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Manly Names

  1. Abner

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of light."

    • Description:

      This once neglected Biblical name is back on the scene, ready to shake off both its association with the long running satirical comic strip, L'il Abner and its historical Puritan image. The name appears in the Bible several times, notably on the cousin and commander of Saul's army and by two figures in the New Testament. It re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2023, and was a fast rising choice in 2024 when it was given to nearly 300 boys.
  2. Remington

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place on a riverbank"

    • Description:

      Remington Steele was the perfect name for an upper-crust action hero on 1980s television. Now, Remington is catching fire along with a new generation of predatory baby boy names such as Hunter, Gunner, and Colt. Or you might consider it a unisex namewith a buttoned-up British feel and the friendly short form Rem or Remy.
  3. Leroy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "the king"

    • Description:

      Leroy's heyday was in the early twentieth century, when it was in the US Top 100 until 1949. As a result, it's now more frequently seen as a father or grandfather name. Nevertheless, it remains in the latter end of the US Top 1000, perhaps passed down from father to son, or similar enough to popular Levi that it still appeals.
  4. Brutus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "heavy, dull"

    • Description:

      Brutus is the quintessential brute--far too close to the word brutal. And any child with this name would spend much of his life hearing "Et tu."
  5. Duke

    • Origin:

      English rank of nobility

    • Description:

      While John Wayne and Duke Ellington are worthy role models, the reason Duke is currently enjoying a revival and returned to the Top 1000 in 2013 as one of the year's fastest-rising boys’ names is more likely due to the name given to high-profile TV couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Christened Edward Duke, he has always been called by his middle name, just as Edward Duke Ellington was. Duke is just one of several aristocratic titles being increasingly used by ordinary citizens.
  6. Tony

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anthony

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
  7. Dalton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "the settlement in the valley"

    • Description:

      Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.
  8. Vernon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place of alders"

    • Description:

      Once aristocratic British surname yet to be revived. Vince Vaughn recently gave his son the same double initials as his own when he named him Vernon Vaughn.
  9. Dirk

    • Origin:

      Flemish and Dutch, contracted form of Derek

    • Description:

      A perennial classic in the Netherlands, short-and-sweet Dirk is starting to feel like a fresher alternative to cousin Derek.
  10. Axl

    • Origin:

      Variation of Axel, Scandinavian version of Absalom

    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"

    • Description:

      Guns 'n' Roses musician Axl (born William) Rose created this name by dropping a vowel, a la Barbra Streisand. The traditional Axel is more popular, though celebrity parents Fergie and Josh Duhamel deliberately chose the Axl spelling to honor her rock hero.
  11. Daryl

    • Origin:

      Variation of Darrell, French

    • Meaning:

      "dear one, beloved"

    • Description:

      Darrell and all its variations was a trendy name in the 1950s and 1960s, an update on David and Daniel that began to fall out of favor by the 1970s and fell out of the Top 1000 completely at the turn of this century.
  12. Delroy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "servant of the king"

    • Description:

      One of the more subtle of the names with a royal meaning, Delroy has a vintage flavor and would be a distinctive choice today.
  13. Dwayne

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Duane

    • Meaning:

      "swarthy"

    • Description:

      This is an offshoot of Duane, which is an old Irish surname. It took off in the 1960s, when it conveyed a surfer boy image, and reached as high as Number 111 in 1961. The most prominent current bearer is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The basketball superstar spells his name DwYAne Wade.
  14. Ellsworth

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "nobleman's estate"

    • Description:

      One of the many El- names for boys that boomed in the 1910s and 1920s, but has long been out of fashion. This surname/place name has an aristocratic flavor, and a creative namesake in the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth also gives it an adventurous connection.
  15. Cleatus

    • Description:

      Cleatus is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Kletos' meaning 'called' or 'summoned.' It shares roots with the more common name Cletus, which historically gained recognition through several early Christian saints and popes. In American culture, the name gained some rural associations during the 20th century, particularly in southern regions. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Cleatus has maintained a consistent presence in naming records. The name has a distinctive, traditional quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Its strong consonant sounds and classical roots give it a certain gravitas despite sometimes being associated with rural or folk traditions.
  16. Evgeni

    • Description:

      Evgeni is a masculine name of Slavic origin, particularly common in Russian, Bulgarian, and other Eastern European cultures. It's the Slavic variation of Eugene, which derives from the Greek 'Eugenios' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' Prominently associated with notable figures like Russian figure skater Evgeni Plushenko and various hockey players, the name carries connotations of strength and athletic prowess in Western cultures. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Evgeni has gained recognition through sports and cultural exchange. The name maintains its authentic Slavic character while being pronounceable for English speakers, making it an appealing choice for parents with Eastern European heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal.

  17. Chuck

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charles

    • Description:

      So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
  18. Sarge

    • Origin:

      Short form of Sargent, spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to serve"

    • Description:

      Sarge is plausibly one of the new aggressive, militaristic names favored by parents hoping for a bossy son.
  19. Dute