Boy Names Always in the Top 1000
- Luis
Origin:
Spanish variation of LouisMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Luis has long been one of the most popular Hispanic names in America — it was in the Top 100 every year from 1980 to 2014, though it's dropped a bit in popularity. It's familiar, yet would add a worldly touch to a basic surname.
- Melvin
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"council protector"Description:
This once perfectly respectable surname has suffered decades of abuse, not least by Jerry Lewis's character in the fifties. NFL running back Melvin Gordon stars for the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Chris
Origin:
English nickname for Christian, ChristopherMeaning:
"one who carries Christ"Description:
Chris is a long-running nickname used almost equally for boys and girls. While past its prime, Chris stands out as sounding completely appropriate for both sexes, perhaps because of its widespread use as a short form of both the popular Christopher and Christine. Chris manages to retain its crisp appeal even though its fashion moment is over.
- Alvin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Alvin has a sturdy, no-frills sound that belies its somewhat whimsical meaning. Interesting potential namesakes include British rocker Alvin Stardust, and US footballer Alvin Williams, and African-American dance legend (and activist) Alvin Ailey.
- Alonzo
Origin:
Italian diminutive of AlphonsoMeaning:
"noble, ready"Description:
Alonzo is dashing and debonair, with a large measure of Latin flair.
- Israel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he who struggles with God"Description:
Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism.
- Johnny
Origin:
Diminutive of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
- Eddie
Origin:
Diminutive of Edward et alMeaning:
"wealthy"Description:
Most parents today call their Edwards Edward -- and we tend to think that's the right call. But it's worth noting that Eddie has been in the Top 1000 every year since records began in 1880; indeed, it was a mainstay on the Top 100 through the 1950s.
- Juan
Origin:
Spanish and Manx variation of JohnMeaning:
"the Lord is gracious"Description:
Juan, the Spanish version of John, is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, and is familiar internationally via such references as Don Juan and San Juan.
- Pedro
Origin:
Spanish; Portuguese variation of Peter, GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
Pedro is one of the most familiar Spanish names for boys, via baseball star Pedro Rodriguez and many others.
- Nelson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Neil"Description:
Nelson is a rather stiff and dated surname name that is sometimes used to honor distinguished South African activist Nelson Mandela, as Celine Dion did for one of her twin boys. Other notable associations are with the British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, novelist Nelson Algren and movie operetta star Nelson Eddy. It was also the given name of "Rabbit" Angstrom, protagonist of John Updike's series of novels.
- Jose
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese version of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Jose is as widespread in the Hispanic community as Joseph and Joe are elsewhere in the U.S., though its numbers here are starting to decrease somewhat. Jose is one of those Spanish baby names that has never crossed over into the Anglo naming culture.
- Marvin
Origin:
Welsh, variant of MervynMeaning:
"sea hill"Description:
Marvin has been neglected for so long that it's hard to believe that it has windswept Welsh roots. It also has some strong namesakes going for it -- singer Marvin Gaye, composer Marvin Hamlisch and boxer Marvin Hagler. It's the real name of both Neil Simon and Meatloaf. And let's not forget mention Marvin Gardens on Monopoly.
- Francisco
Origin:
Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Francisco is one of the more popular Spanish names for boys in the US, which is unsurprising given its popularity back in Spain and Portugal as well as Latin America, coupled with its classic status. It also has a cool hipster vibe to it, given the reputation of the city of San Francisco.
- Tony
Origin:
Diminutive of AnthonyMeaning:
"priceless one"Description:
Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
- Manuel
Origin:
Spanish variation of Emmanuel, HebrewMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
Popular among Hispanic communities but also used internationally, Manuel is a name with a regal history.
- Ramon
Origin:
Catalan variation of RaymondDescription:
The Latin Ramon has been in the U.S. Top 1000 since the beginning of baby-naming time, i.e. the past 130+ years. Ramon is the perfect blend of worldly and familiar, with a rocker edge via The Ramones. A cool name classic, if there ever was one.
- Phillip
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.
- Jefferson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jeffrey"Description:
The name of the third U.S. President sounds, like Harrison and Jackson, more modern and stylish now than its root name. Used as a first name long before our surname-crazed era, Jefferson was most famously used as a first name by the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, which may justifiably make you not want to use it. Jefferson is the middle name of another Prez, William Clinton.
- Mathew
Origin:
Spelling variation of MatthewDescription:
There was a time in the early twentieth century when Matthew and Mathew were closer together in terms of popularity; today, Matthew is America's clear preference.
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