Boy Names For Characters

  1. Sullivan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "black-eyed one"
    • Description:

      Sullivan is a jaunty Celtic three-syllable name, with a real twinkle in its eye. It was immortalized in the 1930s classic film Sullivan's Travels and was chosen for one of Patrick Dempsey's twin boys. Nickname Sully is equally jaunty.
  2. Ren
    • Origin:

      Japanese, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "water lily, lotus, romantic love, move forward; reborn"
    • Description:

      A very popular unisex name in Japan, Ren is a concise and versatile choice that could work across multiple languages. A rising star in England and Wales where it ranks in the Top 1000, it is also on the rise in the US where it was give to nearly 90 girls and 200 boys in a recent year.
  3. Jules
    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Julius
    • Meaning:

      "youthful; soft, downy"
    • Description:

      Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it is a current hit in its native France—where it's currently in the Top 10—and we can definitely see it making a comeback here, being far more romantic than, say, Jim.
  4. Bastian
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Sebastian, Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "man of Sebastia"
    • Description:

      In Spanish cultures, and spelled either Bastian or Bastien, this is a fairly common nickname name. The German fantasy children's book The Neverending Story features a young boy character called Bastian Balthlazar Bux, and it has also been seen in several screen versions.
  5. Maddox
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "son of Madoc"
    • Description:

      Maddox, a previously obscure Welsh family name with a powerfully masculine image, suddenly came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie chose it for her son in 2003. By the following year it was in the middle of the Top 1000, and it has risen since.
  6. Edwin
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy friend"
    • Description:

      Some might be surprised to learn that Edwin has been a consistent presence on the popular names list since statistics have become available.
  7. Jonas
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Jonah
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      Jonas has a slightly more grandfatherly image than the English version of his name, but that only adds to its retro appeal. And though it may lag behind Jonah in this country, Jonas is riding a huge wave of popularity in Europe, where it ranks highly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
  8. Everest
    • Origin:

      Place-name, world's tallest mountain
    • Meaning:

      "from Évreux"
    • Description:

      This twist on the popular Everett takes it to lofty heights and gives it a geographical and nature-inspired link. The snow-capped Everest could make a name that stands out without feeling too out there, and it may be seen more often in the classroom (that is, outside of the textbooks) in coming years.
  9. Orin
    • Origin:

      Variation of Oren or Oran, Hebrew, Irish, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "laurel, light, song, little green one"
    • Description:

      Orin is one of a variety of similarly-spelled names that have a soft and sensitive image. The Orrin spelling has been known nationally via Republican Senator Hatch.
  10. Archibald
    • Origin:

      Scottish from German
    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"
    • Description:

      The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are one couple who made this breakthrough choice.
  11. Ash
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Asher, English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree"
    • Description:

      Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or any other "Ash" name.
  12. Jensen
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jenson and Danish surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Jens"
    • Description:

      A variation of Jenson, which is actually more popular than the original in the United States. This spelling also holds the distinction of being the most common surname in Denmark.
  13. Balthazar
    • Origin:

      Phoenician
    • Meaning:

      "Baal protects the King"
    • Description:

      This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, though their names were not mentioned in the Bible.
  14. Todd
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "fox"
    • Description:

      A 1970s beach boy surfing buddy of Scott, Brad, and Chad, Todd is given to relatively few babies these days.
  15. Truman
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "loyal one"
    • Description:

      Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival.
  16. Flint
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "born near outcrop of flint"
    • Description:

      Flint is one of the new macho names on the rise today, part old-school tough guy, part rebel. You won't find a tougher, steelier-sounding name; it's part of a genre on the rise along with cousins Slate, Stone and Steel.
  17. Septimus
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the seventh son"
    • Description:

      Septimus is one of the more dashing of the birth-order Latin number names that were revived by the Victorians. So even if you don't anticipate son number 7, you might be bold enough to consider this relic, certainly preferable to sixth-son name Sextus.
  18. Ryu
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "dragon"
    • Description:

      This attractive mini-name combines multiple trends: the R initial, vowel-ending boy names, and a fantastical meaning.
  19. Demetrius
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "follower of Demeter"
    • Description:

      Classical and Shakespearean name that may appeal if you like your names long, flowing and multicultural.
  20. Connell
    • Description:

      Connell is an Irish masculine name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Conaill, meaning "descendant of Conall." The original name Conall combines the elements "con" (wolf or hound) and "all" (mighty), translating to "strong wolf" or "strong as a wolf." Connell carries a sense of strength and resilience with its powerful animal association. The name gained moderate popularity in Ireland and Scottish Highlands historically but remained relatively uncommon globally. In recent decades, it has seen some increased usage in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with Celtic roots and masculine qualities. Its connection to Irish heritage makes it particularly appealing to those with Irish ancestry.