livefullyalive's favorite boy names

Lex

Diminutive of Alexander

"defending men"

Cool short form of Alexander, fresher than Alex and less trendy than Xander... for now.

Nigel

Irish

"dark, black-haired"

A name that Yanks might see as overly British, but combined with the right surname, it does have a measure of Sherlock Holmesian dash via Nigel Bruce, who played the original Dr. Watson to Basil…

Nasser

Arabic

"the winner"

Commonly used Muslim name, also sometimes chosen to honor Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

Rielly

Rielly is a masculine name of Irish origin, functioning as a variant spelling of the more common Riley or Reilly. Derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghailligh, meaning 'descendant of Raghallach,' it…

Tomlin

Diminutive of Thomas, Aramaic

"twin"

This Medieval diminutive of the classic Thomas has a slight playful air and a sweet feel to it, but also fits in with surname-style choices like Lincoln and Collins. Yet to feature in the US stats,…

Tavish

Scottish variation of Thomas

"twin"

This Scottish form of Thomas has a lot of charm, evoking images of men in plaid kilts playing the bagpipes. As for the 'ish' ending, it could either be seen as cozy and hamish, or a little…

Vaughn

Welsh

"small"

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…

Caedmon

Anglo-Saxon, Brythonic

"battle, wise warrior"

An ancient name with poetic and mystical qualities, Caedmon was borne by a 7th-century poet, notable for being the first English poet to have their name recorded. Caedmon appears in the 8th-century…

Amadeus

Latin

"lover of God"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's middle name could make an interesting pick for music-loving parents, most easily in the middle place, ala Mozart. But today's more wide-ranging naming sensibility and love…

Oak

English tree name

"tree from the genus Quercus"

Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle. If you'd prefer to take the longer route to the…

Hawthorne

English

"lives where hawthorn hedges grow"

The great American novelist sets this above many other surnames (and nature names , for that matter), but it's still an imposing and adventurous choice. Do nicknames Hawk or Thorne make it more…