By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 71 pages
of 71
German
"sword"
Brant, a no-nonsense one-syllable name, had some popularity in the early 1970s, but has been off the lists for a decade. Now, with similarly brisk names like Chase, Jace, Bryce, and Grant finding…
Emmit is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Emmett, which originated as an English surname derived from the feminine given name Emma, with Germanic roots meaning "universal" or…
German, diminutive of Walter
A straightforward, down-to-earth nickname many Walters, from Whitman to Disney, have chosen to go by.
Diminutive of Arthur
"noble one; bear man"
Though short and brisk, no nickname name could have a more creative image. Comic actor Chris O'Dowd named his son Art, as in his native Ireland it's used as a name on its own, separate from Arthur.,…
Variation of Barrett or elaboration of Bear, English
"bear strength"
Barrett, but more Bear-like and more reflective perhaps of the US pronunciation, this form was chosen for 34 boys in a recent year. It could be read simply as an elaboration of the word, or it could…
English from Greek
"anointed, messiah"
Meaning "anointed one" in Greek, this was a title applied to Jesus by early Greek-speaking followers. It has been used as the English form of both Christos and Chrestos, which means "good".
"bright, shining intellect"
A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer. Along with other…
English word name
"one in whom confidence is placed"
As a virtuous word name, Trust can be associated with reliability, truthfulness, strength of character, hope, belief, and dependability: attributes that may appeal in both a secular and spiritual…
Indian, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Sikh
"courage, dare"
An Indian boy's name with a strong meaning, Himmat also entered the England and Wales Top 1000 in 2023 and again in 2025. Appearing in a 1996 Hindi spy movie, some of its more recent popularity could…
Barret is a masculine name with Germanic and French origins, traditionally a surname that evolved into a given name. It derives from elements meaning 'bear strength' or 'bear hardy,' reflecting…
"dweller on burnt land"
Less commercial-sounding than Brand.
French, English
"bee; little elf ruler; father of multitudes"
Similar in style to Everett and Avery, Avett is a zippy, musical choice that many will associate with the American folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers. The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but…
English and Irish
"bee hive, little brook or bee cottage"
A worthy namesake is the martyred saint Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, whose story was the basis of the Anouilh play "Becket," which became a film starring Richard Burton and Peter…
Short form of Matthew
"gift of God"
Still one of the most appealing short forms, which goes a long way toward explaining the sustained popularity of Matthew. Matt is perennially the popular guy in high school, friendly, attractive, and…
German variation of Robert
"bright fame"
Rupert is a charming-yet-manly name long more popular in Britain (where it's attached to a beloved cartoon bear) than in the U.S. Yet we can see Rupert as a more stylish, modern way to honor an…
Hebrew
"truth"
Looks like a pared-down Emmett, but it actually derives from a difference source.
English, Hebrew, Aramaic
"priest; father"
Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones, used to describe the head of a monastery or a prominent church figure, such as a priest. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be…
Scottish
"steward"
This ancient royal Scottish name and its equally-correct spelling French variation Stuart had a brief vogue in midcentury America--it was Number 286 in 1955--dropped off the list completely in the…
English, Scottish, and Irish surname
"descendant of Hugh; one who lives near the wood clearing"
Modern way to honor an ancestral Hugh.
