Unique Boy Names that Start With G

Gael

Breton

"Gaelic"

This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Also written as Gaël, it's a popular choice…

Greyson

English

"son of the steward"

Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child…

Gunner

Scandinavian variation of Gunther

"bold warrior"

The kind of nouveau macho name favored by NRA-leaning parents, Gunner could appeal to those who like other more military or gun inspired names, such as Hunter, Remington, and Cannon. It got a boost…

Gianni

Italian, diminutive of Giovanni, variation of John

"God is gracious"

Gianni, the Italian equivalent of Johnny, sounds more substantial and fresh. Like many names starting with "Gian", it is on a rising trend (for both boys and girls, though it leans more male). TV…

Guillermo

Spanish variation of William

As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo,…

Gage

French

"oath, pledge"

Gage was part of the craze for one-syllable surnames, with associations to tasty green gage plums and the mathematical gauge. Gage was first noticed as a character in Stephen King's Pet Semetary…

Grey

Color name

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Grey/Gray is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative—if…

Gatlin

English

"wandering man"

Gatlin has risen into the Top 1000 in recent years on the strength of its association with the Olympic champion sprinter Justin Galtin as well as the Gatlin Brothers of Nashville fame. The name has…

Gio

Italian short form of Giovanni

"God is gracious"

Giovanni is the Italian form of John, and Gio is its dashing nickname. A lot cooler than Johnny, no?

Gianluca

Italian, Combination of Gian and Luca

This is one of the attractive smoosh names heard frequently in Italy, but rarely in the US. A particularly appealing example due to the stylishness of Luca.

Genesis

Word name, Biblical

"the origin and formation of something; The First Book in The Bible"

Though Genesis is a Top 100 girls' name in the US, it's by all rights a unisex choice. Derived from Greek, it means "birth" or "origin", making it a word name and a Biblical name, Genesis also shares…

Gus

Diminutive of Augustus, Angus, Gustave, Augustin, Augusten, Augustine, August

Gus is a homey grandpa nickname name that can work as a short form for any of the above or stand on its own as a cutting-edge replacement for Max and Jake--though it was off the Top 1000 from 1978…

Gray

Color name, also diminutive of Grayson

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and…

Gonzalo

Spanish from German

"saved from combat"

Popular among Hispanic parents, it explains the source of the nickname Gonzo.

Giancarlo

Combination of Gian and Carlo, Italian variations of John and Charles

In Italy, a common melding of two popular names, heard in the US as well. Giancarlo Stanton is a power-hitting right fielder for the New York Yankees. Side note: when he first joined the leagues, he…

Granger

English and French surname

"worker of the granary; farmer"

If you're seeking a solid but underused occupational name with a warm, friendly sound, and an earthy feel, Granger is one to consider. Associated with faming, grain, and the outdoors, it fits in with…

Guy

French

"wood"

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the…

Gibson

English

"Gilbert's son"

An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the…

Garrison

English

"son of Garret"

As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.

Gentry

English

"aristocracy"

A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.