Alternatives to Liam

Aiden in all its spelling variations is the Anglicized version of the Irish Aodhán, which was originally a pet form of the Irish name Aodh (pronounced 'ee'), who was the old Celtic god of the sun and fire. St. Aidan was a famous seventh century Irish saint, noted for his kindness and generosity and for spreading Christianity.

Bram has an unusual measure of character and charm for a one-syllable name; it started as a hipper-than-Abe diminutive of the biblical Abraham, but is also an independent Irish and Dutch name, made famous by Irish-born Dracula creator Bram (nee Abraham) Stoker. Bram is currently Number 16 in the Netherlands; Bram Howard was a character on The West Wing.

Callum, a charming Scottish name high on the list in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is rising through the ranks in the US now too. And it comes complete with the easy nickname Cal.

Cillian is one of the native Irish names that, along with Aiden and Declan, is becoming an unlikely favorite in contemporary America. The Killian spelling has been more popular in the US, but Cillian's star is rising, perhaps thanks to Irish actor Cillian Murphy, star of Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders.

Declan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán. St. Declan was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to Ireland, preceding St. Patrick. Originally from Wales, he founded the monastery of Ardmore in Ireland.

A less common, Biblical alternative to Liam, Elliott, Elias, and Eli. Eliam joined the Top 1000 for the first time in 2021 and was given to around 430 babies in a recent year. In Puerto Rico, it's a Top 50 choice.

Evan has a mellow nice-guy image that has kept it popular, while it has been widely used in Wales since the nineteenth century. And interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, Evan charts highly for boys in France.

Fallon was one of the first of the unisex surname names, but thanks to "Dynasty" in the 1980s it now has a feminine image. For a boy, try Phelan instead.

Gilam is an unusual masculine name with unclear origins, possibly representing a variant of Guillaume (the French form of William), or perhaps related to the Hebrew name Gilam meaning 'their joy.' It may also be a creative variation of more common names like Gillian or Graham. With its succinct two-syllable structure, Gilam has a distinctive yet accessible sound. The name remains extremely rare in contemporary usage, making it an uncommon choice that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Its obscurity makes it appealing to parents seeking truly unique names with a masculine quality and potential historical undertones, though its rarity means it carries few established associations or expectations.

J. R. R. Tolkien introduced a plethora of new names into the world, but this is one character name that never caught on, nor will it likely ever.

With Brooklyn, Trenton, and Camden on the rise, Harlem is one to watch out for. It has lingered down the lower end of the US Top 1000 since 2018 but has been trending upwards. It's already been picked by one celebrity, and it certainly has a stronger historical and cultural identity -- and it could work as an alternative to Harvey or Harley.

Islam is a masculine name derived directly from the Arabic word for the religion of Islam, meaning 'submission' or 'surrender to God's will.' The name has been used for centuries throughout Muslim communities worldwide, reflecting deep religious devotion and cultural identity. While primarily used in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian countries with significant Muslim populations, the name has spread globally with migration. As a given name, Islam directly connects the bearer to the faith's central concept of peaceful submission to divine will. The name carries significant religious meaning for Muslim families and remains consistently used across generations, though its frequency varies by region and cultural context. Its pronunciation (is-LAHM) remains relatively consistent across languages.

Jack may have fallen from its Number 1 place in England, but in the US it's as popular as it was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. A durable, cheery, everyman form of John, Jack ranks as one of the most popular boy names starting with J.

Definite twenty-first- century possibilities, with its stylish K opening, strong first syllable, and softer second.

Lamir is a modern masculine name that has emerged relatively recently in naming records. The name may combine the popular prefix 'La-' (meaning 'the' in Romance languages) with 'mir,' which has roots in several language traditions. In Slavic languages, 'mir' means 'peace' or 'world,' while in various Middle Eastern and South Asian contexts, elements like 'amir/emir' mean 'commander' or 'prince.' The name has been documented with increasing frequency since the 1990s, though it remains uncommon. Lamir represents the contemporary trend of creating distinctive names by combining recognizable elements from various linguistic traditions. The name's brevity and strong consonant ending give it a modern feel while potentially drawing on these older naming elements.

A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon.

Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for thirteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio.

Levi, lighter and more energetic than most biblical names, with its up vowel ending, combines Old Testament gravitas with the casual flair associated with Levi Strauss jeans.

Liam Alejandro is a masculine compound name combining elements from different cultural traditions. Liam, of Irish origin, is a shortened form of William meaning 'resolute protection' or 'strong-willed warrior.' It has become extremely popular globally in the 21st century. Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, derived from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' This bicultural combination reflects the increasingly global and multicultural approach to naming children. The pairing has gained popularity particularly among families with connections to both English-speaking and Hispanic cultures, allowing them to honor dual heritage. The name has a modern, international feel while incorporating traditional elements, making it both contemporary and rooted in naming history.