Oregon Trail era names - boys

Gerry

Gerry is a friendly, approachable masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Gerald, Gerard, or Geraint. Derived from Germanic roots meaning 'spear ruler' or…

Gervase

Variation of Gervaise, French

"skilled with a spear"

This venerable name was introduced to England by the Normans after the conquest of 1066 and was relatively common during the Middle Ages. Saint Gervase, a Christian martyr from Milan, has lent the…

Gibson

English

"Gilbert's son"

An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the…

Gilbert

German

"shining pledge"

Considered ultra debonair in the silent-movie era, Gilbert then went through a nerdy phase, a la Gilbert Gottfried. Now though, like Albert and Alfred and Walter and Frank, it could be in for a style…

Giles

Greek

"young goat"

One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.

Gillis

Gillis is a masculine name of multiple origins, functioning as both a given name and surname across various European cultures. In Dutch and Scandinavian usage, it developed as a diminutive of names…

Gordon

Scottish

"great hill"

As this long-term Age of Jordans, both male and female, begins to wind down, the neglected Scottish favorite Gordon, with its more distinguished history, could come back as a distinctive alternative.…

Gottlieb

Gottlieb is a traditional German masculine name with deep religious roots. Derived from the elements 'Gott' meaning 'God' and 'lieb' meaning 'love' or 'dear,' it can be translated as 'God's love' or…

Granville

Granville is a distinguished English place name and surname that originated from the Norman-French "grande ville," meaning "large town." Dating back to medieval times, it gained usage as a given name…

Greg

Greg is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gregory, which comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert.' While Gregory has been used since early Christian times,…

Griffith

Welsh

"strong lord"

A classic Welsh name, softer than Griffin and friendlier to spell than Gruffudd - that hasn't had as much love as it deserves elsewhere. Namesakes range from medieval kings to the philanthropist…

Gustave

Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The…

Gustavus

Gustavus is the Latin form of Gustav, a masculine name of Swedish origin meaning 'staff of the Geats' or 'staff of the Goths,' referring to the ancient Germanic people. This stately name has been…

Hamilton

English and Scottish

"treeless hill"

Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham. Scottish curler Hamilton McMillan Jr…

Harman

Harman is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning both as a surname and given name. It derives from the Old German elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man,' essentially…