Different Kind of Boys' Names
- Roel
Description:
Roel is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. Primarily used in Dutch communities, it developed as a shortened form of Roland, meaning 'famous land' or 'famous throughout the land.' In Spanish-speaking regions, Roel can be a variant of Raúl, the Spanish form of Ralph, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'counsel' and 'wolf.' The name is appreciated for its brevity and simplicity, making it easy to pronounce across different languages. In the Netherlands, Roel has maintained moderate popularity as a straightforward, traditional Dutch name. The name has a strong, concise sound that conveys dependability and warmth. While not extremely common globally, Roel appeals to parents seeking a short, international name that works well across cultural boundaries while maintaining a classic masculine quality.
- Romeo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"pilgrim to Rome, Roman"Description:
It wasn't so long ago that Romeo was considered as outre for an American baby as Casanova or Cupid. But that really changed when David and Victoria Beckham chose it for their second son in 2002, a path followed by Jon Bon Jovi.
- Romere
Description:
Romere is a distinctive masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Romero, which comes from Latin and refers to a pilgrim traveling to Rome or a rosemary plant (traditionally worn by pilgrims). Alternatively, it could be a creative modern adaptation of Roman or Romeo. The name has a romantic, somewhat Mediterranean quality with its flowing sounds. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Romere provides an intriguing alternative to more familiar names like Roman, Romeo, or Rowan. Its uniqueness offers individuality while maintaining accessible pronunciation. Parents might choose Romere seeking a name with subtle classical references but a contemporary feel that stands out without seeming too unusual.
- Romulus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"citizen of Rome"Description:
He was the original Roman, Remus's twin and a founder of Rome. But parents attracted to this name are advised to read the legend first. Romulus does have some less than savory characteristics, including killing his twin brother and making Rome in his own image, and is later deified as Quinnius. Romy and Quinn might make good twin names.
- Rowan
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"rowan tree; little redhead"Description:
With its gentle sounds and earthy vibes, the name Rowan feels like a fusion of different styles. A word name, a surname, and a gender-neutral name, Rowan is rustic but trendy, blending the vibes of both Owen and Oakley.
- Ruadhan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Ruadhan (sometimes spelt with a fada: Ruadhán) is a fashionable name in its native Ireland. Borne one of the Twelve Irish Apostles, it originated as a diminutive of Ruadh, meaning "red-haired". It has sometimes been Anglicized as Rowan.
- Ruaidhri
Description:
Ruaidhri is a traditional Irish male name with deep Gaelic roots. It's the original form of the more commonly known Rory, derived from the Old Irish elements "ruadh" meaning red and "rí" meaning king, thus translating to "red king" or "red-haired king." The name carries a strong historical significance in Ireland, having been borne by several Irish kings and nobles throughout medieval times. While Ruaidhri maintains its authentic spelling in Ireland, its pronunciation (roughly ROO-ree) can be challenging for non-Irish speakers, contributing to its relative rarity outside Ireland. The name embodies Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of strength and leadership rooted in ancient Gaelic tradition.
- Rufino
Description:
Rufino is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from "Rufus" meaning "red-haired" or "red-headed." It was traditionally given to boys with reddish hair or ruddy complexions. The name has historical significance in Catholic traditions as several saints bore this name, including Saint Rufino of Assisi. Rufino is particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries, Italy, and Portugal. In the United States, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of uniqueness and classical heritage, often associated with strength and individuality. Its melodic sound with the ending "-ino" gives it a warm, approachable quality while maintaining its traditional roots.
- Rune
Origin:
German and SwedishMeaning:
"secret"Description:
Name with connotations both mystical and tragic, newly popular in Europe. For English speakers, though, this name might be ruined by its homonym ruin.
- Rurik
Origin:
Russian variation of Roderick, GermanMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.
- Ryu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"dragon"Description:
This attractive mini-name combines multiple trends: the R initial, vowel-ending boy names, and a fantastical meaning.
- Raisel
- Ryoshi
- Sabin
Origin:
Romanian, Bulgarian, Basque, from LatinMeaning:
"from the Sabines"Description:
Listed in the Quran as one of the "People of the Book," this male equivalent of Sabina is undiscovered and ripe for the adventurous baby namer. There was also an 8th-century Bulgarian Khan with the name, and it’s still occasionally used in Bulgaria today. Albert Bruce Sabin is the Polish-American scientist credited for the oral polio vaccine
- Sacheverell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"roebuck leap"Description:
Over the top for even the most ardent Anglophile. Sacheverell Sitwell was a member of the prominentliterary Sitwell family.
- Santiago
Origin:
Place-name or LatinMeaning:
"Saint James"Description:
Santiago is a spirited Spanish name with great crossover potential. It's a place-name (a city in Chile), a surname, and the name of the patron saint of Spain.
- Sencio
Description:
Sencio is an uncommon masculine name with possible Latin or Spanish origins. It may derive from the Latin "sentire" (to feel or perceive), suggesting sensitivity or perception. Alternatively, it could be related to Saint Sencius or represent a variant of the Spanish name Sencillo, meaning "simple" or "sincere." The name has remained extremely rare throughout recorded naming history, with very limited documented usage. Sencio has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending, giving it an appealing sound that balances masculinity with a certain softness. The name's obscurity makes it appealing for parents seeking truly unique options with a Mediterranean or Latin flair, while its possible connections to sincerity or sensitivity suggest positive character traits for its bearer.
- Seymour
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"marshy land near the sea"Description:
Out playing shuffleboard at his condo and not expected back for several generations -- unless it morphs into a girls' name, a la Sydney.
- Shem
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"name"Description:
This down-to-earth Bible name is surprisingly little-used, considering the popularity of other Old Testament names. Shem was Noah's eldest son, and is the origin of the term Semitic (as in the language family).
- Sigmund
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"victorious protection"Description:
The connection to Freud is a strong one, but this German name has a strong and interesting sound and great nickname potential: Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid...