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1. Jack
Jack originates from the Hebrew, John, meaning 'the Lord is is Gracious'. Jock is a traditionally Scottish form. Jackson, a surname meaning 'son of Jack' is also found as a first name.
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2. Joshua
Joshua originates from the Hebrew meaning 'the Lord saves'. In the Old Testament Joshua succeeded Moses and finally led the Israelites to the Promised Land. The name was not used in England before the Reformation. Josh is a short form, Jesus is the Greek form of the name.
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3. Thomas
Thomas originates from the Aramaic nickname meaning 'twin'. It was first given to Jesus to an Apostle named Judas to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. The abbreviation Tom appears in the Middle Ages. Tam and Tammy are the Scottish pet forms.
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4. James
With the accession of James VI as the first king of both Scotland and England in 1603, the name became popular in England. Pet forms include Jim, Jimmy and Jamie. The Irish form is Seamas and the Scots Hamish.
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5. Daniel
Daniel is the Hebrew name of an Old Testament prophet, meaning 'God has judged'. In Ireland and Wales it is often found as a version of the Irish Domhnall and Welsh Deiniol, meaning 'attractive, charming'. It's shortened forms are Dan and Danny.
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6. Samuel
Samuel comes from the Hebrew meaning 'heard by God'. The Old Testament tells how the prophet Samuel was the leader of the Israelites and how he chose Saul and later David as their kings. Currently a popular choice, it shares short forms Sam and Sammy.
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7. Oliver
In Old French legend Oliver was one of Charlemagne's greatest knights. Most people however associate it with the more obvious source of the olive tree, symbol of peace. Oliver was popular until the parliamentary revolt led by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th Century, after which the name fell out of favour. Ol and Ollie are short forms.
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8. William
From the Old German, meaning 'desiring protection'. William was always a popular name with the Normans, who brought it to England. Will or Willie are the old short forms but Bill and Billie are more usual today.
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9. Benjamin
From the Hebrew, meaning 'son of the south' or 'right hand', which might imply strength and good fortune. The Old Testament story of Benjamin, son of Jacob, gave the name the added implications of a favoured youngest son. The commonest pet forms are Ben, Bennie, Benny, Benjie and Benjy.
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10. Joseph
Joseph originated from the Hebrew meaning 'the Lord added'. The name was not often used until the 17th century, when Old Testament names were adopted by the Puritans, and Joseph became a favourite. Joe and Jo are common abbreviations and well used as names in their own right and Jos is also found.
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