Baby Boy Names 2026
Popular, Unique, Classic

The top names for boys in the US right now are Liam at #1 for boys, with former #1 Noah in second place. Upstarts Oliver and Theodore take third and fourth place. Other popular boy names on Nameberry include Silas, Felix, August, and Callum. In the UK, Muhammad is the #1 boys' name. Other boy names popular in Britain include Arthur, Oscar, and Freddie (yes, Freddie, in the Top 10!).

Boy name lists are one perfect place to start your search for the perfect name for your son. We've got lists of boy names by era, by style, by image, by religion, and many other categories that might lead you to the ideal names. Here are some of our most popular lists of baby boy names.

Looking for unique boy names? We've got all the cool and unusual names for your baby boy you've ever heard of and thousands of rare male names that might be new to you. Some of our favorite uncommon boy names are below. We've also got lists of unique, unusual, and rare boy names that can help you search for the perfect name for your baby son.

Browse our full list of boy names by first letter here. Find all our search by letter tools on the Baby Names A-Z page.

Search boy names by origin if you're looking for a name that is rooted in a specific language, culture, or country. This may include names that reflect your family's culture of origin or a place where you lived or visited or simply love. Direct links to some of the most common origins for boys' names found in the US and other Anglophone countries include the following:

Classic and traditional names for boys have always been widely used. More boys than girls still receive family names, passed down over the generations, which tend to include mostly classic or traditional male names. And some parents simply prefer classic names for their sons. Classic names and popular names are not necessarily the same thing. Classic names for baby boys might be drawn from names long used throughout the Western World, names in the Bible or other religious texts, and names from ancient cultures. Some classic names for boys, such as James and Henry, are on the list of most popular names above. Here are more of the most classic names for baby boys.

What names are rising the fastest through the popularity ranks these days? Trending names might end with O or S, come from the animal kingdom, or carry an image of strength or power. These names are super-fashionable but beware: there's a fine line between trending and trendy, popular and overexposed.

Boy name meanings are increasingly important for parents, whether that's a name's literal meaning, its symbolic meaning, or its meaning in popular culture. Some of the most commonly-searched meanings for baby boy names are here.

Gender-neutral names for boys are becoming increasingly popular, the opposite of the pattern a generation of two ago, when the common wisdom -- or should we say, "wisdom" -- was that it was desirable for a girl to have a name that gave her a shot of masculinity but not for a boys' name to be shared with girls. That thankfully has changed, and many of the hottest names for boys are gender-neutral. These are the most popular gender-neutral names for boys in the US right now.

Longer articles on boys' names cover topics at length concerning names for your son. Some of our most popular blogs on male names are listed here.

Talk about your favorite boy names with other expectant parents and name lovers on our friendly forums. You can get advice and feedback on your top choices, gather new ideas and inspiration, or simply discuss all things boy names with our knowledgeable members from around the world. Here are some of the latest, hottest topics in our forums related to boy names.

The baby name experts at Nameberry can help you find the perfect name. Whether you need one name or are looking for someone to walk you through the entire baby naming process, private name consulting can help you make a choice you'll love forever.

Finding the perfect name for a son can be a daunting task. There are thousands of names out there — how do you choose the right one for your baby? If your due date is creeping nearer and you still don’t have a name, follow these tips:

Determine your preferred style of names

Do you want a modern name for your boy or a name that is rooted in tradition? Modern names tend to have fewer associations, allowing your child to build his own identity, while traditional names can tie your child to an important history or legacy.

Consider gender identity

Are you looking for gender neutral names that won’t reveal your child’s sex? Or would you prefer a name that’s clearly masculine for your little boy? This choice may play into your feelings about gender identity, or be closely tied to style — gender neutral baby names are often very contemporary.

Decide how popular is too popular

We live in an age where cool and unusual names are highly coveted. This adds to the diversity of names and means your child is unlikely to be one of three Noahs in his kindergarten class. But everyone’s popularity threshold is different when it comes to their own baby’s name. Check the Social Security Administration for the official rankings, and consult parents in your neighborhood to learn which names are common in your social circle.

Start the search

Create a collection of baby names that speak to you. Anything goes! Take inspiration from your favorite TV shows, names you overhear in the grocery store, and our Nameberry lists.

Narrow it down

Work with your partner to identify a shortlist. Cross off names you can’t agree on, ones that don’t match your requirements, and any names that don’t feel right for your baby.

Make a choice

Time to decide on The One. Some parents choose their baby’s name before the birth, while others wait to meet their baby to make sure it fits. Know that it may take a while before your baby grows into their name, but with time, it will feel tailor-made for him.

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So you've already put a name on the birth certificate, but now you're feeling baby name regret. Can you change your baby's name? Of course you can! Should you change your baby's name? That's a stickier question. Here are some answers.