Six Letter Boy Names
- Shelby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"estate on the ledge"Description:
Southern name still occasionally heard in a male context (author Shelby Foote and the son of singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire), but it's much more associated with girls.
- Ruslan
Origin:
Slavic from TurkicMeaning:
"lion"Description:
A fairly common name in many Slavic countries, especially Russia – perhaps in part because it sounds close to the name of the country, although the two words are unrelated etymologically. The name Ruslan was used by Russian poet Alexander Pushkin for the hero of his epic poem Ruslan and Ludmila, based on Russian and Tatar folktales about the hero Yeruslan Lazarevich. Yeruslan or Uruslan is a Tatar name likely deriving from Turkic arslan "lion".
- Azaiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my strength is Yahweh"Description:
With Azariah and Azriel in the Top 1000, and Ezra, Josiah, and Isaiah in the Top 100, it makes sense that this lesser known Hebrew choice is being revived in the US. Most likely deriving from Uzziah or Azaziah, Azaiah, it was a fast rising choice in 2024 when it rose more than 350 places, entering the Top 1000 for the first time.
- Zayden
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
The most popular spelling of the fast-climbing member of the Aiden-rhyming clan is used by parents who love the first initial Z. Zaiden is nearly as popular, and Zaden is a ways behind.
- Yichen
Description:
Yichen is a Chinese name typically used for boys, though it can be unisex in some contexts. The meaning varies depending on the Chinese characters used, but common interpretations include "righteous morning," "beneficial spring," or "one who brings prosperity." The name combines elements that often represent virtue, goodness, and auspicious beginnings. In Chinese culture, names are chosen with great care for their meaning and the positive qualities they might bestow. Yichen has gained some international recognition as Chinese communities have spread globally, though it remains more common in Chinese-speaking regions. The name is appreciated for its melodic sound and positive connotations in Chinese philosophy and tradition.
- Florin
Origin:
French and RomanianMeaning:
"flower; flourishing"Description:
Florin is one of the legion of names derived from the root word for flower, most of them like Flora and Florence used for girls. But the boys' form Florin is among the popular French names for boys, along with sister name Fleur for girls. There was a ninth century Swiss St. Florin. The related Florian was the name of a second century Roman saint.
- Emeric
Origin:
French form of German EmmerichMeaning:
"power"Description:
A name popular both in France (where it's Number 405) and within the Cajun population, it's more substantial than Eric, and occurs twice in the Harry Potter series.
- Rhythm
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A musical name that is undeniably cool and, well, rhythmic. Its biggest challenge may be the spelling. Well, maybe not the biggest challenge. Save this one for a middle name.
- Rooney
Origin:
English or Gaelic surnameMeaning:
"descendent of the champion"Description:
Rooney is one of many bouncy Irish surnames that could make an agreeable first, once tied to Mickey Rooney (who was actually born Joseph Yule) in his young and spunky Andy Hardy period.
- Zavier
Origin:
Spelling variation of XavierDescription:
This phonetic version is occasionally used and removes any confusion about whether the X is fully pronounced or not.
- Ripley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"strip of clearing in the woods"Description:
The "Believe It or Not" jokes will get old fast, but this surname feels fun and on-trend for both girls and boys, reminiscent of Riley, Tripp, Bridger, and Oakley.
- Grover
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"lives near a grove of trees"Description:
Forget the furry blue Muppet, forget corpulent President Cleveland (not too difficult), and consider this name anew. We think it's spunky, a little funky, and well worth a second look.
- Raife
Description:
Raife is a distinctive masculine name of English origin, representing a modern variation of Ralph. Deriving from Old Norse 'Ráðúlfr,' combining elements meaning 'counsel' and 'wolf,' the name carries connotations of wisdom and strength. This spelling variation offers a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's historic essence. Pronounced 'rayf,' it has a crisp, single-syllable sound that feels both strong and approachable. While Ralph has experienced fluctuating popularity over centuries, Raife remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically-grounded name. In the United Kingdom, this spelling has gained some traction among families looking for traditional names with modern flair. The name projects masculinity without being overtly aggressive, combining the wisdom symbolized in its etymology with a stylish, updated appearance.
- Zaylen
Origin:
Modern invention of unknown meaningDescription:
Newly coined options, the letter Z, and strong A sounds all remain on trend for boys in the US and Zaylen ticks all the boxes. Like a mash up of Zaiden, Zayn and Waylon, Zaylen has been rising up the popularity stats since the 2000s, and made a big leap in 2023 when it rose 65 places up the ranks, to sit just outside the Top 1000.
- Drexel
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"to turn"Description:
Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.
- Horace
Origin:
Latin clan nameMeaning:
"timekeeper"Description:
The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows.
- Cullen
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"holly tree"Description:
Cullen is an appealing Irish surname name that upped its cool factor considerably when it became the Twilight family name of Edward et al. It's considerably less popular than it was at its peak in 2010, but is still widely used.
- Fintan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"white fire or white bull"Description:
Fintan is an ancient Irish saints' name that in legend is also the name of the only person to survive The Flood. Popular in modern Ireland, Fintan is ripe for export to the US where it is rarely used but could make an excellent long form for the stylish Finn.
- Hubert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright, shining intellect"Description:
A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer.
- Atreus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fearless"Description:
This unusual name from Greek mythology is gaining traction along with others in its class, such as Atlas, Artemis, and Apollo. The King of Mycenae (to where he'd been banished, after murdering his half-brother) , Atreus was also the father of King Agamemnon, an important commander in the Trojan War.