Boy Names Lists · Popular Names and Name Trends
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 20 pages
of 20
English
"woodcutter or reciter"
One of the more subtle occupational surnames, Sayer is a pleasant, open, last-name-first name, particularly apt for a family of woodworkers -- or writers. Some parents are beginning to consider Sayer…
English word name
"storm"
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…
"month name"
November is one of a growing list of month names that can work for a baby boy, and is also one of the ideal names for November babies .
English from Gaelic
"man of peace"
A distinguished English and Irish surname, probably deriving from the Old Gaelic name Fearsithe, meaning "man of peace". It's also possible that the surname derives from a place name now lost to…
"from Arcadia; idyllic"
Arcadia was a region of Ancient Greece that is now associated with a simple rustic life (way before Cottagecore was a thing). That means this name is not just long and lyrical, but also has a warm…
Word and comic book name
Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…
American place-name and Arabic
"peace"
Zuma was entered in the American name lexicon when musicians Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale chose it for their son. Californians will recognize Zuma as the name of a beautiful beach in Malibu, and…
Place-name, Spanish
"poplar tree"
The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.
Latin
"scorpion"
Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy. In the soap…
African place name
The capital of Kenya makes a melodic and worldly name.
American
"independent, nonconformist"
If you love the cowboy feel, the surname charm, and the Top Gun association that come with the currently popular Maverick but want to keep hold of the free-spirited and unconventional energy its…
"wild boar in woodland clearing"
Evokes 1960s brotherly close harmony. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis named his son Everly Bear, and it is also an explosively popular choice for girls. We predict that all the "Ever" names…
Word name
Eleven didn't feel more namelike than any other number...until the (female) "Stranger Things" character came along. Now it seems like a possibility - albeit a rare one - for both sexes. Other…
Tree name
A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.
Variation of Zero, Xerxes, Xeraldo, Xerome, or Xairo
A new entry into the US data for 2025, Xero, with its cool X- initial, was chosen for 5 boys in a recent count. It may be considered a respelling of Zero, to get that edgy sound without associating…
Diminutive of Terence, English, Latin
"soft; thresher"
Cool and breezy, Tez is a contemporary choice, likely originating as a nickname for Terence or Terry, in the same vein as Gaz and Baz for Gary and Barry. As a stand-alone name, it made the US stats…
"disturbance, commotion"
One of the latest in a suite of rowdy boy names, including Chaos, Wrecker, Lawless, and Rowdy itself. Ruckus was given to 5 boys in a recent year.
Modern invention
"of the sky"
Skylar and Sky meet Shiloh, Mylo, Arlo, and Kylo in this modern creation, which made its US debut in 2025. Given to 13 boys, it could be interpreted as meaning "of the sky" (from the word), "scholar"…
Nature name
Has the offbeat quality and macho feel -- like Stone and Flint -- that appeals to increasing numbers of modern parents.
Place name
A posh area of London, as well as being a section of Brooklyn, Kensington would make an overly formal, butlerish boy's name. There are several preferable paths to the nickname Ken, including KENYON,…
