Fastest-Rising Boy Names 2024

  1. Colby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "coal town"
    • Description:

      Combining the sounds of Colton and Toby, Colby has been in the US Top 1000 since the 70s. It peaked in 2021, entering the Top 100 thanks to Colby Davidson's appearance on reality TV show, Survivor that same year. Currently on the rise in the UK, in the US, its popularity has been shaky, dipping one year, rising the next. Given to around 490 boys in 2024, it is also chosen for around 50 girls each year.
  2. Dario
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Darius
    • Meaning:

      "possessing goodness"
    • Description:

      More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's popularity in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland?
  3. Castiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my cover is God"
    • Description:

      Castiel, which vaulted into the Top 1000 on the wings of the angel hero of the television show Supernatural, is the name of the Angel of the day Thursday. It may also derive some appeal from the newly-fashionable "Cas" syllable, as in Cassian and Cassius.
  4. Colter
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "colt herder"
    • Description:

      A variation on the popular Colton, Colter has been climbing up the US charts since 2010. Given to around 1000 boys each year, it is now in the Top 500, and ticks the boxes for being a cool occupational name with rugged, Wild West vibes, and for giving the familiar nickname Col, or the alternative, Colt.
  5. Henrik
    • Origin:

      Danish and Hungarian variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      The long history and solid usage of Henry has infiltrated other cultures, where a number of variations experience the same degree of popularity. In the US, Henrik first entered the Top 1000 in 2014. In Norway, Henrik is a mega popular choice.
  6. Rowen
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rowan, Scottish and Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rowan tree; little redhead"
    • Description:

      While the Rowan spelling is in the Top 1000 for both boys and girls, this spelling is much more unusual though maintains the same gender split at nearly four boy Rowens for every girl.
  7. Chosen
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "one who is the object of choice or of divine favor"
    • Description:

      Chosen is officially a baby name thanks to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who chose (can't resist) the word as the name of his newborn son.
  8. Dalton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "the settlement in the valley"
    • Description:

      Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.
  9. Mccoy
    • Origin:

      Anglicization of MacAoidh or MacAodha, Scottish, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Aodh; son of fire"
    • Description:

      One of many Irish and Scottish surnames starting with Mac and Mc that also feel usable as given names, McCoy has a jaunty and energetic sound. The name entered the US Top 1000 in 2020, and was given to around 220 boys in the US in a recent year, along with 6 girls.
  10. Azariah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "helped by God"
    • Description:

      Azariah is a rarely used biblical name that moves way beyond Adam and Abraham; its pleasant sound makes it no surprise that parents have discovered it in recent years.
  11. Wayne
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "maker of wagons"
    • Description:

      When Marion Michael Morrison became John Wayne around 1930, his last name took on an air of cowboy cool that lasted about thirty years. These days however, Wayne has been replaced by Waylon, Wesley, and Wyatt, and it now resides in the grandpa name camp, alongside Stan, Bruce, and Ronald. For some, thus may well be its selling point. < br>
      Originally an occupational surname, Wayne comes from the Old English wægn meaning "wagon". Associated with wagon makers, it rose to popularity as a give name in the mid-20th-century. Notable bearers include footballer Wayne Rooney, hockey player Wayne Gretzky (generally considered the greatest player in the history of the sport), and rapper Lil Wayne.
  12. Bode
    • Origin:

      German, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "order, command; return"
    • Description:

      Bode is a short and sharp name that has been on and off the US charts since the mid-2000s. Similar to on-trend choices such as Brooks, Beau, Boone, Brody, and Bodhi, Bode suffers a little, perhaps because it might be read as the word "bode" , as in "that doesn't bode well", and because it has several acceptable pronunciations.
  13. Darren
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little great one"
    • Description:

      Darren and wife Sharon shop for fifties memorabilia on eBay. The Connecticut place-name Darien might offer an update.
  14. Emiliano
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
  15. Bjorn
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Icelandic, German
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Bjorn is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks in large part to tennis great Björn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French opens and something of a rock star figure.
  16. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"
    • Description:

      As trendy as the chic Colorado ski resort, with a hint of whimsy from the shimmering trees, Aspen has been climbing the charts for boys since the early 90s. While it has always been more popular for girls, it could work for a boy too.
  17. Laith
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "lion; wet"
    • Description:

      With a distinctive sound and a robust feel, Laith is a name that also has a touch of breezy charm to it. Currently in the UK Top 1000, it is a cross-cultural boy name that's also on the rise in the US.
  18. Drake
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "dragon; or, male duck"
    • Description:

      A simple one-syllable name that has been on the popularity list since the mid-1980s, Drake is most associated today with the single-named rapper (born Aubrey). The name peaked at Number 197 in 2010 and has since been on a slow decline, but it still can be counted among the stylish contemporary boy names starting with D.
  19. Alessio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexis
    • Meaning:

      "defender"
    • Description:

      Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
  20. Campbell
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "crooked mouth"
    • Description:

      The seventh most common surname in Scotland, once associated only with soup, is now being considered as a last-name-first choice, accessible but unusual.