Names Ending in U for Boys

  1. Peru
    • Origin:

      Place name
    • Description:

      An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.
  2. Iku
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "nourishing"
    • Description:

      Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.
  3. Iancu
    • Description:

      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.

  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Ianu
    • Origin:

      Invented literary name
    • Description:

      Fanciful name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in his book Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz.
  7. Katsu
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.
  8. Hunu
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "sunbeam"
    • Description:

      A beautiful meaning for a baby born in the summer or following a difficult time.
  9. Amadou
    • Origin:

      West African
    • Description:

      A form of Ahmad popular in Western Africa. It ranked in the French Top 500 for much of the 1980s.
  10. Tutku
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "passion"
    • Description:

      A unisex name with a great meaning, primarily used in Turkey. Tutku Açık is a Turkish basketball player.
  11. 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.

  12. Sekou
    • Origin:

      Fula, African
    • Meaning:

      "sheikh"
    • Description:

      Sekou, also written as Sékou, is a given name as well as a title synonymous with the Arabic Sheikh. It comes from the Fula language of West Africa, and is widely used among the Fula people.
  13. Ayu
    • Origin:

      African, Yoruban
    • Meaning:

      "joy"
    • Description:

      Rhythmic and unusual.
  14. Abeeku
    • Origin:

      Ghanan
    • Meaning:

      "born on Wednesday"
    • Description:

      Classic African day name, with rhythm and energy.
  15. Abdou
    • Description:

      Abdou is a masculine name with North African and Middle Eastern origins, particularly common in countries like Senegal, Egypt, and Morocco. It functions as a diminutive form of Abdullah or other names beginning with 'Abd' (meaning 'servant of' in Arabic). Pronounced 'ab-DOO,' the name carries spiritual significance in Muslim communities as names with the 'Abd' prefix traditionally honor divine attributes. While maintaining its cultural roots, Abdou offers a more casual, approachable alternative to longer formal names. In francophone West African countries, it enjoys particular popularity. The name has gradually gained some recognition in Western countries with diverse immigrant communities, though it remains primarily associated with its regions of origin.
  16. Kamaehu
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "strength"
  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. Éowyn
    • Origin:

      Literature
    • Meaning:

      "horse lover"
    • Description:

      A literary name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for a Lord of the Rings noblewoman of Rohan. It would make an interesting choice for literature lovers or fans of names like Elowen and Evelyn.
  20. 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.