Names Ending in Y for Boys

Americans may not realize Barclay is the phonetic spelling of the British Berkeley -- though both sound like old-fashioned butler names. 

Barclay

Berky is an unusual masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Berk-' or as a nickname derived from a surname. It may have Germanic roots, possibly connected to 'berg' meaning 'mountain' or 'hill.' Alternatively, it could be a playful variant of Berkeley. The name has remained exceptionally rare throughout recorded naming history, never appearing on popular naming charts. Berky has a friendly, approachable quality with its ending 'y' sound, giving it a somewhat diminutive and endearing character that contrasts with more formal masculine names.

Berky

Bardey is an uncommon masculine name with likely origins as a variant of Bard or a surname adapted for first-name use. The name connects to the medieval occupation of a bard—a professional storyteller, poet, or musician—derived from Celtic traditions. This association gives Bardey creative and artistic connotations. As a surname-turned-first-name, it follows the trend of using family names as given names. Though rare in usage statistics, Bardey appeals to parents seeking an unusual name with historical resonance. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft ending sound while maintaining masculine attributes. Its scarcity means a Bardey would rarely encounter others sharing his name, offering a truly distinctive identity with literary and musical undertones.

Bardey

Barklay is a masculine name of Scottish origin, a variant spelling of Barclay, which derived from the Old English place name 'beorc-leah' meaning 'birch tree meadow' or 'birch wood.' The name transitioned from a surname to a given name, carrying with it associations of the prominent Scottish clan Barclay. This uncommon variant spelling gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining its connection to nature and Scottish heritage. Barklay has never been among the most popular names but maintains a steady, albeit rare, usage. The name conveys a sense of strength, natural beauty, and Celtic heritage. With its distinctive spelling and rich historical associations, Barklay appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with strong roots and a connection to Scottish tradition.

Barklay

Barrclay is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Barclay, which originated as a Scottish surname derived from the Old English elements 'beorc' (birch tree) and 'leah' (clearing or meadow). This alternative spelling with the double 'r' is extremely rare, giving the name a distinctive quality while maintaining the strong, traditional feel of the original. Barclay as a given name has associations with nobility and sophistication, as it was a prominent Scottish clan name. The name suggests someone who is steadfast and dignified. While Barclay itself is uncommon as a first name, this specific spelling variation is even more unusual, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical roots but a unique contemporary presentation.

Barrclay

While some may associate it with alcohol or find it a bit too grainy, for others, Barley may be a rare alternative to Bailey, Harley, Marley, Arley, and Barney. With a similar feel to Fields, Sage, and Prairie, it could make an outdoorsy and intriguing choice.


Barley

Barny is a masculine name generally considered a diminutive or variant spelling of Barnaby or Bernard. The name Barnaby comes from an Aramaic origin meaning "son of prophecy" or "son of consolation," while Bernard has Germanic roots meaning "brave as a bear." This alternative spelling with a 'y' ending gives the name a more informal, friendly quality. Barny peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common. The name may evoke associations with the cartoon character Barney the dinosaur or Barney Rubble from The Flintstones. While not among the most popular names, Barny retains a cheerful, approachable character that some parents appreciate for its unpretentious, good-natured quality.

Barny

Barrey is a variant spelling of Barry, which originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Báire' meaning 'descendant of Báire' (spear-point). This particular spelling with the double 'e' ending gives the traditional name a distinctive touch while maintaining its pronunciation. Barrey carries the strong, straightforward character of Irish surnames that transitioned to first names, projecting reliability and approachability. While less common than the standard Barry, this spelling variant emerged primarily in the mid-20th century when alternative spellings became fashionable. The name has associations with Celtic heritage and traditional masculinity, though it's never reached the highest tiers of popularity. Barrey has a friendly, unpretentious quality that balances formality and casualness, making it versatile across different contexts and life stages.

Barrey

While Barthelemy does not garner much attention these days, it has a storied history in French-speaking countries. Notable bearers include geologist and explorer Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, philosopher Jules Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire, and historian and writer Jean-Barthélemy Hauréau, to name a few.

Barthelemy

Bartelby is a masculine name with literary connections, most notably from Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener." The name derives from Bartholomew, which comes from the Aramaic "bar-Talmay" meaning "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows." This alternative spelling with an added 'e' gives the name a quaint, old-fashioned charm. Bartelby has never been common in English-speaking countries, maintaining an air of literary sophistication and eccentricity. The name evokes images of scholarly pursuits and quiet determination, partly due to its literary association. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its bookish appeal and distinctive character, though they should be prepared for occasional misspellings or confusion with the more standard Bartleby.

Bartelby

Barthélemy is the French form of Bartholomew, derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, meaning "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows." This distinguished name carries significant historical weight as one of Jesus's twelve apostles in the New Testament. In France, Barthélemy has been used since medieval times, with Saint Barthélemy's Day (August 24) marking a notable event in French history—the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572. The name has an elegant, aristocratic quality with its French pronunciation (bar-tay-lay-MEE). While not commonly used in modern France, it maintains a classic, sophisticated appeal. The name appears occasionally in French literature and historical contexts, contributing to its cultured image.

Barthélemy

Bartleby (that's his last name) the Scrivener is a famous Herman Melville character whose surprisingly powerful refrain was, "I would prefer not to." Or, in the immortal words of any two-year-old: No. 
 Putting that aside, Bartleby is a <a href="https://nameberry.com/unique-names">unique baby name</a> that could make a lively literary alternative to Barnaby.
 Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street was made into movies three times, the latest starring Christian Glover. In the 1999 film "Dogma," Bartleby is a fallen angel played by Ben Affleck.

Bartleby

Wassily is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing the Russian form of Basil (Василий/Vasiliy). The name derives from the Greek 'Basilios,' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' While the standard transliteration from Cyrillic is usually Vasily or Vasiliy, the 'W' spelling reflects German influence on transliteration practices. The name gained international recognition through the renowned Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky, one of the pioneers of abstract art. Despite this notable bearer, the name remains uncommon outside of Russian and Eastern European communities. Traditional in Russia, the name carries historical depth and cultural significance, associated with several Russian rulers and saints. Wassily projects a dignified, artistic character with its distinctive sound and international character.

Wassily

Vasily is one of many forms of the Greek Basil, all rare in the US.

Vasily

Vassily is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing a Slavic form of Basil, which comes from the Greek name Basileios meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' This distinguished name has deep historical roots in Eastern European and Russian culture, particularly associated with Russian aristocracy and Orthodox tradition. Notable bearers include the famous painter Vassily Kandinsky and numerous Russian historical figures. The name has varying spellings including Vasily, Vasiliy, and Vasili. While maintaining strong popularity in Russia and Eastern European countries, Vassily remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic, sophisticated quality. The name carries connotations of strength, dignity, and cultural richness.

Vassily

A more unusual, if slightly snooty, masculine Bailey alternative. 

Baxley

Baxly is a modern masculine name that appears to be a contemporary variation of Baxley or Becksley. It likely originated as an English surname derived from a place name combining elements meaning 'Bacca's clearing' or 'Bacca's meadow.' As a first name, Baxly is extremely rare, emerging only in recent years as part of the trend toward surname-style and '-ly' ending names. The name has a contemporary, distinctive sound while maintaining a connection to traditional naming patterns. Its crisp consonants and trendy ending give it a modern, energetic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Baxly fits with current naming trends favoring short, punchy names for boys while offering distinctiveness through its uncommon usage.

Baxly

Bellamey is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of Bellamy, which has French origins meaning 'beautiful friend' or 'good friend' (from 'bel ami'). This somewhat rare name carries an aristocratic, sophisticated quality while maintaining a friendly meaning. Bellamey blends masculine strength with a touch of refinement through its melodic sound. Though not frequently found on popularity charts, the name has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries. The spelling variation with the additional 'e' gives it a distinctive appearance while maintaining the classic pronunciation. Bellamey might appeal to parents seeking a name that balances uniqueness with historical roots and positive connotations of beauty and friendship.

Bellamey

Belamy is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Bellamy, which derives from the French phrase 'bel ami' meaning 'beautiful friend' or 'fair friend.' This slightly simplified spelling maintains the melodic quality and positive meaning of the original. With its friendly connotation and pleasing sound, Belamy offers an uncommon but approachable option for parents seeking something distinctive. The name has literary and artistic associations, including connections to the 19th-century French novelist Guy de Maupassant's novel 'Bel-Ami.' Though not widely used in any spelling variation, Belamy combines vintage charm with a modern, accessible feel.

Belamy

Benjey is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Benji, which itself is a diminutive form of Benjamin. The name Benjamin has Hebrew origins meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' This particular spelling with the 'ey' ending gives the nickname a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the friendly, approachable quality of Benji. Benjey remains quite uncommon as a formal given name, as most people named Benjamin might use Benji or Benjey as a nickname rather than having it on their birth certificate. The spelling variation adds a modern, unique twist to the classic nickname.

Benjey

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 125)

1330+ Boy Names That End in Y