UK Boy Names

A rarely used member of the Ken- family, Kenelm has a rugged, surname-style feel. Borne by a 9th century martyr and a member of the Mercian royal family, it could make an intriguing namesake for a Kenneth, a Kendra, or a Kendrick. 
 
Historically, it has been borne by Kenelm Winslow, an English Pilgrim who travelled to Massachusetts in the 1600s; by Kenelm Digby, a 17th century diplomat and natural philosopher; by Kenelm Lee Guinness, a 20th century record breaking racing driver; and by Kenelm Creighton, a naval hero during Second World War. 
 
Also appearing as the title character in the 19th century novel Kenelm Chillingly by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, it's a rare choice that could get you to nicknames Ken, Kenny, or even Elm, for something more unexpected.

Kenelm

Téa Leoni and David Duchovny named their kid Kyd in 2002, but he usually goes by his middle name, Miller. Probably a wise choice, given the homonym. On the other hand, the association with Elizabethan playwright Thomas Kyd, who wrote a version of "Hamlet" before Shakespeare, is intriguing. And if you're looking for a name that can't be nicknamed, well... here's looking at you, Kyd.

A dignified yet gentle surname name occasionally heard in England and the West Indies. 

Kynaston

British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer. 

Lancaster

Surname choice that could be used to honor the playwright Lanford Wilson. 

Lanford

Classy-sounding surname name usually bypassed in favor of the simpler Landon. 

Langdon

The name of a large Air Force base in the US, Langley is a surname style choice that may appeal to fans of Langston, Landon, and Oakley, but also Banner, Navy, and Cannon. Quietly used for boys in the 20th century, it has leaned slightly feminine since the 1990s after actress Mariel Hemmingway chose it for one of her daughters.

Langley

Lindsay is one of the few truly unisex names (rather than being a name that has changed genders). Over time the ey ending was usually reserved for women and the ay ending reserved for men, although both spellings are overwhelmingly female these days.

Lindsay

In Wuthering Heights, Cathy's milquetoast husband; Heath is so much more appealing. 

Linton

Slightly less stiff and small if spelled Lytton. 

Litton

This English surname offers an interesting mix of images: it sounds upper-crusty yet macho, and also conjures up the coziness of a wintery ski lodge.  As a surname it is associated with the Massachusetts Republican Senate Minority Leader in the Woodrow Wilson era, Henry Cabot Lodge, who was the father of poet George Cabot Lodge and grandfather of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., who was ambassador to the UN and Richard Nixon's 1960 presidential running mate.


Lodge

Longfellow is the first name of the eponymous hero of the classic 1936 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, later remade with Adam Sandler. But it's hard to imagine a modern parent using it except as a middle name to honor the poet.

Longfellow

Rarely heard surname name that lacks the lightness of other o-ending names.

Ludlow

An international and unisex choice, Malin is a rare northern English name associated with the city of Sheffield. In this case, it would mean "little warrior". As a Bulgarian choice, it is a masculine form of Malina, a Slavic name meaning "raspberry". It is more common as a feminine name, however, as a contracted form of Magdalene and Madeleine. 

Malin

Manley

Some definite downsides: Massive, Messy. 

Massey

Undiscovered single-syllable surname option, a friendly alternative to Reed. 

Mead

Sounds like a displaced Dr. Seuss character. 

Merton

Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry, writers Clement, Marianne and Brian, entertainers Demi, Dudley, Garry, Roger, Julianne, Melba and Mary Tyler, and provocateur Michael.

Moore

Gently pleasant English family name long associated with 60-Minuteman Morley Safer. 

Morley

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 60)