Boy Names Lists · Popular Names and Name Trends
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Irish
"sea warrior"
This jaunty Celtic surname — one of the most common family names in both Ireland and the US — is totally viable as a first. The arguably most famous Murphy is TV's Murphy Brown, and indeed the name…
Arabic
"the chosen one"
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…
Somali
"fortune"
The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.
"servant of Allah"
Abdullah is an alternative transcription of the name Abd Allah, which translates to "servant of Allah". Popular across throughout the Muslim world, it ranks in the Turkish Top 100 and the UK Top 200.…
Scottish
"crooked mouth"
The seventh most common surname in Scotland, for a time associated only with soup company and the Andy Warhol's iconic painting, Campbell is once again being considered as an accessible but rarer…
Spanish
"saint, holy"
The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
Variation of Isael, Portuguese from of Israel, Hebrew
"he who struggles with God"
Izael was one of the fastest-rising boys' names in the US in 2023, evidencing trends for the letter Z and the angelic-feeling -ael ending. Pronunciation is like father name Israel, without the R.
English or German surname, variation of Beauden, French
"hill shaped like a bow; floor; beautiful"
Boden is most often inspired by the clothing catalog of the same name, and it feels like an appropriate first name for boys because of its stylish two-syllable -n ending rhythm, a la Logan, Mason,…
English
"place of hawks; river town; Káti's town"
Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Given to around 290 boys in a…
Hebrew
"the Lord hath made"
Like Isaiah but looking for a name that's more unique? Asaiah is a name found several times in the Old Testament. Think of it as a blend of Asa and Josiah and a possible substitute for Isaiah. Asaiah…
English word name
"an agreement between opponents to stop fighting for a certain time"
With its harmonious meaning and gentle sound, Truce has joined the wave of virtuous word names that have risen up the charts in the 21st century. Reflecting a wish for peace during turbulent times,…
Diminutive of Anthony
"priceless one"
Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
French, variation of Remy
"oarsman"
Makes the jaunty Remy a little more nicknamey and feminine. Remi is on the rise for both girls and boys, having entered the Top 1000 for boys in 2019.
"God is my salvation"
Creative name whose only limitation is that it looks like it would be pronounced akin to Alicia and Elissa — although as a Biblical boys’ name , it is traditionally pronounced ee-LIE-shah. With…
English, variation of Baron
"rank of nobility"
Names of royal ranks -- King, Prince, and yes, Baron -- have become more widely used in recent years, though they're outlawed in several countries. This spelling, the same as that of the financial…
Occupational name
"fisherman"
As a member of two trendy name categories, animal and occupational, this name broke into the Top 1000 in 2004 and would make a nice tribute to an angler Grandpa. The best known bearer, Fisher…
"God is seeing; beheld by God"
An alternative form of Hazael, a King in the Old Testament, or a diminutive of Jahaziel, a Levite prophet, this quietly used Biblical name shares sounds with rising choices such as Azrael, Aziel, and…
Place-name, world's tallest mountain
"from Évreux"
This twist on the popular Everett takes it to lofty heights and gives it a geographical and nature-inspired link. The snow-capped Everest could make a name that stands out without feeling too out…
Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from Theodore
"gift of God"
Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international…
Variation of Callum, Scottish form of Columba, Latin
"dove"
Calum is a form of the boy name Callum, popular in the British Isles and carrying a peaceful meaning.
