100 Unique Boy Names That Start With U: With Meanings (2024)

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Ua

While Ua is a Native American boy’s name meaning “true wife,” it sometimes appears as Uà in Vietnamese. In Vietnamese, Ua means “wow” and “show surprise.”

Origin: Native American, Vietnamese
Meaning: True wife
Pronunciation: YUW-aey
Popularity: Ua is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 773rd in Vietnam in 2014.

Unusual, Rare

Uaithne

Uaithne comes from the Gaelic “uaine” and Old Irish “úanne,” meaning “green.” In Irish mythology, Uaithne represents the Dagda’s harp, but also means “wood,” “work,” “pillar,” or “harmony.” Uatihne has no available popularity statistics as a name, but the Uaithni were an early Irish people based in medieval Limerick.

Origin: Irish, Gaelic
Meaning: Green
Pronunciation: Yuw-AETH-nee
Variations: Uaethne, Uathne, Uaythne

Rare, Ancient

Ualan

Ualan means “strong” and is a Scottish derivative of the English Valentine. It’s one of many Gaelic-based boy names that start with U, referring to “one who is strong and healthy.”

Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
Meaning: Healthy
Pronunciation: Yuw-AH-lahn
Variations: Uailean
Popularity: Ualan is extremely rare worldwide, with 75 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil.

Masculine, Strong

Uarkhag

Uarkhag has its roots in Ossetian mythology and means “like a wolf,” from the Scythian “varka,” meaning “wolf.” Uarkhag is the ancestor of the Narts in the Ossetian epic.

Origin: Russian, Ossetian
Meaning: Like a wolf
Pronunciation: Unknown
Variations: Uark Hag
Popularity: Uarkhag is extremely rare worldwide, with only seven known occurrences in 2014 in Russia.

Strong, Unusual

Uatsilla

Uasilla is an alternative spelling for Hory-Uacilla, a name used for Saint Elijah in Ossetian culture. It’s also the title of an agricultural holiday taking place after Pentecost. In Ossetian mythology, Uacilla is the thunderer and lord of storms, while this version of Oscilla has no popularity stats.

Origin: Ossentian
Meaning: God of thunder
Pronunciation: Oow-AHT-sihl-Ah
Variations: Uacilla

Unique, Ancient

Uatu

Uatu is one of a few fictional male names that start with U on the list. Uatu is also known as The Watcher, a fictional character appearing in stories by Marvel Comics. Uatu first appeared in The Fantastic Four and has barely been used outside the comic world.

Origin: Fictional
Meaning: The watcher
Pronunciation: Uw-AH-tuw
Popularity: Uatu is extremely rare worldwide, with just six known occurrences in 2014, mostly in India.

Cool, Modern

Ubaldo

Ubaldo is an Italian variation of the Old German Hugbald, related to Hugo. It’s made up of “hugu,” meaning “mind” and “thought,” plus “bald,” meaning “brave” and “bold.” Ubaldo is also a rare Spanish surname primarily known in the Philippines and Mexico.

Origin: Italian, Spanish
Meaning: Bold mind
Pronunciation: Yuw-BAAL-doh
Variations: Uboldo, Ubald
Namesakes: Ubaldo Ranzi, an Italian decathlete and gold medalist at the 1999 FIBT World Championships. Ubaldo Righetti, an Italian footballer for A.S. Roma.
Popularity: Ubaldo is rare worldwide and mainly used in Mexico, ranking 466th in 2014.

Unique, Unusual

Ubbe

Ubbe is a diminutive of Germanic names like Ulfr, Wolfhard, and Urbanus. Ubbe first belonged to a 9th-century ruler of the mighty Viking army.

Origin: German, Norse
Meaning: Wolf, unfriendly
Pronunciation: OOW-bah
Variations: Ubba
Popularity: Ubbe is extremely rare worldwide, with 75 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Germany.

Masculine, Unique

Uberto

Uberto is the Italian equivalent of the German Hubert, meaning “bright mind.” It’s composed of the Germanic “hugu,” meaning “spirit,” and “beraht,” meaning “bright.” Uberto can appear as everything from Abert and Ulberto to Umberto and Obert.

Origin: Italian, German
Meaning: Bright or shining intellect
Pronunciation: UW-BEHR-toh
Variations: Umberto
Namesakes: Uberto Zanolli, an Italian-Mexican composer and the Orquesta de Cámara de la ENP-UNAM director from 1972 to 1994. Uberto Pasolini, an Italian film producer known for The Full Monty (1997).
Popularity: Uberto is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Italy, where it ranked 1,714th in 2014.

Informal, Uncommon

Ubirajara

Ubirajara derives from the Brazilian-Tupi language, meaning “lord of the spear.” It’s made up of “ybyra,” meaning “stick” or “spear,” and “îara,” meaning “lord” and “master.” Ubirajara also refers to an ancient Brazilian dinosaur and an 1874 novel by José de Alencar.

Origin: Brazilian, Tupi
Meaning: Lord of the spear
Pronunciation: Uw-BIY-raa-Jah-raa
Popularity: Ubirajara is rare worldwide and mainly used in Brazil, ranking 1,113rd in 2014.

Masculine, Formal

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Uche

Uche means “thoughts” and “wisdom” in the Nigerian-Igbo language, but also means “intention,” “will,” or “sense.” It’s often a diminutive for Uchechukwu and Uchendu.

Origin: Nigerian, Igbo
Meaning: Thinker
Pronunciation: Uw-CHEAY
Namesakes: Uche Nduka, a Nigerian-American writer awarded the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Poetry in 1997. Uche Iheruome, a Nigerian football player for Thanh Hóa.
Popularity: Uche is rare worldwide and primarily used in Nigeria, where it ranked 134th in 2014.

Traditional, Informal

Udo

Udo is a Germanic nickname for Ulric and Otto, meaning “heritage” and “one with great fortune.” Udo also means “peace” in the Nigerian-Igbo language.

Origin: German
Meaning: Heritage
Pronunciation: UW-Dow
Variations: Uto
Namesakes: Udo Kier, a German actor known for Shadow of the Vampire (2000). Udo Hempel, a German road and track cyclist and gold medalist at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Udo is rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany, ranking 156th in 2014.

Cute, Informal

Uduak

Uduak is quite popular in Nigeria, meaning “desire or will” in Ibibio, a language spoken in southern Nigeria. Outside of Nigeria, Uduak is among the rarest U names for boys.

Origin: Nigerian, Ibibio
Meaning: Desire
Pronunciation: UW-doo-Ahk
Popularity: Uduak is rare worldwide and mainly used in Nigeria, where it ranked 377th in 2014.

Unique, Traditional

Ueli

Ueli means “rich, powerful heritage,” as the Swiss form of Ulrich. It’s made up of the Germanic “uodal,” meaning “heritage” and “rihhi,” meaning “powerful” and “mighty.”

Origin: Swiss
Meaning: Rich heritage
Pronunciation: UW-liy
Namesakes: Ueli Maurer, a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2009 to 2022. Ueli Sutter, a Swiss cyclist who competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Ueli is rare worldwide and primarily used in Switzerland, ranking 171st in 2014.

Unusual, Informal

Uew

Uew may look like one of the strangest boy names with U, but it has many possible origins. It’s linked to a Frisian variation of Old German names beginning with “Ul-,” “Ud-,” or “Od-.” Some associate Uew with the Scandinavian Ove, meaning “inheritance” or “edge of a sword.”

Origin: German, Scandinavian
Meaning: Heritage
Pronunciation: YUW
Namesakes: Uwe Freiler, a German footballer for FC 08 Homburg. Uwe Hüser, a German member of the Bundestag from 1987 to 1990.
Popularity: Uew is extremely rare worldwide, with just five known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Malaysia and Thailand.

Rare, Unusual

Uf*ck

Uf*ck is a unisex Turkish name meaning “horizon.” It’s based on the Arabic “ufuq,” which has the same meaning and is most typical in Turkey.

Origin: Turkish, Arabic
Meaning: Horizon
Pronunciation: Uw-f*ck
Namesakes: Uf*ck Sarıca, a Turkish basketball player and current head coach of Pınar Karşıyaka. Uf*ck Bayraktar, a Turkish actor appearing in Destiny (2006).
Popularity: Uf*ck is rare worldwide and mainly used in Turkey, where it ranked 306th in 2014.

Unique, Traditional

Ugène

Ugene is an unconventional take on Eugene. It originated as the Greek “eugenēs,” meaning “well-born,” when composed of “eu,” meaning “well,” and “genos,” meaning “stock.”

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Noble
Pronunciation: Uw-JHIYN
Variations: Eugene
Popularity: Ugène is extremely rare worldwide, with just one known occurrence in 2014 in Belgium.

Rare, Ancient

Ugo

Ugo is a distinctly Italian form of Hugo taken from the Old German “hugu,” meaning “heart,” “mind,” and “spirit.” Its diminutive is Ugolino in Italian, but it is also a Nigerian-Igbo name.

Origin: Italian, Spanish
Meaning: Mind
Pronunciation: YUW-goh
Variations: Hugo
Namesakes: Ugo Tognazzi, an Italian actor known for Barbarella (1968). Ugo Gabrieli, an Italian footballer for Martina.
Popularity: Ugo is rare worldwide and primarily used in Italy, ranking 189th in 2014.

Cute, Informal

Uğur

Uğur means “luck” in Turkish and is occasionally used for girls too. It also points to a “good omen” for your blessed baby boy.

Origin: Turkish, Azerbaijani
Meaning: Good luck
Pronunciation: UWJHS
Namesakes: Uğur Dündar, a Turkish journalist and anchorman for Star TV. Uğur Pektaş, a Turkish actor best known for the series Arka Sokaklar.
Popularity: Uğur is rare worldwide and mostly used in Turkey, where it ranked 64th in 2014.

Masculine, Unique

Uhtred

Uhtread is sometimes related to the Old English “raed,” meaning “counsel,” but its exact origins are unclear. It shows up alongside the variation Wihtred and the similar surname Oughtred.

Origin: English
Meaning: Advice
Pronunciation: UW-Trehd
Namesakes: Uhtred, the Welsh Bishop of Llandaff from 1140 to 1148. Uhtred mac Fergus, the Scottish Lord of Galloway from 1161 to 1174.
Popularity: Uhtred is extremely rare worldwide, with just four known occurrences in 2014.

Unusual, Rare

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Uhuru

Uhuru means “freedom” in Swahili, as well as “independence.” It pops up as the Uhuru Movement, founded in 1972 and led by the African People’s Socialist Party.

Origin: African, Swahili
Meaning: Freedom
Pronunciation: Uw-HUW-roo
Variations: Uhura
Namesakes: Uhuru Hamiter, an American football player for the New Orleans Saints. Uhuru Kenyatta, the fourth president of Kenya from 2013 to 2022.
Popularity: Uhuru is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Kenya.

Cool, Unique

Uilliam

You may never link Uilliam to Liam, but it’s an obscure medieval version of William, meaning “strong-willed warrior” and “protector.” Uilliam is associated with the Frankish Willahelm, meaning “helmet of will.”

Origin: English
Meaning: Helmet of will
Pronunciation: UW-liy-Aem
Variations: William
Popularity: Uilliam is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.

Ancient, Rare

Ùisdean

Ùisdean derives from the Old Norse Eysteinn, made up of “ei,” meaning “forever,” and “steinn,” meaning “stone.” Some believe it to be a version of Hugh. Ùisdean doesn’t register on the worldwide popularity scale.

Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
Meaning: Intelligent
Pronunciation: UWS-Deeyn
Variations: Hùisdean
Namesakes: Ùisdean MacIllFhinnein (known as Hugh Dan MacLennan), a Scottish broadcaster with BBC Radio nan Gaidheal. Uisdean MacDonald (also known as High MacDonald), a Scottish vice-chairman of the Scottish National Party in 1969.

Unusual, Rare

U-Jin

U-Jin uses the Korean boy’s name Jin, meaning “jewel” or “truth, and sometimes appears as Yu-jin. It can also mean “abundant” and “valuable.”

Origin: Korean
Meaning: Genuine, blessing
Pronunciation: Yuw-JIHN
Variations: Yu-Jin
Namesakes: Kim U-jin, a Korean writer known for the poem Theory of Life and Death.
Popularity: U-Jin is rare worldwide and mostly used in South Korea, where it ranked 38th in 2014.

Traditional, Unique

Ukiah

Ukiah is best known as a town in Mendocino County, California, founded by Pomo Indians. Ukiah relates to the Pomo “yokoyo,” meaning “deep valley,” and sounds hip yet unique for modern baby boys.

Origin: Native American, Pomo
Meaning: Deep valley
Pronunciation: Yuw-KAEY-aa
Variations: Ukia, Ukya, Ukyah
Popularity: Ukiah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.

Ancient, Unique

Ukko

Ukko refers to a “grandfather” or “old man” in Finnish. It was first inspired by Uku, the god of the sky, harvest, and thunder in Finnish and Estonian mythology.

Uladzimir

Uladzimir is the Belarusian equivalent to Vladimir, based on the Old Slavic Volodiměrŭ. It was originally composed of “vladět,” meaning “to rule” or “master,” and “mir,” meaning “peace.” Uladzimir means “to rule with greatness” and is one of many guy names that start with U with an alternative spelling.

Origin: Belarusian, Slavic
Meaning: To rule peacefully
Pronunciation: Uw-LAHD-sih-Mear
Variations: Vladimir
Namesakes: Uladzimir Navumau, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Belarus from 2000 to 2009. Uladzimir Karatkievich, a Belarusian writer known for the 1964 novel King Stakh’s Wild Hunt.
Popularity: Uladzimir is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Belarus, where it ranked 791st in 2014.

Formal, Strong

Ulderico

Ulderico is a fancy Italian version of Ulric, based on the Old German Uodalrich. It’s composed of “audaz,” meaning “homeland” and “rīkijaz,” meaning “royal.” Ulderico means “the power of richness,” inspired by the German Saint Ulrich, the 10th-century Bishop of Augsburg.

Origin: Italian, German
Meaning: Merciful ruler
Pronunciation: Uhl-deh-RIYK-ow
Variations: Uldericco
Namesakes: Ulderico Pesce, an Italian actor known for Passannante (2011).
Popularity: Ulderico is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Italy, ranking 1,052nd in 2014.

Fancy, Formal

Ulf

Ulf comes from the Old Norse “úlfr,” meaning “wolf.” It was first used in 11th-century Sweden, and Ulf’s female equivalent is Ylva.

Origin: German, Scandinavian
Meaning: Wolf
Pronunciation: AUHLF
Variations: Ulv
Namesakes: Ulf Samuelsson, a Swedish-American ice hockey assistant coach for the Florida Panthers. Ulf Pilgaard, a Danish actor known for Farligt venskab (1995).
Popularity: Ulf is rare worldwide and primarily used in Sweden, where it ranked 23rd in 2023.

Masculine, Cute

Ulfin

Ulfin’s meaning is officially unknown, but it may relate to the Scandinavian “ulf,” meaning “wold.” Ulfin is also a prominent surname in Asia, where 75% of those with the surname Ulfin reside.

Origin: English
Meaning: Unknown
Pronunciation: AULF-ihn
Variations: Ulf
Popularity: Ulfin is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Indonesia.

Rare, Unusual

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Ulfric

Ulfric is composed of the Nose “ulf,” meaning “wolf,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler.” It may also refer to “the king of the elves” and may be an Old Swedish variant of Ulfrikr. Ulfric’s only popularity statistics exist with Ulfrick only used once in Russia in 2014.

Origin: Scandinavian, Norse
Meaning: Wolf ruler
Pronunciation: AUL-frik
Variations: Ulfrik, Ulfrick

Strong, Rare

Úlfur

Úlfur most directly means “wolf” in Icelandic and is a variation of Ulfr. It’s made up of the Old Norse “úlfr,” but can refer to someone “as fierce as a wolf” too.

Origin: Icelandic
Meaning: Wolf
Pronunciation: AULF-ehr
Variations: Ulfer
Namesakes: Úlfur Hansson, an Icelandic songwriter named the 2013 Young Composer of the Year at the International Rostrum of Composers,
Popularity: Úlfur is extremely rare worldwide, with 20 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Iceland, ranking 1,689th.

Traditional, Unusual

Uli

Uli means “young” as the short form of multiple Scandinavian U names for boys beginning with “Ul-.” It also relates to the Latin “ursus,” meaning “little bear,” but is best known for meaning “rich, powerful heritage.”

Origin: German, Scandinavian
Meaning: Young
Pronunciation: UW-liy
Variations: Ulli, Ulie, Ueli
Namesakes: Uli Kusch, a German heavy metal drummer for Helloween. Uli Edel, a German director known for the 1996 TV movie Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny.
Popularity: Uli is rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany, ranking 679th in 2014.

Cute, Informal

Ulick

Ulick is a super obscure Gaelic boy’s name meaning “little William,” based on the Irish Uilleac and Uilleag. It’s linked to the Old Norse Hugleikr, meaning “spirit play,” and is among the names for boys that start with U based on Hugo.

Origin: Irish, Gaelic
Meaning: Little William
Pronunciation: YUW-lihk
Variations: Ulic, Ulik, Ulyc, Ulyck, Ulyk
Namesakes: Ulick Burke, an Irish Teachta Dála for Galway East from 2007 to 2011. Ulick Lupede, a French footballer for C.O. Saint-Saturnin Arche.
Popularity: Ulick is rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, where it ranked 1,857th in 2014.

Unique, Cute

Ulloriaq

Ulloriaq is primarily Greenlandic and comes from the Eskimo-Aleut Uvdloriak, meaning “star.” It uses the root “uvlu,” meaning “morning,” referring to anyone who’s “star-like,” like your shining baby boy.

Origin: Greenlandic
Meaning: Star
Pronunciation: Uw-LOHR-iy-Ak
Variations: Uloriaq, Uloryaq
Popularity: Ulloriaq is extremely rare worldwide, with 17 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Greenland.

Unusual, Rare

Ulmer

Ulmer originated as a German surname for someone “from the city of Ulm.” It’s also associated with the German “dolmar,” made up of “odal,” meaning “inherited property,” and “mār,” meaning “famous.”

Origin: Norse, German
Meaning: Famous wolf
Pronunciation: AHL-Mer
Variations: Ullmer, Ulmar
Popularity: Ulmer is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.

Masculine, Strong

Ulmo

Like Ulmer, Ulmo means “from Ulm” in Germany. The character of Ulmo is also known as King of the Sea among the Ainur in a Tolkien-focused Dungeons & Dragons. Ulmo is, therefore, not alone among fiction-based boy names that start with U.

Origin: German
Meaning: From Ulm
Pronunciation: UHL-Mow
Variations: Ulmer
Popularity: Ulmo is extremely rare worldwide, with just 11 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Indonesia.

Rare, Unusual

Ülo

Ülo comes from the ancient Finnish Ilo, meaning “joy,” and is also linked to the Estonian “ülev,” meaning “noble.” In German, Ülo means “the blade of a harpoon or lance.”

Origin: Finnish, Estonian
Meaning: Joy, noble
Pronunciation: UW-low
Namesakes: Ülo Mattheus, an Estonian writer and press consultant for the Riigikogu from 2005 to 2013. Ülo Varul, an Estonian basketball player for the Estonia men’s national basketball team.
Popularity: Ülo is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Nigeria.

Cute, Unique

Ulric

Ulric derives from the Old English Wulfric, composed of “wulf,” meaning “wolf,” and “ric,” meaning “rule.” It also means “power of the home,” based on the Old German Uodalrich, meaning “rich heritage.”

Origin: English, German
Meaning: Power of the wolf
Pronunciation: UHL-rik
Variations: Ullric, Ulrick, Ulrik, Ulryck
Namesakes: Ulric Browne, an English actor known for the soap opera EastEnders. Ulric Nisbet, an English writer of Thoughts on the Purpose of Art (1934).
Popularity: Ulric is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 467th in Barbados in 2014.

Strong, Traditional

Ultan

Ultan means “a man from Ulster” in Northern Ireland. It inspired St. Ultan’s Hospital, the first hospital for infants in Ireland, and was previously used for 18 Irish saints.

Origin: Irish
Meaning: Man from Ulster
Pronunciation: UHL-Tahn
Variations: Ulltan, Ulltann, Ultann, Ulttan
Namesakes: Ultan Cooke, an Irish head chef awarded a Michelin star for his work at Aniar in Galway. Ultan Dillane, an Irish rugby union player for La Rochelle.
Popularity: Ultan is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Ireland, where it ranked 727th in 2014.

Masculine, Uncommon

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Ultron

Ultron means “avenger” in ancient Latin, but was only used as a surname by one person in South Africa in 2014. Ultron is a villainous character in Marvel Comics and first appeared in The Avengers. Ultron rules over clones of himself called Ultron Drones, which makes a fine story for your little Ultron to tell.

Origin: Latin, Fictional
Meaning: Avenger
Pronunciation: UHL-trohn

Cool, Modern

Ulugbek

Ulugbek is made up of “Ulug,” meaning “great,” and “bek,” meaning “leader.” It can refer to the “greatest of the leaders” and “the great king.” Ulugbek is inspired by Ulugh Beg, a 15th-century sultan, while Ulugbek is a town in the Tashkent Region of Uzbekistan.

Origin: Uzbek, Turkish
Meaning: Great king
Pronunciation: UHL-ugg-Bek
Variations: Ulug’bek
Namesakes: Ulugbek Rash*tov, an Uzbekistan taekwondo practitioner and gold medalist at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Ulugbek is rare worldwide and mainly used in Uzbekistan, ranking 19th in 2014.

Common, Strong

Ulysses

Ulysses is the Latin spelling of the Greek Odysseus, meaning “epic voyage” or “adventure.” It’s best known as the hero of Homer’s Odyssey and the main character in James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Wrathful
Pronunciation: Yuw-LIHS-iyz
Variations: Ulices, Ulyssees
Namesakes: Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the U.S. from 1869 to 1877. Ulysses Cuadra, an American actor known for the series Rocket Power.
Popularity: Ulysses is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 1,375th in the Philippines in 2014.

Cool, Masculine

Umar

Umar is a commonly used variation of Omar, meaning “prospering,” “thriving,” and “flourishing.” It’s composed of the Arabic “umr,” meaning “lifetime,” and “amara,” meaning “to live long.”

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Prospering
Pronunciation: UW-Maar
Variations: Omar, Omer
Namesakes: Umar Mustafa Al-Muntassar, the prime minister of Libya from 1987 to 1990. Umar Wirahadikusumah, the 4th vice-president of Indonesia from 1983 to 1988.
Popularity: Umar ranked 387th worldwide and is mostly used in Nigeria, where it ranked 8th in 2014.

Popular, Traditional

Umberto

Umberto means “renowned warrior” as an Italian variation of the German Humbert. It’s made up of the Old German “han,” meaning “warrior,” and “berhtl,” meaning “bright.”

Origin: Italian
Meaning: Famous
Pronunciation: Uwm-BEHRT-oh
Variations: Uberto
Namesakes: Umberto Eco, an Italian writer known for the 1980 novel The Name of the Rose. Umberto Panerai, an Italian water polo player and silver medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Umberto is rare worldwide and mainly used in Italy, ranking 109th in 2014.

Traditional, Common

Umbriel

Umbriel is one of the created male names that start with U, brought into existence by a writer. English poet Alexander Pope named a melancholy sprite Umbriel in the 1712 poem, The Rape of the Lock. It may be based on the Latin “umbra,” meaning “shadow,” and is also a moon of Uranus, named in honor of the poet.

Origin: Latin, Fictional
Meaning: Shadow
Pronunciation: UHM-Bree-ehl
Popularity: Umbriel is extremely rare worldwide, with just six known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil.

Modern, Unusual

Umid

Umid means “hope” in Uzbek as derived from the Persian “omid.” Its other meanings include “expectation,” “wish,” “desire,” and “trust.” Umid isn’t found much outside Uzbekistan but is quite popular there for hopeful boys.

Origin: Uzbek
Meaning: Hope
Pronunciation: UW-Mihd
Variations: Umit
Namesakes: Umid Irgashev, an Uzbek actor known for Oqpadar (2012). Umid Isoqov, an Uzbek footballer for Neftchi Farg’ona.
Popularity: Umid is rare worldwide and mostly used in Uzbekistan, where it ranked 21st in 2014.

Unique, Traditional

Umran

Umran is somewhat associated with other Arabic-based boys’ names with U, like Umar. It means “prosperity” and “populated” and is a Turkish magazine founded in 1991.

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Exalted nation
Pronunciation: UWM-raan
Namesakes: Umran İnan, the Turkish president of Koç University from 2009 to 2021. Umran Malik, an Indian cricketer for the Indian national cricket team.
Popularity: Umran is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.

Strong, Uncommon

Umut

Umut means “hope” in Turkish, while it means “wonder” in Kurdish. In Turkey, it’s unisex but more popular for boys.

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Hope
Pronunciation: UW-Muht
Variations: Umit, Umitt, Umutt
Namesakes: Umut Atakişi, a Turkish chess player and three-time Turkish Chess Champion. Umut Aral, a Turkish director known for the series The Protector.
Popularity: Umut is rare worldwide, primarily used in Turkey, and ranked 200th in Northern Cyprus in 2014.

Unique, Uncommon

Unaduti

Unaduti is taken from the Cherokee “unddena,” meaning “wooly” and “duti,” meaning “head.” It also describes a “bushy head” and isn’t on the popularity charts. Unaduti is inspired by Dennis W. Bushyhead, a mixed Cherokee chief based in Tennessee.

Origin: Native American, Cherokee
Meaning: Wooly head
Pronunciation: Uw-naa-DUW-tiy

Ancient, Unusual

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Unathi

Unathi originally meant “he or she is with us” in the South African Xhosa language. It’s based on the prefix “u-,” meaning “he/she” and “nathi,” meaning “with us.” Unathi has come to mean “God is with us,” especially for those in Zimbabwe.

Origin: South African, Xhosa
Meaning: God is with us
Pronunciation: Uw-NAE-Thiy
Variations: Unathee, Unathey, Unathie, Unathy
Popularity: Unathi is rare worldwide and mostly used in South Africa, ranking 573rd in 2014.

Cute, Unique

Undine

In European mythology, Undine refers to “elemental beings of the water,” like sea nymphs. It’s linked to the Latin “unda,” meaning “wave,” and was officially a name when Swiss author Paracelsus used it in his book.

Origin: Latin, Fictional
Meaning: Of the waves
Pronunciation: UHN-Diyn
Variations: Ondine
Popularity: Undine is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Germany, and ranked 536th in Barbados in 2014.

Ancient, Fancy

Unika

Unika originated with the South African Ngoni tribe, where it means “shine” and “glitter.” It’s associated with the Latin “unicus,” meaning “unique,” for your one-of-a-kind baby boy.

Origin: African, Ngoni
Meaning: Shining
Pronunciation: Uw-NIY-kaa
Variations: Unikah
Popularity: Unika is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.

Rare, Unusual

Unique

Unique dates back to the Latin “unicus,” made up of “ūnus,” meaning “one,” and “-icus,” meaning “unique.” Unique is a wonderful middle name that lets everyone know your little one is “unlike anything else.”

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Only one
Pronunciation: Yuw-NIYK
Variations: Unik
Namesakes: Unique Salonga (known as Unique), a Filipino singer-songwriter and member of the group IV of Spades.
Popularity: Unique is very rare worldwide, mostly used in DR Congo, and ranked 1,818th in Malawi in 2014.

Cool, Modern

Uno

Uno is one of the guy names that start with U, appearing in many countries. It comes from the Old Norse Une and relates to the Latin “unus,” meaning “one.” In Japanese, Uno means “roof” and “field.”

Origin: Latin, Scandinavian
Meaning: One
Pronunciation: UW-Nouw
Variations: Unno
Namesakes: Uno Hildén, a member of the Parliament of Finland from 1936 to 1945. Uno Öhrlund, a Swedish ice hockey player and silver medalist at the 1964 Winter Olympics.
Popularity: Uno is rare worldwide, mainly used in Sweden, and ranked 357th in Estonia in 2014.

Cool, Unusual

Unwin

Unwin derives from the Old English Hūnwine, meaning “bear cub friend.” Some link it to the Old English “unwine,” meaning “unfriend,” while it’s also a variation of the Welsh Hennion.

Origin: English, Welsh
Meaning: Bear cub friend
Pronunciation: AON-Wihn
Variations: Unwinn, Unwinne, Unwyne, Unwynn
Namesakes: Unwin Brown, an English drummer and member of the folk band Trees.
Popularity: Unwin is extremely rare worldwide, with 21 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Papua New Guinea.

Ancient, Unique

Uolevi

Uolevi comes from the Old Norse Ólafr, meaning everything from “to shine” and “elf” to “legacy of ancestors.” It’s said to be the original name for St. Olaf, the king of Norway, from 1015 to 1028.

Origin: Finnish, Norse
Meaning: Descendent, ancestor
Pronunciation: UW-aa-Leh-viy
Variations: Uolevee, Uolevey, Uolevie, Uolevy
Namesakes: Uolevi Kahelin, a Finnish weightlifter who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Uolevi Raade, a Finnish industrialist and managing director of the Neste oil company.
Popularity: Uolevi is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Finland, where it ranked 827th in 2014.

Ancient, Strong

Upton

Upton is an English variation of Upperton, which first appeared as Upper Ton. It referred to someone “from the high hill” or “town on the heights.” Upton is composed of the Old English “upp,” meaning “upper,” and “tūn,” meaning “farmstead,” for your well-traveled boy.

Origin: English
Meaning: Upper settlement
Pronunciation: UHP-Tahn
Variations: Uptan, Upten, Uptun
Namesakes: Upton Sinclair, an American writer awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1943. Upton Bell, an American football commentator for Sports Channel New England.
Popularity: Upton is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.

Fancy, Rare

Upwood

Upwood means “from the upland forest” and appears more as a surname than a first name. It’s likely meant for someone from Upward Village in Huntingdonshire, England.

Origin: English
Meaning: From the upper forest
Pronunciation: UHP-Wuhd

Traditional, Unique

Ural

Ural became a name used for those from the areas near the Ural Mountains in the 16th- and 17th-centuries. It’s based on the Turkish “aral,” meaning “island,” but differs from the nearby Caucasus Mountains, meaning “white with snow.”

Origin: Uzbek, Turkish
Meaning: From the Ural mountains
Pronunciation: YUHR-Ahl
Variations: Urale, Urall, Uralle
Namesakes: Ural Latypov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus from 1988 to 2000. Ural Amirov, Russian footballer for FC Gazovik-Gazprom Izhevsk.
Popularity: Ural is rare worldwide, primarily used in Uzbekistan, and ranked 783rd in Russia in 2014.

Unusual, Uncommon

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Uranus

Uranus is best known as a planet named after the Greek god of the sky. In Greek mythology, Uranus is the father of Saturn and grandfather of Jupiter.

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Heavenly
Pronunciation: Yuh-REY-nahs
Variations: Uranas, Uraynas, Uraynus
Popularity: Uranus is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Indonesia, and ranked 1,306th in Saint Lucia in 2014.

Cool, Ancient

Urbain

Urbain is the elegant French version of Urban, originally used by eight different popes. It stems from the Latin “urbanus” and means “from the city.”

Origin: French
Meaning: City dweller
Pronunciation: Uhr-BAEN
Variations: Urban
Namesakes: Urbain Dubois, a French chef and the creator of Veal Orloff. Urbain Braems, a Belgian footballer for K.S.V. Sottegem.
Popularity: Urbain is rare worldwide, mainly used in the DR Congo, and ranked 180th in the Central African Republic in 2014.

Masculine, Formal

Urban

Urban derives from the Latin “urbanus,” given to someone “of the town or city,” from “urbs,” meaning “town.” Urban is also used for various Slavic U surnames like the Slovenian Urbančič, which is why it’s super popular there.

Origin: Latin
Meaning: From the city
Pronunciation: UHR-Bahn
Variations: Urbane, Urbayn, Urbayne
Namesakes: Urban Gad, a Danish director known for Hannele’s Journey to Heaven (1922). Urban Blitz, an English rock musician with the band Doctors of Madness.
Popularity: Urban is rare worldwide and primarily used in Slovenia, ranking 173rd in 2014.

Cool, Unusual

Urgell

Urgell stems from the Latin “urgellum,” but relates to the Iberian “uŕki” and Basque “ur.” Urgell is the name of a county located in Ponent, Catalonia, Spain.

Origin: Catalan, Spanish
Meaning: Catalan place name
Pronunciation: UHR-Jhehl
Popularity: Urgell is extremely rare worldwide, with 43 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Spain.

Unusual, Rare

Uri

Uri also means “my flame” in Hebrew and is a nickname for Uriah and Uriel. It’s more commonly spelled Yuri, but either way, it means “the light of God” in Hebrew.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My light
Pronunciation: YUW-Riy
Variations: Yuri
Namesakes: Uri Lupolianski, the mayor of Jerusalem from 2003 to 2008. Uri Gallin, an Israeli discus thrower who competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Uri is rare worldwide, mainly used in Indonesia, and ranked 1,692nd in Ecuador in 2014.

Cute, Informal

Uriah

Uriah means “my light is Yahweh” when taken from the Hebrew Uriyah. It’s composed of “ur,” meaning “flame,” and “yah,” meaning “God.” In the Old Testament, Uriah is a Hittite warrior in King David’s army.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Flame of God
Pronunciation: Yuw-RAEY-ah
Variations: Uria
Namesakes: Uriah Duffy, an American bassist for the rock band Whitesnake. Uriah Hall, an American mixed martial artist for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Popularity: Uriah is rare worldwide and primarily used in Jamaica, where it ranked 146th in 2014.

Formal, Masculine

Uriel

Uriel, along with Uriah, both refer to the “flame of God” in Hebrew. Uriel is one of the seven archangels in the Bible, ready to bless this name for your precious baby boy.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Fire of God
Pronunciation: YUHR-iy-Ehl
Variations: Uriell, Urielle, Uryel, Uryell, Uryelle
Namesakes: Uriel Antuna, a Mexican footballer for the Mexico national team. Uriel Emil, an Israeli actor known for the series Casualty (2019 to 2021).
Popularity: Uriel is rare worldwide, mostly used in Mexico, and ranked 207th in Puerto Rico in 2014.

Ancient, Traditional

Urien

Urien has English origins but is best known as a medieval Welsh name based on Urbgen. It uses the Celtic “rbo-,” meaning “heir,” and the suffix “gen,” meaning “born of.” Urien was a 6th-century Welsh king of Rheged whose name occasionally pops up in Arthurian tales.

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Of privileged birth
Pronunciation: YUW-riy-Ahn
Variations: Urienn, Urienne, Uryenn, Uryenne
Popularity: Urien is extremely rare worldwide, with 89 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Uganda.

Rare, Fancy

Urizen

Urizen is the coolest of fictionalized names for boys that start with U. It appears in William Blake’s Book of Urizen, where the character symbolizes reason and law. It either means “your reason” or is linked to a Greek word meaning “to limit.”

Origin: Fictional
Meaning: Your reason
Pronunciation: YUW-rih-Zehn
Popularity: Urizen is extremely rare worldwide, with just four known occurrences in 2014 in Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Portugal.

Cool, Strong

Urmas

Urmas derives from the Estonian “urm,” meaning “frost” and “catkin,” which is similar to a willow or hazel tree. Urmas was first used by the Finnish writer Johannes Linnankoski in his 1908 play Kirot. If you need a cuter variation of Urmas, Urmo is a great nickname.

Origin: Estonian, Fictional
Meaning: Frost
Pronunciation: UHR-maas
Variations: Urmo, Urmet
Namesakes: Urmas Ott, an Estonian TV journalist and host of the series Television Acquaintance in 1986. Urmas Välbe, an Estonian cross-country skier who competed at the 1994 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Urmas is rare worldwide and primarily used in Estonia, ranking 32nd in 2014.

Modern, Unique

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Uroš

Uroš is composed of the Hungarian “úr,” meaning “lord” and “ruler,” and the suffix “-oš,” often used by Slavic cultures. One of the first namesakes was Uroš I, a 12th-century Serbian grand prince.

Origin: Slavic, Hungarian
Meaning: Little lord
Pronunciation: YUW-rowz
Namesakes: Uroš Umek, a Slovenian dance music producer who won Best Techno Artist at the 2010 Beatport Music Awards. Uroš Tripković, a Serbian basketball player for the Serbian national basketball team.
Popularity: Uroš is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Serbia, and ranked 865th in Slovenia in 2014.

Strong, Cute

Urs

Urs is based on the Latin first name Ursus, meaning “bear.” It mostly appears in parts of Switzerland where German is spoken due to the popularity of Saint Ursus.

Origin: German, Latin
Meaning: Bear
Pronunciation: UHRZ
Namesakes: Urs Freuler, a Swiss cyclist named 1983 Swiss Sports Personality of the Year. Urs Egger, a Swiss journalist for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper from 1974 to 1997.
Popularity: Urs is rare worldwide and mainly used in Switzerland, where it ranked 13th in 2014.

Masculine, Traditional

Ursinus

Ursinus derives from the Latin “ursus,” meaning “bear.” It spawned other “bear” boy names that start with U, like the Italian Urso.

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bear
Pronunciation: UHR-siy-Noos
Popularity: Ursinus is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.

Formal, Rare

Ury

Ury is a much less common spelling of Yuri or Uri. In France, it’s a form of Oury, a nickname for Ulrich, and links to Urey in English. Ury has found popularity in Mexico because it’s a new form of an old name that’s still quite endearing.

Origin: Hebrew, Russian
Meaning: Shining
Pronunciation: YUW-Riy
Variations: Uri, Yury, Yuri
Namesakes: Ury Benador (pen name of Simon Grinberg), a Romanian playwright awarded the 1924 Romanian Dramatic and Music Critics’ Association Prize.
Popularity: Ury is rare worldwide and mostly used in Mexico.

Informal, Cute

Usain

Usain is a much less popular variation of the Arabic Hussein. It still means wonderful things like “handsome,” “good-mannered,” and “virtuous” for your well-behaved little guy.

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Beautiful, good
Pronunciation: Uw-SEYN
Variations: Husain
Namesakes: Usain Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter and gold medalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Popularity: Usain is very rare worldwide and mainly used in India.

Masculine, Uncommon

Ush

Ush may be a nickname for the English Usher, but it also means “dawn” and “early morning” in Sanskrit. Ush was also the ancient Sumerian King of Umma, a city-state in Sumer around 2450 BCE. There’s also a place called Ush Island off the northern coast of Sakhalin in eastern Russia.

Origin: Indian, English
Meaning: Daybreak
Pronunciation: UHSH
Variations: Usher
Popularity: Ush is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.

Informal, Rare

Usher

Usher means “blessed,” and “doorkeeper” as an Old English occupational name. It dates back to the Latin “ustiarius,” from “ostium,” meaning “door” and “gate.” Usher is also a Yiddish variant of the Hebrew Asher, meaning “happy” and “blessed.”

Origin: English
Meaning: Blessed
Pronunciation: UHSH-ehr
Variations: Ushar, Ushur, Ussher, Usshir
Namesakes: Usher Raymond IV, an American singer known for the album Confessions (2004).
Popularity: Usher is rare worldwide and mostly used in Malawi, where it’s slightly uncommon.

Unique, Cool

Ushi

Ushi is one of the U names for boys with multiple origins. In Chinese, it means “strong as an ox” or “a plant.” Ushi is also a variant of Uschi, the short form of Ursula. It’s even a Hindi girl’s name meaning “wish” or “desire.”

Origin: Chinese, German
Meaning: The ox
Pronunciation: UW-Shiy
Variations: Ushee, Ushey, Ushie, Ushy
Popularity: Ushi is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Ecuador, ranking 965th in 2014.

Strong, Cute

Usko

Usko is a Finnish boy’s name meaning “faith” or referring to someone who “has much faith.” It’s very rare outside of Finland but is short and sweet, making it quite catchy.

Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Faith
Pronunciation: UWSK-oh
Variations: Uscco, Uscko, Uskko
Namesakes: Usko Meriläinen, a Finnish composer who conducted the Finnish Opera Choir from 1954 to 1956. Usko Kemppi, a Finnish screenwriter known for “Linnaisten vihreä kamari” (1945).
Popularity: Usko is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Finland, where it ranked 769th in 2014.

Traditional, Unique

Usoa

Usoa relates to the Basque “uxue,” meaning “pigeon” or “dove.” It’s also associated with the Basque town of Ujué. Usoa is an African form of Usoah and, as the acronym USOA, it stands for the Underwater Society of America.

Origin: Spanish, African
Meaning: Dove
Pronunciation: Uw-SOW-ah
Variations: Usoah
Popularity: Usoa is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Spain.

Unusual, Uncommon

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Usul

Though Usul partly derives from an Arabic word meaning “fundamental principles (of Islam),” it’s also a sci-fi name. Usul is a Fremen name for the Dune character Paul Atreides, meaning “the strength at the base of a pillar.”

Origin: Arabic, Fictional
Meaning: Fundamental principles
Pronunciation: Uw-SUWL
Variations: Usuli
Popularity: Usul is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.

Modern, Unusual

Utah

Utah is one of the coolest male names that start with U with Native American heritage. It’s based on the Ute tribe that helped name the U.S. state of Utah, meaning “people of the mountain.”

Origin: Native American, Ute
Meaning: People of the mountain
Pronunciation: YOO-Tah
Variations: Yutah
Popularity: Utah is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.

Ancient, Rare

Uther

Uther comes from the Welsh “uthr,” meaning “wonderful” and “astonishing.” It’s better known through Arthurian legend, where Uther Pendragon was Arthur’s father. This gave Uther a new meaning, including “cruel” and “terrible.”

Origin: Welsh, Fictional
Meaning: Marvelous
Pronunciation: UW-Dher
Variations: Uthar, Uthr, Uthyr
Namesakes: Uther Moukimou, a Congolese basketball player with the 2009 AfroBasket squad.
Popularity: Uther is extremely rare worldwide, with 75 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.

Rare, Unique

Uthman

Uthman has many meanings among boy names with U, like “wise,” “most powerful,” and “dragon cub.” In Arabic culture, Uthman was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who appeared as a snake.

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Wise
Pronunciation: UWTH-Maen
Variations: Othman
Namesakes: Uthman ibn Ali, the sixth leader of the Husainid Dynasty and ruler of Tunisia in 1814.
Popularity: Uthman is rare worldwide, mainly used in Nigeria, and ranked 1,208th in Saudi Arabia in 2014.

Ancient, Strong

Utku

Though Utku is unisex, it’s much more common for Turkish boys. It derives from “utkuyu,” meaning “victory” and “triumph,” and is ready to win big for your baby boy.

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Victory
Pronunciation: Uwt-KOO
Namesakes: Utku Şen, a German footballer for Vanspor. Utku Dalmaz, a Turkish electronic music producer who founded Sound Mass Records.
Popularity: Utku is rare worldwide and primarily used in Turkey, ranking 1,070th in 2014.

Strong, Traditional

Utopia

Utopia dates back to Greece, where it means “no place.” It was first used in 1516 in Sir Thomas Moore’s book Utopia as a somewhat modern concept, meaning “paradise.”

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Imagined place of perfection
Pronunciation: Yuw-TOW-piy-Ah
Variations: Utopea, Utopeah, Utopiah
Popularity: Utopia is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Egypt.

Cool, Modern

Utsidihi

Utsidihi is one of the most mysterious guy names that start with U with no popularity statistics. It means “man killer” in Cherokee but is more of a title than a name. Utsidihi is inspired by Ostenaco, an 18th-century Cherokee leader whose name also means “mankiller.”

Origin: Native American, Cherokee
Meaning: Mankiller
Pronunciation: Ut-SIH-deh-Haey

Strong, Unusual

Uttar

As a Hindi name, Uttar means “son of a king” or “son of King Virata.” One of five locations in India called Uttar is Uttar Dinajpur, located in the district of West Bengal, India.

Origin: Indian, Hindi
Meaning: Son of a king
Pronunciation: Uw-TAAR
Namesakes: Uttar Kumar, an Indian director known for Dhakar Chhora (2004).
Popularity: Uttar is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 722nd in Nepal in 2014.

Strong, Masculine

Uttuni

Uttuni is a rare Sicilian form of the Italian Ottorino and Ottone. It’s also a derivative of the German Otto, meaning “wealth.” Uttuni is an Italian male name for “arsenical brass,” made with a small amount of arsenic.

Origin: Sicilian, Italian
Meaning: Owner
Pronunciation: Uw-TOON-ee
Variations: Ottone

Rare, Unusual

Utu

Utu goes all the way back to the Sumerian “ud,” meaning “sun.” In Sumerian mythology, Utu (also known as Shamash) was the god of the sun, also associated with the underworld. Utu is also a Finnish boy’s name meaning “fine mist.”

Origin: Sumerian
Meaning: Sun
Pronunciation: UW-tuw
Popularity: Utu is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.

Strong, Ancient

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Utz

Utz is a very German variation of Ulric, meaning “prosperity and power.” In Yiddish, it means “to tease” and is the name of an American snack food company known for potato chips.

Origin: German
Meaning: Rich, noble heritage
Pronunciation: UWTZ
Namesakes: Utz Chwalla, an Austrian bobsledder who competed at the 1972 Winter Olympics. Utz Rothe, an Austrian artist known for his self-described Depressionismos style.
Popularity: Utz is rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany, where it’s slightly uncommon in 2014.

Unique, Masculine

Uvedale

Uvedale is better known as a surname for someone from Yewdale in Lancashire, England. It’s made up of the Old English “yew,” for a “yew tree,” and the Old Norse “dalr,” meaning “valley.”

Origin: English
Meaning: Place of yew trees
Pronunciation: UWV-dale
Variations: Uvedall, Uvedail
Namesakes: Uvedale Price, an English member of the House of Commons from 1713 to 1734. Uvedale Corbett, an English member of Parliament from 1945 to 1951.
Popularity: Uvedale is extremely rare worldwide, with just three known occurrences in 2014, in England, South Africa, and the U.S.

Rare, Unusual

Uxío

Uxío originated with the Greek Eugénios, meaning “well-born” and “well come.” It’s ultimately a very Spanish variation of a rare informal version of Eugene.

Origin: Spanish, Greek
Meaning: Well-born
Pronunciation: UW-siy-Oh
Variations: Uxo, Uxyo
Namesakes: Uxío Novoneyra, a Spanish-Galician writer for the Association of Writers in the Galician Language. Uxío Marcos, a Spanish footballer for CCD Cerceda.
Popularity: Uxío is extremely rare worldwide, with just eight known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Spain.

Fancy, Ancient

Uz

Uz means “counsel” or “advice” in Hebrew and is the biblical place where Job resided. It also appears as the father of Aram and the grandson of Shem in the Bible.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Counsel, words
Pronunciation: UWS
Popularity: Uz is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Sudan, where it ranked 1,295th in 2014.

Ancient, Unique

Uzair

Uzair is an Arabic variation of the Hebrew Ezra, meaning “helper” or “strength.” It’s influenced by the Islamic prophet Uzair, also equivalent to the Hebrew Ezra.

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Helper
Pronunciation: Uw-ZAER
Variations: Uzayr
Namesakes: Uzair Cassiem, a South African rugby union player for Bayonne. Uzair Jaswal, a Pakistani singer-songwriter and the youngest performer of co*ke Studio Pakistan.
Popularity: Uzair is rare worldwide, mostly used in Saudi Arabia, and ranked 731st in Bahrain in 2014.

Ancient, Masculine

Uzay

Uzay comes from the Turkish “uzamak,” meaning “to extend,” “stretch,” or “grow longer.” It also means “space” but specifically refers to “infinite space.”

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Space
Pronunciation: Uw-ZAEY
Namesakes: Uzay Hepari, a Turkish composer who performed on the Akrep Nalan album Dağ Çiçeği (Flower of the Mountain).
Popularity: Uzay is rare worldwide and mainly used in Turkey.

Unique, Rare

Uzi

Uzi means strength” and “Jehovah is my strength” in Hebrew. It represents “might” or “fierceness” and is a short form of Uziel, Uzziah, and Uzzah. The Uzi Israeli submachine gun was designed by Uziel “Uzi” Gal in the late 1940s.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Power
Pronunciation: UW-Ziy
Variations: Uzzi
Namesakes: Uzi, a Congolese-French rapper known for the album Cœur abîmé (2021). Uzi Landau, an Israeli member of the Knesset from 1984 to 2006.
Popularity: Uzi is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Israel, ranking 590th in 2014.

Strong, Informal

Uzochi

Uzochi is a Nigerian-Igbo name made up of “uzo,” meaning “road” or “way,” and “chi,” meaning “God.” It’s one of many religious Nigerian names for boys that start with U.

Origin: Nigerian, Igbo
Meaning: God’s way
Pronunciation: Uw-ZOH-chee
Popularity: Uzochi is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Nigeria.

Traditional, Rare

Uzoma

Uzoma means “good path in life” based on the Nigerian Igbo “uzo,” meaning “way” and “oma,” meaning “lovely.” Uzoma also means “born during a journey” for an unexpected birth while traveling!

Origin: Nigerian, Igbo
Meaning: Beautiful way
Pronunciation: Uw-ZOH-maa
Variations: Uzomah, Uzomma, Uzommah
Namesakes: Uzama Douglas, a Nigerian footballer for the Nigerian U-17 team. Uzoma Nwachukwu, an American football player for the Dallas Cowboys.
Popularity: Uzoma is rare worldwide and mainly used in Nigeria, where it ranked 577th in 2014.

Traditional, Unique

Uzziel

Uzziel means “strength” or “power” in Hebrew. It originated as Uzzîʾēl, meaning “God is my strength” as a biblical boy’s name. Uzziel is also a Jewish surname used in 15th-century Spain.

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my strength
Pronunciation: Uw-ziy-EHL
Variations: Uziel
Namesakes: Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning since 2018.
Popularity: Uzziel is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Mexico, where it’s slightly uncommon.

Ancient, Strong

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