Boy Names That Start with T
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
There are many interesting and meaningful boy names that start with the letter “T.” Whether following a family naming tradition or simply liking the sound of “T” names, you’ll find a variety of choices.
Each name comes with its own unique meaning and background, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the selection.
Exploring these names can help you find the perfect one for your little boy, whether you prefer something common or more unique.
Let’s take a look at some “T” names for boys and their meanings.
Popular T Names for Boys
Theodore
Theodore ranks as the most popular T name for boys in the United States. This name, which means “gift of God” in Greek, has historical significance, being used by several saints and two popes.
It gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, largely influenced by American president Theodore Roosevelt.
Thomas
Thomas is well-known and widely used. It appears in the New Testament for one of the apostles and derives from an Aramaic word meaning “twin.”
The Normans brought Thomas to England, and since the 13th century, it has been one of the top names.
Notable figures include American president Thomas Jefferson, British writer Thomas Hardy, German writer Thomas Mann, and American inventor Thomas Edison.
Tyler
Tyler comes from an Old English surname meaning “tiler of roofs.” It has become a popular first name, appearing in popular culture with characters like Tyler Durden from Fight Club.
Well-known Tylers include actor Tyler Perry, rapper Tyler, the Creator, and chef Tyler Florence.
Thiago
Thiago is a Brazilian Portuguese variant of Tiago and is a diminutive of Santiago, the Spanish and Portuguese name for Saint James.
Theo
Theo is often a shorter form for names like Theodore or Theobald. Though it has grown in popularity as a standalone name, it is frequently used for any name beginning with Theo.
Tristan
Tristan is rooted in the Celtic name Drustan, linked to meanings like “noise” or “tumult.”
It’s also tied to the Old French word triste, meaning “sad.”
Known for the Arthurian knight Tristan and his tragic love story with Isolde, the name has seen increased usage due to its appearance in movies like Legends of the Fall and historical figures like Romanian Dadaist Tristan Tzara.
Tucker
Tucker originates from an occupational surname for a cloth fuller, with connections to the Old English word tucian, meaning “offend” or “torment.”
TV host Tucker Carlson is a notable individual with this name.
Timothy
Timothy, meaning “honoring God” in Greek, is associated with Saint Timothy, who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys in the New Testament.
A famous individual with this name is British actor Timothy Dalton who played James Bond.
Tobias
Tobias is the Greek form of Tobiah, translating to “Yahweh is good” in Hebrew.
The hero of the apocryphal Book of Tobit in the Old Testament, Tobias was popular in the Middle Ages and saw a resurgence after the Protestant Reformation.
Tanner
Tanner comes from an English surname that denotes someone who tans hides.
Unique T Names for a Boy
Txomin
This is the Basque form of the name Dominic.
Tapio
Tapio, a name of uncertain meaning, was used as the name for the Finnish god of forests, animals, and hunting.
Thoth
Thoth is the Greek form of an Egyptian word. In Egyptian mythology, Thoth was the god of the moon, writing, science, magic, and speech.
Tigranes
This name, of possible Mesopotamian roots, comes from the Greek form of Tigran.
Tigranes was the name of several Armenian kings, including Tigranes II the Great, who expanded the kingdom in the first century B.C.E.
Tihomir
Tihomir, common in the Balkans, is derived from South Slavic elements meaning “quiet” and “peace” or “world.”
Tiberius
Tiberius means “of the Tiber” in Latin, after the river flowing through Rome.
It was the name of a Roman emperor who came after Augustus and is also the middle name of Captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek.
Tariel
This name was created by Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli for his twelfth-century epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.
It has become popular in Georgia and may have roots in the Persian word meaning “king” or “dark,” combined with “hero.”
Tadhg
Tadhg means “poet” in Old Irish.
It was the name of a king of Connacht in the eleventh century and has been used for various other kings and chieftains.
In Irish mythology, Tadhg was the name of the grandfather of Fionn mac Cumhaill.
Takuya
Takuya means “expand,” “open,” or “support” in Japanese and is combined with ya, which is an exclamation meaning “also”.
Tasunka
Tasunka comes from the Lakota word meaning “his horse.”
It was the first part of the name of the Lakota war leader Crazy Horse, whose real name was Tasunka Witko.
Biblical Boy Names That Start With T
Talmai
This name means “furrowed” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Talmai appears both as a giant and as the father of Maacah, King David’s wife.
Tammuz
Tammuz is the Semitic form of Dumuzi, meaning “son” or “child” in Sumerian.
In the Old Testament, Tammuz is noted as a god associated with shepherds and vegetation, specifically in the Book of Ezekiel.
Tekoa
Tekoa means “stockade,” “horn,” or “trumpet” in Hebrew.
This name appears in the Old Testament as the name of a city and also as the son of Ashhur.
Teman
Teman translates to “right hand” or “south” in Hebrew.
In the Old Testament, Teman is the name of one of Esau’s grandsons.
Terah
The name Terah likely means “station” in Hebrew.
Terah is known in the Old Testament as the father of Abraham.
Thaddeus
Thaddeus is the Greek form of the Aramaic name Thaddai, and it most likely means “heart.”
Thaddeus is one of the twelve apostles mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. The name might also be an adaptation of Theodore.
Theophilus
Theophilus means “friend of God” in Greek.
This name appears in the New Testament, where the evangelist Luke addresses Theophilus in both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
Tiglath-Pileser
This is the Hebrew form of an Akkadian name meaning “my trust is in the son of Esharra.”
The name was borne by three kings of Assyria, including Tiglath-Pileser III, a conqueror mentioned in the Old Testament.
Timaeus
Timaeus means “to honor” in Greek.
In the New Testament, Timaeus is briefly mentioned in the Gospel of Mark. The name also appears in one of Plato’s dialogues.
Timon
The name Timon means “to honor” or “to esteem” in Greek.
Timon is briefly mentioned in the New Testament. The name is also famously used in Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens and in Disney’s The Lion King for the character Timon.
Cool Boy Names Starting With T
Tlaloc
Tlaloc likely means “covered with earth” in Nahuatl.
This name is also associated with the Aztec god of rain and fertility, making it a strong and unique choice.
Thutmose
Thutmose is the Greek version of an Egyptian name that means “born of Thoth.”
It was carried by four Pharaohs during Egypt’s New Kingdom period, adding a historical and regal touch to the name.
Theobald
Theobald comes from Germanic roots, meaning “bold people.”
Though it was common in medieval England after the Norman Conquest, it became rare by the 20th century. Variants of this name include Tibald and Tebald.
Tahmasp
Tahmasp is the Persian form of the Avestan name Takhmaspa, combining the words takhma (“strong,” “brave,” or “valiant”) and aspa (“horse”).
Two Safavid shahs of Persia were named Tahmasp, lending it a historical and noble air.
Tacitus
Tacitus, meaning “silent” or “mute” in Latin, became famous due to the first-century Roman historian who authored Histories and Annals.
This name carries a scholarly legacy.
Tupaq
Tupaq translates to “royal” or “noble” in Quechua.
It was borne by Tupaq Inka Yupanki, a notable pre-contact Inca emperor, and Tupaq Amaru II, an 18th-century rebel against Spanish rule. The rapper Tupac Shakur also took this name in its Anglicized form.
Thor
Thor is famously known as the Norse god of thunder, and the name means “thunder” in Old Norse.
The Marvel character Thor has helped in making this name widely recognized and popular in modern times.
Tevita
Tevita is the Fijian and Tongan take on the name David. This name provides an island twist to a classic biblical name.
Tornike
Tornike has Georgian roots, deriving from the Greek name Tornikios, which belonged to a significant Byzantine family.
This name is now used as a first name and even has saintly associations.
Tsukuyomi
Tsukuyomi combines the meanings of “moon” and “to read” in Japanese.
In mythology, it is the name of the moon god, offering a celestial and mystical quality to the name.
International Boy Names Starting with T
Talib
Talib means “seeker of knowledge” or “student” in Arabic.
Abu Talib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, bore this name and raised the prophet after the loss of his parents and grandparents.
Taras
Taras is the Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian version of the Greek name Tarasios.
It likely means “from Taras,” referring to the Italian city now known as Taranto. The name is widely recognized due to the Ukrainian artist and writer Taras Shevchenko.
Tomislav
Tomislav is a South Slavic name that probably combines the elements meaning “torture” and “glory.”
The first king of Croatia was named Tomislav, making it a prominent historical name.
Tafari
Tafari, an Amharic name, possibly means “he who inspires me.”
Lij Tafari Makonnen, the last emperor of Ethiopia, held this name. Rastafarians get their name from him, as Ras Tafari translates to “King Tafari.”
Torsten
Torsten originates from the Old Norse name meaning “Thor’s stone.”
Today, this name is frequently used in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.
Timothée
Timothée is the French form of Timothy.
The name has possibly gained recent popularity due to the American actor Timothée Chalamet.
Telmo
Telmo is used in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
It derives from “Saint Elmo.”
Toninho
Toninho is the Portuguese diminutive of António, a commonly used name in Portuguese-speaking regions.
Tāne
Tāne means “man” in Maori.
In Maori and Polynesian mythology, Tāne is the god of forests and light.
Tiziano
Tiziano is the Italian form of Titianus, stemming from Titus.
The name is well-known due to the Venetian Renaissance painter Tiziano Vecellio.
Cute Boy Names That Start With T
Taffy
Taffy is the Anglicized version of Dafydd, which is the Welsh form of David.
It’s also used as slang for a Welshman.
Takumi
Takumi is a Japanese name that means “artisan” or “skillful.”
It carries a sense of craftsmanship and talent.
Teddy
Teddy is a cute name often used as a diminutive for Edward or Theodore.
It’s also the name associated with teddy bears. Teddy was famously used by American President Teddy Roosevelt and British soccer player Teddy Sheringham.
Terry
Terry comes from an English surname derived from the Norman name Thierry.
It is also a short form of Terrence. Notable example includes author Terry Pratchett.
Tibby
Tibby is usually a short form of Theobald.
Though less common, it has a distinctive charm.
Timmy
Timmy is a diminutive of Timothy.
It’s simple and sweet, making it an endearing choice.
Toby
Toby is a medieval form of Tobias and can also be spelled Tobey.
Noteworthy examples include American actor Tobey Maguire and British actor Toby Jones.
Tommy
Tommy is a diminutive of Thomas.
This name is associated with well-known individuals like fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, actor Tommy Lee Jones, and musician Tommy Lee.
Tomomi
Tomomi is a Japanese name that combines meanings such as “wisdom,” “intellect,” “friend,” and “beautiful.”
It’s a unique and meaningful choice.
Tacito
Tacito is the Italian form of Tacitus.
It’s a distinctive name with a classical touch, making it stand out.
Long Names That Start With T for Boys
Télesphore
This is the French form of the Greek name Telesphoros, meaning “bringing fulfillment” or “bearing fruit.”
It was also the name of a pope from the second century.
Tenskwatawa
Tenskwatawa means “open door” in Shawnee.
It was the name of a Shawnee prophet.
Tezcatlipoca
This name means “smoking mirror” in Nahuatl.
Tezcatlipoca was a god associated with the night sky, winds, war, and the north in Aztec and other Mesoamerican mythology.
Themistocles
This name means “glory of the law” in Greek.
It was given to an Athenian statesman and general who defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis.
Theodosius
Theodosius is the Latinized form of a Greek name meaning “giving to God.”
It was the name of a monk who founded a monastery near Bethlehem in the fifth century. Several Eastern Roman and Byzantine emperors also bore this name.
Theophanes
This name means “manifestation of God.”
It was borne by a few saints and a fourteenth-century Byzantine icon painter.
Tighearnach
This name comes from the Old Irish word tigerna, meaning “lord.”
Tukulti-Ninurta
Tukulti-Ninurta means “my trust is in Ninurta” in Akkadian.
It was the name of a thirteenth-century B.C.E. king of the Assyrian Empire.
Tutankhamon
This name is famous for the teen Egyptian pharaoh whose tomb was discovered in the 1920s.
It means “image of the life of Amon” in Egyptian.
Thucydides
Thucydides means “glory of God” in Greek.
It was the name of an Athenian historian from the fifth century B.C.E.
Popular Boy Names That Start With T
Travis
Travis has roots in the English surname, which might come from the Old French word traverser, meaning “to cross.”
Notable people include Australian actor Travis Fimmel and American actor Travis Scott.
Tom
Tom comes from Thomas but has become popular as a standalone name.
Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer features this name. Famous Toms include actors Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise, and football player Tom Brady.
Trevor
Trevor originates from a Welsh surname, used for towns in Wales, meaning “big village.”
It gained popularity in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century and in the United States during the 1960s. Notable bearer: South African comedian Trevor Noah.
Troy
Troy may denote someone from the city of Troyes in France or refer to the city in Homer’s Iliad.
Its popularity as a given name surged after actor Troy Donahue.
Tatum
Tatum, meaning “Tata’s homestead” in Old English, is used for both boys and girls—actress Tatum O’Neal is an example.
Actor Channing Tatum has also popularized this as a first name.
Taylor
Taylor derives from the Latin word “to cut” and was originally a surname for tailors.
It’s now common as a given name for both genders. Notable people: musician Taylor Swift and Twilight actor Taylor Lautner.
Trent
Trent comes from a surname referring to someone living by the River Trent in England.
Famous bearer: American musician Trent Reznor.
Tripp
Tripp comes from a surname, possibly linked to the English word trip, meaning “journey” or “stumble.”
Tony
Tony is the short form of Anthony.
Well-known Tonys include American actor Tony Curtis, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and American author Tony Robbins.
Terence
Terence comes from the Roman family name Terentius, though its meaning is unknown. It became common from the nineteenth century.
Notable bearer: Italian actor Terence Hill.