Five Letter Boy Names

Arabic form of Joshua

Heard in both Italy and Spain, Tulio could make a more unusual alternative to Julio. Or with the rediscovery of many Roman names, you might want to go to the original Tullius, the middle name of the philosopher and statesman Cicero.

Akari is a feminine name in Japan but gender-neutral in the US, with a slight edge as a masculine name.

A name known in several cultures.

There are many fire-related names, from Aidan to Fiammetta, but the Flame isn't one that's often found on birth certificates. It's a highly symbolic word: flames can represent faith, passion and cleansing, for example, as well as straightforward heat and light.

Dagur, one of the top boys' names in Iceland, is the personification of day. His mother is Nott, or night, and together they are thought to ride in a chariot around the earth every 24 hours.

The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.

Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.

One of the most common ancient Roman forenames, but extremely rare today. Other Roman names like Aurelius are trending upwards, so this could be an off-the-radar option.

The popularity of Aiden has sparked many creative spellings - this one is understandably towards the bottom of the Top 1000.

Italian surname most Americans will associate with actress Edie Falco, of Sopranos fame.

With word names, almost anything goes. But maybe not Ghost, unless you're naming a white dog.

Tolly is an antique short form that is not only jolly but makes Bartholomew usable in the modern world, when Bart is too Simpsonesque. For the adventurous nicknamer, Tolly might even be a novel short form of Oliver.

The Greek god of the east wind was associated with the season of autumn and dwelt near the palace of the sun-god Helios in the far east.

Vanya is much more familiar.

Truly offbeat, but just on the brink of outré.

Adnan in the Muslim religion was an ancestor of Muhammad. More recently, the name was introduced to many Westerners via Adnan Syed, the young man at the center of the sensational Serial podcast.

One of the many rising variations of Luca.

Just one more name to fall victim to the K trend. This version of the name has appeared in the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s, having peaked at Number 359 in 2001. It is now steadily declining year after year.

Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes.