Riley's list of names

  1. Lukas
    • Origin:

      German variation of Lucas
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucanus"
    • Description:

      Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.
  2. Tobin
    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Tobias
    • Meaning:

      "God is good"
    • Description:

      Tobias-related name that makes an attractive and modern-sounding form of the biblical original. It was recently chosen by Karolina Kurkova for her son.
  3. Zayne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Zayn or Zane
    • Description:

      Zayne, Zayn, Zane and Zain are all enjoying tremendous popularity. While all the names sound the same, Zane is actually a variation of John via Shane, while Zayn and the others are rooted in the Arabic culture and mean grace or beauty. Zane is highest on the US popularity list, though the fame of former One Direction member Zayn Malik has narrowed the gap.
  4. Shawn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sean
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Shawn is a phonetic spelling of Sean that may be past its peak – it was a Top 30 name in the early 1970s – but is still quite popular for boys: over 500 baby boys were named Shawn in the US in the most recent year counted vs 800 given the original Sean spelling.
  5. Devin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "poet"
    • Description:

      Devilishly handsome, Devin arrived as Kevin was moving out. Not to be confused (though it often is) with the English place-name Devon. While both Devin and Devon are flagging somewhat for boys, the names have dropped out of the Top 1000 for girls, making it more a masculine and less a unisex name these days.
  6. Matias
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Matthias
    • Description:

      The single T version of Matias is, like Mateo, the Spanish variation of the Hebrew Biblical Matthias or Matthew, while the double T version as in Mattias and Matteo is usually Italian.
  7. Wolfe
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Irish surname and variation of animal name
    • Meaning:

      "wolf"
    • Description:

      The Wolfe spelling shifts this name from animal name to surname-name, aggressive to aristocratic, much like Wilde does for Wild. Some sources suggests that the original bearers of the Wolfe family name were all fierce and cunning, or worked as hunters of wolves, though it may be worth bearing in mind that "Wulf" was used as an element in a number of Old English given names too.
  8. Charley
    • Origin:

      Short form of Charles, French
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Charley is, at this point, an old-fashioned spelling for the most popular short form of Charles, better known these days as Charlie. But Charley is a classic and relates more directly to Charles.
  9. Dex
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dexter
    • Meaning:

      "dyer; right-handed"
    • Description:

      Dex, the nickname for Dexter that is sometimes used on its own, has lots of energy and dynamism. It was chosen by comedian Dana Carvey for his now grown son. With the growing popularity of Dexter, we may be seeing more of Dex.
  10. Ezri
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ezra, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "help"
    • Description:

      Ezra is a Biblical name that is being rediscovered, which means its variation Ezri can't be far behind. Ezri is one of the up-and-coming unisex names starting with E, with the gender divide surprisingly running five to one in favor of girls.
  11. Kaleb
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Caleb
    • Meaning:

      "devotion to God"
    • Description:

      Kaleb is one of several boys' names starting with k that started life as a classic C name, Caleb. Kevin Federline named his boy Kaleb Michael Jackson.
  12. Kody
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cody
    • Description:

      Both Kody and Cody — shining stars of the 90s — are in decline, although more people are choosing Cody than Kody.
  13. Mikah
    • Origin:

      Variation of Micah
    • Meaning:

      "who is like the Lord"
    • Description:

      Micah is now in the Top 100, so naturally the spelling variation Mikah is getting some love too. Either spelling would be a fun and fresh way to honor a Mike or Michael.
  14. Shayne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Shane
    • Description:

      Why add the y.
  15. Eliaz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      The final letter makes the name more unusual and adds some zest. Downside: Sure to be confusion with Elias.
  16. Devyn
    • Description:

      Devyn is a masculine name that emerged as a modern variant of Devon or Devin, which originated as place names and surnames derived from the county of Devon in England. This contemporary spelling with a 'y' became popular in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward distinctive spellings of traditional names. Devyn has a sleek, modern feel while maintaining connections to its geographical origins. The name works well across gender lines, though this entry refers to its masculine usage. Devyn peaked in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s, appealing to parents seeking names with a contemporary edge. The name conveys a sense of quiet strength and individuality. Its Celtic connections give it subtle historical depth beneath its modern appearance.

  17. Zachari
    • Description:

      Zachari is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of Zachary, which derives from the Hebrew name 'Zechariah' meaning 'God has remembered.' This alternate spelling gives the traditional name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining its essential sound and heritage. The name appears in the Bible, where Zechariah was a prophet and priest. Zachari offers a subtle twist on the more common Zachary, which has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries. The variant spelling may reflect Greek or Eastern European influences, where this form is more common. It carries the same friendly, approachable quality as Zachary but with a touch of distinction. For parents seeking a name with biblical roots that's recognizable yet slightly uncommon in its spelling, Zachari provides an interesting alternative.

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