Boys names

Kip

American diminution of Christopher, Greek and Latin

"bearer of Christ"

Kip Thorne, nobel laureate and long-time colleague of Stephen Hawking, is just one of several Kips who don't have a longer name. But Kip is often short for Christopher.

Ailbhe

Irish

"world, light, white; rock"

While Ailbhe is predominantly used for girls today, it has a long history as a unisex name, borne by a female warrior in Irish legend and by a 6th-century Irish saint, patron of wolves, Munster, and…

Lonnie

Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of Alphonso

"noble, ready"

Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.

Buddy

English, nickname name

Until recently it was rarely used as a proper name; Buddy Holly, for example, was christened Charles, and Salinger's Buddy Glass was born Webb. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver did name his fourth child…

Alto

Latin

"high"

With its musical allusions, a harmonious possibility.

Aro

Finnish diminutive of Aaron

Aro is a cute name from Scandinavia which, given the popularity of similar names like Milo, Arlo etc might be ripe for more usage outside of the Nordic countries.

Elven

Elven is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old English word 'ælf' meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being,' connecting it to mythological traditions. Alternatively,…

Ezri

Variation of Ezra, Hebrew

"help"

Ezra is a Biblical name that is being rediscovered, which means its variation Ezri can't be far behind. Ezri is one of the up-and-coming unisex names starting with E , with the gender divide…

Rafe

Variation of Ralph, English

"wolf-counsel"

A top ranking choice in England and Wales, making frequent appearances on the Telegraph Announcments, Rafe feels equal parts rugged, amiable, and posh. Traditionally seen used a variant of Ralph…

Buzz

Modern nickname

Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.

Busby

English

"shrub farm"

A busby is the English name for the fur military headdress originally worn by the Hungarian hussars . As a first name, Busby is also the unique name of iconic movie choreographer Busby Berkeley.

Angus

Anglicized form of Aonghus, Aonghas, Gaelic

"one strength"

Angus is a traditional yet stylish choice in the UK, especially in Scotland. And it's a cool choice for US parents too, particularly those whose roots go back to Glasgow. The ancient Celtic form…

Etienne

French variation of Stephen

"garland, crown"

It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boys unfamiliar to most English…