Names Ending in Y for Boys

Surname that could have pronunciation problems -- it's Dorrity -- as well as having an off-putting meaning. 

Doherty

Docherty is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish and Irish surname. Derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Dochartaigh' meaning 'descendant of Dochartach' (where Dochartach meant 'hurtful' or 'obstructive'), it represents a proud Celtic heritage. As a given name, Docherty is exceedingly rare, chosen by parents seeking a distinctive name with strong cultural roots. The transition from surname to first name follows a trend seen with other surnames like Sullivan or Murphy. While uncommon as a first name, Docherty offers a strong, masculine sound with its hard consonants and carries the weight of Gaelic history and tradition.

Docherty

Dougherty is a masculine name that originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic "Ó Dochartaigh" meaning "descendant of Dochartach," with Dochartach being a personal name meaning "hurtful" or "obstructive." The clan Ó Dochartaigh was a powerful family in County Donegal, Ireland. As a first name, Dougherty represents the growing trend of using surnames as given names, particularly those with strong cultural and familial connections. While uncommon as a first name, it offers parents a distinctive option with clear Irish heritage. The name carries a strong, traditional sound and might be chosen to honor family history or Irish ancestry, though it remains quite rare in comparison to other Irish-derived names.

Dougherty

Douherty is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of the Irish surname Doherty or Dougherty. The original surname derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Dochartaigh,' meaning 'descendant of Dochartach' (a personal name meaning 'unlucky' or 'hurtful'). As a first name, Douherty represents the modern trend of adopting family surnames as given names, particularly those with Irish or Celtic heritage. The unusual spelling with 'ou' may be a regional variation or creative adaptation. While extremely rare as a first name, Douherty carries strong Irish cultural associations and heritage. It offers a distinctive option for parents seeking to honor Irish ancestry with an uncommon name that maintains cultural connections.

Douherty

Dorrity is a masculine name with likely Irish or Scottish Gaelic origins, possibly derived from surnames in these traditions. It may be related to names like Dority, Dougherty, or O'Doherty, which come from the Gaelic "Ó Dochartaigh" meaning "descendant of Dochartach" (harmful or obstructive). As a first name, Dorrity is extremely rare, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. The name has a pleasant rhythmic sound with its three syllables and soft ending. Dorrity might appeal to parents seeking a connection to Irish heritage or simply desiring an uncommon name with historical roots. While maintaining masculine associations, it has a gentle, somewhat aristocratic quality to its sound.

Dorrity

Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.


Donnelly

Dony is a masculine name with various potential origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Donovan, Dominic, or Donald, or it could be a variation of Danny or Tony. The name has appeared across different cultures, often as a familiar, friendly nickname that evolved into a given name in its own right. Dony has a casual, approachable quality with its short, two-syllable structure and easy pronunciation. While never among the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent, modest presence in various regions. The name strikes a balance between being recognizably familiar yet uncommon enough to be distinctive. Dony carries connotations of friendliness and accessibility, projecting a warm, unpretentious character.

Dony

Dontey appears to be a masculine name that emerged in American naming patterns during the late 20th century. It is likely a variation of Dante, which derives from the medieval short form of the name Durante, made famous by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri. The modification in spelling may reflect the phonetic pronunciation preference or represent a creative variation to make the name more distinctive. Another possibility is that it represents a variation of Donte or could be related to names beginning with 'Don-' (from Donald, meaning 'world ruler' in Scottish). The suffix '-tey' creates a unique ending that distinguishes it from more common variants. Dontey has never been among the most popular names but appeared in usage records primarily from the 1980s onward. The name offers a balance between uniqueness and recognizability, with a strong, masculine sound and possible literary connections.

Dontey

A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.

Dooley

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. 

Dorsey

D'orsay is an unusual masculine name with French origins. It likely derives from a place name or surname, specifically from 'Orsay,' a commune in northern France. The aristocratic prefix 'd'' indicates 'of' or 'from' Orsay, suggesting noble heritage. The name carries an air of sophistication and European elegance. D'orsay might also reference the Comte d'Orsay, a 19th-century French dandy known for his refined taste and artistic sensibilities. As a first name, D'orsay is exceedingly rare, making it a distinctive choice. The name suggests refinement, artistic flair, and cosmopolitan sophistication, appealing to parents seeking something truly unique with historical and cultural depth.

D'orsay

Dougey is a masculine name primarily used as an affectionate diminutive form of Douglas. The name Douglas itself has Scottish origins, derived from the Gaelic 'dubhglas,' meaning 'dark stream' or 'dark water.' The -ey ending gives Dougey a friendly, informal quality often associated with nicknames. While Douglas has been consistently popular throughout the 20th century, Dougey remains uncommon as a formal given name, more frequently used as a familiar form among family and friends. The spelling variation with -ey rather than -ie adds a slight distinction. Parents choosing Dougey as a formal name might appreciate its approachable, boyish charm while maintaining connection to the more traditional Douglas.

Dougey

Scottish actor Dougray (born Stephen) Scott made us aware of this name when he took on his French grandmother's surname as his stage name. 

Dougray

Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."

Drury

Drewry is an uncommon masculine name with historic roots as an Old English surname, derived from the Norman personal name 'Drogo' or 'Dreux,' which was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest. As a first name, it carries a distinguished, slightly aristocratic feel with its connection to heritage surnames. The name might also be seen as an elaboration of the more common 'Drew,' which itself originated as a shortened form of Andrew. Pronounced DROO-ree, this name remains extremely rare as a first name in modern usage, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something with historical depth yet virtually unique. Its rhythmic sound and unusual nature give it character while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.

Drewry

Duffey is a masculine name with Irish and Scottish Gaelic origins. It derives from the surname Ó Dubhthaigh or MacDhuibhshíthe, meaning 'descendant of the dark one' or 'son of the black man of peace.' As a first name, Duffey is uncommon, representing a modern trend of using traditional surnames as given names. The spelling variant with 'ey' rather than the more common 'y' ending (Duffy) gives it a distinctive quality. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of strength and uniqueness. While relatively rare as a first name, it maintains popularity as a family name throughout Ireland, Scotland, and areas with significant Irish diaspora.

Duffey

This familiar Irish surname, best known as the name of the mononamed Welsh female singer, is extremely rare as a first name in the US but could make an original Irish choice.

Duffy

Earley is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from a surname that initially denoted someone who lived near an eagle's wood or clearing ('eagle-leah'). As a first name, it emerged following the trend of using family surnames as given names, common in American naming practices. Earley may also be associated with the word 'early,' suggesting someone who is prompt or first to arrive. The name has never been widely popular, maintaining a very low profile throughout recorded naming history. This rarity gives Earley a distinctive quality for those seeking an uncommon name with Anglo-Saxon roots and a connection to nature through its eagle association.

Earley

Erly is a concise masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a shortened form of the Germanic name Erlewin, meaning 'noble friend,' or could derive from a surname with Old English roots meaning 'eagle wood' or related to 'early.' In some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly the Philippines, it might be used as a phonetic spelling of 'early' or as a variation of Erlie. With just four letters, Erly has a modern, streamlined quality that makes it easy to pronounce and spell across cultures. Though uncommon as a first name globally, its brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. The name has a youthful, energetic quality, possibly evoking ideas of promptness or being ahead of one's time.

Erly

Neddy is a masculine name that traditionally functions as an affectionate diminutive of Edward or Edmund. With English origins, Neddy developed as a pet form through the medieval nickname progression: Edward to Ned to Neddy. It carries a warm, friendly quality with its cheerful '-y' ending, evoking a sense of approachability and charm. While rarely used as a formal given name on birth certificates, Neddy has historical precedent as a nickname throughout English-speaking countries. The name has a somewhat vintage feel today, reminiscent of the early 20th century when diminutive forms were more commonly used as everyday names. Neddy projects a boyish, endearing quality even into adulthood.

Neddy

Boy names that end in Y are a popular bunch. Over 1300 names for baby boys in our database end with the letter Y.

 in the US right now, ranking in the Top 10.  Along with Henry, other boy names that end in Y in the US Top 1000 include Wesley, Zachary, Remy, and Anthony. 

 and make our recommended list include the Irish Flannery, the presidential McKinley, and the bluesy Ray (bet you didn't see that one coming).

 became popular in the post-WWII US. At this time, the rhyming set Larry, Gary, Jerry, and Terry were among the most common baby boy names.



Here are all Nameberry’s boy names that end with the letter Y, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry. If you're looking for a top boy name ending in Y, you'll find that toward the beginning of the list, while the rarest names are at the end.

Baby boy names that end in the letter Y, with meanings, origins, and popularity, including top Y-ending boy names such as Henry and Zachary as well as unique, uncommon boy names that end with the letter Y. (Page 108)

1330+ Boy Names That End in Y