English Names for Boys

One place-name that doesn't make the cut as a person name, associated with several commercial enterprises. We've seen it used by Chicago Cubs fans — Sheffield is the name of a major street bordering Wrigley Field.

Sheffield

Despite its poetic associations, almost as dated as Sheldon, and more feminine. 

Shelley

If ever there was a one-person name, it's probably Sherlock. But Sherlock Holmes the character has arguably never been hotter: he's been played by Robert Downey Jr., Ian McKellen, Jonny Lee Miller and, most memorably, Benedict Cumberbatch, in various film and TV adaptations over the last few years. So you never know.

Sherlock

Unfashionable surname, best left in the forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men. 

Sherwood

This version of Tristan, known to English Lit students from the novel Tristram Shandy, is rarely used in this country, but, though its similarity to the popular Tristan could prove confusing, still makes an interesting literary choice.

 Baseball legend Tris Speaker was christened Tristram and the protagonist of the Anthony Burgess novel The Wanting Seed is Tristram Foxe.

Tristram

Other occupational names would be more commonly accepted, though the Mad Men character has certainly brought it to the fore.

Draper

Selvyn is a masculine name of English origin, likely developed as a variant of Selwyn, which combines the Old English elements 'sele' (hall, manor) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'friend from the manor house.' This uncommon name carries an air of sophistication and refinement with its distinctive spelling. Selvyn has remained relatively rare throughout the English-speaking world, giving it a unique quality for those who bear it. The name has an elegant, somewhat aristocratic feel while maintaining a modern sound. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name that still has authentic historical roots and is relatively easy to pronounce and spell.

Selvyn

Sinjon

St. John is mainly (but rarely) used by Catholics in England -- there's one in Jane Eyre.  It's pronounced SIN-jin, and might even be spelled as Sinjin to make that more obvious. This pronunciation may have stemmed from the French St Jean.

St john

Kind of a combination of scoot and fleet, brought into public domain by actor Skeet (born Brian) Ulrich. We would recommend looking into the unsavory slang meaning of this name before choosing it for your child.

Skeet

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. 

Dorsey

With Devon so overused, consider a move to the undiscovered neighboring county -- though it's nowhere near as euphonious, rhyming with corset. 

Dorset

Dodson

Has diverse links to a Groucho Marx character, a bouncing ball, and late performance artist Spalding Gray. 

Spalding

Not only did rocker John Mellencamp name his son Speck, but he appended the middle name Wildhorse to it.

Speck

A video-game name ("Final Fantasy VII") with an unappealing sound and meaning. 

Squall

Most people's sole association with this name is Oprah companion Stedman Graham -- cool and sophisticated. 

Stedman

Doane

Diversity

Climbing a mountain somewhere with Radcliff and Heathcliff. 

Sutcliff

English names for boys dominate the popularity lists of the US, the UK, and other English-speaking countries, with William and James ranking highly in the US, and Jack, Oscar, and Charlie reigning in the UK.



Many English names for boys drawn from surnames are currently trending in the United States: Jackson, Cooper, Lincoln, Hunter, and Landon, for instance. And then there are English word names from Royal to Loyal that have become fashionable for baby boys.

 include Carter, Grayson, Julian, Mason, Parker, Robert, Sawyer, and Wyatt. Trending English names for boys include surname names such as Reeve and Miller and antique names such as Auberon and Anson.

Baby boy names of English origin popular in the UK

 include Oliver — a top name throughout the United Kingdom — Harry, Leo, and Alfie. The English name Tom ranks highly in France, while James is favored in The Netherlands and Oliver is popular in Spain.



Some of the straightforward boys’ names we think of as English — like the royal Charles, William, Henry, George, and Louis — all have non-English roots but may carry nicknames like Charlie or Bill that are distinctively English.

English Names for Boys rank highly throughout the English-speaking world, including William, James, Jack, Oscar, and Charlie. (Page 60)