Boys Names
- Adley
Origin:
Variation of Adlai or HadleyDescription:
Adley is one of those rare unisex names that probably developed via different paths on the girls' and boys' sides, with the male Adley a phonetic spelling of the Hebrew Adlai, while the girls' version, which briefly made the Top 1000 in 2012, is an abbreviation of the trendy Hadley, an English place name and surname.
- Akim
Origin:
Russian form of Hebrew JEHOIAKIMMeaning:
"God will establish"Description:
This strong and commanding Russian name is pronounced ah-KEEM.
- Axl
Origin:
Variation of Axel, Scandinavian version of AbsalomMeaning:
"father of peace"Description:
Guns 'n' Roses musician Axl (born William) Rose created this name by dropping a vowel, a la Barbra Streisand. The traditional Axel is more popular, though celebrity parents Fergie and Josh Duhamel deliberately chose the Axl spelling to honor her rock hero.
- Everest
Origin:
Place-name, world's tallest mountainMeaning:
"from Évreux"Description:
This twist on the popular Everett takes it to lofty heights and gives it a geographical and nature-inspired link. The snow-capped Everest could make a name that stands out without feeling too out there, and it may be seen more often in the classroom (that is, outside of the textbooks) in coming years.
- Gideon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hewer; or, having a stump for a hand"Description:
Gideon is a no-longer neglected Old Testament name, but still makes an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond such overused biblicals as Benjamin and Jacob. In the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge called on by God to rescue the Jews from the Midianites, and the name was popular among the Puritans.
- Indi
Origin:
Variation of Indie, EnglishMeaning:
"independent"Description:
A true maverick of a girls' name — even more so with this spelling, the least common between Indie, Indy, and Indi.
- Leander
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lion-man"Description:
Leander was once an almost unknown name, however, with the popularity of Leo and the rise of Leandro, it now feels like a perfectly accessible alternative to Leon or Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.
- Lienzo
Description:
Lienzo is an uncommon masculine name with Spanish origins, literally meaning 'canvas' or 'linen cloth.' This artistic name evokes creativity, possibility, and the blank canvas of potential that a child represents. Though rare as a first name, Lienzo has been gaining modest attention among parents seeking unique names with creative associations. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and distinctive 'z,' making it both memorable and pleasing to the ear. Lienzo carries subtle artistic connotations without being overly thematic, offering a name that's unique without being difficult to pronounce. For families with Spanish heritage or those drawn to artistic symbolism, Lienzo represents an expressive, uncommon choice that balances uniqueness with accessibility.
- Luka
Origin:
Russian; Serbian; Croatian; SloveneMeaning:
"man from Lucania"Description:
Luka is one of the coolest names in recent years, following suit of its cousin Luca which is now a Top 50 name. Luka is on its way up the charts and may crack the Top 100 in the very near future. Luka has a lot going for it — it is following the tails of Lucas and Luke which have been enjoying significant popularity for years. It also boasts the very current "-ah" ending sound that feels fresher than ever for boy names, from Noah to Ezra to Judah. The "k" in the middle gives an extra edge as well. This spelling is the traditional form of Luke in various Eastern European countries.
- Maalik
Description:
Maalik is a masculine name with Arabic roots, meaning "king," "master," or "owner." The double 'a' spelling is a transliteration variant that emphasizes the elongated vowel sound in Arabic pronunciation. In Islamic tradition, Malik is also the name of the angel who guards hellfire. The name carries connotations of leadership, authority, and strength. Maalik has been embraced across various Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries. While maintaining its traditional appeal, the name has seen increased global recognition in recent decades. Parents often choose this name for its powerful meaning and cultural significance, representing dignity and noble character.
- Macallister
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Alasdair"Description:
Macallister as a first name is attracting new attention as the name chosen by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Zack Bogue for their young son. Macallister is usually heard as a patronymic surname, meaning son of Alasdair or Alistair or any one of the spellings of the Scottish form of Alexander. Like all other names of this type, Macallister leads to the cute short form Mac.
- Macario
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Macario is used in the modern US, the Spanish form of the ancient Greek Makarios or Latinized Macarius, the name of several early saints. Accessible and worldly, Macario can lead to the friendly nickname Mac.
- Macclain
Description:
Macclain is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing a variant spelling of MacLean or McClain. These surnames-turned-first-names derive from the Gaelic 'Mac Gille Eain,' meaning 'son of the servant of John.' As a first name, Macclain emerged as part of the trend of transforming traditional Scottish clan surnames into given names. Though relatively uncommon, it has gained modest attention in recent decades, particularly among families with Scottish heritage seeking to honor their ancestry. The name carries strong associations with the Highland clans and Scottish tradition. Macclain offers a distinctive alternative to more common Mac/Mc names while maintaining authentic Scottish roots and a strong, masculine sound.
- Macclayn
Description:
Macclayn is a masculine name that appears to be a modern, creative spelling variant of McClain or MacLean, traditional Scottish surnames meaning 'son of the servant of Saint John.' This contemporary adaptation maintains the strong Celtic heritage while adding a distinctive spelling that sets it apart. Macclayn is quite rare as a first name, appealing to parents who want a unique name with historical roots. The name carries associations of Scottish clan heritage and strength. Its unusual spelling offers the familiar sound of McClain but with a visual twist that makes it stand out on paper. Macclayn has a masculine, rugged quality while the 'y' adds a touch of modern styling to this heritage-rich name.
- Maclain
Description:
Maclain is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, functioning as an Anglicized spelling variant of 'MacIain' or 'MacIan,' which literally means 'son of John.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries the strong heritage and clan associations common to Scottish patronymic naming traditions. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic quality while maintaining a contemporary sound. Though rare as a first name, Maclain appeals to parents with Scottish heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with clear cultural roots. The pronunciation may vary, with some saying 'mak-LANE' while others prefer 'mak-lin.' Maclain offers the trendy appeal of surnames as first names while providing a direct connection to Celtic heritage and history.
- Maddux
Origin:
Variation of Maddox, WelshMeaning:
"son of Madoc"Description:
The popularity of handsome Welsh surname Maddox led to the creation of this spelling variation, connected to baseball great Greg Maddux.
- Mannix
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"a little monk"Description:
An X-ending surname less common than the Jolie-Pitt-inspired Maddox. Grandparents might still associate it with the old TV crime show.
- Pascoe
Origin:
Cornish variation of PascalMeaning:
"Easter"Description:
Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.
- Seneca
Origin:
Latin surname and Native AmericanMeaning:
"people of the standing rock"Description:
Seneca's distinguished heritage as the name of the ancient Roman philosopher-playwright who tutored Nero, and of an Iroquois tribe makes this an interesting choice for either sex.
- Vasco
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"someone from the Basque region"Description:
Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.