​
​
Advanced Search

Carissa's Favorite Boys' Names

  1. Case

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
  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. 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.
  4. Sutter

    • Origin:

      English surname and occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "shoemaker"

    • Description:

      Sutter is a new entry to the fashionable class of occupational surnames, brought to the fore by the hero of the 2013 indie film The Spectacular Now. More masculine than Sutton and more distinctive than Sawyer, Sutter might be a good choice for the child of a shoe designer or shoe lover.
  5. 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.
  6. Rigby

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ridge farm"

    • Description:

      Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."
  7. 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.
  8. Upton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "upper town"

    • Description:

      Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.
  9. 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.
  10. Rooney

    • Origin:

      English or Gaelic surname

    • Meaning:

      "descendent of the champion"

    • Description:

      Rooney is one of many bouncy Irish surnames that could make an agreeable first, once tied to Mickey Rooney (who was actually born Joseph Yule) in his young and spunky Andy Hardy period.
  11. Buchanan

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "place of the cannon"

    • Description:

      A lesser-used presidential choice, with a charming, buccaneering sound. Fictional bearers include the Marvel Comics character James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, as well as the heroine of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan.
  12. Eliot

    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot, English diminutive of Elias

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      Sleekened spelling.
  13. Callaghan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of churches"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Polish diminutive of Bronislaw

    • Description:

      Crisply appealing.
  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.