Boys Names U Through Z

Valerien is a distinguished masculine name with Latin and French origins, derived from the Roman family name Valerius, meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' It shares roots with the more common Valerian, associated with the Roman Emperor Valerian and the healing herb of the same name. The French spelling gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality. Valerien conveys strength and nobility while maintaining a gentle, refined sound. Extremely rare in contemporary usage, particularly outside French-speaking regions, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common 'Val' names like Valentine or Valentin. The name combines historical depth with a melodic pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking something both classical and uncommon.

The final o adds a macho touch.

Valerius is an ancient Roman family name turned first name. While Valerius is more familiar as its derivatives Valerie and Valerian, the rise of Roman names ending in S for boys may inspire a revival of this strong choice.

Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.

A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.

Vashon is an uncommon name with several possible origins. It may derive from Vashon Island in Washington state, which was named after British naval officer James Vashon in the 1790s. As a personal name, Vashon began appearing in U.S. records primarily in the latter half of the 20th century. The name could also potentially have connections to French surname origins, possibly related to 'vache' (cow) or representing a variation of other surnames. Some sources suggest possible connections to various linguistic roots, though these etymologies aren't definitively established. Vashon has been used predominantly as a masculine name in the United States, though it remains relatively rare. The name has a distinctive sound with its emphasis on the first syllable and the soft ending, giving it an elegant and uncommon quality among contemporary names.

Basil and all his brothers and sisters have a meaning related to royalty, sometimes cited as king, queen, royal, regal.

Vasilak is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Vasilios' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' This rare name is primarily found in Greek communities and Eastern European regions. The diminutive suffix '-ak' adds an endearing quality to the traditional Vasilis/Basil name. While not common in mainstream Western culture, Vasilak carries the dignified associations of its root name while offering a distinctive alternative. The name may be found occasionally among Greek diaspora communities but remains relatively uncommon in most naming statistics. Those named Vasilak might appreciate the connection to Greek heritage and the subtle nod to nobility in their name's meaning.

An ancient Gaulish king with a cumbersome name and history. Vercingetorix was the leader of the Arverni tribe, who united the Gauls in a revolt against Roman forces during Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars. He was ultimately defeated, brought to Rome, and executed.

This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.

Place-name waiting to be discovered.

Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.

A new one for the ever-growing collection of royal baby names.

Victor is one of the earliest Christian names, borne (as Vittorio) by several saints and popes, symbolizing Christ's victory over death. It has been quietly in the Top 200 since 1880, but just recently has taken on a cool edge by fashionable parents in London and seems ripe for a similar reevaluation here too.

This classic yet poetic Italian name for boys, is a Top 50 choice in its native Italy, and has been climbing up the charts in the US and the UK too. It had sporadically made the US charts throughout the 20th century, but it has been consistently present since 2009.

Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.

The name of the greatest Roman poet and an early Irish saint who believed the earth was round, Virgil is heard most notably today as the name of designer Virgil Abloh of Off-White.

Viridius was a pagan god of ancient Roman Britain. An alternative spelling is Viridios.

Deriving from the Roman cognomen Vivianus, Vivian was originally a masculine name, with Vivien being a feminine soundalike coined by Alfred Lord Tennyson for the Lady of the Lake in his famous poetic adaptation of the legend of King Arthur. It has since become a much more popular choice for girls in the US, but retains a refined British charm which sees it cropping up occasionally for boys in the Telegraph birth announcements.