By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 109 pages
of 109
Biblical place-name
A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength. Though rarely heard as a first name, Jericho has appeared in the titles of films, TV series, songs, bands, comics, and video games (Clive…
Hawaiian
"the voice"
Kaleo is one of a number of fast-rising Hawaiian names, thanks to its cool combination of sounds reminiscent of Kainoa and Mateo.
Italian and Spanish
"young warrior"
Based on the ancient name Marcellus, drawn from Mars the god of war, Marcello -- it's pronounced mar-chell-o -- is one of the most lush and attractive Latin names.
Spanish variation of William
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo,…
American word name
"circle of light"
Celestial and space-age, Halo is a contemporary choice that first appeared in the US stats for boys in 2008. Currently more popular for girls, it is nevertheless on the rise across the board. One on…
Spanish, variation of Jairus
"God enlightens"
While Jairus is rare, this Spanish variation is heard in the US, having ranked in the Top 1000 for the last three decades. It currently ranks in the latter end of the charts, while similar sounding…
Italian variation of Maximus
"the greatest"
Massimo is a Latin charmer and while it might feel like a big name for a baby (or anyone, really), it has a touch of gentleness about it too, owing to the S sounds. A charismatic member of the…
Hebrew
"excellence"
Jethro, though the biblical father-in-law of Moses, has suffered for a long time from a Beverly Hillbilly image, but some really adventurous parents might consider updating and urbanizing it and…
Italian from German
"old and wise"
A spirited German name very popular in Italy and occasionally used here, Aldo is one of the unique baby names with international flair. And names that mean wise have an enduring appeal.
Benito is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the Latin name 'Benedictus,' meaning 'blessed.' It's essentially the diminutive form of 'Benedicto' in Spanish. The name carries…
Spanish and Italian
"noble, ready"
Alfonso was a royal name in Spain as far back as the 7th century, but it is rarely heard outside the Hispanic community in the US.
"his peace"
Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.
Latin or Tswana
"new or gift"
This nouveau name of Keanu Reeves's character in The Matrix has not enjoyed the same burst of popularity as its female counterpart, Trinity, but it definitely sounds, well, newer. Neo Rauch is an…
Spanish; Portuguese
"great judge"
A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.
Italian, Spanish and Portuguese
"relating to the god Mars"
A handsome and romantic-sounding European option.
Italian short form of Giovanni
"God is gracious"
Giovanni is the Italian form of John, and Gio is its dashing nickname. A lot cooler than Johnny, no?
Portuguese diminutive of Santiago, Latin
"Saint James"
Tiago, also spelled Thiago, is a popular Portuguese boys' name. Derived from the more formal Santiago, these days it is often used on its own. Relaxed and charming while still maintaining the…
Compound name blending Ryan and Milo, Scottish
"rye clearing + soldier; rye meadow"
With cool, on-trend sounds and a hint of Star Wars about it, Rylo is an up-and-coming name that has only seen notable use since 2016. It can be considered a Scottish diminutive of Ryland and an Irish…
Spelling variation of Deangelo
Even less popular than the rarely-used Deangelo. This spelling is likely helped by singer-songwriter and record producer D'Angelo.
Spanish
"famous spearman"
A Spanish variation of the name Roger meaning "famous spearman." Rogelio is popular among the Filipino and Argentine communities and could be a great alternative for international families looking…
