Family Tree Names - Male

Milo is most commonly considered to be Germanic name derived from the Latin word miles, meaning "soldier." However, there is evidence to suggest it also may have independently spawned from the Slavic root milu, meaning "merciful." Milo predates brother name Miles, a variation that evolved when the name immigrated to the British Isles in the Middle Ages. Mylo is an alternate spelling.

If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.

Ivo is an unusual, catchy name with the energetic impact of all names ending in 'o'. Hardly heard in the U.S., it is used a bit more frequently in England, as is the related Ivor, a favorite of such novelists as Evelyn Waugh and P.G. Wodehouse. Ivo is currently most popular in the Netherlands.

While the most famous Dusty, Dusty Springfield, might be female, Dusty as a boys' name is derived directly from Dustin. And there are about twice as many baby boys named Dusty as baby girls -- 33 to 14 last year, so a fairly rare name for either sex.

If you think there are too many Zachs around, you can use this historic nickname for Zachariah instead, though it does have a somewhat feminine feel.

Though a common name in Hungary, with the spelling Zoltán, the relatively rare Z sound is striking to English speakers. Penn Gillette used the Zolten spelling for his son; it was also the name of Dracula's dog, and was also a robotic character in Dude, Where's My Car?.

Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.

A fresh Dutch take on George, although you’re likely to get pronunciation errors upon first meetings.

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah. Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

Odo is an ancient Germanic masculine name with rich historical connections. The more modern form is the new fashionable Otto.

A bit too elephantine for a modern child.

Halfdan is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, literally meaning "half Danish" or possibly "half Dane." Historically significant in Scandinavian cultures, particularly in Norway and Denmark, it was borne by several notable Viking Age kings, including Halfdan the Black, father of Harald Fairhair who unified Norway. The name reflects the complex political and cultural relationships in medieval Scandinavia, possibly indicating mixed ancestry or political alliances. Though rare outside Scandinavia today, Halfdan maintains cultural significance in Nordic countries as a connection to their Viking heritage. In modern usage, it appeals to parents interested in names with strong historical roots and distinctive Old Norse character, representing strength and noble lineage.

A biblical character who was one of David's most valiant warriors and was known for being fast. But in the modern English-speaking world, this name may be too close to an insulting anatomical word.