Five Letter Boy Names

Takai is primarily seen as a surname in Japan but has great potential as a first name abroad. The authentic pronunciation is three syllables, but American parents may be saying it as tah-KYE.

Cador is said to be one of the ancient rulers of Cornwall who, according to Arthurian legend, was the guardian of Guinevere. The name Cadbury is said to come from his four hill-forts.

Logan came from nowhere in the past few decades to break the Top 25, and Hogan is a good bet to follow, now that "Hogan's Heroes" has faded from memory.

Abiah is a gentle, rarely used Old Testament name belonging to Samuel's second son. This makes a good choice for the parent who wants a traditional biblical name that is not overly familiar.

Rider is a rock-and-roll baby name, in every sense of the term, though usually spelled Ryder, as in the sons of Kate Hudson and John Leguizamo.

This handsome Japanese name has dozens of possible meanings, depending on the kanji characters used.

French variant of Isaiah

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday). Kwasi is the name for boys born on a Sunday. (The name for girls born on a Sunday is Akosua).

Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.

Ilyas is the more traditional Arabic spelling, but Ilyes is the common version in Northern Africa and France, which has a large Algerian population.

Fresh choice, but with feminine lilt.

This version is a bit more in tune with modern tastes.

Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this name.

A rarely heard biblical name, Zadok is borne by no less than nine Old Testament men.

A handsome and energetic Sanskrit name, borne by Indian actor and comedian Vivek, and Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi.

Originally a Frisian short form of names beginning with the element gild "sacrifice, value". It is also used as a Dutch short form of William.