Updated October 2026
Across 11 pages
of 11
Spanish and Portuguese surname
"bear"
A possible hero name inspired by notables from Spanish poet/playwright Federico Garcia Lorca to writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez to the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia.
Irish
"rough peace"
Occasionally used in the African-American community to honor Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, known as "Emperor of the Kingdom of Africa," though his first name is more frequently chosen. Another…
Spelling variation of Gervaise, French
"skilled with a spear"
Gervais is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wis' meaning 'wise,' together translating to 'skilled with the spear.' The name was borne…
Variation of Gervaise, French
This venerable name was introduced to England by the Normans after the conquest of 1066 and was relatively common during the Middle Ages. Saint Gervase, a Christian martyr from Milan, has lent the…
English
"puffy cheeks"
Could catch on in tandem with the newfound popularity of Griffin and Griffith.
A popular first name in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, giving rise to surnames Gifford et al. Could enjoy a comeback thanks to trendy Griffin.
Hebrew
"a camel hump"
Like Bethany and Shiloh, a meaningful biblical place-name.
Scottish place-name
An undiscovered place-name with an appealing o-sound ending.
Welsh
"valley, glen"
Very popular in Wales; this could make a nice middle name in honor of a Grandpa Glenn.
"exile"
Not a traditional biblical choice, but the Philistine giant isn't a bad character as such, just a champion fighter who lost to the underdog. He has given his name to everything from insect species to…
"pure"
This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer,…
Nature name
There's a whole quarry of rocky names parents are now considering: Slate, Flint, etc. , but this one is particularly hard-edged and problematic.
"grove of trees"
If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
French variation of William, German
"resolute protection"
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility elsewhere, Guillaume is a French form of the classic Germanic William. It's heyday was back in the 1980s and 90s, when it ranked in the French…
"glutton"
Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors…
Word name
A (male) character in Toni Morrison's great Song of Solomon , but also plays for a girl.
Toni Morrison, a master of character naming, coined this one for the best friend of hero Milkman Dead in Song of Solomon . Definitely a cool choice, with a twang.
"keeper of the garden"
Gardener is surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options, calling up images of green grass and budding blooms. The name can also be spelled without the first ' e ', as in…
Spanish
"seagull"
Another intriguing and virtually unused Spanish nature name to add to the books.
Scottish, English
"a narrow valley in the woods"
A surname style choice with a gentle yet rugged feel.