My Top Male Names

  1. Abner
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of light."
    • Description:

      This neglected Biblical name--it was the name of the commander of Saul's army and appears twice in the New Testament--is ready to flee Dogpatch. It was regularly used in the nineteenth century, but was pretty much demolished by the long-running hillbilly comic strip L'il Abner, which began in 1934 and ran through 1977. A more respectable namesake is Abner Doubleday, who has been credited with inventing baseball.
  2. Admiral
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "a high rank in the navy"
    • Description:

      This title name definitely makes a statement. Will Admiral fit in with the Saints, Kings, and Knights joining the playground?
  3. Alcott
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the old cottage"
    • Description:

      Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
  4. Alec
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually one of the classic Greek names for boys, by way of father name Alexander.
  5. Alonso
    • Origin:

      Portuguese and Spanish variation of Adalfuns, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble and ready"
    • Description:

      Alonso is the Spanish and Portuguese diminutive version of Alfonso, itself deriving from an old Germanic name "Adalfuns" meaning "noble and ready." Although the Italian spelling Alonzo is more popular in the US, Alonso has its own strong history.
  6. Alpheus
    • Origin:

      Hebrew from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "changing"
    • Description:

      There is some disagreement whether there are one or two figures named Alpheus in the Bible. There's an Alpheus who's the father of James and an Alpheus who's the father of Levi, and if James and Levi are brothers, then that's the same Alpheus. Or not.
  7. Anchor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability.
  8. Androcles
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "glorious man"
    • Description:

      Mythological name with a fabulous meaning. Sure it's weighty, but so is Aphrodite; Andy is an easy nickname choice to make this name more wearable in the classroom.
  9. Ansel
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"
    • Description:

      Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a family name – he was named after his uncle, Ansel Easton. And, in turn, Adams was the namesake of young heartthrob Ansel Elgort, son of a photographer.
  10. Anthony
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Antium"
    • Description:

      Substantial, strong, and enduring, Anthony has remained a perennially popular name over the last century. With just a hint of playfulness and just a touch of clunky-coolness, Anthony is a versatile choice that seems comfortable anywhere.
  11. Antoine
    • Origin:

      French variation of Anthony
    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"
    • Description:

      Antoine is a venerable French name that is still stylish in its native habitat, where it is in the Top 30. In the US, it was most popular in the 1970s and '80s, reaching Number 262 in 1985.
  12. Archibald
    • Origin:

      Scottish from German
    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"
    • Description:

      The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are one couple who made this breakthrough choice.
  13. Argyle
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"
    • Description:

      Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
  14. Armand
    • Origin:

      French variation of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country.
  15. Armando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.
  16. Arnold
    • Origin:

      English from German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler, strong as an eagle"
    • Description:

      Strange as it may now seem, the venerable St. Arnold was a Greek by birth, a musician who became a member of the court of Charlemagne. The name is said to have been introduced into Britain by the Normans in the form Arnaud.
  17. Arthur
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      " bear"
    • Description:

      Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals. Arthur has led the list of possible names for the young British princes, chosen as a middle name for Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales.
  18. Asa
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "healer; born in the morning"
    • Description:

      A short but strong biblical name with multicultural appeal, Asa is enjoying new visibility thanks to hot young actor Asa Butterfield of Hugo fame.
  19. Auburn
    • Origin:

      Color name
    • Meaning:

      "deep reddish-brown"
    • Description:

      A strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.
  20. Aurelio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Aurelius
    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"
    • Description:

      Aurelio is an energetic Italian name rarely heard here, with an attractive aura. As the female version Aurelia gains greater notice, we expect to hear more from Aurelio too. In fact, Aurelio has recently entered the Top 1000 in the US in 2022. Next to follow might be latinate versions Aurelius and Aurelian.