SSA Top 1000: Boy Names Ranked #1000
- Abdul
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"servant of Allah"Description:
Widespread choice in the Muslim world, this was the name of both the father of the Prophet Mohammed and one of his sons.
- Adelard
Description:
Adelard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination yields a meaning of 'noble strength' or 'brave nobleman.' The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest and was moderately popular during the medieval period. Adelard of Bath, a 12th-century English scholar and philosopher, represents one notable historical bearer. Despite its distinguished heritage and pleasant sound, Adelard has become extremely rare in modern times. The name carries an aristocratic, intellectual quality with its connection to medieval scholarship. Its traditional Germanic structure gives it a solid, timeless feel, while its rarity makes it distinctive for contemporary use. Adelard offers the appeal of ancient nobility with a sophisticated sound.
- Adrain
Description:
Adrain is a masculine name that appears to be a spelling variation of Adrian, which derives from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria' - an ancient town in northern Italy. This alternative spelling creates a subtle distinction while maintaining the classical roots of the original name. Throughout history, Adrian has been associated with several saints and emperors, including the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Adrain spelling, though less common, offers a slightly different visual presentation while retaining the same pronunciation. The name conveys strength and sophistication with its classical origins, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but a slightly distinctive presentation. The subtle spelling variation may also reflect regional pronunciation differences or simply a desire for uniqueness.
- Aime
Description:
Aime is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from the French verb 'aimer' meaning 'to love'. Pronounced 'EM' or 'EYM-ay', this simple yet meaningful name carries warmth and affection in its very essence. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained some popularity in French-speaking regions. The name's brevity and straightforward spelling give it a clean, modern feel despite its traditional roots. Aime can also be seen as related to Amy or Aimée, though it stands distinct with its own pronunciation and styling. For parents seeking a name that embodies love while remaining understated and elegant, Aime offers a sweet, meaningful choice with international appeal and sophisticated French connections.
- Alec
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexander, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually one of the classic Greek names for boys, by way of father name Alexander.
- Almus
Description:
Almus is a rare masculine name with ancient Latin origins. Derived from the Latin word meaning 'nourishing,' 'kind,' or 'fostering,' it carries connotations of nurturing and benevolence. In Roman mythology, 'almus' was used as an epithet for deities associated with life-giving attributes, particularly for goddesses like Ceres, who governed agriculture and abundance. As a given name, Almus remained exceedingly uncommon throughout history, never achieving widespread popularity in any era or region. Its classical roots and positive meaning make it appealing to parents drawn to unique names with historical depth. The name's rarity gives it distinction, while its simple pronunciation and classical derivation provide accessibility and sophistication, offering a truly uncommon choice with meaningful ancient connections.
- Alva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"his highness"Description:
Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.
- Ansel
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"with divine protection"Description:
Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a family name – he was named after his uncle, Ansel Easton. And, in turn, Adams was the namesake of young heartthrob Ansel Elgort, son of a photographer.
- Antone
Description:
Antone is a masculine name derived from the Latin Antonius, sharing roots with the more common Anthony. The name carries the meaning "priceless" or "of inestimable worth." This variant spelling emerged in Mediterranean and Hispanic cultures, though it appears across various European traditions. Throughout history, Antone has maintained modest usage without reaching widespread popularity. In the United States, it experienced its highest usage in the early 20th century among immigrant communities before declining. The name carries a warm, classic quality with its distinctive ending, offering an alternative to the more conventional Anthony while retaining its dignified heritage and meaningful roots.
- Arnav
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.
- Arvil
Description:
Arvil is a masculine name with possible roots in several traditions. It may be a variation of Arvil, which itself could derive from Old Norse elements meaning "eagle" and "wolf," symbolizing strength and courage. Alternatively, it might be connected to April or the Latin term "arvum" meaning "plowed land." The name has maintained limited but consistent usage, particularly in rural American communities during the early to mid-20th century. With its short, strong sound and rare status, Arvil offers a distinctive vintage quality that stands apart from more common names. Its brief popularity peaked in the 1920s-1930s, though it remains an uncommon choice that carries a certain rustic charm.
- Augustine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.
- Baron
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a lord of the realm"Description:
If you're going to choose a noble word name, why not aim higher and pick Duke, Prince...or King. The Donald Trumps picked the Barron spelling for their little princeling.
- Basil
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"royal"Description:
Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
- Benito
Description:
Benito is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the Latin name 'Benedictus,' meaning 'blessed.' It's essentially the diminutive form of 'Benedicto' in Spanish. The name carries significant historical associations, most notably with Italian political figure Benito Mussolini and Mexican president Benito Juárez. Outside of Spanish and Italian-speaking countries, the name remains relatively uncommon but recognizable. Benito has a warm, friendly sound with its soft consonants and ending with an 'o,' typical of Italian and Spanish masculine names. The name conveys a sense of heritage and tradition while maintaining a certain musicality that makes it appealing across cultures.
- Bjorn
Origin:
Swedish, Icelandic, GermanMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Bjorn is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks in large part to tennis great Björn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French opens and something of a rock star figure.
- Boris
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"to fight"Description:
Boris is one of the old Russian names being revived by chic Europeans; it hasn't quite made a comeback yet in the U.S., but it does have potential.
- Brennan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the sad one"Description:
Brennan is a winning Irish surname name, more modern than Brian or Brendan, more unusual than Conor and Aidan. The only possible problem with Brennan: people might think you're saying Brendan.
- Brown
Origin:
Color and surnameDescription:
Most color names, like Scarlet and Violet, are definitely female, but not this one. Brown is as rich and warm as the tone it denotes, though we must admit the Italian version Bruno has more spark and substance.
- Burnice
Description:
Burnice is a masculine name variant of the more common Bernice, which derives from Greek 'Berenikē' meaning 'bringing victory.' This spelling with 'u' instead of 'e' gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. Historically, Bernice appears in the New Testament as a feminine name, but Burnice emerged as a male variant primarily in early to mid-20th century America, particularly in southern regions. The name peaked in popularity between the 1910s-1940s but has since become quite rare. Though uncommon today, Burnice carries a vintage charm and uniqueness that might appeal to parents looking for distinctive traditional names with historical roots.