By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 88 pages
of 88
Arabic
"evening conversation"
This attractive Arabic name is gaining attention in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound as…
Symir is a masculine name with modern origins, possibly derived from a combination of elements or as a creative variation of names like Samir (Arabic, meaning 'companion in evening conversation').…
Brazilian compound name, or Old English
Familiar in Brazil, Osmar may be one of two things: a compound name, taking elements from several popular names, or, a contemporary form of an Old English name. As a compound name, it likely blends…
Modern invented name
Tyler, with zest.
Surname-name or spelling variation of Sailor
Used much more often for girls -- about 1000 girls were named Saylor or Sailor last year, versus about 100 boys -- Saylor is a medieval German surname that means ropemaker, which is also related to…
English, German
"one who lives by the spring or stream; one who extracts salt from seawater"
This last-name-as-a-given-name might be one to watch out for: with the on-trend -er ending and the potential nickname Wells, it may appeal to those looking for alternatives to Wesley or Walker, or to…
Nyzir is a contemporary masculine name with a modern feel and possible Arabic influences. The name may be a creative variation of Nazir or Nazar, names with Arabic roots meaning 'dedicated' or 'one…
Rahmir appears to be a modern given name with possible roots in Arabic or Hebrew linguistic traditions. The name may be a variant or combination of elements from names like Rahm (meaning 'mercy' or…
Greek
"avenger"
Alastor is linked to several characters in Greek mythology. It is an epithet of Zeus, a prince of Pylos, and a fighter in the Trojan War. Alastor's less savory associations include a horse of Hades…
Zyir is a contemporary masculine name that exemplifies modern naming trends favoring distinctive sounds and unique spellings. Though its precise origins are unclear, it appears to be a creative…
German
"farmer, tiller of the soil"
A surname name with an occupational background, but although it derives from the German language it is not used as a first name there as it has pejorative connotations – sometimes used as slag for an…
Brazilian invention
Neymar was unheard of before Brazilian football sensation Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior came to fame. It is thought to be a "smoosh" name of Netuno (Neptune) and Mar (Mars).
"virtuous, pure, chaste"
A virtuous Arabic name, familiar in Pakistan, Saudi Arabic, India, Nigeria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and England and Wales, Tahir may also be written as Taher, Tahir (with the dotted i) or…
"strong, firm, intelligent"
Strong-sounding Arabic name which appears many times in the Quran.
Hebrew
"stone of help"
Ebenezer is the name of a biblical place --the stone set up by Samuel to mark his victory over the Philistines--rather than a person. It was adopted by the British Puritans as a first name and then…
Spelling variation of Connor
Some creative spellings work, and then some just don't. We think this one falls into the latter category.
French occupational name
"a merchant"
Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic…
French
"olive tree"
More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
Norse
"powerful army; wise warrior; counsel from the army"
An fearsome old Norse name with a long history in Scandinavia. It's gotten a boost in the States from popularity of the History Channel drama "Vikings," in which the protagonist is named Ragnar.…
Spelling variation of Striker, English word name
"objector; hitter"
Stryker adds the trendy letter Y to Striker to join the new gang of boys' names that have two syllables, end in -er, spring from words, and have a macho meaning and image. Stryker is given to around…
