Boys Names I Love

A form of Alexander commonly used in Russia, Armenia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.

Arto is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from the name Arthur, meaning "bear" or "stone." It's also used in Armenian communities, where it may be short for Artoush -- another Arthur variation meaning bear -- or Artavazd. In Spanish-speaking contexts, it could relate to "arte" meaning "art."

Eastwood is a masculine name derived from an English surname with geographical origins, literally meaning 'eastern wood' or 'forest to the east.' As a given name, Eastwood is exceedingly rare, likely chosen for its strong, distinctive character and natural associations. The name gained some recognition through association with acclaimed actor and director Clint Eastwood, potentially influencing parents drawn to names with cultural references or an aura of rugged individualism. Eastwood combines the directional element 'east,' symbolizing new beginnings and sunrise, with 'wood,' conveying strength and natural elements. This creates a name with substantial presence and earthy appeal, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with clear English etymology and natural connotations.

Humphrey is an old name that might have faded completely were it not for that Bogie flair. A royal name in Britain, where it's used somewhat more frequently, Humphrey might just have some life beyond Bogart here, especially with the recent interest in the names of Golden Age Hollywood stars. His first name was the maiden name of his mother, Maud Humphrey, a well-known illustrator who used baby H. as a model.

Rupert is a charming-yet-manly name long more popular in Britain (where it's attached to a beloved cartoon bear) than in the U.S. Yet we can see Rupert as a more stylish, modern way to honor an ancestral Robert.

Although Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire personified brute force, most Stanleys have been portrayed as meek milquetoasts. It has a totally "old-man" or "grandpa" vibe that may appeal to those who like Walter and Rupert or Daphne and Mabel.

Classic and elegant but with boyish charm, Theodore has become hit name in recent years, vaulting into the US Top 10 in 2021 for the first time ever and into the Top 5 in 2024. A favorite in English speaking countries, it also ranks highly across the UK and Ireland, and in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.

Willoughby is an energetic last-name-first route to the popular short form Will, livelier than any of the two-syllable options. It could be picked up by parents attracted to the Willow sound for girls.

Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.