Modern Baby Boy Names
- Love
Origin:
English word name or Swedish variation of LouisMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
In the Anglophone world, Love is more likely to be perceived and pronounced as an English word name than the Swedish form of Louis, which is pronounced LOO-veh.
- Jabari
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"comforter, bringer of consolation"Description:
Coolly attractive African name, with distinguished representatives in sports and literature. Jabari has been on the rise recently, returning to the US Top 1000 in 2023.
- Gibson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Gilbert's son"Description:
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 popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.
- Hartley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"stag meadow"Description:
Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .
- Smith
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"blacksmith"Description:
Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history.
- Sailor
Origin:
Occupational word nameDescription:
A word name that has sailed onto birth certificates of both genders, especially since Liv Tyler used it for her son. For boys, Saylor and Sailor are used about equally, but were together given to about 100 baby boys last year....and 1000 baby girls.
- Kalel
Origin:
Spelling variation of KhalilDescription:
Kalel first entered the US Top 1000 as a one-off appearance in 2009, then reentered in 2013. It's possible that some parents see it as a spelling variant of the classic Arabic name Khalil, meaning friend. Or maybe some—Nicolas Cage, we're looking at you—were inspired by the birth name of Clark Kent, AKA Superman, Kal-El. Cage was long associated with attempts to remake a big screen story about the Man of Steel. He and wife Alice Kim gave the name to their son in 2005.
- Knowledge
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"information, understanding, and awareness gained through experience or education"Description:
Knowledge is a word name that's surprising popular in the US, where a recent year saw it given to 184 boys. And if Maverick, Legend, and Justice can be popular baby names, why not Knowledge? It's an important quality for any child to possess, via their name as well as their brain, and you can have all kinds of knowledgeability, in the classroom or the great outdoors, emotionally or spiritually and beyond.
It may feel like a heavy name to wear, however, though nicknames Nol or Ned might help to ground it.
- Kash
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cash, word and occupational nameMeaning:
"money; box maker"Description:
A modern spelling of an already modern sounding name, Kash is a spelling variant of the name Cash. Like Kairo, Karter, Karson, and Krew, that K initial gives it a very 21st century feel.
- Laken
Origin:
Variation of Lake, EnglishMeaning:
"lake"Description:
Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.
- Maxton
Origin:
English surname, elaboration of Max, Latin,"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"Meaning:
"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"Description:
Maxton is a new member of the ever-expanding Max clan of baby names, hitting the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2011. It joined newfangled Maxon and stylish cousin Paxton, though it did drop out of the charts in 2023. 150 boys did still recieve the name in the most recent year.
- Tempest
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"storm"Description:
Tempest is one of those names that could go either way. Cool, evocative modern word name? Or asking for trouble? Your call, but if you decide the former image is dominant, be warned that some people will see it as the latter.
- Spruce
Origin:
Tree nameDescription:
A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.
- Brayson
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Also found as Brason, this is one of an army of Jason sound-alikes, which include Cason, Mason, Kaysen, and so on. Stylish, yes; recommended, no.
- Draven
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Inspired by Brandon Lee's character in The Crow and Cuba Gooding Jr.'s in In the Shadows, this name, with its Wiccan feel, was used by a member of Linkin Park. It has ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1995.
- Indiana
Origin:
American place-nameMeaning:
"land of the Indians"Description:
This state name emerged in the eighties along with westerners Dakota and Montana, and it's still used occasionally by high-profile parents such as Summer Phoenix and Casey Affleck. Action man Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) makes Indiana "Indy" forever cool for a boy.
- Sequoia
Description:
Sequoia is a masculine name derived from the name of the massive redwood trees native to California, which were themselves named after Sequoyah (c.1770-1843), the Cherokee silversmith who created a syllabary for the Cherokee language. As a given name, Sequoia evokes qualities of strength, longevity, and natural majesty—sequoia trees are among the largest and longest-living organisms on Earth. This name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the late 20th century as part of the trend toward nature-inspired names. While still uncommon, Sequoia appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with Native American connections and powerful natural symbolism. Though listed here as masculine, it's worth noting that Sequoia is used for children of all genders.
- Caine
Description:
Caine is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Welsh traditions, it derives from 'cain' meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair,' while some associate it with the biblical figure Cain. The name has gained modest popularity as a contemporary alternative to similar-sounding names like Kane or Kaine. Its single-syllable strength gives it a bold, memorable quality that appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with impact. Caine has literary and pop culture connections, appearing in works ranging from classic literature to modern films. The spelling with the '-e' ending distinguishes it slightly from the biblical Cain, potentially softening controversial associations while maintaining the name's strong sound and visual appeal.
- Marquis
Origin:
English rank of nobleman between duke and countDescription:
There are ordinary folk named Prince, Earl, and Duke, so why not this rank of nobility as well? Many spellings compete, the most common being Marquis, Marquise, and Marquez. Rapper 50 Cent chose the Marquise version for his son; David Caruso chose Marquez.
- Brewer
Origin:
English, occupational surnameDescription:
Brewer is a surname turned first name that comes from the occupational name for someone who brews beer. Definitely a cool guy name.
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