Boys Names A Through E
- Alexei
Origin:
Russian, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.
- Alexes
Description:
Alexes is a variant of the more common name Alex, which itself is a shortened form of Alexander, derived from Greek meaning "defender of the people." This masculine name maintains the essence of its originator while offering a distinctive spelling with the additional 'e' before the final 's'. Alexes is considerably rare, not appearing in most popularity charts, making it an uncommon choice for parents seeking something familiar yet unique. The name carries the strong, protective connotations of Alexander while offering a softer, more contemporary sound. Its uniqueness may appeal to parents who appreciate the classic roots but want to give their son a name that stands out from the more common Alexander, Alex, or Alexis variants.
- Alfie
Origin:
Diminutive of Alfred, EnglishMeaning:
"wise counselor"Description:
Alfie is a Top 20 name throughout the British Isles, where retro nickname names are mega-popular, but it hasn't really been picked up in the US yet. Both Alfie and rising star Archie are spunky nickname possibilities with a bit of an English accent.
- Alfred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wise counselor; elf counsel"Description:
Alfred is up off his recliner! If you're looking for a path to Fred, you can go directly to Frederick or take the long way around with the so-out-it's-in-again Alfred. Alfred is quite popular in several European countries, especially England and Wales, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
- Alfredo
Origin:
Spanish variation of Alfred, EnglishMeaning:
"wise counsellor; elf counsel"Description:
Alfredo, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Alfred, is most familiar as the romantic lead in Verdi's evergreen opera La Traviata. On a less romantic note, Alfredo is also the name of a pasta sauce.
- Alger
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"clever warrior"Description:
This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.
- Algernon
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"moustached man"Description:
While this name came into being in the Victorian era as a nickname for a man with whiskers, the name was quickly embraced as a true name by the Victorians and is likely most familiar to you as the name of Oscar Wilde's fabulous character in The Importance of being Earnest . However, Algernon is not confined to the fictional world of satire; many real world namesakes exist including US footballer Algernon Crumpler (aka Alge Crumpler), British impressionist painter Algernon Talmage, and Canadian astrophysicist Joseph Algernon Pearce, who discovered many thinks about the Milky Way. Plus, who can go past the adorable nickname Algie?
- Alistair
Origin:
English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
With many British names invading the Yankee name pool, the sophisticated Alistair could and should be part of the next wave. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. You have a triple choice with this name--the British spell it Alistair or Alastair, while the Scots prefer Alasdair--but they're all suave Gaelic versions of Alexander. Adopted by the lowland Scots by the seventeenth century, the name didn't become popular outside Scotland and Ireland until the twentieth century.
- Aljaž
Origin:
Slovene, meaning unknownDescription:
Aljaž was originally derived from a Slovene surname, of which the meaning is uncertain. A notable bearer is Aljaž Bedene, a Slovenian professional tennis player.
- Allcott
Description:
Allcott is a rare masculine surname that has occasionally transitioned to first name usage. It originates from Old English elements, likely derived from "Ealdcot" meaning "old cottage" or possibly a combination of "hall" and "cottage," referring to someone who lived near or worked at such a dwelling. As a first name, Allcott has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining distinctly uncommon. It carries a traditional English sensibility with a dignified, somewhat aristocratic feel. The name might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical resonance and formal character. Those named Allcott might appreciate the name's uniqueness and strong consonant sounds, which give it a solid, dependable quality.
- Alldrich
Description:
Alldrich is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of the more traditional Aldrich or Aldric. The name combines the Old English elements "ald" meaning "old" or "wise" and "ric" meaning "power" or "ruler," thus signifying "old and wise ruler" or "aged and powerful." This distinctive spelling with the double 'l' gives the name a more substantial visual presence. Alldrich has medieval roots and was borne by several nobles and ecclesiastical figures throughout European history. While never extremely common, the name carries an air of distinction and nobility. Today, Alldrich remains rare, appealing to parents seeking a strong, traditional name with historical depth.
- Allton
Description:
Allton is a masculine name with likely English origins, possibly derived from an old place name or surname. It may have evolved as a variant of Alton, which stems from Old English elements meaning 'farmstead' or 'settlement by the river.' The doubled 'l' gives it a distinctive spelling while maintaining the familiar sound. As a first name, Allton remains quite uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking rarity. The name has a dignified, somewhat formal quality with its crisp consonants and traditional English feel. While lacking widespread usage statistics due to its rarity, Allton appeals to those drawn to uncommon surname-style given names with straightforward pronunciation and classical undertones.
- Alpha
Origin:
Greek, first letter of the alphabetDescription:
Over 50 baby boys were named Alpha last year, along with eight baby girls. Expect a lifetime of "alpha male" jokes, which could prove daunting or confidence-building for your own little Alpha.
- Alpheus
Origin:
Hebrew from GreekMeaning:
"changing"Description:
There is some disagreement whether there are one or two figures named Alpheus in the Bible. There's an Alpheus who's the father of James and an Alpheus who's the father of Levi, and if James and Levi are brothers, then that's the same Alpheus. Or not.
- Alphonse
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"noble, ready for battle"Description:
Rarely used, and for good reason. Alonzo is a preferable choice.
- Alphonso
Description:
Alphonso is a masculine name with Italian and Spanish origins, derived from the Germanic name Alfonso, which combines the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'funs' (ready, eager). This regal name was borne by numerous kings of Spain and Portugal, giving it aristocratic associations. Alphonso traveled to the English-speaking world through cultural exchanges but has remained moderately uncommon. It saw modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century before gradually declining. The name carries a dignified, somewhat romantic character with its flowing sounds and noble history. Today, Alphonso offers parents a distinctive choice with historical depth and Mediterranean flair.
- Alvar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"elf warrior"Description:
This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.
- Alven
Description:
Alven is a masculine name that likely developed as a variant of Alvin, which derives from the Old English name Ælfwine, meaning 'elf friend' or 'noble friend.' The name has Germanic roots and connections to similar names like Alwin and Elvin. Alven has remained quite rare throughout naming history, never reaching the modest popularity that Alvin achieved in the early to mid-20th century in America. The name has a gentle, somewhat vintage quality while maintaining masculine attributes. The spelling variation with 'e' instead of 'i' gives it a slightly distinctive character while preserving the traditional sound. Parents might choose Alven seeking a classic-feeling name with ancient origins that remains uncommon in modern usage.
- Alvin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Alvin has a sturdy, no-frills sound that belies its somewhat whimsical meaning. Interesting potential namesakes include British rocker Alvin Stardust, and US footballer Alvin Williams, and African-American dance legend (and activist) Alvin Ailey.
- Amadeaus
Description:
Amadeaus is a variation of the name Amadeus, which has Latin and Italian origins meaning 'love of God' or 'beloved by God.' The additional 'a' in this spelling creates a unique twist on the classical name. Most famously associated with the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the name carries strong artistic and musical connotations. Despite its historical gravitas, Amadeaus remains relatively uncommon as a given name, making it distinctive for modern bearers. Parents who choose this name often appreciate its cultural significance, melodic qualities, and the spiritual dimension of its meaning. The name suggests refinement, creative talent, and a connection to European classical traditions.