English Boy Names That Mean Leader
English boy names that mean leader tend to arrive two ways: ancient Germanic compounds like ruler-of-the-army, or plain title words borrowed straight from rank and office.
Names272
OriginEnglish
MeaningLeader
GenderBoy
Walter and Derek both descend from the same Germanic building block, 'ric,' meaning power or rule — Walter pairs it with 'army,' Derek with 'people.' Kendry and Kendric carry a trimmed version of that same root, by way of Kendrick's Old English 'cyne-ric,' royal power.
The rest of the page borrows titles wholesale: Prince, Princeton, Major, and Mayer (literally the word 'mayor') turn rank straight into a first name, while Marshal rode all the way from stable hand to field commander.
Why English boy names that mean leader lean on Germanic roots
Four names here share deep Germanic roots. Walter means 'ruler of the army,' Derek means 'ruler of the people,' and both Kendry and Kendric trace to Kendrick's 'royal power' or 'chief hero.' These compound names were built the way Old English and Old German liked to build names generally: two meaningful halves fused into one, so the leadership meaning sits right in the syllables, not layered on afterward.
When a title becomes the name
The rest of the list skips etymology and grabs the job title directly. Prince and its modern spelling Prynce come from Latin for 'first one'; Princeton adds a place-name twist, 'prince's town.' Major and Mayer borrow military and civic rank outright, while Marshal started as a humble 'horse servant' before climbing to field marshal. Cedric and Eydan show the newer side of the trend — one a novelist's invention, the other a contemporary coinage.
Names List
Walter#252 in the U.S.Ruler of the army; army commanderPronounced WAWL-ter▶Emerson#254 in the U.S.Son of Emery; descendant of the powerful rulerPronounced EM-er-sun▶Derek#284 in the U.S.Ruler of the people; powerful leader of the folkPronounced DAIR-ik▶Hank#413 in the U.S.Short form of Henry or Hankin (medieval diminutive of John/Johannes), from Germanic Heimrich meaning rulePronounced HANK▶Prince#447 in the U.S.From Old French 'prince' and Latin 'princeps' meaning 'first one' or 'chief,' referring to a royal heir; Pronounced PRINS▶Princeton#653 in the U.S.From the English place name Princeton, composed of prince (from Latin princeps, meaning first or chief) aPronounced PRIN-stun▶Major#670 in the U.S.From the Latin comparative adjective maior meaning greater or larger; used as a military rank name and laPronounced MAY-jer▶Harry#775 in the U.S.Home ruler or ruler of the estate; an English pet form of Henry or Harold, from the Germanic elements heiPronounced HAIR-ee▶Watson#864 in the U.S.Son of Walter; from the medieval English given name Wat (short form of Walter: ruler of the army) + -sonPronounced WAT-sun▶Cedric#944 in the U.S.Possibly invented by Sir Walter Scott for Ivanhoe (1819), inspired by the Celtic Cerdic (possibly war-leaPronounced SED-rik▶Ricky#949 in the U.S.Diminutive of Richard, from Old High German Ricohard, composed of ric meaning ruler, power, or king and hPronounced RIK-ee▶Landry#996 in the U.S.Land ruler; lord of the landPronounced LAN-dree▶Gary#1130 in the U.S.Spear ruler; from Germanic Garhard (gar: spear + hard: brave, hardy) or a short form of names containing Pronounced GAIR-ee▶Kendrix#1325 in the U.S.Royal ruler; son of the royal powerPronounced KEN-driks▶Freddy#1328 in the U.S.Peaceful ruler, lord of peacePronounced FRED-ee▶Kyng#1547 in the U.S.Stylized respelling of the word name 'King', from Old English 'cyning' ('ruler, monarch').Pronounced KING▶Eydan#1615 in the U.S.A modern spelling variant, blending the popular Aiden (Irish 'little fire') with the Hebrew Eitan/Eytan (Pronounced AY-dan▶Fredrick#1651 in the U.S.Variant of Frederick, from Germanic 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler), 'peaceful ruler'.Pronounced FRED-rik▶Fred#1686 in the U.S.A short form of Frederick, from the Germanic 'frid' ('peace') + 'ric' ('ruler, power'), meaning 'peacefulPronounced FRED▶Kendry#1711 in the U.S.Variant of Kendrick, from Old English 'cyne-ric' (royal power) or Welsh 'Cynwrig' (chief hero).Pronounced KEN-dree▶Donnie#1761 in the U.S.Diminutive of Donald, from the Scottish Gaelic Domhnall, composed of 'domno' ('world') and 'val' ('rule, Pronounced DAHN-ee▶Don#1789 in the U.S.Ruler of the worldPronounced DAHN▶Richie#1798 in the U.S.Brave ruler (pet form of Richard)Pronounced RIHCH-ee▶Mayer#1840 in the U.S.Mayor, leaderPronounced MAYEHR▶Roderick#1909 in the U.S.Famous rulerPronounced RAHD-uh-rihk▶Freddie#1956 in the U.S.Pet form of Frederick, from Germanic frid 'peace' and ric 'ruler', meaning 'peaceful ruler'.Pronounced FREHD-ee▶Riker#2145 in the U.S.Brave rulerPronounced REEK-ehr▶Hendrixx#2210 in the U.S.Home rulerPronounced HEHN-drihks▶Rony#2652 in the U.S.ruler's counsel (from Ronald); or Hebrew 'my joy'Pronounced RO-nee▶Etheridge#2989 in the U.S.Etheridge is an English surname that grew from the Old English personal name Aethelric, joining aethel ('Pronounced ETH-uh-rij▶Prynce#3135 in the U.S.Creative spelling of Prince, from Old French prince and Latin princeps ('first citizen,' 'leader,' 'princPronounced PRINS▶Marshal#3304 in the U.S.One-l spelling of Marshall, from a Frankish title meaning 'horse servant' that rose to mean commander andPronounced MAR-shəl▶Derik#3395 in the U.S.Variant of Derek, the English descendant of Theodoric — Germanic 'ruler of the people'Pronounced DAIR-ik▶Walt#3443 in the U.S.Short form of Walter — Germanic wald + heri, 'ruler of the army' — carried solo by Disney and WhitmanPronounced WAWLT▶Hosey#3454 in the U.S.Hosey is chiefly a surname, most often traced to the Gaelic Ó hEodhasa, an Irish bardic family name laterPronounced HOH-zee▶Emerick#3464 in the U.S.Anglicized form of Germanic Emmerich — elements debated among 'work-ruler', 'brave ruler', and 'home rulePronounced EM-ə-rik▶Hal#3471 in the U.S.Medieval pet form of Henry ('home ruler') or Harold ('army ruler'); a crisp one-syllable namePronounced HAL▶Emersyn#3533 in the U.S.Modern -syn respelling of Emerson, 'son of Emery' — from Germanic Emery, 'brave, powerful' / 'ruler of woPronounced EH-mer-sin▶Burwell#3586 in the U.S.Burwell is an English surname taken from a place-name, combining the Old English burh, 'fortified place' Pronounced BUR-wel▶Emmerson#3708 in the U.S.Double-m spelling of Emerson — 'son of Emery' — from Germanic Emery, 'brave, powerful' / 'ruler of work'Pronounced EH-mer-sun▶Kendric#3728 in the U.S.K-less-c spelling of Kendrick — from Old English/Welsh roots read 'royal power' or 'chief hero'Pronounced KEN-drik▶Custer#3790 in the U.S.Custer is chiefly a surname pressed into service as a first name. It is generally traced to a German or APronounced KUS-tur▶Brant#3891 in the U.S.From Germanic brand, 'sword, fire' — also the brant goose and Mohawk leader Joseph BrantPronounced BRANT▶Fread#4005 in the U.S.Fread is a spelling variant of Fred, the short form of Frederick, a Germanic name from frid, 'peace,' andPronounced FRED▶Rich#4039 in the U.S.Short form of Richard — Germanic ric, 'ruler, power', plus hard, 'brave, strong' — 'powerful ruler'Pronounced RICH▶Chief#4080 in the U.S.From the English word chief — Latin caput, 'head' — a leader; an empowering word-namePronounced CHEEF▶Ethridge#4122 in the U.S.Ethridge is a spelling of the English surname Etheridge, which goes back to the Old English personal namePronounced ETH-rij▶Priest#4148 in the U.S.From the word priest — Greek presbyteros, 'elder' — a religious leader; an occupational word-namePronounced PREEST▶Commodore#4151 in the U.S.Commodore is a naval rank meaning a senior captain who commands a squadron, from the French commandeur anPronounced KOM-uh-dor▶Eldredge#4151 in the U.S.Eldredge is an English surname, a variant of Aldrich, from the Old English personal name Aldric, built frPronounced EL-drij▶Harrie#4309 in the U.S.Harrie is a spelling variant of Harry, the long-standing English short form of Henry, from the Old GermanPronounced HAIR-ee▶Elzy#4397 in the U.S.Elzy is a short, chiefly Southern American boy's name, most often read as a pet form of Elzie, and behindPronounced EL-zee▶Luby#4409 in the U.S.Luby is chiefly a surname used as a given name. As a surname it often derives from a Slavic root 'lyub,' Pronounced LOO-bee▶Raun#4411 in the U.S.Raun is a rare one-syllable boys' name read most naturally as a spelling of Ron (from Ronald, 'ruler's coPronounced RAWN▶Jaret#4469 in the U.S.Spelling of Jarrett/Garrett — from Germanic Gerard, 'spear-brave', or Gerald, 'spear-ruler'; routes layerPronounced JAIR-ət▶Aubery#4585 in the U.S.Aubery is a variant spelling of Aubrey, which comes from the Germanic name Alberic, built from alf meaninPronounced AW-buh-ree▶Aking#4695 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining A- to King ('a monarch, ruler', a virtue/status word-name); no single fixed rootPronounced AY-king▶Harl#4730 in the U.S.Harl is a short form of Harold or Harlan. Harold comes from Old Norse/English Hereweald, 'army ruler'; HaPronounced HARL▶Elric#4732 in the U.S.From Old English Aelfric, 'elf-ruler', or Ealdric, 'old/noble ruler'; routes layeredPronounced EL-rik▶Jarrell#4759 in the U.S.From a surname related to Gerald/Gerard — Germanic, 'spear-ruler' or 'spear-brave'; routes layeredPronounced jə-REL▶Jerrell#4947 in the U.S.From a surname related to Gerald/Gerard — Germanic, 'spear-ruler' or 'spear-brave'; routes layeredPronounced jə-REL▶Reynolds#4994 in the U.S.From the surname Reynolds — 'son of Reynold', from Germanic ragin, 'counsel/advice', plus wald, 'rule, poPronounced REN-əldz▶Vollie#5013 in the U.S.Vollie is a short, chiefly Southern American name of the early twentieth century, usually read as a pet fPronounced VOL-ee▶Harrel#5034 in the U.S.Harrel is a variant spelling of the surname Harrell, adopted as a first name. The surname is generally trPronounced HAIR-uhl▶Averi#5067 in the U.S.-i spelling of Avery — from Old English/Germanic Aelfred/Alberich, 'elf counsel' or 'elf ruler'; here forPronounced AY-və-ree▶Henson#5108 in the U.S.From the surname Henson — 'son of Henry/Hendrick', from Germanic, 'home-ruler'Pronounced HEN-sən▶Aldrick#5232 in the U.S.-ck spelling of Aldric/Aldrich — from Germanic ald, 'old, wise', plus ric, 'ruler' — 'old/wise ruler'Pronounced AWL-drik▶Jerol#5443 in the U.S.Jerol is a pared-down spelling of Jerrold, itself a form of Gerald, from the Old Germanic Gerwald: ger, 'Pronounced JEHR-uhl▶Edrik#5490 in the U.S.A -k spelling of Edric — from Old English Eadric, 'a wealthy/blessed ruler' (ead, 'wealth, fortune', plusPronounced ED-rik▶Watt#5638 in the U.S.Watt began as a surname drawn from Wat, the everyday medieval nickname for Walter, a Germanic name joininPronounced WOT▶Eldra#5672 in the U.S.Eldra reads as a short or reshaped form of the Old English names Eldred and Eldridge, built from elementsPronounced EL-drah▶Jearld#5816 in the U.S.Jearld is a phonetic respelling of Gerald, from the Germanic 'ger', spear, and 'wald', rule, giving 'speaPronounced JER-uld▶Garald#5894 in the U.S.Garald is a variant spelling of Gerald, from the Germanic ger, 'spear', and wald, 'rule' or 'ruler' — 'ruPronounced GAIR-uld▶Roddie#5907 in the U.S.Roddie is an affectionate diminutive of Rodney or Roderick. Rodney began as an English surname and place Pronounced RAH-dee▶Dickey#6061 in the U.S.Dickey is an affectionate pet form of Richard, built on the old nickname Dick with a friendly -ey ending.Pronounced DIK-ee▶Derrike#6116 in the U.S.Derrike is a respelling of Derek/Derrick, which comes through Dutch Diederik from the Germanic Theodoric,Pronounced DAIR-ik▶Vilas#6201 in the U.S.Vilas is chiefly an American surname-name, most plausibly given in honour of William F. Vilas, a prominenPronounced VY-luhs▶Kenrick#6308 in the U.S.From Old English/Welsh, variously 'a royal ruler' (cyne, 'royal', plus ric, 'ruler') and 'a bold chief; aPronounced KEN-rik▶Kimball#6312 in the U.S.From the Welsh Cynbel — variously 'a war chief; a chief of warriors' and 'bold, brave' (cyn, 'chief', pluPronounced KIM-bəl▶Lord#6327 in the U.S.From the word lord — 'a master, a ruler; a title of nobility' (from Old English hlaford, 'a keeper of brePronounced LORD▶Cloyce#6411 in the U.S.Cloyce is a rare American masculine name, most plausibly a variant of Cloyd. Cloyd is often connected to Pronounced KLOYS▶Dicky#6502 in the U.S.Dicky is an affectionate diminutive of Richard, the Germanic name from ric ('ruler, power') and hard ('brPronounced DIK-ee▶Godric#6569 in the U.S.From Old English god, 'God', plus ric, 'power; rule'; 'the power of God; ruler with God'Pronounced GOD-rik▶Darrold#6596 in the U.S.Darrold reads as a blend of Darrell, from a French place name, with the -old of Harold or Gerald, joiningPronounced DAIR-uld▶Dade#6610 in the U.S.Dade is chiefly an English surname, thought to derive from a medieval personal name, and also a well-knowPronounced DAYD▶Kim#6643 in the U.S.Variously the Vietnamese kim, 'gold; metal', a Korean family name, and a short form of Kimball ('war chiePronounced KIM▶Richardson#6721 in the U.S.From an English surname, 'son of Richard' — Richard, from the Germanic ric, 'power; rule', plus hard, 'brPronounced RICH-erd-sun▶Kenric#6722 in the U.S.Kenric is a variant of Kenrick / Kendrick, a surname and given name from Old English. It combines a firstPronounced KEN-rik▶Skip#6757 in the U.S.From the English nickname Skip/Skipper — from the Dutch schipper, 'a ship's captain; a master of a vesselPronounced SKIP▶Thayne#6770 in the U.S.A spelling of Thane — from Old English thegn, 'a thane; a nobleman who held land from the king; a clan chPronounced THAYN▶Jerre#6784 in the U.S.Jerre is a spelling of Jerry, the familiar short form of Gerald and Jerome, recorded here for boys. GeralPronounced JEHR-ee▶Derreck#6799 in the U.S.Derreck is a spelling variant of Derek, from the Germanic name Theodoric, thiuda + ric, 'ruler of the peoPronounced DAIR-ik▶Aldrin#6830 in the U.S.From an English/Germanic surname, variously 'old and wise ruler' and 'old friend' (from Old English eald,Pronounced AL-drin▶Reg#6844 in the U.S.Reg is a short form of Reginald, from the Latinized Germanic Reginald, joining ragin, counsel, with wald,Pronounced REJ▶Watts#6862 in the U.S.From the English surname Watts, 'son of Watt,' a medieval short form of Walter ('ruler of the army'); it Pronounced WATS▶Brandy#6872 in the U.S.Variously a short form of Brandon ('broom-covered hill') and the word brandy (the spirit, from Dutch branPronounced BRAN-dee▶Deryck#6873 in the U.S.Deryck is a spelling variant of Derek/Derrick, which comes from the Germanic Theodoric - theud, 'people,'Pronounced DER-ik▶Captain#6883 in the U.S.From the word captain — 'a leader; a chief; the head of a group' (from Latin caput, 'head'); a modern worPronounced KAP-tin▶Kedrick#7026 in the U.S.A spelling echoing Cedric (variously 'bounty; loved; a chief') and Kendrick ('bold ruler; royal power; chPronounced KED-rik▶Rondell#7151 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a Ron- (from Ronald, 'ruler's counsel') elaboration with -dell, and echoing the Pronounced ron-DEL▶Skippy#7157 in the U.S.Skippy is an affectionate pet name rather than an inherited one, formed by adding the friendly -y ending Pronounced SKIP-ee▶Deitrick#7179 in the U.S.Deitrick is an Americanized spelling of the German Dietrich, a form of Theodoric, from the Germanic theodPronounced DEE-trik▶Terell#7183 in the U.S.A spelling of Terrell/Tyrell — variously 'thunder ruler' (from Thor) and 'stubborn; one who pulls/draws' Pronounced tuh-REL▶Tyrel#7195 in the U.S.A spelling of Tyrell/Terrell — variously 'thunder ruler' (from Thor) and 'stubborn; one who pulls/draws' Pronounced ty-REL▶Avry#7278 in the U.S.A spelling of Avery — from the Germanic Alberic, 'elf ruler; ruler of the elves' (alf, 'elf', + ric, 'rulPronounced AY-vree▶Budd#7294 in the U.S.Budd is chiefly an English surname and a pet name, doubling as the affectionate term 'bud' or 'buddy' forPronounced BUD▶Kendrixx#7486 in the U.S.A stylized spelling of Kendrick — variously from Old English Cyneric, 'royal ruler; bold power', and WelsPronounced KEN-driks▶Kiptyn#7497 in the U.S.A modern name, variously a spelling of Kipton (an English place, 'Cyppa's town') and a Captain echo; no sPronounced KIP-tin▶Eldrick#7882 in the U.S.From the Old English, 'an old/wise ruler' (eald, 'old/wise', + ric, 'ruler'); made known by golfer EldricPronounced EL-drik▶Eldridge#7883 in the U.S.From the Old English, variously 'an old/wise ruler' (eald, 'old', + ric, 'ruler') and 'from the alder ridPronounced EL-drij▶Jahking#7948 in the U.S.A modern African-American name, joining the prefix Jah- (often read as 'God', from the Rastafarian Jah) wPronounced JAH-king▶Kendrik#8010 in the U.S.A spelling of Kendrick — from the Old English/Welsh, variously 'a royal/bold ruler' (cyne, 'royal', + ricPronounced KEN-drik▶Kingson#8027 in the U.S.From the English, 'the king's son; son of a king' (King, 'a king; a ruler', + -son, 'son of'); a word/coiPronounced KING-son▶Butler#8085 in the U.S.The English occupational surname Butler, from Anglo-Norman 'butuiller' ('bottle-bearer, chief servant in Pronounced BUT-ler▶Toddrick#8086 in the U.S.Toddrick is a coined boy's name that joins Todd, an English name from a word for fox, with the -rick endiPronounced TOD-rik▶Sedrick#8194 in the U.S.A spelling of Cedric — a literary name coined by Sir Walter Scott (in Ivanhoe), variously linked to the OPronounced SED-rik▶Rabon#8212 in the U.S.Rabon is a Southern American surname also used as a given name. Its origin is uncertain: it may be a reduPronounced RAY-bun▶Ricke#8248 in the U.S.Ricke is an unusual spelling of Ricky, the everyday short form of Richard. Richard comes from Germanic elPronounced RIK-ee▶Bolton#8374 in the U.S.From the Old English bothl + tun, 'a settlement with a (chief) building; a manor town'; a surname/place-nPronounced BOHL-tun▶Colvin#8422 in the U.S.From the English/Scottish surname Colvin — variously 'Cole's friend' (col, 'coal/dark', + wine, 'friend')Pronounced KOL-vin▶Corky#8422 in the U.S.Chiefly a nickname given as a first name — traditionally a familiar form of Cornelius (Latin, from 'cornuPronounced KOR-kee▶Emersen#8495 in the U.S.A spelling of Emerson — an English surname, 'the son of Emery' (from the Germanic Emery, 'brave/powerful Pronounced EM-er-sun▶Elridge#8831 in the U.S.Elridge is a variant of Eldridge, an English surname derived from the medieval given name Aldrich, from OPronounced EL-rij▶Varrick#8898 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Varick/Warrick — variously 'a ruler/protector' (Germanic) and 'a fortress town/dwellerPronounced VAIR-ik▶Wattson#8908 in the U.S.A spelling of Watson — an English surname, 'the son of Wat' (Wat a short form of Walter, 'ruler of the arPronounced WOT-son▶Averie#9036 in the U.S.A spelling of Avery — from the Old English elements aelf, 'elf', + raed, 'counsel', hence 'a ruler of elvPronounced AY-vuh-ree▶Avory#9039 in the U.S.A spelling of Avery — from the Old English elements aelf, 'elf', + raed, 'counsel', hence 'a ruler of elvPronounced AY-vuh-ree▶Boss#9072 in the U.S.From the word boss, 'a leader; a chief; the one in charge' (from the Dutch baas, 'master'); a word-name; Pronounced BAWSS▶Caedmon#9089 in the U.S.From the Old English/Welsh Caedmon — variously 'a wise warrior; a battle chief' (linked to cad, 'battle')Pronounced KAD-mon▶Cedrik#9102 in the U.S.A spelling of Cedric — a name coined by Sir Walter Scott (possibly from the Old English Cerdic/Caedwalla)Pronounced SED-rik▶Dickie#9119 in the U.S.Dickie is a pet form of Richard, from the Germanic elements ric ('ruler; power') and hard ('brave; strongPronounced DIK-ee▶Gerren#9148 in the U.S.Gerren is a modern respelling in the Gerald/Gerran family; Gerald comes from the Germanic ger, 'spear', pPronounced GAIR-en▶Emmerick#9157 in the U.S.A form of Emeric/Emery, from the Germanic Emmerich, 'work-ruler' or 'home-ruler' (ermen/amal, 'whole; uniPronounced EM-ur-ik▶Emperor#9158 in the U.S.The English word 'emperor,' used plainly as a name — the sovereign ruler of an empire. It comes through OPronounced EM-pur-ur▶Bradrick#9162 in the U.S.Bradrick is best read as a coined name joining Brad, from Bradley (Old English 'broad clearing' or 'broadPronounced BRAD-rik▶Vere#9168 in the U.S.Vere is chiefly an English surname turned given name, from the Norman de Vere, a territorial name taken fPronounced VEER▶Estill#9174 in the U.S.Estill is chiefly a surname and place name (as in Estill County, Kentucky, named for the pioneer Estill fPronounced ES-til▶Keldrick#9357 in the U.S.Keldrick is a coined name that reshapes Kendrick with a Kel- opening. Kendrick is an English surname and Pronounced KEL-drik▶Kendryck#9417 in the U.S.A spelling of Kendrick — variously from the Welsh Cynwrig ('chief hero; royal ruler') and the English 'boPronounced KEN-drik▶Kiing#9459 in the U.S.Kiing is a modern doubled-vowel respelling of King, the English word for a male sovereign, used as an aspPronounced KEENG▶Jerrol#9485 in the U.S.Jerrol is a trimmed spelling of Jerrold, itself a form of Gerald. Gerald comes from the Germanic Gerwald,Pronounced JAIR-uhl▶Ric#9518 in the U.S.Ric is a trimmed spelling of Rick, the everyday short form of Richard (and its Spanish twin Ricardo). RicPronounced RIK▶Ronnell#9568 in the U.S.A modern name extending Ron/Ronald with the -ell ending; Ronald from the Old Norse Rognvaldr, 'ruler's coPronounced ruh-NEL▶Arnett#9653 in the U.S.Arnett is an English surname derived either as a pet form of Arnold (Germanic arn, 'eagle', + wald, 'powePronounced AR-net▶Baden#9836 in the U.S.Baden is chiefly a German place-name and surname — Baden means 'baths' or 'bathing place', for its famousPronounced BAY-den▶Caid#9882 in the U.S.Caid is a one-syllable name best read as a spelling of Cade, an English surname turned first name that isPronounced KAYD▶Derris#9894 in the U.S.Derris reads as a variant of Derrick, itself from the Germanic Theodoric meaning ruler of the people, or Pronounced DAIR-us▶Aldrich#9906 in the U.S.From the Old English/Germanic Aldric — ald, 'old', + ric, 'ruler/power', hence 'an old/wise ruler'Pronounced AWL-drich▶Darold#9948 in the U.S.Darold is a twentieth-century American coinage that grafts a 'Dar-' onset onto Harold or Gerald, GermanicPronounced DEHR-uhld▶Devery#9976 in the U.S.Devery began as an English surname and came into use as a boys' given name, in the same broad orbit as AvPronounced DEV-uh-ree▶Beric#10005 in the U.S.Variously from the Old English, 'an ever-ruler' (a form of Eric/Beoric) and 'a barley farm' (a place-namePronounced BAIR-ik▶Harrell#10035 in the U.S.Harrell is a given-name use of an English surname, most often traced to the medieval personal name HaroldPronounced HAIR-uhl▶Ronnald#10086 in the U.S.Ronnald is simply Ronald with a doubled n, keeping the Old Norse meaning intact: Ronald derives from RognPronounced RON-uhld▶Dixxon#10132 in the U.S.A spelling of Dixon — 'a son of Dick' (a short form of Richard, 'a powerful ruler', Germanic); a patronymPronounced DIK-sun▶General#10195 in the U.S.From the English word general — 'a high-ranking military commander; universal/of the whole' (from the LatPronounced JEN-ur-ul▶Lakendrick#10450 in the U.S.A modern given name blending the La- prefix with Kendrick, an English/Welsh name variously 'bold/royal poPronounced lah-KEN-drik▶Herold#10521 in the U.S.Herold most often respells Harold, from the Old English Hereweald, made of here 'army' and weald 'ruler, Pronounced HAIR-uhld▶Strummer#10562 in the U.S.Strummer is an English word and occupational-style surname from 'strum,' to sweep the strings of a guitarPronounced STRUM-er▶Rod#10573 in the U.S.A short form of Roderick, from Germanic elements hrod ('fame') and ric ('power, ruler') — 'famous power' Pronounced ROD▶Royston#10582 in the U.S.From the English place name Royston, understood as 'Royse's stone' — a wayside cross or marker linked to Pronounced ROY-stun▶Reshard#10612 in the U.S.A modern respelling/reworking of Richard, from the Germanic ric, 'ruler,' and hard, 'brave; strong' — 'stPronounced ruh-SHARD▶Rohn#10625 in the U.S.Rohn is an unusual respelling of Ron, the everyday short form of Ronald, from Old Norse elements meaning Pronounced ROHN▶Venson#10702 in the U.S.Venson is a surname-style boy's name closely tied to Vinson, itself a form of Vincent from the Latin vincPronounced VEN-son▶Terrel#10756 in the U.S.From the surname Tyrrell/Terrell, of Norman origin; sometimes linked to Old Germanic elements for 'thundePronounced TEH-rul▶Kary#10796 in the U.S.Kary is a K-spelling of Carey and Cary, from an Irish surname (O Ciardha) linked to ciar, 'dark', and somPronounced KAIR-ee▶Wallie#10813 in the U.S.Wallie is a warm short form of Walter ('ruler of the army') or Wallace ('foreigner; Welshman'), used as aPronounced WAH-lee▶Archangel#10911 in the U.S.The English word archangel, from the Greek archangelos, 'chief messenger' (archi-, 'chief' + angelos, 'mePronounced ARK-ayn-jul▶Aeric#10934 in the U.S.Aeric is a modern respelling of Eric (also spelled Aric), from the Old Norse Eirikr, usually read as 'evePronounced AIR-ik▶Ahmeer#10937 in the U.S.Ahmeer reads as a modern spelling that echoes Ameer/Amir, the Arabic amir, 'prince, commander, leader.' TPronounced ah-MEER▶Balin#10939 in the U.S.Balin is a name from literature: Sir Balin the Savage is a tragic knight in Arthurian romance, and Balin Pronounced BAY-lin▶Ahmyr#10939 in the U.S.Ahmyr reads as a modern, creatively spelled name echoing Amir/Ameer, the Arabic amir, 'prince, commander,Pronounced ah-MEER▶Caster#11018 in the U.S.Caster is chiefly an English surname, tied to an old word for a caster or maker and to place names endingPronounced KAS-tur▶Chan#11143 in the U.S.Chan is a widely borne Chinese family name (romanized, chiefly Cantonese), among the most common surnamesPronounced CHAN▶Bing#11228 in the U.S.Bing has two main routes. As an English name it is chiefly a nickname, most famously that of the singer BPronounced BING▶Hoke#11255 in the U.S.Hoke is a surname of English and Dutch origin, generally traced to a place name or to the Middle Dutch/EnPronounced HOHK▶Emerett#11267 in the U.S.A form of Emmett/Emerett, a medieval surname from the given name Emma ('whole; universal') and linked to Pronounced EM-ur-ut▶Kahron#11277 in the U.S.Kahron is a modern invented American name that joins a Ka- prefix with Ron, and it closely echoes Aaron. Pronounced kuh-RON▶Freddrick#11314 in the U.S.Freddrick is a doubled-consonant spelling of Frederick, from the Germanic 'frid', peace, and 'ric', rulerPronounced FRED-rik▶Kenderick#11327 in the U.S.Kenderick is a spelling variant of Kendrick, an English surname from Old English or Welsh roots meaning 'Pronounced KEN-der-ik▶Jene#11353 in the U.S.Jene is a spelling variant of Gene, itself the short form of Eugene, from the Greek 'eugenes', 'well-bornPronounced jeen▶Hady#11372 in the U.S.Most often a spelling of the Arabic Hadi, 'guide, leader' (Al-Hadi, 'the Guide,' is a name of God, which Pronounced HAH-dee▶Jeryl#11450 in the U.S.Jeryl is a streamlined spelling that reads as a form of Gerald or of the coined name Jerrell. Gerald comePronounced JER-il▶Jerret#11479 in the U.S.Jerret is a spelling of Jarrett, a surname-turned-first-name from Garrett, itself a medieval form of GeraPronounced JAIR-it▶Jarel#11481 in the U.S.Jarel reads as a modern spelling of Jarrell or Jarell, surnames tied to Gerald, 'spear-ruler.' It may alsPronounced juh-REL▶Jerrel#11499 in the U.S.Jerrel is a variant of Jerrell, itself connected to Gerald — from Germanic 'ger', 'spear', plus 'wald', 'Pronounced JAIR-ul▶Jemir#11515 in the U.S.Jemir reads as a modern name echoing Jamir and Amir, from the Arabic amir, 'prince; commander.' It may bePronounced juh-MEER▶Jerek#11522 in the U.S.Jerek reads as a modern name near Jarek (a Slavic short form) and Derek (from Theodoric, 'ruler of the pePronounced JAIR-ik▶Jermir#11525 in the U.S.Jermir reads as a modern name echoing Jamir and Amir, from the Arabic amir, 'prince; commander,' with a JPronounced jur-MEER▶Carvel#11637 in the U.S.Carvel is chiefly a surname adopted as a given name. Its likeliest source is the Old French carvel or carPronounced KAR-vuhl▶Rozell#11734 in the U.S.Rozell is chiefly a surname adopted as a given name, standing close to Rozelle and Roswell. Its likely soPronounced roh-ZEL▶Mal#11790 in the U.S.Mal is a short form of names beginning with Mal-, chiefly Malcolm (Scottish Gaelic, 'devotee of St. ColumPronounced MAL▶Richey#11798 in the U.S.Richey is a diminutive spelling of Richard, and also an established English and Scottish surname formed tPronounced RICH-ee▶Ronney#11854 in the U.S.Ronney is a spelling variant of Ronnie, the pet form of Ronald, from the Old Norse 'Rognvaldr', 'ruler's Pronounced RON-ee▶Rondale#11859 in the U.S.Rondale is an American coinage pairing Ron, the short form of Ronald (from Old Norse Rognvaldr, 'ruler's Pronounced RON-dayl▶Pearse#11891 in the U.S.An Irish surname spelling of Piers, the medieval English form of Peter, from Greek petros ('rock'). StronPronounced PEERSS▶Rykker#11971 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Ryker, itself linked to the surname Riker/Ryker and the Germanic 'rich; ruler' elePronounced RY-kur▶Rondal#11973 in the U.S.Rondal is a regional American given name, most plausibly a spoken variant of Ronald (from Old Norse RognvPronounced RON-duhl▶Reynold#11994 in the U.S.From the Germanic Reginald/Raginald, ragin ('counsel; advice') + wald ('rule; power') - 'ruler's advisor;Pronounced REN-uld▶Richy#11999 in the U.S.A friendly pet form of Richard, from Germanic ric ('ruler; power') + hard ('brave; hardy') - 'brave rulerPronounced RICH-ee▶Rody#12012 in the U.S.A friendly pet form of Roderick/Rodrigo, from Germanic hrod ('fame') + ric ('ruler; power') - 'famous rulPronounced ROH-dee▶Hiawatha#12015 in the U.S.Hiawatha was the name of a real sixteenth-century Onondaga or Mohawk leader who, with the Great PeacemakePronounced hy-uh-WAH-thuh▶Roddy#12023 in the U.S.A pet form of Roderick — Germanic hrod ('fame') plus ric ('ruler'), 'famous ruler' — and sometimes of RodPronounced ROD-ee▶Terrace#12120 in the U.S.Terrace as a boy's name reads chiefly as a variant of Terrence, from the Roman family name Terentius, traPronounced TER-uhs▶Tarell#12140 in the U.S.A form of Terrell, an English surname of uncertain origin sometimes linked to 'thunder ruler' or to a NorPronounced tuh-REL▶Thaine#12157 in the U.S.Thaine reads as a modern spelling that echoes 'thane,' the Old English and Scottish term for a nobleman oPronounced THAYN▶Winthrop#12163 in the U.S.Winthrop is an English surname and place name, from Old English elements meaning roughly 'Wine's (or a frPronounced WIN-thrup▶Zerrick#12220 in the U.S.Zerrick is a modern American boy's name, a coinage that pairs a fresh Ze- opening with the familiar -rickPronounced ZEH-rik▶Young#12279 in the U.S.Young is chiefly an English surname from Old English geong, 'young', used to distinguish a younger personPronounced YUNG▶Alyric#12285 in the U.S.A modern name that echoes the word 'lyric' (musical; songlike) and also reads as a form of Alaric (GermanPronounced uh-LEER-ik▶Brit#12303 in the U.S.Brit is a short form of Britton or Brittany (from the region of Brittany and ultimately the Britons) and Pronounced BRIT▶Avrey#12337 in the U.S.Avrey is a phonetic respelling of Avery, an English surname from the medieval given name Alberich (GermanPronounced AY-vree▶Ronn#12383 in the U.S.Ronn is a stylized respelling of Ron, the short form of Ronald. Ronald comes from the Old Norse RognvaldrPronounced RON▶Alvey#12404 in the U.S.Alvey is chiefly an English surname carried into given-name use, likely from the Old English Aelfwig ('elPronounced AL-vee▶Daric#12456 in the U.S.Daric reads as a modern variant blending Derek (from the Germanic Theodoric, 'ruler of the people') with Pronounced DAIR-ik▶Caulin#12461 in the U.S.Caulin is a respelling of Colin, which arose either as a medieval English pet form of Nicholas - Greek foPronounced KAW-lin▶Dillard#12555 in the U.S.Dillard is an English surname adopted as a first name, most likely from a medieval personal name in the DPronounced DIL-erd▶Deeric#12568 in the U.S.Deeric is an American coinage that fronts a De- onto Eric, a name from Old Norse elements often read as 'Pronounced DEE-rik▶Chadric#12596 in the U.S.Chadric is a modern coinage blending Chad, an Old English name from Saint Chad and likely 'battle,' with Pronounced CHAD-rik▶Carvin#12601 in the U.S.Carvin is chiefly a surname pressed into use as a first name. It overlaps with Carwin and with Calvin, thPronounced KAR-vin▶Cap#12601 in the U.S.Cap is a short word and nickname, most often from 'captain' (a leader) or the word 'cap.' As a given namePronounced KAP▶Dekendrick#12607 in the U.S.Dekendrick reads as a late-twentieth-century African American coinage that joins the popular De- prefix tPronounced duh-KEN-drik▶Fredie#12661 in the U.S.Fredie is a friendly spelling of Freddie, the pet form of Fred and Frederick. Frederick comes from the GePronounced FRED-ee▶Dickson#12684 in the U.S.Dickson is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Dick,' Dick being the old pet form of Richard. Richard coPronounced DIK-sun▶Donnis#12703 in the U.S.Donnis reads as a mid-century blend, most likely Don, short for the Scottish-rooted Donald, extended withPronounced DON-iss▶Demeir#12714 in the U.S.A modern blended name joining a 'De-' prefix with Meir ('one who shines') or Amir ('prince; commander'). Pronounced duh-MEER▶Dynasty#12779 in the U.S.Dynasty is the English word for a succession of rulers from one family (from Greek dynastes, 'ruler, lordPronounced DY-nuh-stee▶Emmery#12812 in the U.S.Emmery is a spelling of Emery, from the Germanic Emmerich, 'work-power' or 'brave; ruler.' Emery is unisePronounced EM-uh-ree▶Errick#12823 in the U.S.Errick is a spelling variant of Eric, from the Old Norse Eirikr, from ei ('ever; always') and rikr ('rulePronounced EH-rik▶Fredi#12873 in the U.S.Fredi reads as a short form of Freddy, itself a pet form of Alfred ('elf-counsel') or Frederick ('peacefuPronounced FREH-dee▶Emerie#12898 in the U.S.A spelling of Emery, from a Germanic name blending amal ('work; labor') and ric ('ruler; power') — 'work-Pronounced EM-uh-ree▶Harwin#12929 in the U.S.Harwin is chiefly an English surname carried into first-name use. It is sometimes read as an Old English Pronounced HAR-win▶Hemingway#12939 in the U.S.Hemingway is an English surname, likely from a place name, carried into first-name use chiefly in honor oPronounced HEM-ing-way▶Herrick#12943 in the U.S.From the English surname Herrick, traced to the Old Norse personal name Eirikr, 'ever-ruler' (from ei, 'ePronounced HEH-rik▶Governor#12951 in the U.S.Governor is the English word for a leader or head of a region, from the Latin gubernator, 'steersman, pilPronounced GUV-ur-nur▶Jerelle#12977 in the U.S.Jerelle reads as a modern American coinage that dresses up Jarrell or Gerald with a soft -elle finish. ThPronounced juh-REL▶Jarrel#13024 in the U.S.Jarrel is a variant of the surname-name Jarrell, which traces back to Gerald, from Germanic elements meanPronounced juh-REL▶Jami#13038 in the U.S.Jami is used chiefly as a spelling of Jamie, a pet form of James (from Hebrew Yaakov, Jacob) — a name givPronounced JAY-mee▶Hoy#13052 in the U.S.Hoy is chiefly a surname pressed into first-name use. It has more than one source: a Scottish place name Pronounced HOY▶Kagen#13056 in the U.S.Kagen is read either as a phonetic form of the Turkish name Cagan/Kagan, 'ruler' or 'khan' (a historic tiPronounced KAY-gun▶Jerrold#13104 in the U.S.A variant of Gerald (and of the medieval English Gerold/Jerold), from Germanic ger, 'spear', plus wald, 'Pronounced JER-uld▶Jerritt#13118 in the U.S.Jerritt is a modern respelling of Jarrett or Gerritt, surname-style forms that descend from the medieval Pronounced JEHR-it▶Jaylun#13178 in the U.S.Jaylun is a respelling of Jaylon or Jaylen, popular modern boys' names formed from the bright Jay- openinPronounced JAY-luhn▶Jerrald#13346 in the U.S.Jerrald is a spelling variant of Gerald (also spelled Jerald), from the Germanic elements ger ('spear') aPronounced JAIR-uhld▶Kymeer#13350 in the U.S.Kymeer is a modern American blend joining the Ky- opening to the -meer / -mir ending of Amir, Arabic for Pronounced kye-MEER▶Lameir#13363 in the U.S.Lameir is a modern American coinage joining the La- prefix to the -meir/-mir ending of Amir, Arabic for 'Pronounced luh-MEER▶Mandrell#13394 in the U.S.Mandrell is chiefly an English surname pressed into use as a first name; it is best known through the couPronounced MAN-drul▶Lunden#13415 in the U.S.Lunden reads chiefly as a respelling of London, the great city whose ancient name, Londinium, has no settPronounced LUN-dun▶Ossie#13509 in the U.S.Ossie began as an affectionate short form of names built on the old Germanic element 'os', meaning a god Pronounced AH-see▶Moxley#13543 in the U.S.Moxley is an English surname of place-name type, likely 'Mocca's clearing' from Old English elements. In Pronounced MOKS-lee▶Raynold#13572 in the U.S.Raynold is a spelling variant of Reynold, itself from the Germanic Raginald, joining ragin, counsel or adPronounced RAY-nuld▶Orlyn#13617 in the U.S.Orlyn is a rare American masculine name, most plausibly a variant of Orlin or a clipped form of Orland (aPronounced OR-lin▶Nymier#13635 in the U.S.Nymier joins the Ny- prefix to the -mir/-mier ending familiar from Amir, Zamir and Jahmir. It is a modernPronounced ny-MEER▶Princeley#13703 in the U.S.A modern name built from prince (Latin princeps, 'first; chief') plus the surname-style ending -ley. It rPronounced PRINSS-lee▶Rodric#13725 in the U.S.Rodric is a trimmed spelling of Roderick, which joins the Old Germanic elements hrod, 'fame', and ric, 'pPronounced ROD-rik▶Raydon#13739 in the U.S.Raydon is chiefly a modern coinage joining the bright Ray- front to the -don ending of Brandon and CamdenPronounced RAY-dun▶Reginal#13747 in the U.S.Reginal is a variant of Reginald, from the Germanic Reginald — ragin ('counsel; advice') plus wald ('rulePronounced REJ-uh-nul▶Rhamir#13761 in the U.S.Rhamir is a modern American respelling that draws on the Arabic Amir ('prince; commander') and the Ra- frPronounced rah-MEER▶Rhody#13764 in the U.S.Rhody is a nickname-style name, read as a short form of Rhodes ('woodland clearing') or Roderick ('famousPronounced ROH-dee▶Richardo#13769 in the U.S.Richardo blends the English Richard with the Spanish Ricardo. Both descend from the Germanic ric ('ruler;Pronounced rih-CHAR-doh▶Rixon#13782 in the U.S.Rixon is an English surname, generally read as a patronymic — 'son of Rick', from Richard ('brave ruler')Pronounced RIK-sun▶Rodrik#13788 in the U.S.Rodrik is a spelling of Roderick, from the Germanic Hroderich — hrod ('fame') plus ric ('ruler; power'), Pronounced ROD-rik▶Tedric#13828 in the U.S.Tedric is a coined boy's name that blends Ted, the familiar short form of Theodore or Edward, with the -rPronounced TED-rik▶Ronson#13853 in the U.S.Ronson has the shape of a patronymic surname, 'son of Ron,' with Ron standing for Ronald. Ronald comes frPronounced RON-suhn▶Rahn#13922 in the U.S.Rahn is most often a phonetic respelling of Ron, the short form of Ronald, from Old Norse for 'ruler's coPronounced RAHN▶Success#13933 in the U.S.The English word success, from Latin successus, 'an advance; a good outcome'. Used as an aspirational givPronounced suk-SES▶Tag#13950 in the U.S.Chiefly the English word tag — the chasing game, or a label. It also serves as a short form of the Irish Pronounced TAG▶Talmadge#13958 in the U.S.An English surname of uncertain origin, used as a given name chiefly in the American South. Suggested rooPronounced TAL-mij▶Ulric#14056 in the U.S.From the Germanic name Ulrich, formed from wulf, 'wolf' (or uodal, 'heritage'), plus ric, 'ruler; power'.Pronounced UL-rik▶Walten#14103 in the U.S.A modern respelling that sits between the English surname Walton ('the settlement by the wall', from Old Pronounced WAWL-tun▶Zamair#14199 in the U.S.A modern American coinage with no documented meaning; it is heard beside Zamir (Hebrew, 'song; nightingalPronounced zuh-MAIR▶HendricksonA patronymic surname, 'son of Hendrick' — Hendrick being the Dutch form of Henry, from the Germanic for 'Pronounced HEN-drik-sun▶JannerJanner is chiefly an English surname (also a regional nickname), taken up here as a given name; its surnaPronounced JAN-ur▶
More English Meaning Guides
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Walter mean?
Walter is a Germanic name meaning 'ruler of the army,' one of the oldest and most literal leader-names in this list. It has stayed popular for centuries partly because it also feels like a warm, familiar grandfather's name.