8 Letter Boy Names

A name halfway between its old milquetoast image and a more jovial Irish-sounding contemporary one. 

Chauncey

Emmerson is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'son of Emery' or 'brave and powerful.' Originally a surname derived from the medieval given name Emery (from Germanic elements 'amal' meaning 'work' and 'ric' meaning 'power'), it transitioned to first name use following the surname-as-firstname trend. The name gained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, appealing to parents seeking strong traditional names with contemporary style. The spelling variation Emerson connects to American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, adding intellectual and literary associations. While traditionally masculine, Emmerson has seen some use for girls, particularly with the nickname Emmy. The double 'm' spelling distinguishes it slightly from the more common Emerson variant.

Emmerson

Franklyn is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Franklin, which originated as an English surname meaning 'free landholder' or 'freeman.' The 'y' spelling variation gives the traditional name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. Historically, Franklin gained prominence as a given name partly due to the influence of founding father Benjamin Franklin and later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The name conveys qualities of independence, intelligence, and solid character. While the traditional spelling remains more common, Franklyn offers a subtle twist on the classic. The name has a dignified quality that bridges vintage appeal with timeless usability, making it suitable for a boy who might grow into a distinguished professional.

Franklyn

Graceson is a modern masculine name that combines 'Grace' with the popular '-son' suffix. It emerged as part of the trend of creating surname-style first names. The name carries the meaning of 'son of grace' or 'graceful one's son,' inheriting the positive connotations of its root word. Grace comes from the Latin 'gratia,' meaning favor, goodwill, or thanks. Graceson has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 21st century, particularly in the United States and Australia. Parents often choose this name for its combination of traditional virtue (grace) with contemporary styling, and for its smooth pronunciation and positive associations.

Graceson

Like its better known cousin Jedidiah, Jebediah is one of those four-syllable Old Testament names that is being shorn of its long white-bearded image, with the help of its modern-sounding Jeb nickname.

 Pop culture references: The Australian alternate rock band Jebediah, and the founder of the Simpson's hometown, Jebediah Springfield.
 Jeb Bush, by the way, was not born Jebediah: J.E.B. are his initials, as in John Ellis Bush.

Jebediah

A cool and straightforward Vietnamese name, which resembles the increasingly popular Hawaiian name Koa.

Khoa

LiAngelo entered the lexicon thanks to basketball player LiAngelo Ball, the middle son in the Ball basketball family. Prior to this association, the name was extremely rare. It can be thought of as a combination of Li, technically a Chinese name meaning lotus or connection, and classic Italian name Angelo, meaning angel. A handful of baby boys were named LiAngelo in the US last year.

Liangelo

The name of this pretty Mediterranean shrub is reminiscent of popular classic Oliver, and interestingly its etymology appears to overlap too: oleander most likely derives from Greek rhododendron "rose tree", with its form successively influenced by laurea "laurel" and olea "olive
tree".
 This unisex choice might make for an especially handsome floral option for a boy.

Oleander

Though the usual U.S. spelling is Sterling, this is the authentic Scottish family name version.

Stirling

Few people would have considered the surname of this famous Victorian poet as a first name until Russell Crowe chose it for his son in 2006. But, as a rhythmic three-syllable patronymic, Tennyson has a lot going for it, not least of all the appealing nickname Tenny.
 
Derived from a medieval diminutive of Dennis, ultimately tying it to the Greek god of wine and revelry, Tennyson could equally make a novel choice for anyone trying to honor a Denise or Dennis. First appearing in the US stats back in thr 1910s, a recent year saw it chosen for more than 20 boys (and 8 girls), though its peak was back in 2014, when 48 boys were called Tennsyon.
 
Other options if you want a literary choice: the poet's first name, Alfred, or the name of another esteemed bard, such as Eliot, Poe, Byron, Lowell or Lorca. Alternatives if you're looking to honor a Dennis: Tenny, Dion, Donovan,

Tennyson

This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor name for grandma Valerie.

Valerian

A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.

Clemente

This old school German name, more familiar these days as a surname, is a relative of the place name America.

Emmerich

Gabriele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Gabriel, which means 'God is my strength' or 'God's able-bodied one.' While Gabriel is common in English-speaking countries, Gabriele represents the traditional Italian, German, and Central European masculine form. In Italy particularly, Gabriele has maintained consistent popularity for boys. The name carries historical significance through notable bearers like Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. Internationally, the pronunciation varies slightly, typically 'gah-bree-EH-leh' in Italian and 'gah-bree-EH-luh' in German contexts. Gabriele offers a sophisticated European alternative to Gabriel while maintaining the same powerful meaning and biblical connection to the archangel Gabriel, messenger of God.

Gabriele

A classic Welsh name, softer than Griffin and friendlier to spell than Gruffudd - that hasn't had as much love as it deserves elsewhere. Namesakes range from medieval kings to the philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, who left land to the city of Los Angeles. It's great in full, but Griff is cool too.

Griffith

A Punjabi name that combines the elements nivasa and guru meaning "home, abode" and "spiritual teacher" respectively. Together they form an aspirational and wise feeling name that ranked in the England and Wales Top 1000 in a recent year.

Gurniwaz

Nicknamed Jace, this name belongs to a Prince of the Targaryen dynasty in the Game of Thrones universe.

Jacaerys

The biblical Joseph named his oldest son Manasseh to symbolize that he'd forgotten the trials he suffered when his brothers sold him into slavery. Manasseh is the head of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Manasseh

Overly ambitious choice, recently borne by the hapless hero of cult movie hit Napoleon Dynamite. 

Napoleon

In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the wild God of seas, storms, earthquakes and horses — which he could tame with a strike of his trident. He is notable for helping the Greeks against the Trojans during the Trojan War nd for punishing Odysseus and his men after they kill the Cyclops Polyphemus. 
 
An equivalent to the Roman Neptune, the name Poiseidon could mean either "lord of the earth", "master of the water", or "earth shaker", though the exact etymology is debated. 
 
Poseidon would make a very bold option, but with Greek names like Odysseus and Perseus on the rise, Poseidon isn't out of the question. In fact, it's been appearing in the US stats since 2010, with 22 boys given the name in a recent count.

Poseidon

Eight letter boy names are led by two perennially popular classics, Benjamin and Theodore. Both of those eight letter names have a lot of style value right now.

Along with Benjamin and Theodore, other popular eight letter boy names that make the US Top 1000 include Jonathan, Jeremiah, Nicholas, and Maverick.

Internationally, the most widely-used eight letter name for boys is undoubtedly Muhammad.

Unique eight letter names for boys on our recommended list include Alistair, Aurelius, Maxfield, and Robinson.

These are all the eight letter boy names in our database.

Eight letter boy names are led by two perennially popular classics, Benjamin and Theodore. Both of those eight letter names have a lot of style value right now. Along with Benjamin and Theodore, other popular eight letter boy names that make the US Top 1000 include Jonathan, Jeremiah, Nicholas, and Maverick. Internationally, the most widely-used eight letter name for boys is undoubtedly Muhammad. Unique eight letter names for boys on our recommended list include Alistair, Aurelius, Maxfield, and Robinson. These are all the eight letter boy names in our database. (Page 14)