User-created list
classic and unusual character names for men
Across 18 pages
of 18
Menashe
Hebrew
"causing to forget"
An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.
Mercer
French occupational name
"a merchant"
Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic…
Naren
Sanskrit
"superior man"
Might translate, thanks to Darren connection.
Nashua
Place name from Penacook
"beautiful stream with a pebbly bottom"
The name of a city in New Hampshire which takes its name from the Nashua River, named by the Indigenous Algonquian tribe the Nashuway or Nashua. A striking alternative to Joshua.
Navin
Hindi
"new, novel"
Sleek, and fresh, Navin is a Hindi name that could fit in with the currently popular in/an/en/on-ending boys' names.
Nehorai
Nehorai is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'light' or 'my light.' It appears in Jewish religious texts, particularly in the Talmud where Rabbi Nehorai was a respected sage. The name derives…
Novak
Serbian
"new"
Tennis star Novak Djokovic introduced this new first name to the English-speaking world, though it had long been familiar as a surname. The celebrity Novak, one of the greatest tennis players of all…
Octavian
Latin
"eighth"
With the rise of ancient Roman names, Octavian suddenly seem plausible again. A variation of Octavius and relative of the more modern Octavio, it's an equally attractive member of the trio.
Odissan
African
"thirteenth born son"
If you choose this name, it's not likely to be for the meaning.
Odysseus
Greek mythology name
"wrathful"
The name of the brave, resourceful hero of Homer's epic saga, Odysseus is associated with hatching the Trojan Horse plot, and with his long and challenging journey home to his kingdom. Possibly…
Olen
Variation of Ole and Olena, Scandinavian, Russian, Dutch, "ancestor's relic; eagle; pebbly forest"
"ancestor's relic; eagle; pebbly forest"
Concise and worldly, Olen may be viewed as either an elaboration of Ole or a masculine form of Olena, both of which are Scandinavian names, ultimately derived from the Old Norse Óláfr. Alternatively,…
Ollivander
Literary name, compound of Oliver and Alexander, Latin and Greek
"olive tree and defending men"
A rare twist on modern favorites like Oliver and Alexander, this elaborate option is nevertheless familiar to most people as the surname of the eminent wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, from the Harry…
Orev
Hebrew
"raven"
Idiosyncratic Hebrew choice.
Orson
Latin and English
"bear cub"
In the past, Orson has felt like a one-person moniker, tied to film director Orson Welles, who dropped his given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle. While the Citizen Kane creator…
Osher
Osher is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'happiness' or 'bliss.' This meaningful name carries positive connotations in Jewish tradition, where it represents joy and contentment. While not…
Oswin
Old English
"God's friend"
Ancient name, near obsolete now, but could make a good alternative to Owen for the adventurous baby namer. Doctor Who fans will recognize this as part of his companion's name, Clara Oswin Oswald.
Oxford
English place-name
"from the oxen crossing"
High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.
Parthalan
Irish variation of Bartholomew, Aramaic
"son of the furrow"
Pathalan is a rare Irish name derived from the somewhat-less-rare Bartholomew. Nearly 30 baby boys were named Bartholomew in the US last year, but none were named Parthalan.
Paxon
Paxon is a masculine name of Latin derivation, built on the root 'pax' meaning 'peace.' It can be interpreted as 'peaceful one' or 'bringer of peace.' With its strong, modern sound and meaningful…
Pembroke
English
"bluff, headland"
Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy, but it nevertheless has a preppy air that may appeal to some.