All Time Favourite Male Names

Director Ridley Scott and actress Daisy Ridley made this surname-style name familiar, and with its outdoorsy meaning and rugged yet preppy sound, it could blend in with Oakley, Reid, Riley, and Ridge. Some parents might be put of by the first syllable (as in, "get rid of" or "horrid" or "riddles"), but since Scarlett (scar), Colton (cult), and Titus all rank in the Top 400, it could still work for those looking for a standout last-name first name.

Kirin is a mythical Chinese figure that is a flying horse with elements of a dragon. The creature combines elements of the male -- Ki -- and the female -- Rin -- to make a gender neutral name that would work well in the Western World.

In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.

This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and conductor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and there have been Dietrichs in Henry James's The Princess Casamassima,/em and more recently on the TV show Psych.

Sad tinge to the name of the beautiful German city firebombed during World War II. Its name derives from Sorbian drezga, meaning "forest".

Eren ranks among the Top 50 boys' names in Turkey, among the Top 1000 in England and Wales, and is virtually unknown in the US. With a sound that's similar to Aaron or Erin, it may be mistaken for one of those more familiar choices but does make an easily-translated and attractive name. Eren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, with parents potential inspired by the character Eren Yeager in the popular Japanese manga series Attack on Titan.

Joven is a masculine name that comes directly from the Spanish word meaning 'young' or 'youth.' This straightforward meaning makes it a name that celebrates youthfulness, vitality, and new beginnings. While primarily used in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly the Philippines where Spanish influence remains strong in naming traditions, Joven has cross-cultural appeal due to its simple pronunciation and positive associations. The name has a contemporary feel despite its traditional usage, and it works well internationally due to its brevity and easy pronunciation. Parents might choose this name to express hopes for their child's enduring youthful spirit or as a nod to Hispanic heritage.

What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic introduced this new first name to the English-speaking world, though it had long been familiar as a surname. The celebrity Novak, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, might be an inspirational role model for a baby Novak. And the name Novak goes well with other stylish names that mean new, including Nova, Neo, and Nouvel.

Gatlin has risen into the Top 1000 in recent years on the strength of its association with the Olympic champion sprinter Justin Galtin as well as the Gatlin Brothers of Nashville fame. The name has the same root as gadabout, thus the meaning related to wandering.

Ranier is a masculine name of Germanic origin, a variation of Rainier or Reginald, derived from "ragin" (advice) and "hari" (army), meaning "powerful army" or "wise warrior." The name carries royal associations through historical figures like Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Ranier blends sophistication with strength, offering a distinctive alternative to more common names like Raymond or Ryan. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents seeking an elegant yet strong name with European flair and historical depth.

A rare place name and surname, with possible potential as an alternative to Jaxon. Famous wearers of the surname include biologist brothers Charles Edward and Walter Faxon, and composer Nancy Plummer Faxon.

Ferrel is a masculine name with multiple potential origins, functioning as both a surname and given name. It may derive from the Irish surname Ó Fearghail, meaning 'man of valor,' or connect to Latin 'ferox' suggesting 'fierce' or 'wild.' As a first name, Ferrel gained modest usage in America during the early to mid-20th century but remains uncommon. The name carries a rugged, independent quality that evokes images of wilderness and determination. Its distinctive sound pattern with the stress on the first syllable gives it a strong, memorable quality. Ferrel has connections to natural world associations through its phonetic similarity to 'feral,' suggesting an untamed spirit. Parents might choose this name for its distinctive character, subtle nature connections, and blend of strength with uniqueness.