UK Boy Names

While this has a distinguished male namesake -- astronomer Edmund Halley and his comet -- it still strays too close to the superpopular feminine Hailey family to work for some parents for a boy. Fewer than five baby boys were given the name last year, but that could change as formerly-female names become more acceptable for boys.

Halley

Harailt is a masculine name of Celtic origin, likely derived from the Old Irish name Harold or Harald. These names stem from the Old Norse Haraldr, meaning "army ruler" or "war leader." The spelling Harailt represents a Gaelic variant that emerged primarily in Ireland and Scotland. While uncommon in mainstream usage, this name carries historical significance in Celtic regions where traditional naming patterns have been preserved through generations. Harailt conveys strength and leadership qualities associated with its warrior etymology. The name remains relatively rare in contemporary use, appealing to parents with Celtic heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with historical roots.

Harailt

Arailt is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing a Gaelicized form of the Norse name Harald or Harold. The name carries significant historical weight, as it was borne by several Norse and Viking leaders throughout history. Etymologically, it combines elements meaning 'army' and 'ruler' or 'power,' reflecting the warrior culture of medieval Scandinavia. Arailt emerged through cultural exchange between Norse settlers and indigenous Gaelic populations in Scotland and Ireland. This rare name maintains a strong, distinctive sound that evokes ancient Celtic and Viking heritage. Quite uncommon in contemporary use, Arailt appeals to parents with Scottish Highland connections or those seeking a name with historical depth and uniqueness. The name projects qualities of leadership, strength, and noble heritage while remaining virtually unknown in mainstream naming practices.

Arailt

Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon. 

Hume

Innis is the name of an island (and Gaelic word for island) which became a Scottish surname and clan name before being used as a first. It hasn't been heard much in the U.S., but could attract more attention with the growing popularity of Latin s-ending boys' names such as Atticus.
 Innis is related in sound to Ennis, as in the character name Ennis Del Mar, indelibly played by Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain."

Innes

This is a Scottish pet form of John, the equivalent of Jack in England. Has long been used as a generic name for a Scotsman, here it's a generic name for a--well--jock.

Jock

Seumas

When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice. 

Kerr

Laird is a Scottish title for the landed gentry – it ranks just below a Baron – with a pleasantly distinctive Scottish burr that must have appealed to Sharon Stone, who chose it for her son.
 Laird Cregar was an early movie actor, known for playing creepy roles; Laird Hamilton is a famous American big-wave surfer.

Laird

Euro-cool. Heard more in Scotland than in England or the US, Ludovic Lesly is a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Quentin Durward and Sir Ludovic Kennedy was a noted Scottish broadcaster and writer. Cute nickname: Ludo.

Ludovic

A lively and engaging Scottish surname with an outdoorsy feel, Lundy (almost) coincides with the French word for Monday. 


Lundy

Between "Old MacDonald" and Big Mac allusions, this would be a risky choice. 

Macdonald

Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory. 

Macgregor

Whether you pronounce it Mac-cleen or Mac-clayn, this is one of the crispest and most appealing of the Mac names.  The Scottish clan Maclean is one of the oldest of the Highland Scottish clans.  Trivia tidbit: Sir Fitzroy Maclean is said to have been an inspiration for the Ian Fleming James Bond character.


Maclean

Shows some promise via its connection to the growing interest in Ewan. 

Mcewan

All names ending in ville are in nowheresville. 

Melville

Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and Thelonius.


Mingus

Traditionally pronounced "ming-iz" and thus the relationship to the jazzy Mingus, Menzies is an old Scottish surname related to the more common Manners.

Menzies

Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life. 

Munro

A common family name in Scotland, occasionally used as a first. 

Muir

UK names for baby boys originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK boy names range from the top names for boys throughout the English-speaking world, such as Edward, Jack, and James, to thousands of unique boy names like Kelso, Mungo, and Rowley.

Browse this list of UK boy names that originate in the Nameberry database that originate in the English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Cornish and Manx languages and cultures. 

UK names for baby boys originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK boy names range from the top names for boys throughout the English-speaking world, such as Edward, Jack, and James, to thousands of unique boy names like Kelso, Mungo, and Rowley.  (Page 56)