By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 88 pages
of 88
Spelling variation of River
"stream of flowing water"
The traditional spelling of River is currently in the US and the UK Top 200s, where it ranks as a solidly unisex option. Ryver, with its edgy Y and sharper, less tranquil vibe has yet to catch up,…
Urdu, Arabic
"lion, brave"
Cool, bright, and tough, Haider is the Urdu form of the Arabic name Haidar (or Haydar). Notably the nickname of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Shia Imam, it…
Invented variation of Jamal
"beauty"
An attractive twist on an Arabic classic, with further twists being Zamari, Jamari, and Jamarion. It was a popular choice from the 70s onwards in the US but has fallen out of favor in recent years,…
Modern Invented
"my heir"
This play on the phrase "My heir" is climbing quickly, and was the fastest-rising boy name outside of the Top 1000 in 2022 — given to 74 baby boys, compared to 10 in 2021. This fits in with the…
Scottish
"dweller on the plain"
One of the first generation of cool surname names, now largely used for girls in the US, but still popular for boys in its native Scotland. A prominent association for Brits is former prime minister…
Hebrew
"sheaf of corn"
A symbolic name for boys born during a period between Passover and Shavuot.
Sameer is a masculine name of Arabic and Indian subcontinental origin, meaning 'companion in evening conversation' or 'evening breeze.' In Arabic (سمير), it refers to someone who engages in pleasant…
Spelling variation of Alexander
Traditional Alexander meets spunky Zander, and confuses everyone it encounters. Just stick with the timeless classic to avoid a lifetime of irritations.
Scottish and Irish, Brazilian
"oak tree ford; wealthy spearman; wealth and fame"
Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire, and a daring, spirited vibe. It's usually considered a Scottish surname, derived from the name Edgar, though other possibilities are that it derives from…
"defender of men"
To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.
English occupational name
"flag bearer"
An undiscovered option among occupational names, as of 2023, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. It does have charm however, much due to its associations with…
Jahsir is a contemporary masculine name that may have multiple origins. It could be a modern variation of Arabic-derived names beginning with 'Ja-' (meaning 'one who' or 'he who') combined with…
Norwegian variant of Ivar
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Iver is a popular name in its native Norway, but parents in the U.S. are starting to take note of this rugged yet gentle name. Stemming from the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small…
English word name
We've got Saint, we've got King, we've got Prince Duke Bishop Deacon and Messiah. So why not Sir? While some might find it slightly pretentious, at least 80 parents chose it for their babies in…
Whitaker is a masculine name originating as an English surname meaning 'white field' or 'wheat field.' Derived from Old English elements 'hwit' (white) and 'aecer' (field), it was traditionally a…
Hebrew, Arabic
"leopard"
A worldly choice that translates well, Namir is an animal-related choice in Hebrew and Arabic.
Modern invention or variation of Namir, American, Arabic
A modern choice, blending the popular 'meer' sound of Amir with the sharp, strong ny , Nymir may be viewed as a truly contemporary creation, or it could be seen as a spin on the Arabic Namir, meaning…
Hindi
"strong, brave"
A strong and handsome Indian boy name with a fitting meaning, Aveer derives from the Sanskrit virah and Hindi veer , meaning "brave, valiant, daring, heroic". Other forms of the name include Vir,…
German surname
"fisherman"
This common German-Jewish surname is not as popular in the US as the English form, Fisher, but both share the same meaning, and this one may appeal to those with German or Jewish heritage. Fisher has…
Latin
"wood, forest"
This name of three early popes has been associated in recent years with a cocky cartoon cat ("Thufferin' thuccatash!") and the Italian Stallion hero of the Rocky and Rambo movies (who was born…
