By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 197 pages
of 197
Arabic
"precious, scarce"
A relatively popular Arabic name that featured in the French Top 500 for much of the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st. It is also used as a given name in Turkey, Iran and Israel, as…
Botanical name
The name of this pretty Mediterranean shrub is reminiscent of popular classic Oliver, and interestingly its etymology appears to overlap too: oleander most likely derives from Greek rhododendron…
English word name
"a marauder"
Raider is one of the new genre of badass word names, which also includes Rogue, Rebel, Danger, Wilder, and so on. Choose it at your own peril.
Reiner is a traditional German masculine name derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'heri' meaning 'army' or 'warrior.' Its origins date back to medieval Germany, where it…
Alexavier is a contemporary masculine name that blends the popular name Alex (from Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people' in Greek) with Xavier (derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria,…
Avigdor is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'father of protection' or 'protector.' The name combines 'avi' meaning 'my father' or 'father of' with 'gedor' meaning 'fence' or 'protection.'…
German
"to burn"
Brenner is an occupational surname for both a charcoal burner and a distiller of spirits. One of the least used of occupational surnames, it has that 'er' ending that definitely adds to its…
Christofer is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Christopher, derived from the Greek 'Christophoros,' meaning 'Christ-bearer.' The name has Christian origins, referring to…
English surname
"one who lives near a gate"
A fresher, less preppy alternative to Thatcher — one without Prime Minister associations.
Portuguese, contraction of José + Maria
Used in Brazil, this snappy telescoping honors the names of Jesus's parents.
Latin
"light-bearer"
Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell and while theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings, it long been on the list of forbidden names for religious and…
Makar is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Greek name Makarios, meaning "blessed" or "happy." In…
German surname
"knife; cutler"
Messer has trendy surname style, but a "messy" first syllable and sharp imagery may give some prospective parents pause. Reality star Stassi Schroeder named her son Messer Rhys in 2023, brother to…
