User-created list
Oregon Trail era names - boys
Across 29 pages
of 29
Ishmael
Hebrew
"God will hear"
Ishmael is most familiar through "Call me Ishmael," the opening line spoken by the youthful narrator of Moby-Dick . Few American parents have followed that advice, though the Spanish and Arabic…
Ivanhoe
English, possible variation of Ivan
So identified with the hero of the Sir Walter Scott novel, it would be almost impossible for any boy to carry.
Ignatus
Iremis
Jairus
Greek, Hebrew
"God enlightens"
The Greek form of the Hebrew Jair, Jairus appears in the Bible as the father of a girl resurrected by Jesus. Though it is the original, its Spanish variation Jairo is more popular.
Jean
French variation of John
"God is gracious"
One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double…
Jedediah
Variation of Jedidiah, Hebrew
"beloved of the Lord"
Blink and you’ll miss that the first I in Jedidiah was swapped for an E.
Jeptha
Variant of Jephthah
"he opens"
The middle name of a Duck Dynasty castmember, who goes by Jep, derives from the rare Old Testament name that's gone almost completely unused for centuries.
Jermyn
Jermyn is a masculine name with English origins, evolved from the Germanic name Germain, meaning 'brother' or relating to Germania (Germany). It first appeared as a surname, often associated with…
Joab
Hebrew
"praise Jehovah"
Joab is the biblical name of an advisor of David, who led many military victories, and is surely much more usable than the burdened Job. A similar option is Joah, a possible replacement for Jonah or…
Job
Hebrew
"persecuted"
A rare and single syllable Biblical name with a hint of Jude, Jonah, Jacob, and Joseph about it, Job is a weighty choice that may appeal to those who enjoy both heavily Biblical names and short,…
Joram
Hebrew
"exalted by God"
Biblical name from the Old Testament, and a nice full form of the sweet nickname Jory.
Judge
Word name
Eighties star Judge Reinhold (born Edward Jr. , he was given this nickname at the age of two weeks) made this possible, but it could cause a lot of confusion.
Justus
Latin
"just"
More unusual than Justin, less word-like than Justice, this New Testament name could make an intriguing choice. After being off the popularity lists from 1904 to 1993, it is now being used in steady…
Jubil
Karl
German and Scandinavian variation of Charles
Manly almost to the point of macho.
Kent
English surname and place-name
"edge"
Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
Kingsley
English
"king's meadow"
Kingsley is a sophisticated Harry Potter name that entered the US Top 1000 in 2013. Writer Kingsley Amis is its most famous bearer. Cousin Kingston is also rising in popularity, thanks to Gwen…
Keydean
Lafayette
French
"faith"
Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.