Boys Names U Through Z

Welfel is an unusual masculine name with Germanic linguistic roots. This rare surname-turned-given-name likely derives from old German occupational terms, possibly related to weaving or wool-working trades. The name carries a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common Germanic names. Welfel has remained extremely uncommon as a first name throughout history, with very limited documentation of its use. This rarity gives it a certain exclusivity for the few who bear it. The name possesses a sturdy, traditional quality in its consonant structure while maintaining an air of mystery due to its obscurity. Parents might choose Welfel seeking a truly unique name with European heritage, though they should be prepared to frequently explain and spell it.

Wendel is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Vandals, an ancient East Germanic tribe. The name means 'wanderer' or 'one who travels,' reflecting the nomadic nature of these historical people. As a variant of Wendell, it offers a slightly more streamlined spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation. Wendel carries an air of quiet strength and dignity, with historical connections to European nobility—several medieval German nobles bore the name. While never extremely common, Wendel enjoyed modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. The name has an intellectual, somewhat serious quality, often associated with thoughtfulness and reliability. In contemporary usage, Wendel offers a distinctive alternative to more common classic names, appealing to parents looking for a name with historical depth and understated character.

This name has hardly been used since Wendell Willkie ran for president in 1940, and it may not quite be ready for revival yet. Still, clunky grandpa names like Lionel, Douglas, Benedict, Carl, and Melvin have received more attention in recent years, so Wendell can't be ruled out just yet.

Short and cool with rugged charm, Wes is a rising star in the US, climbing the charts along side Wesley and Weston and joining other one syllable options such as Mack, Jett, Tate, and Brooks. Filmmakers Wes Anderson and Wes Craven lend the name a stylish and creative air, but it also has Old Western undertones thanks to its literal meaning, "west".

Reminiscent of the Old West, with rugged charm and a gentle, easy-going feel, Wesley has long been a staple on the US charts.

This variation of Wesley moved into the Top 1000 among boys' names in the US in 2016, perhaps because it makes the name more Western, with the cowboy nickname West., or because parents have taken inspiration from the protagonist of the movie The Princess Bride.

Weston has gone from being a Jane Austenish British surname to a first name with a relaxed American western cowboy feel. Along with other trendy 'n'-ending boys’ names, Weston is rising in popularity, and is now more popular than ever, ranking in the Top 100 since 2021.

Weylin is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Waylon, which has English roots meaning 'land beside the road' or Germanic origins meaning 'land of valor.' Alternatively, it could derive from the Old English 'Wæglend,' meaning 'wayfarer' or 'traveler.' The distinct spelling gives this name a modern edge while maintaining traditional masculine qualities. Though uncommon, Weylin has experienced modest usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It appeals to parents seeking a name with a contemporary feel that isn't overly common, yet remains intuitive in pronunciation. The name carries connotations of journey, exploration, and steadfastness.

Most familiar as the surname of the handsome anti-hero of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mr Darcy’s rival in both life and love. He has a brief flirtation with Elizabeth Bennet but the truth about his ill intentions and past misdemeanors soon comes out, and he ends up marrying her flighty sister Lydia instead.

Rugged, outdoorsy, and full of energy, Wilder entered the US Top 1000 back in 2015. Part bad boy, part Western, part preppy, and part nature-loving, Wilder is given to nearly 800 babies each year.

A fairly common nickname in England that has never caught on in America. The rise of acronyms like MILF and DILF probably won't help its prospects going forward.

Wilfred is one of those Old Man Names that still sounds fusty in the US but is fashionable in the UK. It comes with readymade short forms Will or Fred and might make an adventurous alternative to the ubiquitous William. The central character of Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Wilfred Owens was a well-known British poet.

Will has definitely replaced Bill, not only as a nickname for William but as a stand-alone name as well, partly thanks to England's Prince William, also known as Wills. Currently outside the Top 1000 in the US and the UK, it wouldn't feel totally out of style.

William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.

A common surname that was popular as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th century, Willis dropped off the US Top 1000 back in the early 90s, just as alternative William diminutive, Liam, began to skyrocket.

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.

Wilmot has the sort of old-school bookish charm of other surname-sounding names like Beckett, Everett, Griffith and Weston. This could be a good choice for families wanting to honor that special William in a creative way, It has a double derivation: either straight from William, or via a feminine version of William.

Long associated with the Churchill family and common in the West Indies, the distinguished Winston has tended to be neglected here. The exception was during the World War II period, when Winston Churchill was a towering figure and his name reached Number 234. It's now enjoying something of a renaissance.

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.