UK Boy Names

Derived from the surnames Grayland and Graylin, this spelling has occasionally been used for boys, but in recent years, it has been given almost exclusively to girls. For boys, Graylon, Graylen, Graylin, or Graylan are usually preferred. 

Graylyn

A spiritual word name, referring to the teachings, doctrines and life of Christ, along with a form of singing in some evangelical churches, Gospel fits in with the likes of Psalm, Praise, Prayer, and Rejoice. It may also refer to an absolute truth, giving it the feel of names like True , Truth, and Honor too.


Gospel

An off-beat Medieval diminutive of Robert and Robin, Hobby likely emerged in the same way Bobby and Billy did – by swapping the first letter of the more obvious nickname, possibly due to the number or Roberts, Robbys, and Robins one might have known. Today, Hobby might be considered more of a word name, but the name was in fact the source of the word! 
 
First used to describe a (real) medium sized horse, by the 16th-century, Hobby was also being used to describe a wooden horse for children to practice or pretend riding on. This eventually led to it being used, negatively at first, to refer to any childish (or non-productive) leisure activity. Over time, it began to shed (some) of those negative connotations, particularly after it was used in Laurence Sterne's 18th-century novel,Tristam Shandy, to describe playful and fanciful obsessions. Now, it brings to mind pleasurable activities, engaged in regularly for enjoyment and interest.
 
Moving on from that etymological detour, Hobby has only appeared once in the US stats, back in 1918 when it was given to 9 boys.

Hobby

A variation of the Biblical name Jadon, more likely to lead you to the JAH- sound over the JAY- one that may alternatively be used as the first syllable. The meaning of the name is debated, though one theory is that it comes from yaḏa meaning "thankful".

Jahdon

A surname-style choice, Rydon could be a trendy spin on Ryder meaning "mounted warrior", or it could combine the Old English elements ryge and dun meaning "rye" and "hill". While it could work in the US, in the UK, this name is likely to be associated with the contractor responsible for the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower and with the subsequent tragedy.

Rydon

Is Thearthur a declaration that your baby is the ultimate Arthur or is it a blend of the regal name with the popular Theodore or Theo? In the first instance, it may be interpreted as literally meaning "the Arthur" or "the bear", while in the latter case, "God's bear" or "bear of God" may be considered.
 
The name has appeared just once in the US stats, back in the 50s.

Thearthur

An elaboration of the Greek element kleos, possible inspired by the feminine Cleotha (as borne by singer Cleotha "Cleedy" Staples of the Staple Singers musical group. It has appeared in the US charts just once, in 1958. 
 
Likely meaning "glory, renowned", a (slightly) more popular form of this name is Cleotis.

Cleothis

Short and snappy, Tol has an entirely different feel to its longer forms, Bartholomew, Ptolemy, and Anatole. Similar in sound and feel to the stylish Sol, it makes a lighter choice for several grandiose names.
 
Borrowed from Biblical Bartholomew, likely via the English nickname Tolly, Tol could mean "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrow". From the Greek Ptolemy it has the tough meaning of "warlike", while from the French Anatole (itself from the Greek ς Anatolius), it relates to the the rising sun.
 
Other sources of the name could be the Turkish Tolga meaning "helmet"; the Khmer name, Tola, also used as the word for October; a a Polish diminutive of Antoni, inspired by the use of Tola for Antonia. It may also originate from various names including the Old Norse Þórr (Thor), such as Tollak, Torkell, Torgils, and Torleif. 
 
There's also the surname Tolliver ("ironworker"), the Nahuatl Tlatol ("language"), or the Indonesian Tolha (via the Arabic ṭalḥ, meaning "fruit tree").

Arvor is an intriguing choice with two possible meanings. From Celtic and Breton, it means "woodland, forest, trees" and may be a cognate of Arbor from Cornish, however, it translates to "coast" or "where land meets sea". As such, this is a truly nature-inspired choice, whichever root you choose to follow. 

Arvor

An ancient name with a modern twist, Wolfstan comes from the Anglo-Saxon name Wulfstan. It maintains the power of its older form while feeling looking and feeling familiar and cool. Meaning "wolf stone" from the Old English elements wulf and stan, it comes with three versatile nickname options: edgy and on-trend Wolf; cute and playful Wolfie; and vintage grandpa name, Stan.
 
It may also appeal as a rare and unexpected saint's name, Saint Wulfstan being an 11th century monk and bishop.

Wolfstan

Derived from an English surname, Hawksley ticks the boxes as a surname and as a nature name. It's got the edgy feel of Talon and Wolf, and the on-trend sounds of Harley, Oakley, and Wesley. Meaning "hawk's meadow" or "hawk's clearing", it is notably borne by singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman. While it is a stage-name, it may inspire parents to use it as a given name too, probably on boys, but it could go unisex too. 

Hawksley

Oceander is a modern creation, spinning cool words name Ocean and Océane into a name in the style of Leander, Evander, Alexander, and similar. As such, it may be said to mean "ocean man", pairing the nature-name with the Greek ander element.
 
You may choose to pronounce the name as o-see-AN-der, O-shan-der, or O-shuhn-der, and alternatively may consider it a compound name. In that case, meanings could include "ocean defending man" (from Ocean and Alexander) and "bow man from the sea" (from Ocean and Evander).
 
A currently very rare choice, used just a handful of times in South America, Oceander would certainly be a one-of-a-kind option.

Oceander

A way to Hal and an alternative to Callum, with English surname refers to somewhere rocky. Also spelled as Hallam (the form used by the poet Lord Tennyson for his son, in honor of his friend, Arthur Hallam), this variation was chosen in 2025 by influencers Josie and Kelton Balka for their son's middle name, chosen in honor of Kelton's grandfather.  

Hallum

A playful and unexpected possibility, Presto may appeal to those who like Banjo and Lyric along with Rio, Pablo, and Arlo.
 
The name comes from a variety of sources, including an Old English surname meaning "brushwood headland"; from the Italian word presto describing a piece of music with a fast tempo; and as a Cornish form of Preston ("priest town"), in the style of Jago, Pascoe, or Kitto.
 
In English, it may be best linked to the idiom "hey presto", an exclamation used both on stage by magicians performing tricks and in general conversation when something good happens quickly and suddenly, as if by magic.

Presto

A rare surname-style choice, Shofner might make a surprising option that stands out and blends in at the same time. Derived from the Old German schaffaere, it's an earthy, occupation name meaning "shepherd".

Shofner

Contemporary meets vintage in this hyphenated name that blends the fierce-but-cuddly Bear with the charming nickname Teddy. In theory, blending these two popular choices could make a winning combination, however, Teddy-Bear may feel a bit cutesy, reminding people only of the stuffed toy. Nevertheless, it appeared in the stats in the UK for the first time in 2024.

Teddy-bear

In tune with Harbor, Haven, Truce, Shepherd, and Shiloh, Refuge is a bold name choice relating to safety and protection from danger. While it is unlikely to catch on in the way other peaceful names have, Refuge has been spotted in birth announcements on social media. 




Refuge

Stylish Rhodes meets popular Brodie and Bodhi in this rare alternative, that could make an undiscovered but familiar choice in coming years. Derived ultimately from Greek to mean "rose", it has also been spelled as Rhodie and given to girls (as a diminutive of Rhoda).

Rhodi

Associated with the (bleak) Christmas carol by Christina Rosetti, with cold, snowy days, and the winter solstice, Midwinter is a wild word name that sits somewhere between edgy Midnight and the more whimsical Evergreen. Also used as a surname, it appears in Wilkie Collins' 1866 novel, Armadale, worn by the character Ozias Midwinter.
 
While it could be a first name, it may be better as an unexpected middle option.

Midwinter

A currently undiscovered word name with a similar feel to Ridge, Rocky, Cove, Quest, Tripp, and Blaze, Rove is an adventurous choice, associating with rambling, roaming, and exploring without a set destination. For some, Rove is likely to sound too close to dog-name Rover, while for others, it may feel too rambling and aimless, but that's not to say it's without appeal.
 
As an outdoorsy, free-spirited, and daring choice, it fits in with modern trends, also ticking the box as a short, succinct option, with a strong "O" sound and an off-beat but recognizable feel. Additionally used as a surname, it has been notably borne by comedian and TV personality, Rove McManus (born John Henry Michael).

Rove

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 83)