Alyssa's Favorite Boy Names

  1. Israel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Whitaker
    • Description:

      Whitaker is a masculine name originating as an English surname meaning 'white field' or 'wheat field.' Derived from Old English elements 'hwit' (white) and 'aecer' (field), it was traditionally a toponymic surname for someone living near a wheat field. Following the trend of surnames becoming given names, Whitaker has gained modest popularity as a first name with a distinguished, scholarly sound. It offers the friendly nickname options of 'Whit' or 'Taker.' The name suggests a connection to nature and agricultural traditions while maintaining a sophisticated, somewhat aristocratic quality. Though uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents seeking something distinctive with Anglo-Saxon roots and professional gravitas.
  3. Manning
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "monk"
    • Description:

      For football fans who have decided Peyton has become too feminine. Or they could look to brother Eli for inspiration.
  4. Whitman
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "white man"
    • Description:

      Whitman, a namesake surname for poet Walt, would be much more suited to a boy, probably because of that "man" part. Whit or Witt makes an uplifting short form which can be used on its own.
  5. Forrester
    • Origin:

      Surname name
    • Meaning:

      "woodsman"
    • Description:

      A slight elaboration on Forrest, with the same woodsy charm.
  6. Olivier
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"
    • Description:

      More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
  7. Kaiis
    • Origin:

      Derivation and meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Kaiis is a name introduced to the lexicon when it was chosen by a single celebrity. Geena Davis picked the ancient Roman-sounding Kaiis (which would have been spelled then with a C) for one of her twin boys.
  8. Payne
    • Origin:

      English or Mapuche
    • Meaning:

      "villager, country-dweller; blue"
    • Description:

      The y helps a bit, but still a painful image.

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