Names Ending in U for Boys

Iancu is a masculine name of Romanian origin, functioning as a Romanian form of John. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Iancu has been used in Romania for centuries. The name has historical significance in Romanian culture, with notable bearers including Iancu de Hunedoara, a 15th-century military leader who defended Eastern Europe against Ottoman expansion. Despite its traditional usage in Romania, the name remains relatively unknown internationally. It has a distinctive, strong sound while maintaining connection to the widely-used name John. The unique combination of familiar roots with uncommon presentation makes Iancu an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with Eastern European heritage and historical depth.

Thaddeau is a rare masculine variation of Thaddeus, which derives from the Aramaic name Thaddai, meaning 'heart' or 'courageous'. This uncommon spelling adds a French-inspired flair to the traditional name. The original Thaddeus appears in the New Testament as one of Jesus's twelve apostles, giving the name religious significance. While Thaddeus has maintained modest popularity throughout Western history, the Thaddeau variant remains exceptionally uncommon, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking originality while maintaining historical roots. Its elegant ending creates a sophisticated sound while preserving the strong, virtuous meaning associated with its origin.

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.

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.

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.

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.