Tenacious T Names [boys]
- Theodore
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Classic and elegant but with boyish charm, Theodore has become hit name in recent years, vaulting into the US Top 10 in 2021 for the first time ever and into the Top 5 in 2024. A favorite in English speaking countries, it also ranks highly across the UK and Ireland, and in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Thelonious
Origin:
Latinized variation of German Tielo or TillMeaning:
"people"Description:
One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited this Latin-sounding German name from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960's, with just a sprinkling of baby boys receiving the name each year, though it's one of the unique baby names we predict will get much less unique as more parents embrace its quirky charms.
- Thomas
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"twin"Description:
A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100, Thomas feels like a safe bet and a name that fits into any era.
- Tobias
Origin:
Greek from HebrewMeaning:
"God is good"Description:
Tobias is one of a number of s-ending boys' names that are riding a wave of popularity. With its Old Testament-Dickensian feel, it's a name with a distinguished pedigree.
- Thaddeus
Origin:
Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from TheodoreMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international variations.
- Tucker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"fabric pleater"Description:
Tucker has more spunk than most last-name-first-names, and also a positive, comforting ("Tuck me in, Mommy") feel.
- Travis
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"tollgate-keeper"Description:
Has a laid-back rural feel some would associate with country singer Travis Tritt; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon chose it for their son. Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster Jr., a popular rap artist, is another famous Travis.
- Talon
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"large claw of a bird of prey"Description:
Rough and rugged, Talon is often associated with birds of prey, though more generally, it refers to any large claw, whether that's physical, metaphorical, or fantastical. The name has appeared in the video games League of Legends and The Legend of Zelda, in DC Comics' Teen Titans, in the Star Wars franchise (twice), and in the movies Transformers and Ratatouille.
- Tolliver
Origin:
English and Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"metalworker"Description:
If you're tired of Oliver, you might consider this energetic three-syllable surname instead, so you could have a little Tolly instead of an Ollie.
- Tavish
Origin:
Scottish variation of ThomasMeaning:
"twin"Description:
This Scottish form of Thomas has a lot of charm, evoking images of men in plaid kilts playing the bagpipes. As for the 'ish' ending, it could either be seen as cozy and hamish, or a little wishy-washyish.
- Thor
Origin:
Norse and ScandinavianMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.
- Topher
Origin:
Diminutive of ChristopherDescription:
The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.
- Twain
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divided in two"Description:
Twain can be thought of as a modernization (and possible namesake) of the dated Wayne, seasoned with the humor of Mark Twain, who adopted it from a river term.
- Tejas
Description:
Tejas is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'radiance,' 'brilliance,' or 'splendor.' In Hindu culture, it refers to the spiritual essence that represents energy, vigor, and mental power. Tejas is also the Sanskrit word for 'fire' and is associated with light and illumination. The name has gained popularity among Indian families globally who appreciate its cultural significance and positive connotations. In the United States, Tejas has additional significance as the original name for Texas, derived from a Native American Caddo word meaning 'friends' or 'allies.' This dual heritage makes Tejas an appealing cross-cultural choice with meaningful connections to both South Asian traditions and American geography. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality.
- Tennessee
Origin:
Native American, Cherokee, place-nameMeaning:
"bend in the river or meeting place"Description:
When playwright Thomas Lanier Williams adopted the pen name of Tennessee, he created a new possibility among American place-names, although it's admittedly a bit bulky in size.
- Thanos
Origin:
Greek, diminutive of AthanasiosMeaning:
"immortal"Description:
Thanos originated as a short form of Athanasios, a Greek name meaning "immortal." It is composed of the elements a, a negative Greek prefix, and thanatos, meaning "death." St. Athanasius, who used the Latin spelling of the name, was a bishop of Alexandria and known for his opposition to Arianism.
- Thoreau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"strength of a bull"Description:
A dashing French surname name most famously borne by Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist, writer and philosopher who influenced such notable figures as Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. The most common modern American pronunciation is "thor-OH", with emphasis on the final syllable, although Thoreau himself pronounced it "THOR-oh".
- Tivadar
Description:
Tivadar is a masculine Hungarian name derived from the Greek name Theodore, which means 'gift of God.' This distinctive name has been used in Hungary for centuries and represents the Hungarian cultural adaptation of a classical name. Notable bearers include Tivadar Puskás, a Hungarian inventor and telephone pioneer, and Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, a renowned Hungarian painter. While primarily found in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities, the name maintains a strong cultural identity. Tivadar carries an air of distinction and European heritage, combining traditional roots with a unique sound that distinguishes it from more common Theodore variants.
- Theobald
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"courageous people"Description:
This is one of the least known or used of the Theo names, quite possibly because of its last syllable. In Samuel Butler's 1903 novel The Way of All Flesh, there is a clergyman character named Theobald Pontifex.
- Talbot
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"command of the valley"Description:
Upscale and upstanding.
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