User-created list
By lesliemarion · Updated May 2023
Across 26 pages
of 26
Scottish
"from the river island"
Innis is the name of an island (and Gaelic word for island) which became a Scottish surname and clan name before being used as a first. It hasn't been heard much in the U.S., but could attract more…
Irv is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of Irving, which has Old English origins meaning 'green water' or 'sea friend.' This short, punchy name gained modest popularity in the early to…
English variation of Yves
"yew wood"
Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.
English month name, Latin
"doorway"
Cooler than the older month names like April and May, and a highly unusual and eye-catching choice. The most famous real-life January is female – January Jones – but the month is named for the Roman…
Latin
The meaning of this ancient Roman god's name relates to transitions, hence its connection to the name of the first month of the new year, a time of fresh beginnings. Janus is usually depicted as a…
Polish form of Johannes or John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
Janusz is a Polish masculine name derived from the Latin name Johannes, which comes from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' It represents the Polish equivalent of John or Johannes. Janusz…
Diminutive of Japheth
"he expands"
Japhy Ryder was a hero of Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums . Compared with Moses and Noah, Japhy sounds downright adorable and eminently baby-worthy.
Juliusz is the Polish variant of Julius, a masculine name with ancient Roman origins. Derived from the Roman family name Julius (as in Julius Caesar), it's ultimately connected to the Greek 'ioulos'…
Spanish variation of Junius
Junot, which sounds like the goddess and indie movie name "Juno" and the Alaskan place name Juneau, is actually someting completely different. The literati will recognize the unusual name of writer…
English literary name
"kite"
Poetic and easy to pronounce (it's keets), this is one of many poets' names to consider, such as Auden, Eliot, Frost, Byron, Lorca, Marlowe, Blake, Emerson and Tennyson. Likely meaning "kite", in…
English
"brave, bold helmet, keen protection"
A rarely used member of the Ken- family, Kenelm has a rugged, surname-style feel. Borne by a 9th century martyr and a member of the Mercian royal family, it could make an intriguing namesake for a…
Breton literary name
Kerouac could make for a meaningful possible modern literary inspiration, via On the Road author Jack. The writer's baptism certificate read Jean Louis Kirouac, though he later claimed his full name…
English diminutive of Laurence
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
A sweet and sophisticated nickname which feels fresh again after many years in style limbo. For literature lovers, it brings to mind Theodore "Laurie" Laurence from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women .…
Lawry is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive form of Lawrence or a variant of Lowry. Lawrence derives from Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' (an ancient Italian city known for…
Lienzo is an uncommon masculine name with Spanish origins, literally meaning 'canvas' or 'linen cloth.' This artistic name evokes creativity, possibility, and the blank canvas of potential that a…
Lorenso is a masculine name representing a variation of Lorenzo, which itself derives from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel." The laurel wreath was a symbol…
English and Scottish variation of Ludwig
"famous warrior"
Euro-cool. Heard more in Scotland than in England or the US, Ludovic Lesly is a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Quentin Durward and Sir Ludovic Kennedy was a noted Scottish broadcaster and…
"grove near the island, place by the marsh"
A lively and engaging Scottish surname with an outdoorsy feel, Lundy (almost) coincides with the French word for Monday.
"servant of Saint John"
Whether you pronounce it Mac-cleen or Mac-clayn, this is one of the crispest and most appealing of the Mac names. The Scottish clan Maclean is one of the oldest of the Highland Scottish clans. Trivia…
Irish
"little dog"
A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and…
