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Carissa's Favorite Boys' Names

  1. 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.
  2. Jorah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "early rain"

    • Description:

      Jorah, a Biblical name with a lovely nature-related meaning, might make a fresher alternative to the overused Jordan. It's similar to the feminine Nora, Cora, and Laura, but depending on your viewpoint, that may be an advantage.
  3. 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.
  4. Eliot

    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot, English diminutive of Elias

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      Sleekened spelling.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Case

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
  10. 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.
  11. Callaghan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of churches"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Aneurin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
  13. Upton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "upper town"

    • Description:

      Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.
  14. 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.

  15. Bron

    • Origin:

      Polish diminutive of Bronislaw

    • Description:

      Crisply appealing.