Boy Names That End in -er

Following a custom among scholars in Renaissance Germany, Neander is the classical form of the surname Newman. But the bullies at school are sure to call him Neanderthal.

This common German-Jewish surname is not as common as the streamlined, gentile Fisher, although we like this spelling just as much. Both variations peaked around 2015, when Fischer was given to about 100 baby boys, and Fisher 300.

Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.

Chip is stuck in the '60s, but Chipper — with its lively meaning — could be a fun nickname for your chip off the old block.

The name of the protagonist in Richard Wright's 1940 novel Native Son.

Former Top 10 choice in Slovenia, now outside of the Top 50. The unaccented version, Gasper, ranked in the US Top 1000 in 1911 and 1917. The accent over the S specifies an SH pronunciation.

The traditional spelling of River is currently in the US and the UK Top 200s, where it ranks as a solidly unisex option. Ryver, with its edgy Y and sharper, less tranquil vibe has yet to catch up, perhaps because its similarity to Ryder might lead to mispronunciations. Nevertheless, in 2023 it was given to 80 American boys - and to 70 girls - making it an equally unisex choice as River, with a contemporary (though possibly confusing) twist.