Trending Boy Names
- Tru
Origin:
Diminutive of Truman, word name, EnglishMeaning:
"loyal one; true"Description:
With its gentle sound but edgy vibe, Tru ticks the boxes for several modern trends: one syllable boy names (see Brooks), alternatively spelled word names (see Chozen), word names with spiritual undertones (see Shepherd), and nickname style choices (see Bo). Currently in the Top 1000 for girls and boys, it is joined in the rankings by Truett and True
- Kase
Origin:
Spelling variation of CaseDescription:
Kardashian style transforms many traditional C names to Ks, and this is a kase in point.
- Gatlin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wandering man"Description:
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 the same root as gadabout, thus the meaning related to wandering.
- Renly
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Renly Baratheon was a fairly minor character in A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones, mostly remembered as the one of the show's few prominent LGBT characters. He played a major part in season 2 of the show, when he challenged the Lannisters and his older brother Stannis for control of the Iron Throne.
- Kassius
Description:
Kassius is a masculine name with classical roots, serving as a modern variation of the ancient Roman family name Cassius. The original name derives from Latin, possibly meaning 'hollow' or 'empty,' though its illustrious bearers have given it stronger associations with strength and distinction. The spelling with 'K' adds a contemporary edge to this historical name. Kassius gained some recognition after actress Sonia Braga chose it for her son. The name carries echoes of Roman strength and historical gravitas while offering modern appeal. Though uncommon in popularity rankings, Kassius appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth, distinctive character, and a powerful sound. Its classical origins pair with contemporary styling to create a timeless yet fresh option.
- Harlem
Origin:
Place-nameMeaning:
"home on a forested dune"Description:
With Brooklyn, Trenton, and Camden on the rise, Harlem is one to watch out for. It has lingered down the lower end of the US Top 1000 since 2018 but has been trending upwards. It's already been picked by one celebrity, and it certainly has a stronger historical and cultural identity -- and it could work as an alternative to Harvey or Harley.
- Mustafa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"the chosen one"Description:
Mustafa is a name widely used in Turkey, as it was the given name of the man popularly known as Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Mustafa is also an epithet of the prophet Muhammad and was the name of four Ottoman sultans. Other spellings include Mostafa, Moustafa, and Moustapha.
- Kamdyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Camden, place nameMeaning:
"winding valley"Description:
Gentle but solid, Camden is currently in the US Top 200, and subsequently, alternative spellings have made an appearance. Kamdyn shares the popular K initial of Kaden, Kannon, and Kairo, the trendy Y of Landyn, Zayne, and Chosyn, and the surname-feel of Kennedy, Radclyffe, and Lyons,
- Zakai
Origin:
Variation of Zaccai, HebrewMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Zakai bears a lot of resemblance to the ancient Hebrew name Zaccai, but many modern parents are using it as an elaboration of the popular name Kai, blending it with Zack.
- Juelz
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
This attempt to masculinize Jules has made its way into the Top 1000. We recommend using the more traditional spelling, as this one will likely appear dated in a few years' time.
- Coleson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Son of Nicholas"Description:
A mostly undiscovered alternative to the ultra-popular Colton; just 80 baby boys were named Coleson in 2016. It's also a surname name in its own right.
- Jakai
Origin:
Modern invention,"supplanter; sea; warrior"Meaning:
"supplanter; sea; warrior"Description:
Jakai is a cool modern invention, inspired by other -kai names such as Makai and Zakai. Add to this the popular prefix "ja", and it also feels connected to classic nickname Jack, the international Jacques, and modern favorites, Jackson and Jax.
- Ivaan
Origin:
Variation of Ivan, Russian form of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This variation of Ivan, itself a form of John, entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Double As are trending across the states, such as Saanvi and Aarush, and Ivaan is running right along with them — all the way into the Top 1000 in 2022.
- Yohan
Origin:
Variation of JohanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Variation of Johan that may simplify pronunciation for English speakers.
- Rey
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"king"Description:
Sounds exactly like Ray—but with an on-trend royal vibe. The central protagonist in the newest Star Wars trilogy is a woman named Rey.
- Atharv
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"knowledge"Description:
Atharv is one of the names of Lord Ganesh of the Hindu religion, and of the eldest son of Brahma.
- 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.
- Khai
Origin:
Arabic or HawaiianMeaning:
"benevolence; sea"Description:
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik notably chose this name for their daughter in 2020, as a variation of Gigi's grandmother's name, Khairiah. In 2021, the name caught on for boys — Khai was a new debut on the Top 1000 and one of the fastest-rising names that year.
- Wesson
Origin:
Variation of Weston, EnglishMeaning:
"from the western town"Description:
This weapon name, linked to arms manufacturer Smith and Wesson, entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
- Jiraiya
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"young thunder"Description:
The name Jiraiya was created in 1806 for yomi-hon — a type of book from the Edo Period — called Jiraiya Monogatari. The character was revived later in the century for a folk tale series Jiraiya Gōketsu Monogatari, in which Jiraiya, a ninja, shapeshifts into a giant toad.
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