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Carissa's Favorite Boys' Names

  1. Eliot

    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      Sleekened spelling.
  2. Nicodemus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "victory of the people"

    • Description:

      This rarely used New Testament name could make an unusual route to the cool nickname Nico. Nicodemus (Noddy) Boffin is a character in the Dickens novel Our Mutual Friend.
  3. Teague

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "bard, poet"

    • Description:

      If you like the idea of Tadhg but don't feel like the spelling works where you are, Teague might work as an alternative. It could also fit the bill if you're seeking a unique single-syllable first or middle name for your son.
  4. Watson

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname related to Walter

    • Meaning:

      "son of Wat"

    • Description:

      What with the resurgence of W names like Weston and Walter, the prominence of high profile actress Emma and golfer Bubba, and even the attention paid to Watson, the IBM computer on "Jeopardy" (named for IBM's founder, Thomas Watson) this name could be in line for a revival of its own.
  5. Deegan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark-haired"

    • Description:

      This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. It comes from the surname O'Duibhginn, meaning "descendent of the dark-haired one". Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's appearance in the US Top 1000 between 2008 and 2013. While it is now out of the charts, it remains a familiar choice, given to just shy of 100 boys in a recent year.
  6. Frasier

    • Origin:

      Variation of Fraser, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "strawberry"

    • Description:

      Although Fraser is the more common (and original) form of this surname, Frasier is perhaps more familiar in the US thanks to the eponymous sitcom. Kelsey Grammer portrayed psychiatrist Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 — first on Cheers and then in his own spinoff series, Frasier.
  7. Gatsby

    • Origin:

      German surname and literary name

    • Meaning:

      "from Gaddesby"

    • Description:

      Gatsby is one of the most famous literary surnames, borne by the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book's Jay Gatsby gussied up his surname from Gatz, whose meaning is given variously as left-handed, cat, God, and person from Gat. As a first name, it's got a lot of energy and that great literary pedigree.
  8. Callaghan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of churches"

    • Description:

      A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.
  9. Caradoc

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "amiable, beloved"

    • Description:

      Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
  10. Kipling

    • Origin:

      English surname and place name

    • Description:

      Kipling calls to mind writer Rudyard (b. Joseph) Kipling, author of the stories familiar to schoolchildren Gunga Din and The Jungle Story. Certainly, Kipling is a friendlier name than Rudyard these days, complete with cute short form Kip.
  11. Aldous

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "old"

    • Description:

      Aldous has long been associated with British writer Huxley, author of Brave New World. So many of these rare British names are starting to be reconsidered by the literary or hipster crowds and this one, considering its pedigree, deserves the renewed interest.
  12. Bron

    • Origin:

      Polish diminutive of Bronislaw

    • Description:

      Crisply appealing.
  13. Hobbes

    • Origin:

      English variation of Robert

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more refined feel.
  14. Upton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "upper town"

    • Description:

      Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.
  15. Aldan

    • Description:

      Aldan is a feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though it's also used as a masculine name in some traditions. The name is thought to derive from elements meaning 'old' or 'wise' combined with 'river' or 'water,' suggesting ancient wisdom flowing like a stream. In Scottish geography, the River Aldan may have influenced the name's usage. As a feminine name, Aldan carries a distinctive quality that balances strength with fluidity. The name remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique alternative to more popular Celtic-inspired names. Its gentle sound combined with strong consonants gives it a balanced quality that works well across cultures. Aldan appeals to parents seeking a name with natural elements and Celtic heritage while avoiding more mainstream options.