1100+ Boy Names That End in I
- Jai
Origin:
Hindi, Sanskrit, TamilMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Pronounced like Jay, this short name is popular in South Asia and makes for a great English-South Asian crossover choice, used regularly in the UK and Australia. It can also be an alternate spelling of the English name Jay, either short for a J name or deriving from the name of the bird.
- Malikai
Origin:
Hebrew, spelling variation of MalachiMeaning:
"my messenger"Description:
In the Bible, Malachi, was the last of the twelve Hebrew prophets, who foretold the coming of Christ.
- Asani
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"rebellious"Description:
Asani is a traditionally masculine Swahili name, although it is used for both boys and girls in the US. Its rebellious meaning makes it perfect for a maverick child.
- Mowgli
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
The name of the young hero of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, who was raised by wolves (really) and becomes a genius hunter and trapper, was chosen as a middle name for their son Bronx (really, again) by rockers Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz. Kipling invented the name, whose first syllable rhymes with cow.
- Nicolai
Origin:
Scandinavian and Slavic form of NicholasMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.
- Ruairi
Description:
Ruairi is a traditional Irish masculine name with ancient Celtic roots. Derived from the Irish Gaelic 'Ruaidhrí', it combines 'ruadh' meaning 'red' and 'rí' meaning 'king', thus translating to 'red king' or 'red-haired king'. Historically, it was borne by several High Kings of Ireland, including Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, the last High King before the Norman invasion. The name has various anglicized spellings including Rory, Ruairi, Ruairidh, and Ruairí. While traditionally popular in Ireland and Scotland, it has gained international recognition in recent decades as interest in Celtic names has grown. Ruairi represents a connection to Irish heritage and carries connotations of leadership and nobility.
- Cai
Description:
Cai is a name with rich multicultural origins. In Welsh, it means 'rejoice' and is a form of the Arthurian knight Sir Kay. In Chinese, Cai (蔡) is a respected surname and can also be a given name meaning 'talent' or 'ability.' The name has gained modest popularity in Western countries as parents seek short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal. In Scotland and Ireland, it may be a shortened form of Cailan or related Celtic names. Cai's simplicity and strong sound make it an increasingly attractive choice for boys, especially among parents looking for names that are brief yet meaningful and easy to pronounce across languages.
- Kamani
Description:
Kamani is a masculine name with multicultural origins, appearing in several different traditions. In Hawaiian culture, it means 'heavenly power' or can refer to a beautiful tropical hardwood tree. In Hindi, the name has associations with 'desire' or 'wish.' The name also appears in some African traditions. Kamani has a strong, melodic quality with its balanced syllables and ending with an 'i' that gives it a modern feel. While not among the most common names, Kamani has been gradually gaining recognition in diverse communities. Parents may choose this name for its cross-cultural appeal, meaningful associations with nature and spirituality, and its distinctive yet accessible sound.
- Lexi
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexandra, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Lexi is technically unisex though used much more often for girls in the US, where it ranks among the female Top 100.
- Xolani
Origin:
ZuluMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Traditionally, Xolani is a masculine Zulu name stemming from the word "uxolo", which means peace and goodwill. Beware – in this case, the X is pronounced as a one of the famous Zulu clicking sounds rather than the "z" or "sh" sound you might expect.
- Renji
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"second love"Description:
Now that Kenji is rising up the ranks, it's only a matter of time before parents discover Renji. Renji Abarai is a character in the anime series Bleach, in which the kanji used for his name mean "second love" or "second romance."
- Zamari
Origin:
Modern invention, from Hebrew or ArabicMeaning:
"music from God; evening conversation; beauty; mind, heart; one who builds"Description:
With its zippy Z initial and its similarity to the popular Amari, Kamari, and Zamir, this modern invention has more than doubled in popularity in the last decade. Given to 111 boys and to 40 girls in 2024, it is particularly popular among the the African American community.
- Vinci
Description:
Vinci is a masculine name most notably associated with Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian Renaissance polymath. As a first name, Vinci is derived from the Italian town where Leonardo was born, literally meaning 'willow trees' or 'conquering' in Italian. This short, distinctive name carries powerful associations with creativity, genius, and artistic innovation due to its famous connection. While uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents drawn to its Italian heritage, compact elegance, and cultural significance. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical roots, and its clear connection to one of history's greatest minds imbues it with intellectual associations. Vinci offers a unique choice that balances cultural depth with contemporary style.
- Kostini
Origin:
Choctaw, Native AmericanMeaning:
"wise"
- Demetri
Description:
Demetri is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from Demetrius, which honors Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. The name literally translates to 'follower of Demeter' or 'earth-lover.' This shorter variant maintains the classical heritage while offering a more streamlined, contemporary feel. Demetri has gained moderate popularity in the United States and Europe, particularly appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal. The name appears in Greek, Russian, and Eastern European naming traditions, making it recognizable across multiple cultures. With its strong consonants and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation, Demetri projects strength and sophistication while remaining approachable.
- Nuri
Origin:
Arabic or HebrewMeaning:
"light or my fire"Description:
A name used in the Middle East but that could easily work in the US. As a girls' name, Nuri can also be a short form of Nuria. It was chosen by Christy Lefteri for the protagonist of her novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo which may have familiarized people with the name.
- Devi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"divine"Description:
Devi is the name of a Hindu goddess. Deva or Dev are male forms.
- Uri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my flame, my light"Description:
This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names.
- Ruari
Description:
Ruari is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'Ruaidhrí' or 'Rúadhraí,' meaning 'red king' or 'red-haired king.' The elements come from 'ruadh' (red) and 'rí' (king). This name has been borne by several historical Irish high kings and Scottish clan leaders, giving it strong Celtic roots and a noble heritage. While Ruari remains less common outside Celtic regions, it has experienced modest growth as parents increasingly look to heritage names. The name carries a distinctive sound that's both strong and melodic, with its rolling 'r' and open ending. Its compact form balances uniqueness with relative ease of pronunciation, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic character.
- Petri
Description:
Petri is a masculine name with Finnish and Scandinavian origins, functioning as the Finnish form of Peter. Derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it carries connotations of strength and steadfastness. While common in Finland, where it ranks among traditional favorites, Petri remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive international flair. The name gained some recognition through the scientific term 'Petri dish,' named after German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri. With its short, crisp sound and strong ending, Petri offers a modern-feeling alternative to the more common Peter while maintaining the same venerable history and meaning. The name blends simplicity with unique cultural heritage.
