Updated October 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Basque variation of Julian, English
"youthful; downy"
The Basque form of Julian is pared down and may appeal to parents looking for a less-syllabic option. It’s not typically used outside of Spain, but it would make an easy import. Julen is also a…
Hebrew
"perceptive"
The name of two Old Testament kings that seems as ripe as you can get for modern use, given the popularity of sound-alike Biblical brethren Jadon and Jacob (and even mythological Jason). Note that…
"the knowing one"
Jada is one of those rare names that has a completely different root and meaning in its male and female versions. The male Jada is an obscure Biblical figure, a descendant of Judah. The female Jada…
Invented name
A modern creation — likely a hybrid of James and the on-trend -iah suffix.
"day of God"
The undiscovered Biblical Jemuel -- he was a son of Simeon -- was used for just a handful of boys last year but could be prime for rediscovery now that Old Testament names like Noah and Ethan…
Japanese
"second son"
Also written as Jirō, this is a commonly used Japanese name, sometimes as a standalone and sometimes as a suffix. Often written to mean "second son", other kanji elements may be used to create the…
The -ah ending makes Jedah read feminine, but it was actually created for a male character in the video game Darkstalkers . One of the many unique baby names inspired by the gaming world.
"God is upright"
Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible. One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.
"honeycomb or honeysuckle"
This Old Testament name feels feminine to a modern English speaker, thought the Biblical Jarah was male. In the most recent year counted, there were seven girls and five boys given the name. With the…
Jermajesty is a slightly bizarre name created by Jackson brother Jermaine, making his son a royal version of himself.
Jussi is a Finnish male name that functions as a familiar form of Johannes, the Finnish variant of John. With roots in Hebrew, the original name Yochanan means 'God is gracious.' Jussi has been…
Word name
If Arrow is too straight for you....
English
"cheerful, jolly"
"dance"
Brazilian, meaning unknown
Jadson is a name with uniquely Brazilian origins. It is linked to soccer star Jádson Rodrigues da Silva as well as profession surfer Jadson Andre. It's an ultra-rare name in the United States, given…
Medieval form of Julian
"youthful"
Galsworthy used this for "The Forsyte Saga," but in modern real life Julian would work better.
Modern invented names
One of the many outlandish names to come out of Canadian sci-fi series Killjoys .
German
"earth worker"
This medieval German form of George could make an intriguing and unique honor name for an ancestral George.
Modern invented name
Just because Nicolas Cage gave his son Superman's birth name, Kal-el, that doesn't give you permission to use the name of Superman's father.
"son of Jeffrey"
You might think of Jeffers as Jefferson's much rarer younger brother, or maybe Jeffrey's. unconventional son. Surname-names ending in S -- Brooks, Ames -- are trending now, though Jeffers is…