Names Ending in F for Boys

Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.

Leif is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and is still one of the best, with a pleasant aural association with the word leaf.

Raif (or Raef, Rayif) is a Muslim name usually given in reference to the Qur’anic verse "God is most compassionate and most merciful to mankind." A notable bearer is Saudi writer, dissident and activist Raif Badawi.

Adolf may have been a Swedish royal name but the terrible dictatorship of Adolf Hitler has ruled out this name Adolf for any sensible parent. In the US last year, there were more than 100 boys' given the Spanish variation Adolfo and a handful given the old school Adolphus, but none named Adolf or Adolph....thank goodness.

Heathcliff is the name of the original passionate macho hero of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, and also of the cartoon cat. It was chosen by fashionista Lucy Sykes for her son, and inspired the late Heath Ledger's name. But otherwise it's barely used, and perhaps a bit much of a namesake. For a modern boy we'd recommend Heath....or Cliff.

Reef is an uncommon nature name with mainstream potential. Its laidback, beach-y vibe makes it a perfect choice for ocean lovers.

Cliff is a familiar, timeless short form -- never too popular, yet widely known -- that you might also think of as a geographical name ala Vale or Field.

Haitian-born rap superstar and humanitarian Wyclef ("Fugees") Jean has lent this name a powerful musical beat.

Griff is a masculine name with Welsh origins, functioning both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Griffin or Griffith. The name derives from the Welsh 'Gruffydd,' meaning 'strong lord' or 'strong faith.' Griff has a concise, strong quality that appeals to parents seeking short, impactful names. The name carries associations with strength and courage, partly due to its connection to the mythological griffin creature (part eagle, part lion). In Welsh culture, variations of this name have been used for centuries, connecting it to a rich Celtic heritage. While not among the most common names, Griff has maintained steady usage, particularly in Wales and among families with Welsh ancestry.

The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.

Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.

Raf is a raffish short form that many a cool boy would love to call his own.

Muhammadyusuf is a masculine compound name combining two significant Islamic names: Muhammad and Yusuf. Muhammad, meaning 'praiseworthy' or 'highly praised,' honors the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Yusuf (Joseph in Western traditions) means 'God increases' and refers to a prophet mentioned in both the Quran and Bible. This compound naming pattern is common in many Muslim cultures, particularly in Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. Combining these two revered prophetic names creates a name of deep religious significance. While less common in Western countries, Muhammadyusuf represents a tradition where parents honor religious figures through naming. The name carries profound spiritual meaning for Muslim families and reflects cultural traditions where compound names express devotion and respect.

Yousaf is a masculine name of Arabic origin, representing a variant transliteration of Yusuf, which is the Arabic form of Joseph. The name carries significant meaning in Islamic tradition, as Yusuf was an important prophet mentioned in the Quran, known for his exceptional beauty, wisdom, and the ability to interpret dreams. Particularly common in Pakistani, Arab, and broader Muslim communities, Yousaf maintains the spiritual significance of its original form while offering a slightly different phonetic rendering. The name has steadily grown in usage in Western countries through immigration and cultural exchange. Yousaf carries connotations of strength, righteousness, and spiritual wisdom in Islamic contexts. The spelling variation reflects different transliteration approaches from Arabic script to Latin alphabet, with this version being particularly common in South Asian Muslim communities.

Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.

Zeff is a short, punchy masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Joseph ('Yosef'), particularly as a diminutive used in Jewish communities. Alternatively, it could derive from the Greek name Zephyr, meaning 'west wind'. In some cases, it functions as a shortened form of names like Zeffirelli or other Z-beginning names. The name's brevity gives it a modern, contemporary feel despite its potential ancient roots. Zeff remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries, though its simplicity and distinctive initial 'Z' make it memorable. The name carries a sense of energy and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking a concise, uncommon name that's easy to pronounce and spell.

The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.

Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.

This ancient name is that of the hero of the epic Beowulf, which is thought to be the oldest-ever poem in English lit written in the vernacular. J. R. R. Tolkien used the poem as one of his inspirations for The Lord of the Rings.