If you love the name Liam but are worried about its popularity, then this list of baby names is for you. Each name on this list has been handpicked to be soft and fashionable, just like Liam. This list isn’t like other lists you may have found that are a mile long and don’t actually feel like Liam.
The highlight of this list is the ten unique alternatives to Liam that are truly rare but have all the same great elements as Liam. These names are outside the top 500 name list, and half of them have never even ranked in the top 1000. Below, you’ll find names with similar softness and simplicity as Liam. These names have all the fashionable elements of Liam without the overexposure of the #1 baby name in the country.
Key Takeaways
- This list of baby names like Liam has been handpicked to be soft and fashionable, just like Liam.
- The highlight of this list is the ten unique alternatives to Liam that are truly rare but have all the same great elements as Liam.
- Below, you’ll find names with similar softness and simplicity as Liam, without the overexposure of the #1 baby name in the country.
Top 10 Names like Liam
Looking for a baby boy name like Liam? Here are the top 10 names that you might like:
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eames | Son of the uncle |
| Niam | Son of the champion |
| Lias | Son of the nobleman |
| Colm | Dove |
| Eliam | My God is the people |
| Eamon | Wealthy protector |
| Lucan | Light |
| Amias | Beloved |
| Oisin | Little deer |
| Lael | Of God |
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Liam Meaning and Popularity
Liam is an Irish diminutive of William, which means “powerful protector.” It has been a favorite worldwide and is a defining American boy name of the last decade. Liam began its rise to prominence in the early 1990s and broke into the top 10 chart in 2012. It has spent the previous eight years in the #1 or #2 spots for boy name in the United States. Interestingly, the name ranks higher in the U.S. than in Ireland, according to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office.
Despite its popularity, Liam represented only 1.1% of male births in 2021, which shows that names are more varied than they once were. When John was at its peak, it accounted for over 5% of all boys born in the year.
Some consider Liam to be a girl’s name as well, but there have never been enough girl Liams to break into the top 1000 list. Therefore, you’ll only find names like Liam for a boy on this list.
Overall, Liam is a powerful and popular name that has been around for decades. Its meaning and popularity make it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both strong and unique.
Unique Names Similar to Liam
If you’re looking for an alternative to the popular name Liam, you may want to consider one of these unique names that are not in the top 500 and have never ranked before. These names are a great option for parents looking for something different and distinctive.
1. Eames
Eames is a hidden treasure name that is pronounced EE-MZ and comes from Irish origins. Like Liam, Eames means “wealthy protector” and has roots as a surname. This soft and hip-sounding name has all the fashionable elements parents today love but has yet to be discovered.
2. Colm
Colm is an Irish name that means “dove” and is pronounced COLLUM. It is a much more unusual Irish pick than Liam and is said with two syllables with a gentle ending -m sound. Only twice have there been enough Colms born to be included in the Social Security Administration yearly data (≥5 names).
3. Eliam
Eliam is a biblical Hebrew name that means “people of God.” It is pronounced EL-I-AM instead of E-LIAM, which sounds distinct amongst all the little Liams running around. Eliam may be the boy name most similar to Liam on this list. It debuted onto the top name chart in 2021, when 345 boys were named Eliam in the United States.
4. Lev
Lev is a pithy L-name that makes an excellent substitute for Liam if you are looking for a strong and jaunty name. In Russian, Lev means “lion,” and in Hebrew it means “heart”. Given its proximity to other hot names Levi and Leo, it may be surprising that Lev has never made it into the top 1000 list. Future Levs will enjoy all the benefits of having a rare name while still fitting in easily among his contemporaries’ names.
5. Noam
Noam is a Hebrew name meaning “beautiful” and “pleasantness.” It is a top 10 name in Israel but hasn’t broken into the U.S. naming mainstream. Noam is thought to have originated as a masculinization of the name Naomi. While traditionally a boy’s name, Noam is sometimes used for girls and would make a great pick if you’re looking for a more gender-neutral alternative to Liam.
6. Lionel
Lionel is a French diminutive of Leon, meaning “little lion.” It has great grandpa vibes that parents today love and hits that sweet spot of being unexpected while also feeling timeless. Lionel doesn’t feel as “now” as Liam, which is exactly the point.
7. Amias
Amias is a gentle and approachable name that comes from Latin and means “beloved.” With soft, two-syllable sounds similar to Liam, Amias checks many boxes for today’s fashionable baby names. Fortunately, it remains a rare pick that has yet to show signs of a future popularity spike.
8. Leif
Leif is an L-name with a light touch, similar to Liam. It is an airy and sprightly pick that is easily worn from babyhood into adulthood. Leif comes from the Old Norse word Leifr, which means “descendant.” Pronounced LAYF from its Scandinavian roots, some English speakers pronounce the name LEAF. Leif barely hangs on to its top 1000 name spot at #992.
9. Niam
Niam is another very close substitute for Liam. It rhymes with Liam and shares the two-syllable break between two vowel sounds, which gives the name great flow. Niam comes from Hindi and Arabic origins, meaning “blessings” or “given by God.” Given its proximity to Liam, it is surprising that Niam hasn’t enjoyed a popularity bump. Niam remains unranked — great news for parents on the hunt for still unique alternatives to Liam.
10. Landry
Landry is another L-name that hits the same two-syllable sweet spot as Liam. It has a similarly strong meaning as Liam, meaning “powerful ruler” from its French origins. Landry has only been on the top 1000 charts a few times and it barely squeaked by to make the list in 2021. The popularity has also waned in the last few years, so this name will likely to stay a unique substitute for Liam in the coming years.
Irish Boy Names Similar to Liam
If you like the name Liam, you may also like other soft Irish names that have flowing, soft consonant sounds like L, M, and Sh. Here are some Irish names that are similar to Liam in that they are short and have a gentle sound:
- Aiden: meaning “little fire”, Aiden is a popular Irish name.
- Ailin: meaning “cheerful”, this name has a soft sound that is similar to Liam.
- Fallon: meaning “leader”, this name has a gentle sound.
- Lennon: meaning “lover”, Lennon has a soft sound like Liam.
- Lonan: meaning “blackbird”, this name has a gentle sound.
- Lucan: meaning “light”, Lucan has a soft sound that is similar to Liam.
- Malone: meaning “St. John follower”, this name has a gentle sound.
- Nevin: meaning “holy”, Nevin has a soft sound like Liam.
- Nolan: meaning “champion”, this name has a gentle sound.
- Oisin: meaning “deer”, Oisin has a soft sound that is similar to Liam.
- Phelan: meaning “wolf”, Phelan has a gentle sound.
- Rory: meaning “red king”, Rory has a soft sound like Liam.
- Shea: meaning “dauntless one”, Shea has a gentle sound.
These names are great options if you’re looking for Irish boy names with a similar sound to Liam. Keep in mind that some of these names, like Aiden and Rory, are quite popular in Ireland, while others, like Lonan and Phelan, are less common.
Names that Sound Like Liam
If you love the sound of Liam, here are some similar names to consider:
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Lias: This unique name has a similar effortless feel to Liam. It means “Yahweh is God” in Hebrew.
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Niam: This name means “blessings” in Arabic and has a similar -iam ending to Liam.
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Eliam: Meaning “people of God” in Hebrew, this name has a similar sound to Liam with the added bonus of a meaningful origin.
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Iam: This name means “right hand” in Hebrew and has a similar sound to Liam.
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Juliam: This surname name has a similar -iam ending to Liam and could make a unique first name.
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Lyle: This Scottish name means “island” and has a similar vowel-forward L sound to Liam.
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William: This classic name means “protector” in Irish and has a similar ending to Liam.
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Leo: This Latin name means “lion” and has a similar vowel-forward L sound to Liam.
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Lael: This Hebrew name means “belonging to God” and has a similar vowel-forward L sound to Liam.
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Lee: This English name means “meadow” and has a similar vowel-forward L sound to Liam.
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Loew: This German name means “lion” and has a similar vowel-forward L sound to Liam.
Consider these names if you’re looking for a name with a similar sound to Liam.
Alternatives to Liam with Similar Meanings
If you love the name Liam and are looking for similar names with a similar meaning, here are some great options. These names all mean either protector, protection or defender.
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Alessi | Greek | Defender |
| Alexis | Greek | Defender |
| Ansel | German | Divine protection |
| Eames | Irish | Wealthy protector |
| Eamon | Irish | Wealthy protector |
| Edmund | English | Wealthy guardian |
| Elmo | Italian | Protector |
| Guille | Spanish | Resolute protector (Guillermo alternative) |
| Lexi | Greek | Defender of man |
| Ramon | German | Wise protector |
| Ray | English | Counseling protector |
| Sasha | Russian | Defender |
| Willis | English | Resolute protector |
These names are shorter and softer like Liam, making them great alternatives. Some of these names also have interesting variations such as Guille, which is a resolute protector and an alternative to the popular name Guillermo. Other interesting names include Ansel, meaning divine protection, and Elmo, meaning protector.
Soft and Short Names Like Liam
If you are looking for a name that is similar to Liam, but want to explore other options, there are plenty of soft and short names that are currently popular in the US. These names are gentle and charming, just like Liam, and are perfect for parents who want a name that is both modern and classic.
Here are some of the most popular soft and short names for boys:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Leon | Lion | Greek |
| Owen | Well born | Welsh |
| Ezra | Helper | Hebrew |
| Noah | Rest | Hebrew |
| Ian | God is gracious | Hebrew |
| Elias | Lord is God | Hebrew |
| Arlo | Rock hill | English |
| Evan | God is gracious | Welsh |
| Miles | Soldier | Latin |
| Jonah | Dove | Hebrew |
| Levi | Joined | Hebrew |
| Louis | Famous warrior | French |
These names, like Liam, are currently popular and have a timeless quality that will never go out of style. Whether you are looking for a name that is strong and powerful like Leon or Miles, or gentle and charming like Owen or Arlo, there is a soft and short name that is perfect for your little one.
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