Meanings, origins, and popularity for boy names.
Meaning & Origin Tobias is a Hebrew biblical name meaning “God is good,” the hero of the apocryphal Book of Tobit. It has a warm, timeless sound. Popularity Tobias has grown steadily since the 2010s, part of the biblical vintage-name trend, ranking within the U.S. top 150 for boys. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include…
Meaning & Origin Idris is a Welsh and Arabic name meaning “fiery lord” or “interpreter,” borne by a legendary Welsh giant-king and an Islamic prophet. Popularity Idris has grown in U.S. recognition thanks to actor Idris Elba, remaining a distinctive, cross-cultural choice. Nicknames & Variations Idris is typically used as-is without shortened forms. There are…
Meaning & Origin Ulysses is the Latin form of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero of Homer’s epic, meaning “wrathful” or possibly “wounder.” It’s also tied to President Ulysses S. Grant. Popularity Ulysses remains rare but carries strong historical and literary recognition, appealing to parents wanting a name with epic weight. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames…
Meaning & Origin Percival is a French name possibly meaning “pierce the valley,” famous as one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table on the quest for the Holy Grail. Popularity Percival remains rare, appealing to parents drawn to Arthurian legend and chivalric, old-fashioned names. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include Percy and Val….
Meaning & Origin Fenwick is an English surname-name meaning “fen farm” or “marsh dwelling,” referring to a settlement near wetlands. It has a rustic, distinguished sound. Popularity Fenwick remains extremely rare, appealing to parents wanting a truly distinctive English surname name. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include Fen and Wick. There are no major spelling…
Meaning & Origin Ellis is a Welsh surname-name derived from Elijah or Elias, meaning “the Lord is my God.” It has a crisp, modern-classic sound. Popularity Ellis has grown steadily since the 2010s, ranking within the U.S. top 300 for boys, with rising unisex use as well. Nicknames & Variations Ellis is short and typically…
Meaning & Origin Dexter is a Latin name meaning “right-handed” or “skillful,” historically an occupational surname for dyers, now a sleek modern first name. Popularity Dexter has held steady popularity since the 2000s, boosted by television, ranking within the U.S. top 400 for boys. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include Dex. There are no major…
Meaning & Origin Grady is an Irish surname-name meaning “noble” or “illustrious,” derived from the Gaelic “O’Gradaigh.” It has a friendly, approachable sound. Popularity Grady has held steady popularity since the 2000s, part of the Irish surname-name trend, ranking within the U.S. top 400 for boys. Nicknames & Variations Grady is short and typically used…
Meaning & Origin Jericho is a biblical place name referring to one of the oldest cities in the world, possibly meaning “city of the moon” or “fragrant place.” Popularity Jericho has grown steadily since the 2010s, part of the trend toward powerful biblical place names, now ranking within the U.S. top 400 for boys. Nicknames…
Meaning & Origin Reuben is a Hebrew biblical name meaning “behold, a son,” borne by the eldest son of Jacob in the Book of Genesis, founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Popularity Reuben has grown steadily since the 2010s, part of the biblical vintage-name revival, popular in the UK and growing in…