Favorite Boy First Names

Forester

English

"dweller near the woods"

Woodsy names are fashionable for boys, as are surnames and occupational names, so Forester scores on all three. It can also be spelled Forrester.

Gulliver

Irish

"glutton"

Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors…

Noble

Latin

"aristocratic"

With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of…

Ralph

English from German

"wolf-counsel"

Ralph has two diametrically different images: there's the suave Ralph Fiennes-type Brit (often pronounced Rafe), and then there's the Jackie Gleason blue-collar, bowling blowhard Ralph Kramden bus…

Satchel

American nickname

First Woody Allen, then Spike Lee named their children to honor the great early black pitcher, Leroy "Satchel" Paige. A bit luggage-related for non-celebrity use, however.

Slater

English occupational name

"maker of slates"

Slater has a more genial, friendly feel than most trade names. Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance used it for one of their twins. On the nineties TV show Saved by the Bell , the character A.C.…

Stellen

Swedish, variation of Stellan, meaning unknown

More usually spelled Stellan, this is a possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany.

Talmadge

English surname, Old French, Norman

"pouch, knapsack; ringing of the bell"

Distinctive Talmadge could be an Anglo-Saxon name and English surname that was originally given to a person who carried a knapsack or pack, for example, a traveller or a pedlar. It comes from the Old…

Thatcher

English occupational name

"roof thatcher"

Thatcher is an open and friendly freckle-faced surname, fresher sounding than Tyler or Taylor, that dates back to the days of thatched-roof cottages. It is catching on with modern parents—it reached…

Ignatius

Latin

"fiery"

The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical…

Dashiell

Anglicization of French surname de Chiel, meaning unknown

Dashiell, though missing from many other name sources, is among the hottest new names, chosen by such celebs as Cate Blanchett and author Helen ( Bridget Jones ) Fielding. With its great dash and…

Granger

English and French surname

"worker of the granary; farmer"

If you're seeking a solid but underused occupational name with a warm, friendly sound, and an earthy feel, Granger is one to consider. Associated with faming, grain, and the outdoors, it fits in with…