UK Boy Names

Allyn is a gender-neutral name with versatile usage as a masculine name, though it also appears as a feminine option. With Welsh and Celtic origins, it relates to names like Alan and Allen, derived from elements meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an elegant, sophisticated quality. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Allyn a more contemporary feel compared to traditional variants. Despite never reaching high popularity rankings, Allyn has maintained consistent, modest usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name appeals to parents seeking a classic-sounding option with a modern twist. Its gender flexibility makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor unisex options. Allyn projects strength and refinement while maintaining an approachable quality.

Allyn

Aland is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Old Norse elements meaning "foreigner's land" or could be connected to the Åland Islands between Finland and Sweden. The name might also relate to Alan, which has Celtic roots meaning "harmony" or "stone." As a given name, Aland is quite rare in most English-speaking countries, never appearing on popular name charts. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its open vowels and clear consonants. Aland carries a certain Nordic or Scandinavian character that might appeal to parents seeking a connection to Northern European heritage. The simplicity of the name, combined with its uncommon nature, gives it a distinctive quality that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Aland

This name of a river in Wales represents a vowel change from Alan, which makes the name somewhat more intriguing, but still possibly not intriguing enough. Bonus points if you're a surfer, sailor, or you're expecting a baby born under a water sign of the zodiac: It's one of the more unusual <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/10/water-baby-names">names that mean water</a>.

Alun

Rarely heard in the US, Aneurin is best remembered in the UK as the Welsh politician, Aneurin "Nye" Bevan, who was instrumental in setting up the National Health Service when he was Minister for Health.
 
Aneurin is a Welsh name, possibly derived from the Latin Honorius. While the Aneurin spelling might cause some confusion outside the UK, the more traditional alternative, Aneirin, might help just a little. There's also the possibility of jaunty nickname Nye, that fits right in with the likes of Kai, Rye, and Sky.
 
Poetic and meaningful, Aneurin is a bold choice, but one that people might actually have heard. It has appeared sporadically in the England and Wales Top 1000, most recently in 2022, likely thanks to the actor Aneurin Barnard, who starred in the hit show Peaky Blinders. A more recent year saw it fall just outside the Top 1000 when it was given to 27 boys. 
 
Finally, a bit of trivia to end on: To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS in 2023, a train was named after Aneurin Bevan by the Great Western Railway. In a ceremony hosted in Wales, the train was unveiled by none other than the first baby born under the NHS - Aneira Thomas - who was indeed, also named after Bevan!

Aneurin

This Welsh surname might be an interesting alternative to the popular Evan, though that Bev beginning conjures up a fifty-five-year-old woman named Beverly. 

Bevan

An unusual two-syllable choice, with a cool, animal related meaning, Bleddyn combines the Old Welsh word for "wolf", with a diminutive suffix, giving it the overall meaning of "wolf cub" or "young wolf". While those unfamiliar with Welsh pronunciation may assume this choice is a little gory, the dd is said the English th sound, found in words like then.
 
Borne by an 11th-century Welsh king, more recent bearers have included rugby players Bleddyn Bowen, Bleddyn Williams, and Bleddyn Taylor. In the latest England and Wales name stats, Bleddyn was given to nine boys, ranking alongside Bellamy, Dane, Eoghan, Farley, and Jonty in the same year.

Bleddyn

Brychan is a masculine name of Welsh origin with deep historical roots. It derives from the name of a legendary 5th-century Welsh king, Brychan Brycheiniog, who reportedly had numerous children who became saints in the early Celtic church. The name is connected to the region of Brecknockshire (Brycheiniog in Welsh) in Wales. Brychan has remained relatively uncommon outside of Wales, making it a distinctive choice with authentic Celtic heritage. The pronunciation (BRIK-an) may present some challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its strong historical connections and unique sound make it appealing for parents seeking a name with genuine Welsh character and royal associations.

Brychan

The Dutch meaning (Buell is the Dutch occupational name for a hangman) is enough to keep most people away. 

Buell

Anglicized form of Cadoc, a Welsh saint's name.

Caddock

St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.

Cadoc

This surname borne by several early Welsh leaders has a lot of energy. 

Cadogan

Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
 
Familiar in various forms in the Middle Ages, Caradoc is rarely used today.

Caradoc

Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration. 

Carew

Siarl

This surname name may offer a pronunciation challenge, to those unfamiliar with Michael Crichton novels, but its fresher than Hunter or Cooper.

Crichton

Extremely common in Wales and England, Dafydd would likely leave some non-Welsh speakers confused at first. But we love the soft, lispy quality this variation offers.

Dafydd

A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David, as is common in Wales, pronounced "dye". 

Simplify things and spell it Dai, or even Day. 

Dyfan is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic origins, pronounced roughly as 'DUV-an.' The name derives from the Welsh elements 'du' meaning 'black' or 'dark' and 'ban' meaning 'peak' or 'prominence.' In Welsh history and legend, Saint Dyfan (also spelled Deruvian) was reportedly one of the first Christian missionaries to Britain in the 2nd century. The name carries connotations of spiritual devotion, natural strength, and cultural heritage. While common in Wales and among Welsh families abroad, Dyfan remains relatively rare in the broader English-speaking world, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic roots and distinctive character.

Dyfan

Deiniol is a Welsh masculine name with profound historical roots. It derives from the Celtic element "deinos," meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." The name is particularly significant in Welsh heritage as it belonged to Saint Deiniol, a 6th-century religious figure who founded the monastery at Bangor and became its first bishop. Deiniol remains relatively uncommon outside of Wales, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic origins and historical depth. The pronunciation (day-NEE-ol) may present some challenges outside Welsh-speaking communities, but its uniqueness and cultural significance make it an intriguing choice for those connected to Welsh heritage or drawn to names with strong historical foundations.

Deiniol

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 70)