​
​
Advanced Search

Jane Austen Names for Boys

  1. Phillips

    • Description:

      Phillips originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Philip' and has transitioned into occasional use as a masculine given name. The name Philip itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' As a first name, Phillips maintains its connection to this heritage while having a distinctive surname feel that follows the trend of using family names as first names. While not among the most common given names, Phillips has a formal, distinguished quality that appeals to some parents. It offers the friendly nickname options of Phil or Flip, providing versatility. The name connotes stability, tradition, and a certain professional quality that can serve well throughout life.

  2. Heywood

    • Description:

      Heywood is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname referring to 'the enclosed forest' or 'fenced wood' in Old English. As a given name, Heywood emerged from the English tradition of using family surnames as first names, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While never extremely common, it gained some recognition through notable bearers like American filmmaker Heywood Gould and jazz musician Heywood Henry. The name conveys qualities of stability, tradition, and natural strength. It has an aristocratic English feel with its connection to land ownership and geography. Though Heywood has declined in usage in recent decades, it retains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name with Anglo-Saxon roots and woodland associations.
  3. Hodges

    • Description:

      Hodges is a patronymic surname derived from the medieval given name Roger, by way of its nickname Hodge (a pet form of Roger). The added 's' indicates 'son of Hodge.' Roger itself came to England with the Normans, originating from Germanic elements meaning 'famous spear.' Hodges emerged in medieval England, predominantly in the southern and central regions, with early recorded examples dating back to the 13th century. The name experienced significant growth during the 14th and 15th centuries as hereditary surnames became firmly established. Hodges spread throughout Britain and later to colonial America, Australia, and other English-speaking regions. While not among the most common surnames, it maintains a steady presence, particularly in Wales and southern England. Famous bearers include English astronomer John Hodges and American baseball player Gil Hodges.
  4. Dennison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Dennis"

    • Description:

      A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623.
  5. Richardson

    • Description:

      Richardson is a masculine name with English origins, traditionally used as a surname meaning 'son of Richard.' Richard itself combines Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'ruler,' making Richardson essentially mean 'son of the powerful ruler.' As a first name, Richardson is uncommon, having never ranked among popular given names in the US or UK. It represents the trend of using surnames as first names, appealing to families looking for formal, distinguished-sounding names or those wishing to honor someone with the Richardson surname. The name offers friendly nicknames like Rich, Rick, or Richie. It carries connotations of dignity and tradition while maintaining its distinctiveness as a first name.

  6. Robinson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Robin"

    • Description:

      This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.
  7. Hamilton

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "treeless hill"

    • Description:

      Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.
  8. Jebb

    • Description:

      Jebb is a masculine name of English origin, typically derived from a surname which itself was a medieval diminutive of the name Jacob. The biblical name Jacob comes from Hebrew, meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' Jebb has a concise, strong quality with its single syllable and distinctive double consonant ending. While uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through notable bearers of the surname, including Sir Joshua Jebb, a 19th-century English prison reformer, and Richard Jebb, a classical scholar. The name has a rugged, outdoorsy feel reminiscent of the American frontier, which may appeal to parents seeking a masculine-sounding name that's brief yet distinctive. Its rarity gives it a unique quality while still being easily pronounced.
  9. Wright

    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  10. Tomlinson

    • Description:

      Tomlinson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Thomas' or 'son of Tom.' As a first name, it represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly for boys. This practice became increasingly popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The name carries an air of distinction and tradition while maintaining a contemporary edge. Thomas itself derives from the Aramaic name Ta'oma, meaning 'twin.' Tomlinson has gained some recognition through notable bearers like Louis Tomlinson of One Direction. As a first name, it remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents who appreciate its strong English heritage and distinctive sound.
  11. Gardiner

    • Description:

      Gardiner is a masculine name of Old French and English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the occupational term for one who tends or works in gardens, it literally means "gardener" or "keeper of the garden." As a first name, Gardiner carries aristocratic and professional connotations, with historical associations to prominent families particularly in Britain and New England. While uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents drawn to occupational surnames and traditional English naming patterns. Gardiner suggests qualities of nurturing, cultivation, and patience, with subtle connections to nature and growth. The name has a distinguished, classic quality that evokes landed gentry and refined tastes.

  12. Donavan

    • Description:

      Donavan is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of the more common Donovan. With Irish origins, it derives from the Gaelic surname Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán' (dark brown-haired man). This alternate spelling maintains the name's Celtic heritage while offering a slightly different visual identity. Donavan gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, influenced partly by various athletes and musicians bearing similar versions of the name. The name carries connotations of strength and traditional masculinity while remaining approachable. Though less common than Donovan, this spelling variation provides a subtle uniqueness without sacrificing recognizability or pronunciation clarity.
  13. O'brien

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Brian"

    • Description:

      The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish-inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with the old-fashioned moniker Brian. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first.
  14. Saunders

    • Origin:

      English surname, variation of Alexander, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      With the new fashion in the US for S-ending surname-names, Saunders could see some use.
  15. Richards

    • Description:

      Richards is primarily recognized as an English surname derived from the Germanic personal name Richard, combining elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." As a first name, Richards is uncommon, representing either a patronymic usage or a modern variation of the classic Richard. The name Richard itself has been popular throughout European history, borne by English kings, artists, and leaders. The addition of the final 's' may reflect a family naming tradition or desire to distinguish the name from the more common Richard. While rare as a first name, Richards maintains the strong, authoritative qualities of its root name. Its unusual status as a first name might appeal to parents seeking a traditional-sounding masculine name with a subtle difference from more common classics.
  16. Morton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "town near the moor"

    • Description:

      An English family name used a few generations ago as an Anglicization of Moses, but hardly heard since th 1950s.
  17. Thorpe

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "farm, village"

    • Description:

      Brusque and charmless, two things you don't want your son to be.
  18. Parry

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "son of Harry"

    • Description:

      Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.
  19. Mathews

    • Description:

      Mathews is primarily known as a surname derived from the biblical name Matthew, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh.' When used as a first name, Mathews represents an uncommon variation that adds a subtle distinction to the more traditional Matthew. The addition of the final 's' gives it a surname feel, aligning with the trend of using family names as first names. While Matthew has been consistently popular throughout history, Mathews as a given name remains relatively rare, offering familiarity but with a unique twist. The name carries the same biblical heritage and positive connotations as its more common counterpart. For parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a slightly less common presentation, Mathews offers an interesting alternative.
  20. Drummond

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "ridge"

    • Description:

      At one time associated with the fictional detective Bulldog Drummond, this formal surname name does boast the cute nickname Drum.