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Anna Banana's List of Boy Names

Anna Banana
By Anna Banana
Updated Mon Mar 11 2024
Plenty of boy names for your enjoyment! (I didn’t make most of these up, I just like them.)
  1. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  2. Ivan

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.
  3. Marlowe

    • Origin:

      Variation of Marlow, English

    • Meaning:

      "driftwood"

    • Description:

      While Marlowe (and Marlow and Marlo) are surname names that are not intrinsically or traditionally gendered and so in theory work equally well for boys and girls. About 10 percent of the babies named Marlowe are boys, while Marlow is 25 percent male and Marlo is about 50-50.
  4. Lowell

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "young wolf"

    • Description:

      Lowell is an upstanding and somewhat conservative name that calls to mind the genteel patrician families of nineteenth century New England, such as the one poet Robert Lowell was born into. Two other Lowell-surnamed poets are Amy and James Russell.
  5. Marin

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"

    • Description:

      Marin is a lovely county north of San Francisco, pronounced with the accent on the second syllable.
  6. Emory

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emery, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "industrious"

    • Description:

      Less popular than Emery, this name also attributes to Emory University. Both spellings of the name lean more heavily to the girls' side, but this one is not quite as unbalanced.
  7. Ridley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "cleared wood; reed clearing; channel clearing"

    • Description:

      Director Ridley Scott and actress Daisy Ridley made this surname-style name familiar, and with its outdoorsy meaning and rugged yet preppy sound, it could blend in with Oakley, Reid, Riley, and Ridge. Some parents might be put of by the first syllable (as in, "get rid of" or "horrid" or "riddles"), but since Scarlett (scar), Colton (cult), and Titus all rank in the Top 400, it could still work for those looking for a standout last-name first name.
  8. Hurley

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "sea tide"

    • Description:

      Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur" sound is currently out of fashion (and the word "hurl" may put some off).
  9. Danton

    • Origin:

      French variation of Dante

    • Description:

      Has the two-syllable sound so popular for boys, though adding an apostrophe -- and turning it into D'Anton -- changes the name entirely.
  10. Brook

    • Origin:

      English nature name

    • Meaning:

      "small stream"

    • Description:

      Now that the popularity of Brooke is waning, and surname style variant Brooks is on the rise, Brook seems live a newly fresh nature-inspired option.
  11. Kasey

    • Origin:

      Variation of Casey, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brave in battle"

    • Description:

      Casey-with-a-K never quite reached the heights of the original, but it broke the Top 500 for boys in the late '80s and early '90s.
  12. Tristen

    • Description:

      Variation of Tristan.
  13. Coburn

    • Description:

      Coburn is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname. It likely originated as a topographical surname for someone who lived near a stream or brook, combining the elements 'col' (cool) and 'burna' (stream or brook). As a first name, Coburn has remained quite uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinguished and unique quality. It projects an image of strength and refinement with its solid consonant sounds. The name carries a sophisticated, patrician quality that evokes images of New England heritage or distinguished academics. Coburn might appeal to parents seeking a rare name with historical roots that still sounds contemporary and substantial without being flashy.

  14. Alon

    • Description:

      Alon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'oak tree' or 'strong and mighty'. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and longevity, similar to the sturdy oak. Popular in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, Alon has gained modest international recognition for its simple pronunciation and powerful meaning. It evokes images of stability and natural beauty while remaining distinctive. In Israeli culture, the name connects to the landscape and natural heritage of the region. Alon has maintained steady popularity rather than experiencing dramatic trends, appreciated for its balance of traditional roots and contemporary sound.

  15. Cayman

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      This name's connection to the Caribbean Cayman Islands gives it a nice resortish feel, while still feeling like an in-tune-with-style boy's name.
  16. Aegir

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "ocean"

    • Description:

      Ægir was the Norse god of the sea, honored and feared by sailors, who believed he would sometimes take ships from the surface down to his home at the bottom of the ocean.
  17. Torry

    • Description:

      Torry is a versatile masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Tory, which originated as a nickname for those with names like Salvatore or Victor. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Scottish place name Torry, meaning 'hill' or 'mound.' The name might also be a variation of Torrey, which comes from an Irish surname meaning 'from the craggy hills.' Torry has a friendly, approachable quality with its bright sound and easy pronunciation. While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady if modest usage throughout recent decades. Torry strikes a balance between being recognizable and distinctive, making it appealing to parents seeking something slightly unconventional but not outlandish.

  18. Davit

    • Origin:

      Armenian and Georgian variation of David, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Davit, a form of the biblical classic David, is currently the most popular name for baby boys in Armenia.
  19. Mikah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Micah

    • Meaning:

      "who is like the Lord"

    • Description:

      Micah is now in the Top 100, so naturally the spelling variation Mikah is getting some love too. Either spelling would be a fun and fresh way to honor a Mike or Michael.
  20. Brayson

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Also found as Brason, this is one of an army of Jason sound-alikes, which include Cason, Mason, Kaysen, and so on. Stylish, yes; recommended, no.