1330+ Boy Names That End in Y

  1. Thierry
    • Origin:

      French variation of Theodoric
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the people"
    • Description:

      Thierry, which is very popular in France, would make an interesting import; it's somewhat familiar through designer Thierry Mugler and international soccer star Thierry Henry. It almost sounds like Terry, but not quite.
  2. Coby
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Coburn or Jacob or Jacoby
    • Description:

      Actor Coby Bell gives this short but sweet name a hefty amount of street cred. Can also be spelled Koby or Kobe, as in Kobe Bryant.
  3. Lowry
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum"
    • Description:

      This artistic surname name derives from a diminutive of Laurence/Lawrence, and was famously borne by the English painter LS Lowry.
  4. Ashby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"
    • Description:

      This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.
  5. Dudley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "Dudda's meadow"
    • Description:

      It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.
  6. Kelby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the farm by the stream"
    • Description:

      This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.
  7. Gabby
    • Description:

      Gabby as a masculine name typically functions as a nickname for Gabriel, derived from the Hebrew name meaning "God is my strength." While Gabby is more commonly associated as a feminine nickname for Gabrielle or Gabriella, its use for boys maintains a friendly, approachable quality. The nickname has a casual, affectionate tone that contrasts with the more formal Gabriel. In some cultures, particularly Hispanic communities, Gabby (sometimes spelled Gabi) serves as a gender-neutral diminutive. As a standalone masculine name, Gabby is relatively uncommon, reflecting a modern trend toward informal, familiar-sounding names. Its simple, friendly sound makes it appealing to parents seeking an unpretentious name with biblical connections.

  8. Ilay
    • Description:

      Ilay is a masculine name with Scottish and Hebrew origins. In its Scottish context, it likely derives from Islay, the famous Hebridean island known for its whisky production and natural beauty. In Hebrew usage, it may be related to 'ilai' meaning 'high' or 'elevated'. This short, distinctive name has gained some popularity in Israel and has begun to appear internationally as parents seek brief, distinctive names. Ilay has a modern feel despite its traditional roots, with a simple pronunciation that travels well across languages. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary edge while its varied cultural connections provide it with substance and meaning beyond its simple two-syllable structure.

  9. Orry
    • Origin:

      Manx
    • Meaning:

      "God's peace"
    • Description:

      Little-known outside the Isle of Man (between Britain and Ireland), Orry is a Manx form of Godfrey. So while it looks as friendly and casual as a nickname, it's a complete name in itself, and may appeal as an unusual alternative to names like Harry and Ari. It reached the US via Patrick Swayze, who played Orry Main in the 1985 TV series North and South.
  10. Ramsay
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "low-lying land"
    • Description:

      A surname occasionally used as a first, as in former attorney general Ramsey Clark. This spelling is now closely associated with the psychopathic Game of Thrones villain Ramsay Snow (later Ramsay Bolton), and so is probably best avoided as long as the show and books are popular.
  11. Whitney
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "white island"
    • Description:

      Deriving from an English locational surname meaning "white island", Whitney was in rare but regular use for boys in the US until the early 1960s, when actress Whitney Blake popularized it for girls. It received a further big boost on the girls' side in the 1980s, thanks to singer Whitney Houston. Now falling rapidly down the rankings, it could be time to reclaim this one for the boys, if only as a neat way to cool-guy nickname Whit.
  12. Dougray
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Godfrey
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "God's peace"
    • Description:

      Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.
  14. Carey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"
    • Description:

      Carey is a surname name that works equally well on babies of all genders - Jazz great Carey Bell and motorcross champion Carey Hart are just two examples of how handsome this name can be for a boy.
  15. Geoffrey
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon from French
    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"
    • Description:

      In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.
  16. Finnley
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Finley, Irish and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "fair-haired hero"
    • Description:

      This variation adds a second n to the more popular Finley, presumably to provide a more direct link to nickname Finn. Both spellings create a distinctly unisex name. The Finnley version, however, entered the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014, and it remains unranked for girls.
  17. Macauley
    • Description:

      Macauley is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" (an ancient personal name). Historically used as a family name, Macauley transitioned to use as a given name following the trend of adopting surnames as first names. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and has variations including Macaulay, MacAuley, and McCauley. While never reaching top-tier popularity, Macauley saw increased usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name received modest attention through association with actor Macaulay Culkin in the 1990s, though his spelling variant has been more recognized. Macauley projects strength and traditional masculine qualities while maintaining its distinctive Scottish roots.

  18. Johnny
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
  19. Abby
    • Description:

      As a masculine name, Abby represents an uncommon usage of what is traditionally a feminine nickname. Most frequently, Abby serves as a diminutive for Abigail (Hebrew: 'father's joy'), but for boys, it might function as a shortened form of Abraham, Abner, or other masculine Ab- names. This gender-crossing usage is relatively rare and represents modern naming trends that increasingly blur traditional gender boundaries. The masculine use of Abby remains extremely uncommon in statistical records. Parents choosing Abby for a boy may appreciate its gentle sound and simplicity, while also embracing its nonconformist quality. The name's soft consonants and ending 'y' sound create an approachable, friendly impression regardless of gender association.

  20. Dawsey
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "soft, sweet; or son of David"
    • Description:

      This intriguing surname name belongs to a character in the 2008 novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. Its origins are not entirely clear. It may derive from David, like Dawson or Dawes, or it may derive from French doux, douce "soft, sweet".