Boy Names Lists · Middle Names, Surnames, and Nicknames
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Nickname name
Old-school nickname ala Spike and Babe that's favored by some hipster parents.
Short form of Micajah, Hebrew
"Who is like God?"
Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for…
English word name
The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)
Spanish
"boy"
Friendly but flimsy.
Cob is a short, strong masculine name with deep Anglo-Saxon roots. Originally a nickname derived from Jacob, it can also be a standalone name with multiple meanings across cultures. In English, it…
A bouncy midcentury TV nickname name.
Diminutive of Cosmo
"world"
A cool sounding nickname with associations to Bill Cosby.
Diminutive of Cuthbert
"famous, brilliant"
Cuthbert is unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, so Cuddy too may be lost to history.
Curley is a masculine name that originated as a nickname or surname before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. It derives from the Middle English word 'crul' meaning 'curly,'…
Diminutive or Derek or Dermot or Irish place-name
"like an oak"
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…
Diminutive of Richard
"dominant ruler"
Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself. Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of…
Dickie is traditionally a masculine name functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of Richard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' While sometimes used as a…
German, diminutive of Dietrich
Dieter is a classic German name that got lots of satiric exposure via Mike Myers on "Saturday Night Live" a few years back. If mispronounced, it could conceivably be read as someone on a diet.
Diminutive of Robert, English
"bright fame"
Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.
Diminutive of Robert, English from German
Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.
German or English surname
"foolish, mad, strong, ditch"
Briefly used as a male name in the early 20th century. Doll is a surname with a variety of origins and meanings, some more desirable than others.
Doogie is a diminutive masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the 1989-1993 television series 'Doogie Howser, M.D.' featuring a teenage medical prodigy. Originally a Scottish…
Irish
"dark hero"
A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.
Word and comic book name
Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…
Nickname for Philip, Phillip, or Felipe
"lover of horses"
Flip is a cute, attitude-filled nickname for the very proper Philip and variations. A perfect choice if you're looking for a buttoned-up proper name with an informal short form.
