Boys Names A Through E

Aaron is a name of subtle contrasts: an unusual spelling that is easily recognizable; a solid Biblical choice that doesn’t feel exclusively tied to religion; a well-established name for boys but sometimes confused with the girls’ name, Erin; used internationally but with notably different pronunciations; classic like Andrew but not out of place with recent favorites like Weston or Jayden.

A fiery Indian name used enough in the US to make it onto the Top 1000 list in 2010 and 2015.

A common name in the Muslim community, where it may be a Persian name or a variation of Ayan, a name with a timely meaning.

A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.

Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones as the head of a monastery. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be a slight drawback, Abbott is still an attractive offbeat possibility.

Old-time nickname that's following in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam. Abe feels both fresher and cuter -- which is maybe the same thing? -- than those choices right now. You can also get to Abe via Abel, which may prove a friendlier formal name than the gray-bearded Abraham.

Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.

Abott is a masculine name with roots in Old English and Hebrew origins. Derived from the surname Abbott, which originated from the title of a monastery leader, it means 'father' or 'head of an abbey.' The name has religious connotations, reflecting historical reverence for church authorities. Abott remains relatively uncommon as a first name, giving it a distinctive quality in modern times. The alternative spelling differs slightly from the more traditional 'Abbott,' offering a streamlined variation while maintaining the name's dignified character and historical connections. Parents might choose this name for its strong consonants, brevity, and subtle nod to religious heritage.

Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."

Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver.

Acacius is a Latinized form of the Ancient Greek Akakios and can be interpreted to relate to the same root as the name Acacia, for the thorn bush, or Akakios which means "not evil." With the modern taste for ancient names that end in "us," this obscure but attractive choice may have a chance of new life. Acacius is the name of three early saints.

Accerly is an extremely rare masculine name with uncertain etymology. It may be a modern invention or possibly derived from older English or Germanic surnames. The name could have connections to the Old English 'acker' meaning 'field' combined with the suffix '-ly,' though this is speculative. Alternatively, it might be related to names like Ackerly or Ackerley, which were historically English surnames referring to 'dweller at the oak wood or clearing.' The name has a distinctive sound with emphasis on the first syllable and a somewhat aristocratic feel reminiscent of English surnames that evolved into first names. Accerly is virtually unknown as a given name in most countries, making it an exceptionally unique choice. Its rarity means a person named Accerly would have a highly distinctive identity.

No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.

The name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel, Achilles is more popular in its international form, Achille, which is popular in France, Italy, and Belgium. This variation did however appear briefly on the US Top 1000 list in 2015, perhaps owing to its similarity to the likes of Atticus, Adonis, and Apollo. It has declined in use since then, but is nevertheless chosen for around 160 babies each year.

Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire. It's a Scottish surname which came from the first name Edgar.

Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.

Adamok is a rare masculine name with obscure origins. It may be a diminutive or variant form of Adam, one of the oldest and most widespread names in human history, originating from Hebrew meaning 'man' or 'earth.' The '-ok' suffix could indicate Eastern European influence, possibly Hungarian or Slavic in origin, where such endings often create diminutive or affectionate forms of names. Alternatively, Adamok might have roots in certain African or indigenous naming traditions not widely documented in mainstream Western name databases. As an uncommon name, Adamok offers a distinctive quality while maintaining a connection to the universally recognized Adam. The name's rarity means it carries little cultural baggage and allows the bearer to define its associations.

Addisen is a contemporary spelling variation of the surname-turned-first-name Addison, which originally meant "son of Adam" in Old English. This modern spelling adaptation maintains the same pronunciation while offering a distinctive written form. The name began as a masculine surname but has transitioned predominantly to feminine use in recent decades, though the spelling variant Addisen maintains more gender flexibility. The rise in popularity of similar names coincided with the trend of using surnames as first names in American naming practices. The variant spelling with 'e' instead of 'o' gives the name a more modern feel while retaining its distinguished heritage. Addisen appeals to parents seeking names with traditional roots but contemporary styling, balancing familiarity with uniqueness.