Dad Names

  1. Jaquan
    • Description:

      Jaquan is a contemporary masculine name that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. The name appears to combine elements of the popular prefix 'Ja-' (found in names like Jamal and Jabari) with possibly 'Quan,' which may derive from Arabic or other sources meaning 'strength' or 'power.' Another theory suggests influence from the name Juan (Spanish form of John). Jaquan experienced particular popularity in the 1990s, when it entered the U.S. Social Security Administration's top 1000 names list. Its usage patterns show regional variations across different communities in America. The name represents the modern naming trend of creating distinctive combinations that often blend sounds from various linguistic traditions. While fairly uncommon in most regions, Jaquan carries a strong, contemporary sound with a rhythmic quality.
  2. Dandre
    • Description:

      Dandre combines two naming elements: 'Dan' (a shortened form of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge' in Hebrew) and 'Andre' (derived from the Greek 'Andreas,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave'). This combination name emerged in the United States during the late 20th century, reflecting a trend of creating compound names from established naming elements. Usage data indicates it gained modest popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The name represents a pattern of blending traditional name components to create something both familiar and distinctive. Similar constructed names include Deandre and Leandre. The spelling variation without an apostrophe (compared to potential form D'Andre) represents a common pattern of simplification in contemporary naming practices.
  3. Brennen
    • Description:

      Brennen is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins, derived from the surname Brennan, which means 'descendant of Braonán' (Braonán being a personal name meaning 'sorrow' or 'moisture'). This contemporary spelling variation of Brennan has gained moderate popularity in the United States since the 1990s as parents sought distinctive yet familiar-sounding names. Brennen offers the appealing nickname option 'Bren' and projects strength and individuality. The name carries a modern feel while maintaining traditional roots, appealing to parents who want a name that's both distinctive and accessible. Though never reaching the top 100 names, Brennen has maintained steady usage, particularly in families with Irish heritage who appreciate its cultural connections.
  4. Cristian
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Romanian and Italian form of Christian, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "follower of Christ"
    • Description:

      Both Christian and Cristian rank in the US Top 500 names for boys, and while the classic "Ch" spelling is used more than four times as often, Cristian is still given to more than 1000 boys each year, and is often used in the Hispanic community.
  5. Raheem
    • Origin:

      Variation of Rahim, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "empathetic, merciful"
    • Description:

      A strong Arabic choice with a covetable meaning — one of the most important considerations in the Muslim baby name practice.
  6. Jamel
    • Description:

      Jamel is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Arabic name Jamil or Jamal, meaning 'beautiful' or 'handsome.' Alternatively, it could be connected to the Hebrew name Gamaliel, meaning 'reward of God,' or represent a variant of Jamal or James. The name has been documented in various cultures and regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, and Western countries. In the United States, Jamel gained noticeable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking in usage during this period. The name's streamlined spelling gives it a modern feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. While less common in recent decades, Jamel continues to be used across diverse communities in the United States and internationally.
  7. Bernardo
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "strong as a bear"
    • Description:

      This Latinate form of Bernard hovered in the lower regions of the US Top 1000 from the late 1940s until 2006, possibly inspired by the character in West Side Story. It remains popular in Portugal and it does have a little more flair than the grandpa style Bernard.
  8. Reilly
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "courageous"
    • Description:

      This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is one name that's remained popular for both boys and girls.
  9. Deandre
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Meaning:

      "son of Andre"
    • Description:

      A popular choice amongst the African American naming community in the 90s, Deandre has been falling out of style in favor of more contemporary choices.
  10. Nikko
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Nicholas
    • Meaning:

      "victory of the people"
    • Description:

      Nico is a fun and lively nickname, full of charm, and suitable both as a full name and a short form. Nikko is a unique spelling that currently sits just outside of the US Top 1000.
  11. Deangelo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from the angel"
    • Description:

      This name obviously has the prefix De- that denotes "son of"—in this form it can mean either "son of Angelo" or "from the angel."
  12. Jaren
    • Description:

      Jaren is a contemporary masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may have developed as a variant of Jaron (Hebrew for 'to sing' or 'to shout'), a masculine form of Karen (Danish, meaning 'pure'), or as a variation of Jared (Biblical, meaning 'descent'). The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Jaren has a modern, streamlined sound that appeals to parents seeking a name that's recognizable but not overused. Its short, two-syllable structure and familiar phonetics make it easy to pronounce across various languages and cultures. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining subtle connections to traditional naming roots.
  13. Akeem
    • Origin:

      Variation of Hakeem, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "judicious"
    • Description:

      This variation of one of the 99 attributes of Allah was used for the hero of Coming to America.
  14. Efrain
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ephraim
    • Description:

      On the Latino Hit Parade, heard much more often than the English version.
  15. Jaleel
    • Description:

      Jaleel is a masculine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'great,' 'noble,' or 'revered.' It has been used across various Muslim communities throughout the world and gained notable recognition in America during the 1990s, partly due to actor Jaleel White who portrayed Steve Urkel on the television show 'Family Matters.' The name combines melodic qualities with strong meaning, making it both aesthetically pleasing and symbolically powerful. Jaleel typically ranks among moderately popular Arabic names in Western countries, appreciated for its distinctive sound and positive associations with greatness and dignity.
  16. Tyree
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "from Tyrie"
    • Description:

      Hundreds of families have adopted this Scottish name, attracted by its trendy Ty beginning and upbeat second syllable. (Tyrell and Tyrese are also increasing in popularity. ) Tyree Glenn was a great jazz trombonist.
  17. Dalvin
    • Description:

      Dalvin appears to be a modern constructed name that may have emerged as a blend of traditional names like Dale, Calvin, Alvin, or Melvin. It first gained noticeable usage in the United States during the 1970s and saw increased popularity through the 1990s. The name combines a short, strong first syllable 'Dal-' with the familiar ending '-vin' found in several traditional male names. This construction follows common naming patterns that blend recognizable elements to create something distinctive yet familiar-sounding. While not among the most common names, Dalvin has maintained steady usage since its emergence. The name has been documented across various regions in the United States. Notable bearers include several athletes, which may have contributed to its recognition.
  18. Dangelo
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Deangelo
    • Description:

      Even less popular than the rarely-used Deangelo. This spelling is likely helped by singer-songwriter and record producer D'Angelo.
  19. Marquez
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "nobleman"
    • Description:

      This Spanish spelling of Marquis is popular in its own right.
  20. Dontae
    • Description:

      Dontae appears to be a variant spelling of Dante or Donte. The name Dante has Italian origins, derived from the medieval shortened form of the name Durante, meaning 'enduring' or 'lasting.' The famous 13th-14th century Italian poet Dante Alighieri helped popularize this name. The variant spelling Dontae emerged more recently, primarily in the United States, showing increased usage beginning in the 1980s and 1990s. The addition of the letter 'a' creates a slightly different pronunciation while maintaining the connection to the original name. This spelling variation follows a pattern seen in many American names where traditional names are given alternative spellings. The name has maintained modest usage in the United States, though it's less common than the standard spelling Dante. Dontae has a strong, distinctive sound that contributes to its appeal.