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Hananiah
Hebrew
"God is gracious"
This name appears frequently in the Old Testament, notably as the Hebrew name of Shadrach.
Hazael
Hebrew
"God sees"
This name of an Old Testament king is reminiscent of the woodsy nature name Hazel. Given to just 35 boys in 2024, it could make a similar but less popular option than Top 1000 Azael.
Hershel
Hebrew
"deer"
Gentle meaning and bona fide Hebrew history, but feels old-mannish, like Herman and Menashe.
Ignatius
Latin
"fiery"
The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical…
Ikaros
Ikaros is a masculine name derived from Greek mythology, an alternate spelling of Icarus, the figure who flew too close to the sun with wings made by his father Daedalus. This rare name carries…
Ilias
Greek, from Hebrew
"Yahweh is God"
The Greek form of Elijah.
Isidore
Greek
"gift of Isis"
Isabel, Theodore, and Isadora are back: could it now be time for a more widespread revival of Isidore? Yet to see any big moves up the charts, Isidore was given to more than 30 boys in a recent year:…
Jacques
French variation of James and Jacob
"supplanter"
Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to…
Jonty
Diminutive of Jonathan
"gift of Jehovah"
Jaunty, to say the least, Jonty might be an option if Johnny feels too old school. It has been noticed most often on the playing fields, as in U.K. rugby player Jonty Parkin (born Jonathan) and South…
Keir
Irish
"dark, black"
Keir is a single-syllable name that packs a lot of punch, might suggest -- thanks to its similarity to the word care -- a caring person. Sir Keir Rodney Starmer is a British politician and head of…
Ladislav
Ladislav is a masculine Slavic name composed of the elements 'lad' meaning 'harmony' or 'order' and 'slav' meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' Popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in Czech…
Larkspur
English botanical name
A rarer-than-rare botanical name with a sting in the tail - makes an interesting masculine option that fits in with Aspen, Lark and Arthur.
Lazarus
Latinized Greek variation of Hebrew Eleazar
"God is my helper"
Lazarus is a name that looks as if it could possibly be raised from the dead, just like its biblical bearer. Look for it in the next wave of Old Testament revivals that transcend their long-bearded…
Leopold
German
"brave people"
An aristocratic and stately Germanic route to the popular Leo, Leopold is a royal name: Queen Victoria used it to honor a favorite uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium. These days, this royal tie may be…
Lienzo
Lienzo is an uncommon masculine name with Spanish origins, literally meaning 'canvas' or 'linen cloth.' This artistic name evokes creativity, possibility, and the blank canvas of potential that a…
Luce
Luce is a masculine name with Latin origins derived from 'lux' meaning 'light.' This concise, elegant name carries historical significance while maintaining a contemporary feel. In Italian and French…
Ludo
German
"famous"
This cool and quirky short form of the suave Ludovic could be an even-more-adventurous spin on Nico and Hugo.
Ludovico
Italian variation of Ludwig, German
"famous warrior"
Ludwig may be out, but Ludovico is very very in, at least in Italy. Undiscovered in the US and other English-speaking countries, Ludovico comes with the short form Ludo. The female form Ludovica is…
Lysander
Greek
"liberator"
Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary…
Melchior
Dutch from Hebrew
"city of the king; king of light"
The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider. The exact origins of Melchior are unknown, but it is speculated that it derived from either the Hebrew…