Names Ending in Y for Boys

A playful nickname-y form of Paul, journalist Jessica Schneider used this diminutive as a middle name for her second son in 2024. 

Pauly

Sources give several possible derivations for Paul, but the most likely is a variation of the ancient name Paul. Jane Pauley is a TV host and author.

Pauley

Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part. 

Peabody

Pedey is a masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Pedro, Peter, or similar names derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' As a standalone given name, Pedey is extremely rare, with very limited documented usage. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its '-ey' ending creating a diminutive feel. In sporting contexts, it gained some recognition as a nickname, particularly for baseball player Dustin Pedroia. The informal, affectionate quality of Pedey gives it a youthful energy that some parents might find appealing. However, its primary usage remains as a nickname rather than a formal given name in most naming traditions.

Pedey

And if it's triplets: Pembroke, Pendleton, and Penley. 

Penley

Pennley is a modern masculine name with English surname origins, likely derived from a combination of 'Penn' (meaning 'enclosure' or possibly referring to a hill) and the common suffix 'ley' (meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'). This toponymic name carries a distinguished, preppy quality reminiscent of traditional Anglo-Saxon surnames that have transitioned to first name usage. Pennley remains quite rare as a given name, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive option with a refined sound. Its crisp consonants and familiar suffix create a name that feels both innovative and grounded in naming traditions. The name evokes images of rolling English countryside and carries a subtle sophistication that works well in contemporary contexts while avoiding trendiness.

Pennley

Penly is a rare masculine name with a contemporary feel and ambiguous origins. It may have developed as a modern invention combining elements of popular names like Pen (short for Spencer or Pendleton) with a trendy '-ly' suffix. The name has a gentle, approachable quality while maintaining masculine undertones. Geographically, Penly is also the name of a commune in northern France and a nuclear power plant location, which may occasionally influence its usage. The name remains extremely uncommon in global naming statistics, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique. Its short, two-syllable structure gives it a modern, accessible quality while its rarity ensures individuality.

Penly

Peppy is a masculine name that functions primarily as a nickname but is occasionally used as a given name. It derives from the English word 'pep,' meaning energy, vitality, or high spirits, which emerged in the early 20th century. As a name, Peppy conveys an inherently cheerful, energetic, and lively personality. It's often associated with someone who brings enthusiasm and positivity to any situation. The name remains quite uncommon as a formal given name but appears more frequently as a nickname for names like Joseph, Peter, or Philip. Its playful sound and upbeat associations make it distinctive, though some might consider it more suitable for a childhood nickname than a formal name for professional settings.

Peppy

Percey is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Percy, which derives from the Norman French place name 'Perci.' Historically, Percy emerged as a surname for a powerful English noble family before transitioning to use as a given name. This variant spelling with an 'e' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's classic sound and heritage. Percy/Percey carries aristocratic associations in British culture but also evokes literary connections through characters like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Percy Jackson from modern fiction. The name has a gentle yet distinguished quality that balances tradition with approachability. While never extremely common, Percey has maintained consistent usage throughout English-speaking countries. Parents might choose this spelling variant to personalize a traditional name that suggests refinement, heritage, and a touch of literary romance.

Percey

Piercy is a masculine name of French and English origin, primarily functioning as a surname that has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. Derived from the Norman name Pierre (the French form of Peter) with the diminutive suffix, Piercy essentially means 'son of Peter' or 'little Peter.' The name carries aristocratic associations in Britain, linked to the Percy family who were powerful nobles in northern England. As a given name, Piercy maintains a distinctive, somewhat literary quality, perhaps influenced by its appearance in various historical texts and literature. While uncommon as a first name in modern times, it offers a distinguished alternative to more common variants of Peter.

Piercy

Pearcy is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the surname Percy. The surname itself comes from a place name in Normandy, France, possibly from a Gallo-Roman personal name "Persius" combined with the Celtic suffix "-acum" meaning "place of." Pearcy can be seen as a variant spelling of Percy, which was borne by a powerful noble family in medieval England. As a first name, Pearcy is quite rare, maintaining an exclusive feel. It has never ranked in the top 1000 names in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a distinguished and uncommon name with historical connections.

Pearcy

Pearcey is a masculine name that likely originated as a surname derived from the given name Pierce or Piers, which comes from the Greek name Petros meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. The surname Pearce or Pierce was common in England and Wales, and Pearcey represents a diminutive or affectionate form. As a first name, Pearcey is extremely rare, making it an unusual choice that stands out. It carries a traditional English sound while being distinctive enough to be memorable. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft ending sound. Pearcey might appeal to parents looking for a name with historical roots but wanting something different from popular choices.

Pearcey

Piercey is primarily an English surname that sometimes appears as a masculine given name. It derives from the Norman name Percy, which originally came from a place name in Normandy (Perci). The name has aristocratic associations in British history through the powerful Percy family of Northumberland. As a first name, Piercey remains quite rare, representing the trend of using surnames as given names. The '-ey' ending softens the name somewhat while maintaining its masculine character. Piercey might also be viewed as a variant or elaboration of the more common name Pierce, which comes from the French 'Pierre' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' The name has an appealing blend of strength and refinement, with both historical depth and contemporary style.

Piercey

Petey is a masculine name traditionally used as an affectionate diminutive of Peter, which derives from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This nickname-as-given-name carries a boyish charm and friendly approachability that extends into adulthood. While more common in the mid-20th century, Petey has decreased in formal usage but remains enduring as a nickname. The name evokes a nostalgic Americana quality, bringing to mind simpler times and friendly neighborhood characters. Though informal in nature, some parents choose Petey as a given name for its unpretentious warmth and inviting sound. The name has occasional pop culture references, including the cartoon character Petey Piranha from Mario games, which may influence contemporary associations for younger generations.

Petey

Philly is a masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive of Philip, derived from the Greek 'Philippos' meaning 'lover of horses.' While more commonly known as a nickname or the colloquial reference to Philadelphia, Philly occasionally appears as a given name in its own right. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its ending 'y' sound, typical of affectionate diminutives. As an independent given name, Philly remains quite rare and hasn't appeared in popular name rankings. Some may associate it with the vibrant culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The name's casual, amiable nature might appeal to parents seeking a name that feels warm and unpretentious while maintaining connections to the more formal classic Philip.

Philly

Far-fetched, but friends can always call him Phil. 

Philosophy

Phinny is a playful masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Phineas or possibly Finley. With its cheerful sound and informal style, Phinny carries a boyish charm that can transition well into adulthood as a nickname while offering a distinctive formal option. The name Phineas has biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament, while the nickname Phinny emerged as a natural, affectionate shortening. Extremely rare as a given name, Phinny offers genuine uniqueness while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation and spelling. Its upbeat sound pattern with the bright 'ee' ending gives it a friendly, approachable quality. For parents seeking something uncommon yet playful with historical connections, Phinny provides a distinctive option that balances uniqueness with a certain familiar charm.

Phinny

Pinky is an unconventional masculine name that originated as a nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It typically refers to the smallest finger on the hand or the pinkish color. As a given name for boys, it remains quite rare in Western countries but has seen some usage in India and other South Asian communities. The name carries playful, endearing qualities that challenge traditional masculine naming conventions. Pinky may be used as a diminutive for names like Peter or Paul in some cases, though increasingly it stands on its own. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its cheerful connotations and distinctive character that sets their son apart from more conventional names.

Pinky

A name you would probably want to use only if it's in your family history.  The first syllable moves it miles away from the softer Whitney.


Pitney

Pittney is an uncommon masculine name with likely English origins, possibly derived from a surname or place name. It may be connected to locations in England such as Pitney in Somerset. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound typical of surname-to-first-name conversions. Pittney remains very rare as a given name, maintaining exclusivity for those seeking something unique. The name has a refined quality that blends traditional English naming conventions with contemporary appeal. While lacking widespread usage statistics, Pittney offers parents an uncommon option that sounds established despite its rarity. The name carries a sophisticated air without being pretentious and works well in professional settings while remaining distinctive.

Pittney

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 150)

1330+ Boy Names That End in Y