8 Letter Boy Names

A much rarer alternative to Alexander that also gives you the oh-so-cool nickname Nico. Nicander derives from the Greek name Nikandros "man of victory", which belonged to a 2nd century BC poet and grammarian.

Also spelt Aethelred, this was the name of two Saxon kings of England. The most famous is Ethelred II "The Unready", who actually reigned as King twice: from 978-1013 and from 1014-1016. His nickname comes not from the modern word "unready", but rather from a pun on the Old English unræd "poorly advised" (Ethelred means "well advised" or "noble counsel").

Iskandar is one of the Arabic names for boysderived from a Western name.

This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II.

This Cornish surname is rarely used as a given name but could make a great way to honor a Mary in your life.

In Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, Gavroche is the name adopted by the unfortunate younger brother of Éponine and Azelma Thénardier after he is turned out onto the streets by his cruel and selfish parents. The name Gavroche has therefore become a French slang word meaning "urchin" or "mischievous child".

Sounds as if it should have a Sir before it or a shire following it.

The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

Elbridge is an uncommon last name used as first. It sounds rather forbidding, but Bridge would be a cute, modern nickname.

Rhythmic and powerful, if you don't mind the nickname Vern.

Chisholm is a habitational surname — if it's on your family tree, you have ancestors from Chisholme, Scotland, although they were originally of Norman and Saxon descent.

Part of the name nobility that includes Prince, Earl, and Duke -- though none of these guys are very classy.

Quirinus is the Roman god of thunder and lightning, believed by some to be the Sabine god of war. While this is an intriguing and distinctive classic name, it also might provoke some middle school teasing.

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.