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Favorite Boy Names

  1. Arden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valley of the eagle; high"

    • Description:

      Arden is a gender-neutral name that's sleek and stylish but always seems to bob just below the surface of popularity, despite ticking all the boxes with its fashionable two-syllable, N-ending shape and its awesome nature-inspired meanings. In the 2021 US statistics, 41 percent of the babies named Arden were boys to 59 percent girls.
  2. August

    • Origin:

      German form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US. And deservedly so, given its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames.
  3. Barton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "from the barley settlement"

    • Description:

      More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
  4. Bravery

    • Origin:

      Virtue name

    • Description:

      This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so much. Could be used as a middle name, as Talisa Soto and Benjamin Bratt did.
  5. Byrd

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."
  6. Cadogan

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "honor in battle"

    • Description:

      This surname borne by several early Welsh leaders has a lot of energy.
  7. Cane

    • Description:

      Cane is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old English word 'cane' referring to the plant or walking stick, or it could be a variant spelling of Kane, which has Irish origins meaning 'warrior' or 'tribute.' In some cases, it might also be an Anglicized form of the Italian surname Cani. The name has a strong, concise sound with just one syllable, giving it a modern appeal. While not traditionally common as a first name, Cane has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, particularly in recent decades as parents seek distinctive, short names for boys. Its simplicity allows it to work well cross-culturally.
  8. Cobalt

    • Origin:

      Color and nature name

    • Description:

      Even among the range of blue names on the current baby naming palette -- Blue itself, Azure, Cerulean, Teal, Aqua, Cyan, Indigo -- Cobalt remains the most unusual, not to mention the most masculine.
  9. Conrad

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave counsel"

    • Description:

      Conrad has a somewhat intellectual masculine image, a solid name that has been consistently on the popularity lists, especially well used in the 1920s and 30s, and given a pop of rock energy by the Elvis-like character of Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye, Birdie--("We love you Conrad, oh yes we do!").
  10. Dallas

    • Origin:

      Place name, surname and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "meadow dwelling, valley house, skilled"

    • Description:

      A laid-back cowboy name which feels both cool and gentle, Dallas has ranked in the US Top 500 since records began in 1880. Never super popular but surprisingly never out of style, Dallas is given to nearly 1400 boys in the US every year.
  11. Dice

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Strictly for a Vegas baby.
  12. Donovan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark"

    • Description:

      One of the first of the appealing Irish surnames to take off in this country, this boys’ name has long outgrown its "Mellow Yellow" association, which came via the single from a sixties singer-songwriter named Donovan.
  13. Dryden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dry valley"

    • Description:

      Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.
  14. Dunstan

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dark stone"

    • Description:

      A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.
  15. Everett

    • Origin:

      English variation of the German Eberhard

    • Meaning:

      "brave as a wild boar"

    • Description:

      Everett is a preppy but outdoorsy name, with wintery New England vibes. In the last decade, it’s had a leap in popularity, perhaps because of its similarity to trendy girls’ names like Ava and Scarlett, or perhaps because it offers a fresh alternative to 90’s style Evan and Brett.
  16. Falcon

    • Origin:

      Bird name

    • Description:

      There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
  17. Farrin

    • Description:

      Farrin is a distinctive masculine name with roots that may be traced to various origins. It could be a variant of Farran, an Irish name meaning "adventurous" or "explorer," or it might have Persian connections where it relates to concepts of glory and splendor. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a unique quality for those who bear it. Farrin has a contemporary sound while maintaining a classic feel, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. Its rarity contributes to its charm, allowing bearers to stand out while still having a name that's straightforward to pronounce and spell.
  18. Garland

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Garland is fragrant and celebratory, and also has a celebrity-tribute tie to the star of The Wizard of Oz.
  19. Garnet

    • Origin:

      Jewel name, for the French

    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"

    • Description:

      One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, for both boys and girls, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. But interestingly, Garnet means pomegranate, the fruit who shares a deep red color with the jewel.
  20. Gian

    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
  21. Glade

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Meaning:

      "clearing in a forest"

    • Description:

      Shady, leafy nature-boy name.
  22. Harlen

    • Description:

      Harlen is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Harlan, derived from Old English elements 'here' meaning 'army' and 'land,' together conveying 'army land' or 'land of the warriors.' Less frequently, it may be considered a variation of Harlem, the famous New York City neighborhood. While not as common as the Harlan spelling, Harlen offers a slightly softer phonetic quality with the 'e' instead of 'a' in the second syllable. The name emerged in America particularly in the early to mid-20th century, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. Harlen carries connotations of strength and ruggedness with a touch of vintage appeal, fitting well with the revival of classic masculine names. The name suggests reliability and steadfastness, attributes that continue to attract parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with historical roots.

  23. Houston

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "Hugh's town"

    • Description:

      Looking for a Texas name more distinctive than Austin and Dallas? Houston is a lanky, roguish place-name, right in style with its Texas accent and cowboy image.
  24. Julian

    • Origin:

      English from Latin, variation of Julius

    • Meaning:

      "youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father"

    • Description:

      Cool and charming, with plenty of flair and sophistication, Julian manages to strike the balance between being a sensible classic and contemporary choice. Appealingly international, it is no wonder Julian is a rising star.
  25. Justice

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"

    • Description:

      Justice, one of the rare virtue names for boys, entered the popularity ranks in 1992, and has remained on the list ever since. Parents' search for names implying virtue has led to a mini-revival of this long-neglected name in both its German homonymic form, Justus, and as the word itself. Steven Seagal was ahead of the curve when he used it back in 1976.
  26. Kael

    • Description:

      Kael is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins, contributing to its rich meaning. In Celtic tradition, it's related to 'Cael' meaning 'slender' or 'fair,' while some associate it with the Gaelic 'caol' meaning 'narrow.' It also connects to the Hebrew name 'Kale,' meaning 'loyalty' or 'devotion.' The contemporary spelling 'Kael' gained popularity in the late 20th century, influenced partly by science fiction and fantasy literature and gaming. Its appeal lies in its strong, compact sound and modern feel while maintaining ancient roots. The name has steadily increased in popularity since the 2000s, particularly among parents seeking short, distinctive names with a masculine edge. Kael balances uniqueness with accessibility, making it increasingly common yet still distinctive.
  27. Lark

    • Origin:

      Bird name

    • Description:

      In one recent year there were 60 baby girls in the US named Lark....and only eight baby boys. But there's no reason this bird name can't also be masculine, especially given that Robin is making a comeback for boys and Sparrow is a notable starbaby boy (he's Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's son).
  28. Lone

    • Origin:

      Burmese

    • Meaning:

      "round"

    • Description:

      Used as a unisex name in Myanmar and Botswana, Lone could derive from the Burmese word for "round", or possibly from the Sotho name Lebone, meaning "light".
  29. Loyal

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "faithful, loyal"

    • Description:

      Loyal is one of the few virtue names suitable for boys, an honorable and principled Boy Scout-esque appellation with a surprisingly long and distinguished history.
  30. Luck

    • Description:

      Luck is a masculine name that embodies the concept of good fortune and favorable circumstances. Derived from Middle English and Old English roots, it originated as a nickname for someone considered fortunate or blessed with success. While uncommon as a first name throughout history, Luck carries powerful positive connotations related to chance, destiny, and prosperity. In contemporary usage, Luck remains a rare choice for boys, appealing to parents drawn to short, meaningful word-names with optimistic qualities. As a given name, it projects confidence and positivity, suggesting someone destined for good things.
  31. Lyric

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "of the lyre; songlike; a personal, emotive poem"

    • Description:

      Associated with poetry, pop music, and the Greek lyre, Lyric has a light and zippy sound to it. Currently more popular for girls in the US, it was in the Top 1000 for boys between 2007 and 2020. Currently given to around 170 boys each year, for every baby boy called Lyric, there are three girls given the name.
  32. Luxian
    • Maguire

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "son of the beige one"

      • Description:

        Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.
    • Marquise

      • Origin:

        English rank of nobleman between duke and count

      • Description:

        Part of the name nobility that includes Prince, Earl, and Duke -- though none of these guys are very classy.
    • Maxwell

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "great stream"

      • Description:

        A happy medium between the weighty Maximilian and the laid-back Max, Maxwell is one of the most classic and attractive Scottish names. Early influences on the name's revival include Maxwell Smart of the television show, and then movie, Get Smart, and the Beatles song about Maxwell's Silver Hammer.
    • Merritt

      • Origin:

        English surname

      • Meaning:

        "boundary gate"

      • Description:

        Merritt is an old-style surname name that could be seen as a positive virtue name. It was used in the late 19th and early 20th century for boys, reaching the Top 400 in 1899, and is notable today for being one of the names most evenly divided between boys and girls. Emmy winner Merritt Wever helped popularize it for girls.
    • Noble

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "aristocratic"

      • Description:

        With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of character, dignity, and high moral ideals?
    • Peregrine

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "traveler, pilgrim"

      • Description:

        Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.
    • Raiden

      • Origin:

        Japanese, English invented name

      • Description:

        The name of the Japanese god of thunder makes an assertive choice, very much at home in the Western world. Because of the name's similarity to popular baby names Aiden and Jayden, most people will pronounce it RAY-den, but it's more properly RYE-den.
    • Ransom

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "shield's son"

      • Description:

        Ransom may be rakish and handsome, but it carries an unavoidable association with holding someone for ransom. But that kind of bad boy image might be exactly what attracts you to Ransom in the first place.
    • Roland

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "famous throughout the land"

      • Description:

        Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in its Spanish form, Rolando. You might want to consider rollicking short form Rollo, either on its own or as an abbreviation of Roland. Orlando is the graceful Italian form.
    • Sheridan

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "searcher"

      • Description:

        Sheridan is one surname-name that hasn't come into style for either gender, though it was lightly used for boys around the turn of the 20th century and girls 100 years later. The name does have an attractive sound and an appealing meaning.
    • Sterling

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "of the highest quality"

      • Description:

        A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets. Sterling has several recent TV associations, with characters Roger Sterling (on Mad Men) and Sterling Archer (on Archer), and actor Sterling K. Brown (on This is Us).
    • Tane

      • Origin:

        Maori, Tahitian

      • Meaning:

        "man, male"

      • Description:

        In Maori mythology Tāne (also called Tāne Mahuta) was the god of forests and birds, son of the sky god Rangi and the earth goddess Papa. Tāne was the one who pushed his powerful parents apart to create the land and sky.
    • Urban

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "of the city"

      • Description:

        Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
    • Valerian

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "strength, health"

      • Description:

        This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant doesn't have much of a baby name future, unless you just like its strong, rhythmic sound.
    • Valiant

      • Origin:

        English word name from Latin

      • Meaning:

        "brave"

      • Description:

        While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.
    • Valor

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Meaning:

        "courage and bravery"

      • Description:

        This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in the last decade.
    • Van

      • Origin:

        Dutch

      • Meaning:

        "of"

      • Description:

        Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.
    • Vaughn

      • Origin:

        Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "small"

      • Description:

        Vaughn, also commonly spelled Vaughan, has been used quietly over the years, reaching a peak of Number 349 in 1949. It is now in the process of rediscovery, being seen as a good Sean alternative or an updated way to honor an ancestral Paul (which also means small).
    • Vetiver
      • Warrick

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "strong leader who defends."

        • Description:

          Warrick has recently come into the spotlight as the character Warrick Brown on the TV show CSI. The more conventional spelling is Warwick, a medieval English noble name.
      • Wing

        • Origin:

          Chinese surname, meaning unknown

        • Description:

          A common Chinese surname that made the Top 1000 in 1881.
      • Zane

        • Origin:

          Possible variation of John

        • Meaning:

          "God is gracious"

        • Description:

          Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image.
      • Zenon

        • Origin:

          Ancient Greek and Polish form of Zeno and Zeus

        • Meaning:

          "sky, shine; gift of Zeus"

        • Description:

          Zenon is a relative of Zeno, which is a form of Zeus, used in both ancient Greece and modern Poland. With the new rise of all names mythological, this one may deserve a fresh look.
      • Zorion

        • Origin:

          Basque

        • Meaning:

          "happiness"

        • Description:

          Zorion may seem like a funky variation of Orion or Zorro to most English-speakers, but it is a genuine Basque name meaning happiness. The feminine version of this lovely name is Zorione.