My Fave Baby Boy Names!

  1. Brando
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Brand
    • Meaning:

      "firebrand, sword"
    • Description:

      Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular Brandon, with the stylish -o ending of Milo, Arlo, and Hugo.
  2. Faro
    • Origin:

      Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "lighthouse"
    • Description:

      Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.
  3. Moose
    • Description:

      Moose is an unconventional masculine name derived from the North American mammal. As a given name, it emerged from nickname usage, typically assigned to individuals with large, strong builds or gentle personalities reminiscent of the animal. The name carries associations of strength, imposing presence, and a connection to wilderness and nature. While extremely rare as a legal first name, it has occasionally appeared as a nickname for athletes and other public figures. The name reflects a contemporary trend toward bold, nature-inspired naming choices. Moose projects a masculine, rugged image while simultaneously conveying a certain playful, approachable quality. It remains outside mainstream naming statistics but may appeal to parents seeking distinctive, memorable names with strong character associations.
  4. Shadow
    • Description:

      Shadow as a masculine name falls into the category of modern word names, drawing from the natural phenomenon rather than traditional naming conventions. This unconventional choice emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, reflecting growing interests in distinctive, nature-inspired naming. The name evokes imagery of mystery, protection, and constant companionship. As a given name, Shadow remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something dramatically unique with a touch of intrigue or gothic sensibility. The name carries associations with depth, complexity, and a certain enigmatic quality. While uncommon in official records, Shadow occasionally appears as a nickname or middle name, particularly in communities embracing alternative naming traditions.

  5. Crash
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "colliding violently; sudden loud sound"
    • Description:

      Crash is a particularly calamitous entry in the badass boys' name category, taking Wilder and Maverick one -- or maybe a dozen -- steps further. But we can think of at least a dozen reasons you shouldn't name your baby Crash: crash test dummies, car crashes, economic crash, crashing out, just to name a few
  6. Seanan
    • Origin:

      Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little old one; God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Seanan might be considered an Anglicized form of Seanán, itself a modern form of Senán, an Old Irish name meaning "little old one", giving it a wise and ancient feel. The name of a 6th century saint and monk, Seanan might also be considered an elaboration or a diminutive of Sean, the Irish variation of John. By combining it with the -an suffix (meaning "descendent of" or more literally "little") it could be a way to freshen up the now well-travelled Irish name.
  7. Sorley
    • Origin:

      Irish from Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "a summer sailor"
    • Description:

      Sorley is an anglicization of the Irish name Somhairle, itself derived from the Old Norse Sumarliði, a nickname for a summer traveler (perhaps meaning a viking raider!). It is sometimes used as a boy name in Britain, but very rarely in the US. The similarity to the word "sorely" may put some off, but we still think it makes a jaunty, unusual surname-style option.
  8. Bandit
    • Origin:

      Word or occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "outlaw, thief"
    • Description:

      We hesitate to call Bandit an occupational name, any more than Rogue or Vandal are occupational names, yet its use by one of the bandmembers of My Chemical Romance (for his daughter: we're thinking only Gerard Way could pull that off) undoubtedly owes a debt to occupational cousins from Pilot to Parker.
  9. Quintin
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "fifth"
    • Description:

      Both this form and Quentin are authentic modern forms of the Roman family name Quintus. Your choice. In the US, this spelling lags behind Quentin and Quinton.
  10. Manolo
    • Origin:

      Variation of Manuel
    • Description:

      Because of shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, this has become a generic term for pricey stilettos, as in "I must have those Manolos."
  11. Tygr
    • Description:

      Tygr is an unconventional masculine name that serves as a creative spelling variation of 'Tiger.' While not traditional in English-speaking countries, it reflects the modern trend of alternative spellings and nature-inspired names. The removal of the 'e' gives the name a more compact, striking appearance. As a given name, Tygr is extremely rare, though animal names have gained some popularity in recent decades. The name evokes qualities associated with the tiger - strength, power, ferocity, and beauty. Parents choosing this name likely value uniqueness and may be drawn to its strong symbolic associations. The tiger has cultural significance across many societies, particularly in Asian cultures where it represents courage and might. Tygr projects a bold, distinctive image for a child.
  12. Banjo
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "string instrument"
    • Description:

      When Australian actress Rachel Griffiths chose this highly unusual name for her son, many assumed it was a bizarre invention, but noted Australian poet and writer of Waltzing Matilda, Banjo Patterson, is known by this name. Sprightly and musical, it could blend in with Bruno, Benjamin and Joey.
  13. Dragomir
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "precious peace, precious world"
    • Description:

      This name, used in many Eastern European countries including Serbia and Romania, has two possible (and equally lovely) meanings. The feminine version is Dragomira.
  14. Ahmed
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "greatly praised"
    • Description:

      This variation of Ahmad is one of the most popular Arabic names among Muslim families the world over and is now the most used spelling in the USA. It shares the same root as other popular Arabic names, including Muhammad and Hamid.
  15. Hero
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "demi-god"
    • Description:

      Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.
  16. Xanthos
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "golden-haired"
    • Description:

      This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.
  17. Crow
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.
  18. Bard
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Baird, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "minstrel, poet"
    • Description:

      Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
  19. Boise
    • Description:

      Boise as a masculine name takes inspiration from the city of Boise, Idaho, which itself derives from the French word "boisé" meaning "wooded." This place name has occasionally been adopted as a personal name, particularly in the United States where geographic names often inspire parents. As a first name, Boise carries a strong connection to the American West and evokes natural imagery of forests and mountain landscapes. The name has a short, clear pronunciation (BOY-see) and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common names. Extremely rare as a given name, Boise might appeal to parents with a connection to the Idaho capital city or those seeking an uncommon name with an outdoorsy, place-based association and simple spelling.

  20. Orso
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Urs, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Familiar in France where it ranked in the Top 400 in a recent year, Orso is related to the English Orson, Swiss Urs, and astronomy-inspired Ursa. Derived from the Latin ursus, it is the Italian word for a male bear "bear", making this both a word name and an animal name.