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Carissa's Favorite Boys' Names

  1. Watson

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname related to Walter

    • Meaning:

      "son of Wat"

    • Description:

      What with the resurgence of W names like Weston and Walter, the prominence of high profile actress Emma and golfer Bubba, and even the attention paid to Watson, the IBM computer on "Jeopardy" (named for IBM's founder, Thomas Watson) this name could be in line for a revival of its own.
  2. Kipling

    • Origin:

      English surname and place name

    • Description:

      Kipling calls to mind writer Rudyard (b. Joseph) Kipling, author of the stories familiar to schoolchildren Gunga Din and The Jungle Story. Certainly, Kipling is a friendlier name than Rudyard these days, complete with cute short form Kip.
  3. Frasier

    • Origin:

      Variation of Fraser, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "strawberry"

    • Description:

      Although Fraser is the more common (and original) form of this surname, Frasier is perhaps more familiar in the US thanks to the eponymous sitcom. Kelsey Grammer portrayed psychiatrist Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 — first on Cheers and then in his own spinoff series, Frasier.
  4. Osias

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "salvation"

    • Description:

      Osias has a Latinate and biblical feel without making an appearance in the Bible. The related Ozias, on the other hand, is a form of Uzziah, found in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, and could make a distinctive path to the nickname Oz or Ozzie--both far cooler, in our opinion, than Oswald.
  5. Callaghan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of churches"

    • Description:

      A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.
  6. Buchanan

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "place of the cannon"

    • Description:

      A lesser-used presidential choice, with a charming, buccaneering sound. Fictional bearers include the Marvel Comics character James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, as well as the heroine of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan.
  7. Jorah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "early rain"

    • Description:

      Jorah, a Biblical name with a lovely nature-related meaning, might make a fresher alternative to the overused Jordan. It's similar to the feminine Nora, Cora, and Laura, but depending on your viewpoint, that may be an advantage.
  8. Sutter

    • Origin:

      English surname and occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "shoemaker"

    • Description:

      Sutter is a new entry to the fashionable class of occupational surnames, brought to the fore by the hero of the 2013 indie film The Spectacular Now. More masculine than Sutton and more distinctive than Sawyer, Sutter might be a good choice for the child of a shoe designer or shoe lover.
  9. Nye

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Aneurin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
  10. Upton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "upper town"

    • Description:

      Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.
  11. Caradoc

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "amiable, beloved"

    • Description:

      Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
  12. 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.
  13. Hobbes

    • Origin:

      English variation of Robert

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more refined feel.
  14. Bron

    • Origin:

      Polish diminutive of Bronislaw

    • Description:

      Crisply appealing.
  15. Aldan

    • Description:

      Aldan is a feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though it's also used as a masculine name in some traditions. The name is thought to derive from elements meaning 'old' or 'wise' combined with 'river' or 'water,' suggesting ancient wisdom flowing like a stream. In Scottish geography, the River Aldan may have influenced the name's usage. As a feminine name, Aldan carries a distinctive quality that balances strength with fluidity. The name remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique alternative to more popular Celtic-inspired names. Its gentle sound combined with strong consonants gives it a balanced quality that works well across cultures. Aldan appeals to parents seeking a name with natural elements and Celtic heritage while avoiding more mainstream options.