Names that end in y
- Andy
Origin:
Diminutive of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Although we prefer Drew to the old Raggedy Andy, Andy has overtaken Drew as a name in its own right. About twice as many baby boys are named Andy, just Andy -- though about eight times as many parents go with the full Andrew.
- Izzy
Origin:
Diminutive of Isabel and IsabellaDescription:
The longer Isabella stays in the Top 10—and it's been there for more than a decade—the more we hear the nickname Izzy (especially if we watch Grey's Anatomy). it's just a matter of time before it stands on its own, as it has as a first name for the daughter of Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher.
- Letty
Origin:
English, diminutive of Letitia or similarMeaning:
"joy, gladness"Description:
Letty is a sweet vintage gem, playful and cosy and more unexpected than Lottie, the popular pet form of popular Charlotte. Originally used as a nickname for Letitia or Lettice, it could also work for Scarlett, Juliet, Violet, Leighton, Arlette, Loretta, Colette, or Liberty.
- Ainsley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"solitary meadow"Description:
This name will tick a lot of boxes for many parents: unisex; trendy sound; pretty instinctive to pronounce; and some great namesakes including British chef Ainsley Harriott and American footballer Ainsley Battles.
- Mickey
Origin:
Diminutive of MichaelDescription:
Pugnacious and spunky like the young Mickey Rooney and the original Mickey Mouse, but virtually never given to babies today.
- Freddy
Origin:
Diminutive of FrederickMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Another old-school nickname getting new attention thanks to TV's Mad Men. Names like Fred, Pete, and George have been out so long it's time for them to come back in. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015 following a two-year absence from the list. It currently ranks Number 199 in England and Wales.
- Joey
Origin:
Diminutive of Joanna or JosephineDescription:
Fun, friendly and fresher than Jo or Josie as a nickname for Joanna or Josephine.
- Story
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"an account of incidents or events"Description:
A new unisex word name with a lot of charm, especially appropriate for the child of writers. Soleil Moon Frye named her second baby boy Story and Jenna Elfman called her son Story Elias.
- Tully
Origin:
Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"flood; quiet; hill"Description:
Tully is an Irish surname just waiting to be adapted as a first. Cute and lively, and reminiscent of Tilly or Tali, it's got a long history and a range of possible meanings, depending on which root you use.
- Benny
- Brantley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sword, fiery torch"Description:
Brantley is one of several English surnames that was new to the tops in 2009. A possible-probable inspiration is the country rock singer Brantley Gilbert.
- Landry
Origin:
French and EnglishMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
Landry is one rising surname name, often after legendary Dallas Cowboys football coach Tom Landry, that is given to boys and girls. But the y ending does give it a feminine sound (as opposed to the more boyish and more popular Landon). Land is a Landry nickname that might work for boys or girls.
- Bobby
Origin:
Short form of RobertaDescription:
Bobby is a nickname-name that's long been used on its own for both girls and boys, though the Bobby spelling is more usually masculine while the girls' version is usually Bobbie. There were just over 50 baby girls named Bobbie in one recent year and only five named Bobby, compared with nearly 300 baby boys named Bobby. Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox named their daughter Bobby, continuing the family tradition across genders. And Millie Bobby Brown is a hot young actress.
- Mckinley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of the fair hero"Description:
Presidential name that makes a fresh substitute for MacKenzie or McKenna. Possible spelling variations include MacKinley, MacKinlee, Makinleigh ad almost infinitum. McKinley is one of the Scottish names for girls that can work equally well for boys.
- Whitley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"white meadow"Description:
Eighties spin on megapopular Whitney that currently ranks higher than the original. Whitley fell out of the Top 1000 for several decades but resurfaced in 2018.
- Perry
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pear tree"Description:
Relaxed male name occasionally used for girls; sounds novel compared to such former favorites as Kerry and Sherry.
- Henley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"high meadow"Description:
The name of a British town on the Thames that hosts a famous regatta, so it could be an appropriate middle name for the son of boat-lovers.
- Brandy
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"burnt wine"Description:
The alcohol-laced member of the Randy-Candy-Mandy sorority of 1970s to 80s nickname names; now pretty much on the wagon.
- Flannery
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Flannghal"Description:
Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
- Dewey
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Welsh Dewi, nickname of DafyddMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Not heard since the 1980s, Dewey shot into the Top 20 in 1898 thanks to the popularity of Spanish-American War naval hero Admiral George Dewey. Dewey has subtle links to his Welsh roots and relation to father name David . The name was borne by the fifth century St. Dewi, patron saint of Wales. Later references include the namesake of the library Dewey Decimal System, a Donald Duck nephew, the younger brother on Malcolm in the Middle and Lemony Snicket character Dewey Denouement. It has a strong but dewy feel and is appealing enough to be ripe for a modern revival.