User-created list
classic and unusual character names for men
Across 18 pages
of 18
Attila
Hungarian
"little father"
English speaking countries may only associate this with the fifth-century Hun, but the name is still well-used in contemporary Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Usually said to derive from the Gothic…
Aurik
Aurik is a rare masculine name that may have several possible origins. It could be a variation of Auric, relating to gold (from Latin 'aurum'), giving it connotations of wealth and value.…
Averell
Averell is a masculine name of English origin, traditionally a surname derived from the Germanic name Eberhard, composed of elements meaning 'boar' and 'brave' or 'hardy.' As a first name, it carries…
Avrom
Avrom is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing a Yiddish variant of Abraham. The name carries the profound meaning 'father of many nations' or 'father of multitudes.' Primarily used in…
Ax
Word name or short form of Axel
Ax makes a somewhat threatening short form of the popular Axel, given to more than 3000 baby boys last year. It can also be used on its own, though it usually isn't. There were, however, seven baby…
Balthazar
Phoenician
"Baal protects the King"
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold,…
Bardrick
Teutonic
"axe-ruler"
Sounds like...a Teutonic axe-ruler.
Benaiah
Hebrew
"built by God"
Benaiah is an unusual Biblical choice that can get you to Ben.
Bonaventure
Latin
"good fortune"
One for the truly adventurous baby namers, or perhaps an unexpected middle name to liven up a more traditional first. But on trend short form Bo does make it feel a little more accessible.
Booker
English
"scribe"
Booker would make for a very cool name, for writers, reformers, R & B fans and those wanting to pay tribute to Booker T. Washington. Booker T. Washington, born into enslavement, became a dominant…
Borromeo
Italian
"good pilgrim"
A rarely heard saint's name -- Saint Charles Borromeo is the patron of apple orchards and stomach diseases. Borromeo is of course a surname, but if more common Anglo surnames like Parker and Carter…
Breccan
Irish
"freckled, speckled"
This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air. Some modern parents are attempting to update the spelling, as in the…
Brenner
German
"to burn"
Brenner is an occupational surname for both a charcoal burner and a distiller of spirits. One of the least used of occupational surnames, it has that 'er' ending that definitely adds to its…
Brooke
English
"small stream"
The final e adds a big purple bow to what has already become a pink name. Try Brook or better, Brooks.
Buzz
Modern nickname
Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.
Caelan
Irish
"little slender one"
One of several Anglicized forms of Caolán, this spelling is borrowed from the Old Irish root, cáel . With its stylish -an ending and its cool 'KAY' sound, Caelan entered the Top 500 in England and…
Cailan
Cailan is a modern masculine name with Celtic roots. It may be derived from the Irish name Caoilán (pronounced kee-lawn), meaning 'slender' or 'pure,' or it could be a variant of Cailean, the…
Cailean
Irish
"pup, cub"
This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated.
Calix
Male variation of Calixta or Latin
"chalice"
Calix is once-obscure name that is starting to see some use in the US, where 62 baby boys were named Calix in 2024. An indirect influence is the actress Calista Flockhart, who introduced Americans to…
Calloway
English from Latin
"pebbly place"
Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan, Rafferty and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of…