Names Ending in H for Boys

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

Tobiah is the original Hebrew form of the better-known Greek Tobias, to which it could make a distinctive alternative. With its ah ending, Tobiah fits in with other stylish Biblical names today, from Noah to Isaiah to Josiah and Zachariah. And of course, Toby is an adorable nickname.

If you think there are too many Zachs around, you can use this historic nickname for Zachariah instead, though it does have a somewhat feminine feel.

Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.

Randolph is a timeworn classic that had its last hurrah in the 1940s, when Randolph (born George) Scott was starring in westerns, but then was probably done in by its tricky nickname Randy (which, strangely enough, was itself a Top 50 name in the fifties and sixties).

A strong, rugged-sounding name most commonly heard in Australia (the most famous bearer is Australian rugby player Braith Anasta), whose origin is disputed. It is sometimes said to be a Welsh name meaning "speckled; motley" (from Welsh brith), but it is more likely to derive from a surname of either German, Gaelic or English origin.

Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree.

Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be spelled Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Cavenagh, and Kavanaugh.

The only of the four cardinal direction names to not have caught on. But if North can work, why not South?

Biblical names are expanding (literally) as some parents move from Isaiah and Elijah to more elaborate choices with simple short forms, like Jedidiah and Zebediah.

See Zac.

A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.

Traditional German names of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove German names out of fashion. One of Heinrich's nicknames, Harro, might do better.

Sabbath is a faith-inspired word name, like Sunday or Faith, that is attracting some notice since heavy metal musician Zakk Wylde chose it for his son. But then there's the band Black Sabbath, which gives the name a more devilish twist. While there's nothing intrinsically male or female about Sabbath as a first name, it squeaked onto the Social Security roster for five boys in 2012, but was not recorded for girls. Sabbath comes from the word for "day of rest" in many ancient cultures.

If Holland works for a girl, why not Dutch for a boy? Gavin Newsom, Lt-Governor of California, kept up his geographical baby name theme when he called his 4th child Dutch William, (his other children are named Hunter, Montana and Brooklyn.)

Micah is now in the Top 100, so naturally the spelling variation Mikah is getting some love too. Either spelling would be a fun and fresh way to honor a Mike or Michael.

Streamlined spelling of the biblical name, as in basketball great Isiah Thomas, falling fast from its height in the charts.

Adaiah is a rare Old Testament name with a pleasing sound.

Aakash is a male name of Sanskrit origin widely used in India and among the Indian diaspora globally. It means 'sky' or 'open space,' symbolizing limitlessness, freedom, and infinite potential. The name is sometimes spelled as Akash, with the doubled 'a' in Aakash emphasizing the long vowel sound in traditional pronunciation. In Hindu tradition, Aakash is considered one of the five elements (Pancha Mahabhuta) that make up the universe, representing the ether or space element. The name carries connotations of expansiveness and possibility, making it a meaningful choice that connects a child to ancient cultural wisdom. While traditional in India, Aakash has gained recognition internationally as global awareness of Indian names has increased. Its simple pronunciation and positive meaning contribute to its appeal across cultural boundaries.

A handful of years ago, a judge in Tennessee ruled that parents could not name their son Messiah, "because there's only one." That decision has since been overturned and the name no longer looks out of place besides the growing number of Saints and Chosens.