Names Ending in U for Boys
- Elishu
Description:
Elishu is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, likely a variant of Elisha, which means 'God is my salvation' or 'God is salvation.' The biblical Elisha was a prophet and the successor to Elijah in the Old Testament. Elishu represents a less common spelling variation that maintains the name's spiritual significance while offering a unique twist. The name carries connotations of divine protection and spiritual guidance. Though rare in most Western countries, Elishu might appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance and distinctive character. Its pronunciation typically follows the pattern of Elisha (eh-LIE-shoo or eh-LEE-shoo).
- Badou
Origin:
Fictional nameDescription:
The protagonist of the animated TV series Babar and the Adventures of Badou; Badou is the 8-year-old grandson of Babar. He is called by the nickname "Bou".
- Jegu
Description:
Jegu is a masculine name with probable Breton origins, coming from the Brittany region of France. It likely developed as a regional variant or diminutive of names like Jean (French form of John) or as an independent Breton name with Celtic roots. The name is extremely rare globally, maintaining a strong connection to its regional heritage. Jegu's compact, two-syllable structure gives it a distinctive quality that stands out in both French and international contexts. The unusual combination of sounds makes it memorable while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce. Parents might choose this name to honor Breton heritage or simply for its unique, concise character and cultural depth.
- Maazyahu
Description:
Maazyahu is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, likely connected to biblical naming traditions. The '-yahu' suffix is a theophoric element referring to YHWH (Yahweh), the Hebrew name for God, making it similar in structure to biblical names like Eliyahu (Elijah) or Netanyahu. The first part 'Maaz' may relate to Hebrew roots meaning 'strength' or 'refuge'. This traditional Hebrew name would be extremely rare outside of Jewish communities with strong ties to traditional naming practices. Maazyahu carries deep religious significance for those who value biblical Hebrew naming traditions. While uncommon even in Israel, it represents a connection to ancient Israelite naming conventions and would be chosen by families with strong religious or cultural ties to traditional Hebrew names.
- Lionellu
Description:
Lionellu is a masculine name that appears to be a variant or diminutive form of Lionel, possibly from Sardinian or Italian dialectal origins. The base name Lionel derives from Latin 'leonellus,' meaning 'young lion,' symbolizing courage and strength. This particular variant with the '-u' ending suggests regional linguistic influences, most likely from Mediterranean island cultures where such name modifications are common. While extremely rare in mainstream usage, Lionellu carries the same noble associations as Lionel, which gained prominence through literary works and historical figures. The name evokes qualities of bravery, leadership, and natural dignity. For parents with connections to specific Mediterranean cultural traditions, particularly Sardinian or southern Italian, Lionellu might represent a way to honor those roots while bestowing a name with powerful symbolic meaning.
- Avihu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he is my father"Description:
The name of a son of Aaron in the Old Testament. Abihu is a variant form.
- Shelemyahu
Description:
Shelemyahu is a rare masculine name of Hebrew origin. It represents an extended or archaic form of the biblical name Shelemiah, which appears in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. The name combines 'shelem' (peace, completion) with 'yahu,' a theophoric element referring to God (YHWH or Yahweh). Thus, Shelemyahu means 'peace of Yahweh' or 'Yahweh has completed/repaid.' This name maintains strong religious significance in Jewish traditions but remains very uncommon in contemporary use. The formal, complete version with the theophoric ending '-yahu' (rather than the shortened '-iah' ending) reflects a more traditional or orthodox approach to biblical names. Parents choosing this name typically do so for its deep religious significance and connection to ancient Hebrew heritage.
- Uriyahu
Description:
Uriyahu is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing an expanded form of the biblical name Uriah. The suffix '-yahu' explicitly incorporates a reference to YHWH, the Hebrew name for God, making the name mean 'flame of God' or 'light of Jehovah.' This ancient name appears in the Hebrew Bible, though the longer form Uriyahu is less common than Uriah. While rare in modern usage outside of observant Jewish communities, it carries deep spiritual significance and historical resonance. The name conveys strength, divine connection, and cultural heritage. In contemporary settings, Uriyahu might be chosen by families seeking a name with authentic Hebrew origins and strong religious meaning, though its pronunciation may present challenges in non-Hebrew speaking communities.
- Deverau
Origin:
Variation of Devereaux, FrenchMeaning:
"from Evreux; riverbank"Description:
A variation of the habitational surname name related to the town of Evreux in France.
- Flambeau
Description:
Flambeau is an extremely unusual masculine name derived from the French word meaning 'torch' or 'flaming brand.' As a given name, it's exceedingly rare, with almost no recorded usage in mainstream naming statistics. The word has historical significance in various contexts—from ceremonial torches in processions to decorative candlesticks and even as a technique in French cuisine. The name evokes qualities of illumination, passion, and dramatic flair. While virtually unknown as a first name, Flambeau might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with French linguistic roots and vivid imagery. In literature, a character named Flambeau appears in G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown detective stories, which represents one of the few notable uses of this word as a name.
- Thadeaou
Description:
Thadeaou is an extremely rare masculine name that appears to be a unique variant of Thaddeus or Tadeo. The traditional name Thaddeus derives from Aramaic origins meaning 'gift of God' or 'heart.' This particular spelling likely represents a creative adaptation that incorporates elements of French or Creole phonetics. Thadeaou maintains the melodic quality of its root name while adding distinctive flair through its unusual letter combination. The name remains exceptionally uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a truly distinctive choice. Parents drawn to this spelling likely value originality and may have cultural connections influencing their preference for this unique variation.
- Mouhamadou
Description:
Mouhamadou is a masculine name of Arabic origin, representing a variant of Muhammad, which means 'praiseworthy' or 'the praised one.' This name honors the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, making it deeply significant in Muslim communities. Mouhamadou is particularly common in West African countries, especially in Senegal, Mali, and other regions with strong Islamic influences. The spelling variation reflects regional pronunciation and French colonial linguistic influence in West Africa. The name carries profound religious and cultural significance for Muslim families, symbolizing respect for prophetic tradition. While maintaining its religious importance, the name also reflects the rich cultural interchange between Arabic naming traditions and West African cultural practices.
- Ellihu
Description:
Ellihu appears to be a variant spelling of Elihu, a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'He is my God.' Found in the Old Testament, Elihu was a young man who spoke to Job and his friends in the Book of Job. This uncommon variation maintains the biblical connection while offering a distinctive spelling. Ellihu shares roots with other theophoric Hebrew names like Elijah and Elisha. The name has remained quite rare throughout recorded naming history, though the standard spelling Elihu saw some usage among Puritan communities and continues to appear occasionally, particularly in religious families. Ellihu carries associations of wisdom, faith, and theological discourse through its biblical connection.
- Matheiu
Description:
Matheiu is a French variant of Matthew, though less common than the standard French spelling Matthieu. The name derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh.' Throughout Europe, variations of this name have been popular since medieval times, largely due to the influence of Saint Matthew, one of Jesus's twelve apostles and author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. Matheiu maintains the elegant French pronunciation but with a slightly unconventional spelling. While not as widely used as Matthieu in French-speaking regions, it offers a distinctive variation that still carries the name's rich historical and religious heritage while being recognizable across many Western cultures.
- Marku
Description:
Marku is a masculine name that represents the Finnish, Estonian, and Albanian form of Mark or Marcus. The original name derives from Mars, the Roman god of war, and has been popular across numerous cultures for centuries. The 'u' ending gives the name a distinctive international quality while maintaining its recognizable roots. In Finland and Estonia, Marku is a familiar name with a strong cultural identity, while it remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. This makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with global connections but a distinctive sound in Western contexts.
- Joshau
Description:
Joshau appears to be an uncommon spelling variation of the classic name Joshua, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' This alternate spelling might have emerged from typographical errors that eventually became adopted intentionally, or from parents seeking a unique twist on the traditional name. While the standard Joshua has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries for decades, Joshau remains extremely rare. The name carries the same biblical significance as Joshua, who was Moses' successor in the Old Testament. Parents might choose this spelling to differentiate their child while maintaining the familiar pronunciation and cultural significance of Joshua. However, the unusual spelling may lead to frequent corrections throughout life.
- Eliu
Description:
Eliu is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, likely a variant of Elihu, meaning "He is my God" or "My God is He." In the Bible, Elihu appears as a significant character in the Book of Job as the fourth and youngest friend who speaks to Job during his suffering. This simplified spelling variation maintains the original pronunciation while offering a more streamlined appearance. Eliu remains extremely rare in most English-speaking countries, though similar biblical names have seen periodic revivals. The name carries spiritual significance for those familiar with its biblical connections, while its brevity and vowel-rich quality give it a modern, accessible sound despite its ancient origins. Eliu might appeal particularly to parents seeking a name with religious meaning that remains relatively undiscovered and distinctive.
- Ireneu
Origin:
Catalan form of Irenaeus, GreekMeaning:
"peace"
- Gedalyahu
Description:
Gedalyahu is a masculine name of Hebrew origin with deep biblical roots. It is the full formal version of the more commonly known name Gedaliah, meaning 'God is great' or 'God has become great.' In the Hebrew Bible, Gedalyahu was a governor of Judah appointed by King Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of the First Temple. The name carries significant religious importance, particularly in Jewish communities where it continues to be used. Gedalyahu follows traditional Hebrew naming patterns with the '-yahu' suffix that refers to God (YHWH). While relatively uncommon outside of observant Jewish communities, the name has consistent usage within these groups, especially among those who prefer traditional biblical names in their original Hebrew form. The name carries connotations of faith, leadership, and divine greatness.
- Vayu
Description:
Vayu is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin, derived from ancient Hindu tradition where it represents the deity of wind and air. In Hindu mythology, Vayu is one of the Pancha Mahabhutas (five great elements) and an important god associated with breath, life force, and movement. The name literally translates to "air" or "wind" in Sanskrit. While traditional in India, Vayu has gained modest international recognition in recent decades as global interest in names with spiritual significance has increased. The name carries profound symbolism of freedom, movement, and vital energy. With its distinctive sound, meaningful heritage, and connection to nature, Vayu appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and cross-cultural resonance. Its simple two-syllable structure makes it accessible despite its non-Western origins.