Names Ending in Y for Boys

A big, bold, ultra-rare virtue name. Could it follow in the footsteps of Justice and Liberty?

Democracy

Dempsy is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Díomasaigh, meaning 'proud' or 'arrogant'. It's closely related to the more common spelling Dempsey. The name carries strong Irish cultural associations and evokes a sense of strength and resilience. While not among the most popular first names, Dempsy gained some recognition through association with legendary boxer Jack Dempsey. As a first name, it has remained relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon Irish-heritage name with a bold sound. The name has a robust, masculine quality with its strong consonants and distinctive ending.

Dempsy

Dionizy is a masculine name of Polish origin, serving as the Polish equivalent of Dionysius. The name derives from Greek mythology, specifically from Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and festivity. The Greek elements possibly mean 'divine being of Nysa' (a mythological mountain). While uncommon outside of Poland and Polish communities, Dionizy carries a rich historical and cultural legacy. In Poland, it has been used since medieval times but remains relatively rare even there. The name has a scholarly, distinguished quality while maintaining connections to joy and celebration through its mythological roots. Potential nicknames include Dio or Niz, offering more casual alternatives to this formal, distinguished name.

Dionizy

Denney is a masculine name typically functioning as a variant spelling of Denny, which originated as a diminutive form of Dennis or a surname derived from the same source. Dennis comes from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'of Dionysos,' the god of wine, fertility, and theater in Greek mythology. This particular spelling gives the nickname a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar sound. Denney has appeared occasionally as a given name throughout the 20th century in English-speaking countries but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a friendly, unpretentious quality with its casual sound and approachable nature. It carries vintage appeal connected to the mid-century popularity of Dennis while offering a slightly unique variant. Denney works well as both a given name and nickname, providing versatility for parents attracted to its informal charm.

Denney

Derbey is an uncommon masculine name with unclear origins. It may be a variant spelling of Derby, which originated as an English surname and place name derived from Old Norse 'deor' (deer) and 'by' (farm or settlement), meaning 'deer village.' As a first name, Derbey remains extremely rare, not appearing in most popularity charts or name databases. The name may appeal to parents looking for a unique option with British connections or those with family ties to Derby, England. While uncommon as a given name, it carries a sophisticated English quality with a slightly sporty association due to the famous Kentucky Derby horse race.

Derbey

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner. 

The unusual Irish Derry was given to zero babies of either gender in the US last year, but it's a merry choice that deserves more attention.

Derry

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen. 

 It has only ranked in the US Top 1000 once, in 1964 at #637, after a popular TV series based on the novel was aired that year. It was given to fewer than 10 baby boys in the latest year on record.

 Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw named their daughter Destry in 1996.

Destry

Digby is a place-name in Lincolnshire turned surname turned quirky first name that is starting to get some attention. In fact, it ranked in the UK Top 1000 in a recent year where it fits in with the likes of Barnaby, Rupert, and Wilbur. 
 
The name has been used for characters in Joanna Quinn's novel, The Whale Bone Theatre, in the TV soap, Holby City and the game Animal Crossing.
 
A similar name is Diggory, found in both Dickens's Martin Chuzzlewit, Hardy's Return of the Native, and C.S Lewis's Narnia novels (spelled Digory). They both have a clunky, old-man vibe, but also share sounds with the modern Briggs and Riggs.

Digby

In the Capability Brown vein -- not a choice to be made lightly. 

Diplomacy

Adventurous word choice, but still quite a burden for a child to bear. 

Discovery

Diversity

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

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 134)

1330+ Boy Names That End in Y