55 Baby Names That Mean Brother

Naming your son after the bond of brotherhood is a beautiful way to honor family ties before he even takes his first steps. Whether you want a name rooted in ancient Hebrew, classic Latin, warm Finnish, or rare Slavic tradition, names that carry the exact meaning of “brother” give your boy an identity built on loyalty and connection. Every name in this list has “brother” as its direct, literal meaning, nothing loosely interpreted.

Key Takeaways

All names below carry “brother” as their exact, direct meaning, not a symbolic or loose interpretation.
Many of these names come from cultures where brotherhood held a sacred social role, making them rich in history.
Hebrew alone offers over a dozen distinct names in this category, each with its own unique shade of meaning.
Several names like Veli, Bror, and Emre are actively used today in their home countries, making them feel fresh yet grounded.
Choosing a name from a less common language (Finnish, Estonian, Slavic) gives your son a truly one-of-a-kind name with a powerful meaning.

Hebrew Boy Names That Mean Brother

Hebrew is the richest source of names with exact “brother” meanings, largely because the root word “ach” (brother) was combined with many other elements to form given names in biblical times.

Achi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother
Description: One of the purest and most direct Hebrew names on this list. Achi is a rare biblical name that simply translates to “my brother,” making it a warm and personal choice for a baby boy. Its short, two-syllable form makes it easy to use in any language.

Achban

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Brother of an intelligent one
Description: A biblical-era name that pairs “ach” (brother) with “ben” (son/intelligent one). Achban appears in the Old Testament and carries a sense of wisdom and kinship. Rarely used today, which makes it all the more distinctive.

Achidan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother judged
Description: Built from “ach” (brother) and “dan” (judged), Achidan is a strong-sounding ancient Hebrew name. It carries a sense of justice tied to brotherhood, which gives it a noble weight for a modern boy’s name.

Achiezer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is a helper
Description: A deeply meaningful name combining “ach” (brother) and “ezer” (help). Achiezer is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Numbers. The name speaks to the idea of a brother who is always present and supportive, a value many parents want to instill.

Achikam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is established
Description: Achikam appears in the Book of Jeremiah as a protector of the prophet. The name blends “ach” (brother) with “kam” (established or risen), suggesting a steadfast and reliable character from the very start.

Achimelech

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is king
Description: A regal Hebrew name combining “ach” (brother) and “melech” (king). Achimelech was a high priest in the Old Testament. It carries a sense of royal brotherhood, perfect for parents who want a name with both strength and spiritual heritage.

Achiram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is exalted
Description: Derived from “ach” (brother) and “ram” (exalted or high). Achiram appears in the Bible as a descendant of Benjamin. The name projects dignity and elevation, suggesting a boy who lifts those around him.

Achishar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is a song
Description: A poetic and rare Hebrew name meaning “my brother is a song.” It comes from “ach” (brother) and “shir” (song). This is one of the most lyrical options in the Hebrew category, ideal for musically inclined families.

Achituv

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is goodness
Description: From “ach” (brother) and “tuv” (good or goodness). Achituv is a gentle-sounding Hebrew name that ties brotherhood directly to moral goodness. It is practically unused outside Israel, making it genuinely rare worldwide.

Achida

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My knowledgeable brother
Description: A rare Hebrew name pairing “ach” (brother) with “yada” (to know). Achida celebrates intelligence and brotherhood in one compact name. It has a soft, approachable sound while still being deeply rooted in ancient tradition.

Achiya

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is like a brother to me
Description: A profound name combining “ach” (brother) and “Yah” (God). Achiya appears multiple times in the Bible and carries the powerful idea that divine care mirrors the care of a devoted brother. A spiritually meaningful pick for religious families.

Esarhaddon

Origin: Akkadian / Biblical
Meaning: Ashur has given a brother to me
Description: A historically significant Assyrian name meaning “Ashur has given me a brother.” It was borne by a powerful 7th-century BC Assyrian king mentioned in the Old Testament. Bold, unusual, and packed with ancient history.

Latin and Greek Boy Names

Frater

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Brother
Description: The direct Latin word for brother, Frater was used as a given name in ancient Rome. Its no-frills meaning is exactly “brother,” nothing more, nothing less. Clean, classic, and unmistakable in its intent.

Adelphus

Origin: Latin / Greek
Meaning: Brother
Description: Derived from the Greek “adelphos,” meaning brother (literally “from the same womb”). Adelphus was used by early Roman Christians and was the name of several saints in ecclesiastical history. A stately name with deep roots in both classical and religious tradition.

Delphos

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Brother
Description: Directly derived from the Greek word “adelphos” meaning brother. In Greek mythology, Delphos was the name of a figure after whom the city of Delphi is believed to be partly derived. A mythological pick with a clean, modern-sounding finish.

Philadelphos

Origin: Ancient Greek
Meaning: Loving brother / Brotherly love
Description: Built from “phileo” (to love) and “adelphos” (brother), Philadelphos means one who loves his brother. It was a royal name used by ancient Macedonian and Egyptian rulers. The nickname Phil makes it very wearable today.

Scandinavian and Nordic Boy Names

Bror

Origin: Swedish / Old Norse
Meaning: Brother
Description: Derived from the Old Norse “Brodir,” Bror is a classic Scandinavian name that simply and directly means “brother.” It has appeared on Viking runestones as early as the medieval period. It was a very common name in Sweden in the early 20th century and has a clean, strong sound.

Broder

Origin: Old Norse / Danish
Meaning: Brother
Description: The older Scandinavian form that directly translates to “brother.” Broder is used in Denmark and Norway and appears in medieval Norse records. It has a rugged, Viking-era feel with a completely straightforward meaning.

Finnish and Estonian Boy Names

Veli

Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Finnish word for brother used directly as a given name. Veli is a popular name in Finland and remains in active use today. Short, warm, and easy to pronounce in any language, it is one of the most user-friendly names on this entire list.

Veikko

Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Brother
Description: Derived from a colloquial Finnish form of “veli,” meaning brother. Veikko has been a top Finnish name for much of the 20th century, borne by Finnish athletes, artists, and politicians. It carries a cheerful, friendly energy while meaning exactly “brother.”

Veijo

Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Brother
Description: A variant form of Veikko and Veli, Veijo is another Finnish name rooted in the word for brother. It is less common than Veikko, giving it extra rarity value while keeping the same warm, brotherly meaning.

Veiko

Origin: Estonian
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Estonian form of the Finnish Veikko. Veiko is a strong, masculine Estonian name that carries the direct meaning of “brother.” It has a clean, modern sound that works well in both Scandinavian and Western contexts.

Vello

Origin: Estonian
Meaning: Brother
Description: A diminutive form of the Estonian “veli,” meaning brother. Vello is a genuine Estonian given name used as a term of endearment for a younger brother. It has a soft, gentle quality despite its strong meaning.

Turkish Boy Names

Emre

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Friend, brother
Description: One of the most beloved Turkish names, Emre means “friend” and “brother” in Turkish. It was famously borne by the 13th-century Sufi poet Yunus Emre. Widely used across Turkey and increasingly popular in other countries, Emre is both culturally rich and easy to pronounce.

Efe

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: Older brother, brave
Description: Efe is a popular modern Turkish name meaning “older brother” or “brave one.” It was traditionally a title for a heroic elder brother figure in Turkish folk culture. Short, strong, and widely used in Turkey, Efe has a bold, confident sound.

Qardash

Origin: Azerbaijani / Turkic
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Azerbaijani and Turkic word for brother used as a given name. Qardash carries a deep cultural meaning in Turkic communities where brotherhood is a foundational social value. Rare as a Western name, it stands out immediately.

Slavic Boy Names

Bratislav

Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Brother’s glory / Glory of the brother
Description: A compound Slavic name from “brat” (brother) and “slav” (glory or fame). Bratislav is used in Serbia, Croatia, and other South Slavic countries. It has the grandness of a royal-era Slavic name while being entirely rooted in brotherly meaning.

Bratan

Origin: Bulgarian / Slavic
Meaning: Brother
Description: Derived directly from the Slavic element “bratu,” meaning brother. Bratan is a Bulgarian and South Slavic given name that is affectionate in tone, similar to calling someone “bro” in a formal name. Warm, approachable, and culturally rich.

Bracslaw

Origin: Medieval Polish
Meaning: Brother’s fame
Description: A medieval Polish name from “brat” (brother, kinsman) and “slaw” (fame). Historically significant, some linguists have linked Slavic names with this root to broader European place names. A unique and deeply historical option.

Brajan

Origin: Serbian / Croatian
Meaning: Brother
Description: A Serbian name derived from “brajo,” a diminutive and affectionate form of the word for brother. Brajan is warm and friendly in sound, carrying the intimacy of a nickname elevated to a full given name. It has an informal, lovable charm.

Sanskrit and South Asian Boy Names

Balram

Origin: Sanskrit / Hindi
Meaning: Strong brother
Description: A name from Hindu tradition meaning “strong brother.” Balram (also spelled Balarama) is the name of Lord Krishna’s elder brother in Hindu mythology, making it a name with enormous religious and cultural significance in India. It carries both strength and devotion.

Agraj

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Eldest brother
Description: From Sanskrit “agra” (first) and “ja” (born), Agraj literally means “firstborn” or “eldest brother.” It is used in Hindu communities to honor the eldest son’s role as protector of his siblings. A dignified and purposeful name.

Indranuj

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Younger brother of Indra
Description: From “Indra” (the king of gods in Hindu mythology) and “anuj” (younger brother). Indranuj celebrates the idea of a noble younger sibling connected to divine royalty. It is rare even in India, making it a genuinely uncommon choice.

Anucha

Origin: Thai / Sanskrit
Meaning: Younger brother
Description: A Thai name ultimately derived from the Sanskrit “anuja,” meaning younger brother. Anucha is used in Thailand as a genuine given name. It has a soft, melodic sound and a clear, uncomplicated meaning.

Dimas

Origin: Javanese / Indonesian
Meaning: Younger brother of a nobleman
Description: Derived from the Javanese honorific “adhimas” or “dhimas,” used for the younger brother of a nobleman. It combines “adhi” (younger brother) and “mas” (gold). Dimas is widely used in Indonesia and has an elegant, respectful quality.

Welsh and Celtic Boy Names

Broderick

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Son of a brother / Brotherly
Description: A Welsh name derived from “ap Roderick” but also strongly associated with the meaning “son of a brother” or “brotherly.” Broderick has a dignified, surname-as-first-name feel and works well in English-speaking countries while carrying genuine Celtic heritage.

Chinese Boy Names

Boyong

Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Elder brother and brave
Description: From the Chinese characters “bo” (elder brother) and “yong” (brave, courageous). Boyong is a rare Chinese given name that pairs the concept of brotherhood with bravery, suggesting a boy who leads with both loyalty and courage.

Bozhong

Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Middle brother
Description: Derived from “bo” (older/middle brother) and “zhong” (middle, mediator). Bozhong is a traditional Chinese name for a middle son, recognizing his unique position between elder and younger siblings. A thoughtful choice for a second or middle child.

Bozhen

Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Elder brother who attains the utmost
Description: From “bo” (elder brother) and “zhen” (reach, attain, utmost or superior). Bozhen is a rare Chinese name combining brotherly identity with the aspiration to achieve great things. A meaningful option for families with Chinese heritage.

Other Cultural Boy Names That Mean Brother

Pharadon

Origin: Thai
Meaning: Brother
Description: A Thai given name ultimately derived from the Sanskrit “bhratr,” the ancient root word for brother. Pharadon is used in Thailand and carries both a local resonance and a direct connection to one of humanity’s oldest words for sibling.

Adelphos

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Greek word for brother used directly as a name. “Adelphos” literally means “from the same womb,” combining “a” (same) and “delphys” (womb). It is the root of names like Philadelphia. As a given name, it is rare and ancient, perfect for families who love classical Greek heritage.

Frere

Origin: French
Meaning: Brother
Description: The French word for brother used as a given name. Frere has a sophisticated, Gallic charm and an entirely direct meaning. It is rare as a first name but has been used historically, especially in French-speaking regions of Africa and the Caribbean.

Hermano

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Spanish word for brother, occasionally used as a given name in Latin American cultures. Hermano carries warmth and directness, and its use as a name reflects the importance of brotherhood in Hispanic family culture.

Bhai

Origin: Hindi / Urdu
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Hindi and Urdu word for brother, used in South Asian cultures both as a term of deep respect and affection. As a given name, Bhai is rare but meaningful, reflecting the immense cultural importance of brotherhood in the subcontinent.

Bratimir

Origin: Croatian / Serbian
Meaning: Brotherly peace
Description: A Slavic compound name from “brat” (brother) and “mir” (peace). Bratimir is used in the former Yugoslav nations and carries the hope for a peaceful brotherly life. It has a classical, strong Slavic sound.

Broer

Origin: Dutch
Meaning: Brother
Description: The Dutch word for brother, historically used as a given name in the Netherlands. Broer is warm, simple, and completely direct in meaning. It has a friendly, accessible sound that works well in many European contexts.

Apszik

Origin: Hungarian
Meaning: Younger brother
Description: A rare Hungarian given name meaning “younger brother” in Hunnish tradition. Apszik is an unusual and ancient name that connects to the Central Asian roots of Hungarian culture. Extremely rare, which makes it a truly distinctive choice.

Angkun

Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Elder brother
Description: From the Chinese “ang” (rise, proud, upright) and “kun” (elder brother). Angkun is a rare Chinese name that places the concept of an elder brother at the center of the name’s identity. It has a strong, upward-facing energy.

Bratko

Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Little brother
Description: A Slavic diminutive derived from “brat” (brother), used as an affectionate given name meaning “little brother.” Bratko is used in Slovenia and other South Slavic regions. Its soft ending gives it a youthful, endearing quality.

Achisar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My princely brother
Description: From Hebrew “ach” (brother) and “sar” (prince or official). Achisar appears in the Old Testament and projects an air of noble brotherhood. It is extremely rare even among Hebrew names, making it one of the most distinctive choices in this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a name means “brother”?

It means the name is directly derived from a word or phrase in its origin language that translates to “brother,” either the standalone word or a compound that includes it as a core element.

Are there any popular names that mean brother?

Emre is widely used in Turkey, Veli and Veikko are common in Finland, and Efe is popular across the Turkish-speaking world. Most other names on this list are rare even in their home cultures.

Can I use a name from another culture if I do not have that heritage?

Many parents today choose names from other cultures based on meaning and sound. It is generally respectful to research the name’s background and pronounce it correctly.

Which of these names works best in English-speaking countries?

Broderick, Adelphus, Frater, and Philadelphos all have a natural sound in English. Emre and Efe are also short and easy to say for English speakers.

Are Hebrew names that mean brother still used today?

Some, like Achiya and Achikam, are occasionally used in Israel and among Jewish communities. Most of the longer Hebrew names on this list are considered archaic or ceremonial.

What is the oldest name on this list?

Frater (Latin) and Adelphos (Greek) trace back to ancient Rome and classical Greece, making them among the oldest documented names here. Esarhaddon goes back to 7th-century BC Assyria.

Is Balram a religious name?

Yes, Balram (Balarama) is the name of Krishna’s elder brother in Hindu scripture, making it a meaningful religious name for Hindu families.

Do any of these names have short nicknames?

Philadelphos can be shortened to Phil, Broderick to Brod or Rick, Adelphus to Del, and Bratislav to Brat or Slav. Emre and Efe are already short enough to stand alone.