One for the Gents
- Thayne
Description:
Thayne is a distinctive masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from an English surname meaning 'thane's land' (referring to a medieval Scottish or Anglo-Saxon nobleman), or it could be related to the Welsh name meaning 'follower.' Some sources suggest it may have Norse roots. Thayne remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it a unique appeal for parents seeking distinctive names. The name has a strong, masculine sound with its single syllable and 'th' beginning, which conveys a sense of strength and reliability. In the United States, Thayne saw modest usage beginning in the mid-20th century but has never entered mainstream popularity, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive choice.
- Patton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fighter's town"Description:
Patton is an attractive name in the fashionable Haden-Peyton mold, though there is that association with the severe wartime general.
- Gardiner
Description:
Gardiner is a masculine name of Old French and English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the occupational term for one who tends or works in gardens, it literally means "gardener" or "keeper of the garden." As a first name, Gardiner carries aristocratic and professional connotations, with historical associations to prominent families particularly in Britain and New England. While uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents drawn to occupational surnames and traditional English naming patterns. Gardiner suggests qualities of nurturing, cultivation, and patience, with subtle connections to nature and growth. The name has a distinguished, classic quality that evokes landed gentry and refined tastes.
- Sender
Origin:
YiddishMeaning:
"defender of men"Description:
Also an English surname, Sender derives from Alexander and has an attractive modern sound. Though given to only a handful of baby boys per year, it nevertheless is in step with the brotherhood of er-ending choices fashionable today.
- Flavius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"yellow, blond"Description:
Flavius is an ancient Roman family name associated with a dynasty of emperors. It has an appealingly flavorful first syllable, and is the name of a stylist in the Hunger Games series.
- Goldwyn
Description:
Goldwyn is a distinguished masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining elements meaning 'gold' and 'friend.' The name gained recognition primarily through Samuel Goldwyn, the famous Polish-American film producer who co-founded Goldwyn Pictures and contributed to the formation of MGM Studios. As a first name, Goldwyn remains quite rare, giving it an air of exclusivity and sophistication. It suggests qualities of value, friendship, and creative achievement. The name carries a certain Hollywood glamour while maintaining a classic, dignified sound. For parents seeking a name with both historical roots and a touch of artistic prestige, Goldwyn represents an uncommon yet meaningful choice.
- Galway
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.
- Cavanaugh
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"born handsome or son of Caomhan "Description:
Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be spelled Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Cavenagh, and Kavanaugh.
- Pitney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"island, dry ground in moss"Description:
A name you would probably want to use only if it's in your family history. The first syllable moves it miles away from the softer Whitney.
- Simm
Origin:
Short form of Simon or Simeon, HebrewMeaning:
"the listener"Description:
You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.
- Gilead
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"a camel hump"Description:
Like Bethany and Shiloh, a meaningful biblical place-name.
- Paterson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Peter"Description:
Paterson is a surname-name to continue a line of Peters and also the name of a city in New Jersey, hometown of poets William Carlos Williams and Allen Ginsberg.
- Gerhard
Origin:
German variation of GerardDescription:
In its native Germany, Gerhard was very popular a hundred years ago and is now rather old-fashioned. It isn't much used by English speakers either, but has a certain clunky charm about it.
- Cavanagh
Description:
Cavanagh is a masculine name with Irish Gaelic roots, derived from the surname 'Caomhánach,' which means 'born of the handsome one' or 'born of Kevin.' Historically a family name associated with the descendants of the 12th-century King of Leinster, it carries a noble heritage. As a first name, Cavanagh is part of the modern trend of using surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking Irish heritage connections. The name has a strong, distinguished sound while offering the friendly nickname options of 'Cav' or 'Van.' Though still uncommon as a first name, Cavanagh has seen modest increased usage in the United States, Australia, and Ireland in recent decades, particularly among families celebrating their Celtic roots.
- Amis
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
The surname of father-son British writers Kingsley and Martin could work very well as a first, though its Amy connection makes it sound a tad feminine.
- Bechet
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
Woody Allen used this name for his daughter to honor jazz hero Sidney Bechet -- and it could work for a boy as well.
- Fen
- Crusoe
- Bae