Updated October 2026
Across 11 pages
of 11
Modern
Hot on the heels of names like Bryson, Ryan and Rylan comes this mix'n'match of cool sounds.
French and Spanish, diminutive of Sebastien
"person from ancient city of Sebastia"
In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America. There is a one-act comic opera by Mozart titled Bastien and Bastienne . An alternate…
American invented name
"Brock's field"
Braxley is an invented name — a combination of two hot syllables — and therefore has no official meaning. It could, however, be interpreted to mean "Brock's field" from each of its elements.
Spanish
"rough, unbroken horse"
For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.
Frenchified form of Barisan, Historical
The protagonist of the 2005 Ridley Scott movie, Kingdom of Heaven Balian was a real-life historical figure, also known as Balian of Ibelin, a 12th century crusader of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, who…
Italian
"blessed"
This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.
English surname
"town by the Beane river"
The surname Bennington denoted someone from one of three towns name Ben(n)ington in England, all meaning "town by the Beane river." The river name Beane was derived from Beonna, an Old English given…
Irish variation of Brennan
Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.
Virtue name
This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so…
Modern invented name
Jaxon with a twist.
Welsh
"hill"
The simple and attractive Bryn is well used for boys in Wales, and does have a history as a male name in the US, although both Bryn and Brynn are currently far more popular for girls. Fans of British…
Modern nickname
An old-fashioned nickname in the Bud/Buzz/Biff mold; this one's kind of belligerent. Michelle Hicks and Jonny Lee Miller moved outside the box when they used it for their son--given the safer middle…
Swiss place name
"king"
The Swiss city of Basel was first Basilia, thought to have been dubbed in honor of the Roman castle of the same name. The castle's name would have derived from Basilius, a Roman personal name from…
English word name
Third place on the sports field, but potentially more wearable than either Silver or Gold, Bronze feels modern and edgy.
Modern invented name or surname, English
"briar meadow, briar clearing"
Brian meets Riley, this name is more popular for girls. It coincides with the surname Briley, a contracted form of Brierley, which might be an interesting alternative.
The word "bricks," name-ified. Rapper Pusha T used this as the middle name for his son, Nigel.
German
"bright raven"
Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to…
Hebrew
"lightning"
An Old Testament warrior whose name still sounds tough.
English
"someone who lives or works near the barn"
This is a solid surname choice for people looking for a change from Cooper, Parker and Carson. Australian parents will probably instantly associate this name with famous rock legend Jimmy Barnes, but…
Germanic, Scandinavian
"lives on a hill; mountain region"
A Norwegian city name, heard much more often as a last name than a first, Bergen may nevertheless appeal as an alternative to Brogan, Keegan, Summit, or Brooks. Strong and rugged, it was given to 8…