By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 124 pages
of 124
Modern invented name
Whether you think of it as Cale with a K, or a pet form of Kalen or Kaleb, this is just the kind of short, synthetic name finding a lot of favor now, but remember -- it's also the name of a vegetable.
Malique appears to be a contemporary name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Malik, an Arabic name meaning 'king' or 'sovereign,' adapted with a French-influenced ending.…
Scottish
"son of Kenneth"
Derived from a Scottish surname, Mckenzie is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich , Coinnich being one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth. As a given name, it took off for girls in the…
Orie is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Japanese, it means 'my light' or can be written with characters representing 'weaving' or 'fabric.' In African traditions, particularly…
Osbourne is a masculine name with Old English origins, derived from 'os' meaning 'god' and 'beorn' meaning 'warrior' or 'bear,' creating the powerful meaning 'divine warrior' or 'god-like strength.'…
English word name
Nice sound, but double meaning -- shady glen or shady character.
Native American, Cherokee, place-name
"bend in the river or meeting place"
When playwright Thomas Lanier Williams adopted the pen name of Tennessee, he created a new possibility among American place-names, although it's admittedly a bit bulky in size. Reese Witherspoon…
Tirone is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Greek name Tyron, meaning 'sovereign,' or connect to the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre. Alternatively, it could be…
Literary creation from Walking Dead
Tyreese Williams, the Walking Dead character, has brought this name to some attention.
Zhaire is a modern masculine name with a contemporary sound but uncertain linguistic origins. It may be a creative spelling of Jair, a Hebrew name meaning 'he shines' or 'one who enlightens.' The…
Abie serves as a diminutive form of Abraham, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'father of multitudes.' This friendly, approachable nickname variant has historical usage in Jewish communities…
Antone is a masculine name derived from the Latin Antonius, sharing roots with the more common Anthony. The name carries the meaning "priceless" or "of inestimable worth." This variant spelling…
Diminutive of Arthur, Celtic
"bear"
Artie is a cute short form rarely given on its own, unlike the more grownup Art. But for a young Arthur, it's adorable.
English
"cheerful"
Blythe originated as a nickname for an upbeat person, coming from the Old English word bliðe, meaning "merry" or "cheerful." It was later adapted into a surname, and while it did see some use as a…
Che is a masculine name with significant historical and cultural connections. Most famously associated with Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, the Argentine revolutionary, the name carries strong political…
Codie is a masculine name (though sometimes used for girls) of English origin, representing a modern spelling variant of Cody. The original Cody derives from the Gaelic surname Mac Óda, meaning 'son…
Italian, meaning unknown
This Italian place name is best known as the surname of the Godfather family. In Mario Puzo's 1969 novel, Vito Andolini was born and raised in the Sicilian town, and his surname was changed to…
"strength to withstand fear"
A bold, unisex virtue name that first made the charts for boys in 1990 and girls in 2008. Millennials may associate it with the Cartoon Network show Courage the Cowardly Dog , about a timid,…
"trickling stream"
A locational surname with its origins in the North of England, occasionally also used as a first name. Notable bearers include actor Dacre Montgomery ( Stranger Things ) and author and filmmaker…
Irish
"black stranger"
An Irish surname possibility for those who like Daley, Royal, Dougal, and Dolan, though it may sound too much like doily to catch on for modern boys. Nevertheless, it was fairly well used in the 20th…
