2014 NBA Slam Dunk Names for Boys

Chandler

English from French occupational name

"candle maker"

For a generation, this name will always be linked to 1990s hit TV series Friends . Whether this is a positive or a negative will depend on your fondness for the show, and character Chandler Bing, but…

Thaddeus

Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from Theodore

"gift of God"

Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international…

Ricky

English diminutive of Richard or Frederick

"dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"

Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.

Amare

African

"handsome"

Originating in Ethiopia, this warm-feeling name is now associated with Phoenix Suns basketball player Amare Stoudemire. It has ranked in the US Top 1000 since 2005.

Andrea

Italian variation of Andrew, Greek

"strong and manly"

Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name…

Arron

Arron is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Aaron, which has ancient Hebrew origins. The biblical Aaron was the elder brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the…

Beno

Beno is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a short form of Benedict (meaning 'blessed'), Benjamin ('son of the right hand'), or various Slavic names containing the element…

Brook

English nature name

"small stream"

Now that the popularity of Brooke is waning, and surname style variant Brooks is on the rise, Brook seems live a newly fresh nature-inspired option.

Chauncey

Latin

"chancellor"

A name halfway between its old milquetoast image and a more jovial Irish-sounding contemporary one.

Conley

Anglicization of Conleth, Irish

"chaste fire; constant fire"

Conley has a contemporary surname feel but is actually vintage in its usage. It was used as a masculine given name through the 1940s and peaked in 1905 at Number 709. Ready for revival? Definitely.…

Danilo

Ukrainian; Serbian; Italian; Brazilian Portuguese, variation of Daniel

"God is my judge"

Makes a Biblical favorite new and interesting.

Delfino

Italian

"of Delphi"

Heard more often as a surname in Italy, its meaning has also been linked to the dolphin--which would make a cool nursery motif.

Deron

Deron appears to be a modern given name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Darren (from the Irish Ó Dairinín, meaning "descendant of Dairin"), or could be derived from the Greek…

Doron

Hebrew

"gift"

Benevolent name found in Israel in several forms, including Doran and Doroni.

Duncan

Scottish

"dark warrior"

Duncan is jaunty, confident, and open, a Scottish royal name that's brimming with friendly charm and makes it into our golden circle of names that are neither too popular nor too strange. Popularity…

Durant

English and French from Latin

"enduring"

Durant's meaning signifies staying power, a good quality to impart to your child. Notables with the surname Durant include Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Will and Ariel Durant, most famous for their…

Garnett

Garnett is a name of English origin that began as a surname derived from the gemstone garnet, a deep red precious stone. The name was traditionally given to boys but has occasionally been used for…