boys names - emzo ox

Clive started life as a surname for someone who lived near a cliff, making it a secret outdoorsy name.

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.

Chef Wolfgang Puck has helped soften this thunderous Germanic name; music-lovers will appreciate its association with Mozart, though the composer's middle name Amadeus is more appealing. With Wolf on the rise, however, and parents looking for bolder options, Wolfgang might just intrigue people with its historical feel .

An fearsome old Norse name with a long history in Scandinavia. It's gotten a boost in the States from popularity of the History Channel drama "Vikings," in which the protagonist is named Ragnar. Ragnar Lodbrok (meaning "shaggy pants") was a legendary warrior whose story was told in the Viking sagas. Ragnar also recalls name of the Norse Judgment Day, Ragnarök.

More popular in its Layton spelling, Leighton is rising in popularity in the US for both sexes simultaneously, although this spelling remains more popular for girls for now – no doubt helped by actress Leighton Meester. Lleyton – as in Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt – is another, even more complicated, variant spelling.

Vann is a concise masculine name with multiple origin possibilities. It can function as a surname-turned-first-name derived from Old English roots meaning "from the marsh" or as a shortened form of names like Donovan or Ivan. In Welsh contexts, it relates to names containing "fan" meaning "peak" or "summit." Vann has gained modest popularity as a given name in the United States since the late 20th century, appreciated for its brevity, strength, and contemporary feel. The name's simplicity makes it versatile across various cultural contexts while its single-syllable structure follows the trend toward shorter, impactful names for boys. Vann projects a modern, somewhat rugged image while maintaining simplicity in spelling and pronunciation.