Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Greek
"broad-shouldered"
The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered…
Word name
This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.
English word name
"cotton cloth imported from India; a blotched or spotted animal"
A word name with fashionable o -ending that has associations with both the homespun fabric and the mottled cat. Alice Cooper named his daughter Calico decades ago, while it was selected more recently…
Latin
"scorpion"
Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy. In the soap…
Italian variation of Thaddeus
"gift of God"
A particularly charming spin on the original, as is the Spanish name Tadeo. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016.
Short form of Bardolph or Aboriginal
"water"
Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo , which refers to the Tibetan…
Irish
"hawklike, stately"
One of the jauntiest o' the O' names, the birth name of actor/ rapper Ice Cube.
Italian form of Amadeus
"lover of God"
This euphonious Italian Italian name for boys , often associated with the painter Modigliani, makes a recommended creative choice. The Spanish tend to spell it Amadeo.
"son of the black-eyed one"
Sullivan has made itself into a first name and O'Sullivan may well follow suit.
"son of the courageous one"
Reilly and Riley are hugely popular, but O'Reilly is still an up-and-comer.
"from the chief's line"
Perfect as an updated namesake for Great-Uncle Neal (or Neil).
"son of the kind one"
Most parents interested in this name would be honoring either an ancestor or painter Georgia O'Keeffe.
Luo; Japanese
"bending or leaning; little beach"
The surname of the 44th US President has been been adopted as a first, for girls as well as boys, by admiring parents around the world. And the O beginning even makes it fashionable. Though Barack…
"son of Eaghra"
The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry, and…
"son of the noble one"
Like the other O' names, this is a wonderful way to pass down a family name.
"son of the leader"
Fallon has gone feminine, but this puts it back in the boys' camp.
Irish, 'son of the dark one"
Donovan is on the rise, so why not this sequel?
irish
"son of the brave one"
Forget Donald. Honor Grandpa Don with this new spin.
"son of the hound lover"
Perfect name for the child of dog enthusiasts, and much more distinctive than the trendy Connor.
French variation of German Otthild
"prospers in battle"
Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of…
