​
​
Advanced Search

the ultimate boys name list

  1. Benny

    • Description:

      Benny is traditionally a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew and means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benny can also serve as a nickname for other names like Benedict, Bennett, or Bentley. Throughout the 20th century, Benny gained recognition through notable figures like bandleader Benny Goodman and comedian Benny Hill. The name has a friendly, approachable quality that has maintained modest popularity over the decades. While some parents choose Benny as a given name, it more commonly serves as an affectionate nickname that conveys warmth and familiarity.

  2. Lake

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
  3. Reef

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "ridge of rock or coral on sea floor"

    • Description:

      Reef is an uncommon nature name with mainstream potential. Its laidback, beach-y vibe makes it a perfect choice for ocean lovers.
  4. Buckley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of the deer"

    • Description:

      Mama's boy.
  5. Dune

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "sand hill"

    • Description:

      Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.
  6. Everard

    • Origin:

      English spelling variation of Eberhard

    • Meaning:

      "hardy"

    • Description:

      An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the Rings. Yet, even now that Ever- names are the height of style, Everard hasn't been seen on the charts for decades.
  7. Turner

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "works with a lathe"

    • Description:

      Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more distinctive choice than many of the usual suspects.
  8. Santos

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "saint, holy"

    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
  9. Fennel

    • Origin:

      Vegetable and herb name

    • Description:

      In the garden of herb names, Rosemary and Basil are perennials and Sage is a new upshoot, but Fennel is a real rarity. The aniseed-tasting plant, used to add flavor to dishes around the world, gets its name from the Latin word feniculum, meaning "little hay".
  10. Simba

    • Origin:

      Swahili or Shona

    • Meaning:

      "lion; strength"

    • Description:

      Traditional African name made cartoonish by the Disney character in The Lion King. In Shona it means "strength".
  11. Oakes

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "near the oaks"

    • Description:

      One part nature name, one part surname name. Oakes gives you the best of both worlds.
  12. Niels

    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius

    • Description:

      Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
  13. Elm

    • Origin:

      English, German, Norse, Danish tree name

    • Meaning:

      "red, brown"

    • Description:

      Strong, straight, and leafy, one of the new tree names used mostly as middles.
  14. Kenzie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Mackenzie, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Kenneth"

    • Description:

      Overwhelmingly feminine in the US, where parent name Mackenzie is wildly popular, but masculine in the UK, where Kenzie ranks among the Top 1000 names for baby boys.
  15. Calen

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      A recently created member of the Cale family, with a trendy unisex aura.
  16. Gallagher

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of foreign helper"

    • Description:

      Gallagher is, like so many of its genre, friendly, open, and optimistic. Some might associate it with the fraternal members of the band Oasis, Noel and Liam Gallagher.
  17. Brynmor

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "great hill"

    • Description:

      Derived from the Welsh place name Brynmawr, this adventurous sounding name, feels at once as rugged as its meaning but with a hint of gentleness, thanks to the unisex Bryn.
  18. Crane

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "crane"

    • Description:

      This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.
  19. Garrison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Garret"

    • Description:

      As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.
  20. Dezi

    • Origin:

      Short form of Desiderio, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "desired one"

    • Description:

      A Desi variation that moves the name away from Lucy -- though it's just as dizzy. TV star Jaime Pressly used it for her son.