. The name's simple pronunciation and spelling make it accessible internationally despite its specific cultural origins. With its strong meaning and distinctive sound that remains relatively easy to pronounce, Polad represents cultural heritage while offering symbolic strength.
  6. Jabez
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "borne in pain"
    • Description:

      Jabez has a rare combo of three appealing elements: a Biblical heritage, a captivating Southern accent, and a jazzy feel. It was popular with the Pilgrims and on into the nineteenth century (there have been four U.S. Congressmen named Jabez), but it hasn't been in the Top 1000 since 1880.
  7. Loras
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      Loras Tyrell is the most prominent gay character in HBO's Game of Thrones, who's one of the most renowned fighters in the world until he's imprisoned by the ultra-conservative religious leader known as the High Sparrow.There's something elvish-sounding about the name that may consign it in the fantasy realm for the time being.
  8. Ruska
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "autumn foliage"
    • Description:

      Ruska is a Finnish word referring to autumn foliage — often specifically autumn in Lapland, Finland where the colors are vibrant and magical.
  9. Urson
    • Description:

      Urson is a masculine name of medieval origin, derived from the Latin 'ursus' meaning 'bear.' It functions as a diminutive or variant of the name Urso, which was used in medieval England and France. This name evokes the strength and powerful qualities associated with bears in European folklore and symbolism. Urson appears in historical records from the Middle Ages but fell from common usage in modern times. The name carries an old-world charm with its distinctive sound and clear etymology. While exceedingly rare today, Urson might appeal to parents interested in ancient naming traditions or seeking animal-inspired names with historical precedent rather than modern inventions.
  10. Haden
    • Description:

      Haden is a masculine name with English origins, historically functioning as a surname derived from place names meaning 'heather valley' or 'heath hill' in Old English. As a first name, Haden gained modest popularity in the late 20th century, appealing to parents seeking modern-sounding names with historical roots. The name offers versatility with alternative spellings including Hayden and Haydon, though Haden represents the more concise form. It carries associations with natural landscapes and the outdoors, evoking images of rolling hills and open spaces. Haden strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being overly common. The name's short, strong sound pattern has contributed to its appeal for boys, conveying a straightforward, unpretentious character.
  11. Tylee
    • Description:

      Tylee is a modern masculine name that likely developed as a variant of Tyler, which originated as an English occupational surname meaning "tile maker" or "tile layer." This contemporary spelling adds a distinctive twist to the traditional form while maintaining its strong, approachable sound. The name has a casual American feel and fits with the trend of surname-inspired first names. While Tyler peaked in popularity during the 1990s, Tylee remains uncommon, offering familiarity without being overused. The name carries associations of craftsmanship from its occupational roots, combined with a relaxed, friendly quality that resonates in contemporary naming trends. Its simplicity and masculine sound make it versatile across age groups.
  12. Betto
    • Description:

      Betto is an Italian masculine name that likely developed as a diminutive form of names like Benedetto (the Italian form of Benedict) or Elisabetta. In medieval Italy, Betto would have been used as an affectionate nickname before eventually becoming a given name in its own right. The name carries the warmth and melodic quality characteristic of Italian diminutives. While not commonly used in modern times outside of Italy, Betto retains a certain vintage charm. It reflects the Italian naming tradition of creating friendly, abbreviated versions of longer formal names, giving it an approachable, personable quality.

  13. Miska
    • Origin:

      Finnish diminutive of Mikael
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God?"
    • Description:

      Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.
  14. Trygg
    • Origin:

      Norwegian
    • Meaning:

      "safe"
    • Description:

      Sarah Palin spelled it Trig, as in the nickname for trigonometry, but Trygg is a genuine Norwegian word name for boys.
  15. Nicky
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Nicholas or Nicole
    • Description:

      Nicky is a forever-cute short form of Nicholas once used as a full name but now relegated to nickname (no pun intended) status.
  16. Italo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from Italy"
    • Description:

      You can't get more Italian than this name of the daddy of legendary twins Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. A noted bearer is acclaimed Italian journalist and novel and short story writer Italo Calvino, author of Invisible Cities and . Trivia tidbit: Calvino was actually one of his middle names.
  17. Cooke
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "cook"
    • Description:

      A very literal sounding occupational surname, borne by the husband of Jennifer Lawrence, art gallery director Cooke Maroney.
  18. Chewy
    • Description:

      Chewy is a masculine name that originated as a nickname or diminutive form, most famously associated with the Star Wars character Chewbacca. As a given name, it has an inherently playful, affectionate quality. While uncommon as a legal name, Chewy has gained some recognition through pop culture references and the growing trend of using casual, friendly names officially. The name conveys warmth, approachability, and a bit of whimsy. Parents might choose Chewy for its distinctive sound, its pop culture connections, or simply for its cheerful, memorable quality. As with many nickname-derived names, Chewy has a contemporary feel that breaks from traditional naming conventions while offering a unique identity.
  19. Majdi
    • Description:

      Majdi is a masculine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root 'majd' meaning 'glory' or 'honor.' Popular throughout the Middle East, particularly in Palestinian, Jordanian, and Lebanese communities, Majdi conveys admirable qualities of dignity and respect. The name carries positive connotations of achievement and high standing in society. While not widely used in Western countries, its growing presence reflects increasing cultural diversity. Majdi has a melodic quality with its soft 'j' sound and ending vowel, making it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. For parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and uplifting meaning, Majdi represents excellence and noble character.
  20. Perun
    • Origin:

      Proto-Slavic mythology name
    • Description:

      God of sky, thunder, lightning, rain and war; the highest-ranking god in Slavic mythology. His name can also be spelled Peryn, which feels very wearable in the Western world as well.