225+ Classic Boy Names & Vintage Options For Your Noble Little Prince

 

Choosing Classic Baby Boy Names For Your Little One

Classic boy names offer a retro, old-fashioned style that appeals to many parents. 

Proof? The top 10 most popular names for boys are classic favorites that withstand the test of time, according to data collected by the SSA (Social Security Administration): (1)

1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Elijah
5. James
6. William
7. Benjamin
8. Lucas
9. Henry
10. Theodore

 

We agree with all the parents who picked these baby names – they’re cool choices even if they’re a blast from the past.

Do you know the meaning of these timeless and best boy names? 

Continue reading to find them in our list of 225+ boy names with meanings for your little one. We’ve also included these names’ popularity ranks based on SSA data for all these names below. (1)

 

What Are The Most Popular Classic & Old-Fashioned Boy Names?

Alexander

• Origin: Old English and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Defender of men”

• Pronunciation: “ah-lex-ahn-der”

• Length: 9 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #17

• Namesakes: King Alexander the Great, a powerful ruler in Macedonia (an Ancient Greek kingdom); he was also called Alexander III of Macedon

• Variants: Other forms include Alessandro (Italian name), Aleksander (Czech or Polish name), and Alejandro (Spanish boy name)

 

Alvin

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: Aesthetic boy name that means “friend of the elves,” “noble friend,” or “old friend”

• Pronunciation: “ahl-veen”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #737

• Namesakes: American philosophers Alvin Plantinga and Alvin Goldman

• Variants: Alwin (German boy name), Aldwin, and Alfvin (Old Norse and Norwegian boy name)

 

Andrew

• Origin: Greek name for boys

• Meaning: “Brave,” “manly,” or a name that means “strong”

• Pronunciation: “an-droo”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #61

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after one of Jesus’ 12 disciples

• Also a powerful name after the 7th US President Andrew Jackson and 17th US President Andrew Johnson

• Variants: Andreas (ancient Greek name), André (Portuguese and French boy name), and Anders (Scandinavian boy name)

 

Anthony

• Origin: Greek, Latin, and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Priceless one” or “highly praiseworthy”

• Pronunciation: “an-tuh-nee”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllable boy name

• Popularity/Rank: #44

• Namesakes: Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins (born Philip Anthony Hopkins)

• Also after French professional footballer Anthony Jordan Martial

• Variants: Antoin, Anton, Antonio (Spanish and Italian boy name), and Antoni

 

Benjamin

• Origin: Hebrew and Old English boy name

• Meaning: Biblical name that means “son of my right hand”

• Pronunciation: “ben-juh-meen” 

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #9

• Namesakes: Jacob’s youngest son in the Bible

• Other popular namesakes include Benjamin Franklin (one of America’s founding fathers)

• Also after American documentary filmmaker Benjamin Nolot

• Variants: Beniamino (Italian) and Benyamin

• Nicknames can include “Ben,” “Benj,” “Benji,” and “Benny”

 

Christian

• Origin: English, Latin, and Greek unisex name

• Meaning: “Christ’s follower”; comes from the Greek name “Cristos,” meaning “anointed”

• Pronunciation: “kris-chuhn”

• Length: 9 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American actor and producer Christian Michael Leonard Slater

• Also a name after English actor Christian Bale (born Christian Charles Philip Bale)

• Variants: Kristian, Karsten (Norwegian name), and Cristiano (Italian and Portuguese)

 

Elijah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is God” or “the Lord is my God”

• Pronunciation: “eh-lai-juh”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the prophet who was taken to heaven by a chariot of fire

• Other popular namesakes include American actor Elijah Wood

• Also after American soccer player Elijah Wynder 

• Variants: Elija and Elias

 

Eugene

• Origin: Greek and French name for boys

• Meaning: “Noble and wellborn”

• Pronunciation: “yoo-jeen”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #934

• Namesakes: Disney name after the fictional character Eugene (first introduced as Flynn Rider), the partner of Disney princess Rapunzel in “Tangled”

• Variants: Eugen, Eugenio (Italian and Spanish), and Eugenius

 

Gabriel

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: Spiritual name that means “God is my strength” or “God is a strong man”

• Pronunciation: “gayb-ree-yel”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #36

• Namesakes: Angel name after the archangel who delivered news of Jesus’ birth to Mary and Joseph

• Also after Colombian novelist, short-story writer, and screenwriter Gabriel Márquez

• Other namesakes include American stand-up comedian-actor Gabriel Jesús Iglesias

• Variants: Gavriel and Gavril (Bulgarian)

 

Henry

• Origin: Old English and German boy name

• Meaning: “Home ruler” or “ruler of the house”

• Pronunciation: “hen-ree”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #7

• Namesakes: British actor Henry Cavill

• Also a royal name after several kings (e.g., Kings of England Henry II and Henry VIII)

• Variants: Henrik and Heinrich

 

James

• Origin: Latin, Hebrew, Old English, and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Supplanter” or “replacer (one who replaces)”

• Pronunciation: “jaymz”

• Length: 5 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #4

• Namesakes: American actor and filmmaker James Edward Franco

• Canadian filmmaker James Francis Cameron

• Also a biblical name after James, the brother of Jesus

• Variants: Jaime (Spanish), Jacob, Jacomus, and Seamus (Irish boy name)

 

Jude

• Origin: English and Hebrew gender-neutral name

• Meaning: “Praised,” “mayor,” “servant of Jesus Christ,” or a name that means “prince”

• Pronunciation: “jood”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #161

• Namesakes: American chess master Jude Acers and English footballer Jude Bellingham

• Also a middle name for boys after English actor Jude Law (born David Jude Heyworth Law)

• Variants: One-syllable boy name that can be a shortened form of “Judah” or “Judas”

 

Liam

• Origin: Gaelic and Irish boy name

• Meaning: Warrior name that means “determined protector,” “strong-willed warrior,” or “protection”

• Pronunciation: “lee-uhm”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #1 (one of the best boy names)

• Namesakes: English singer (“One Direction” member) Liam James Payne

• Also after Canadian actor Liam James

• Variants: Can also be a nickname for “William”

 

Louis

• Origin: Old English and French boy name

• Meaning: “Loot bringer” or “renowned warrior”

• Pronunciation: “lou-eeh”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #246

• Namesakes: English singer and songwriter (“One Direction” member) Louis William Tomlinson

• Other namesakes include French educator Louis Braille (he invented the Braille reading and writing system for visually impaired people)

• Also a prince name after Prince Louis (the youngest child of England’s Prince William and Kate Middleton)

• Variants: Luay (Arabic boy name) and Luis (Spanish)

 

Lucas

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Bringer of light” (name that means light); also means “illumination” or “a man from Lucania”

• Pronunciation: “loo-kuhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #8

• Namesakes: Famous American filmmaker George Lucas (born George Walton Lucas Jr.)

• Also after American actor Luke Cunningham Wilson

• Variants: Luca (Italian), Lucca, and Luke (English boy name)

 

Martin

• Origin: Latin and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Warrior of Mars (Roman god of war)” or “warlike”

• Pronunciation: “mart-een”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #305

• Namesakes: British middle-distance runner Martin Steele

• Also after Academy Award-winning British film editor Martin Walsh

• Variants: Maarten and Martyn 

 

Matthew

• Origin: Hebrew and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Gift of God” or “Gift of Yahweh”

• Pronunciation: “math-yoo”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #39

• Namesakes: American racewalker Matthew Forgues

• Also a biblical name after one of Jesus’ 12 disciples (known as the author of “The Book of Mark” in the Bible’s New Testament)

• Variants: Mattiyahu (Hebrew name) and Matt

 

Michael

• Origin: Hebrew and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Who is like God?” or “a gift from God”

• Pronunciation: “mai-kl”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #16

• Namesakes: Biblical and angel name (after the archangel Michael)

• Also after English actor and rock singer Michael Des Barres

• Other namesakes include English actor Sir Michael Caine CBE 

• Variants: Mikkel (Danish and Norwegian), Mikael (Swedish), Michal (Polish), Miguel (Spanish and Portuguese)

 

Noah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Rest” and “repose”

• Pronunciation: “now-uh”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #2

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the man who built an ark and helped save the animals from the Great Flood

• Also after American actor (in “Stranger Things”) Noah Cameron Schnapp

• Other namesakes include Australian actor Noah George Taylor

• Variants: Noa

 

Oliver

• Origin: English, Old Norse, Latin, French, and German name for boys

• Meaning: Nature name that means “olive tree”; also an occupational name that means “one who plants olive trees”

• Pronunciation: “ol-eeh-ver”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #3

• Namesakes: British actor and model Oliver Mansour Jackson-Cohen

• Also after German musician Oliver “Ollie” Riedel

• Variants: Olivier, Olívio, and Oliviero

 

Peter

• Origin: English, Greek, and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Rock” or “stone” 

• Pronunciation: “pee-tr”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #214

• Namesakes: Biblical name given by Jesus to Simon, one of his disciples

• Other namesakes include American film and television actor Peter Michael Falk

• Also after New Zealand film director and screenwriter Sir Peter Robert Jackson

• Variants: Petter, Peterr, Petros, Pedro (Spanish), and Pierre (French)

 

Richard

• Origin: Norman French, Old German, and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Strong ruler” 

• Pronunciation: “rich-urd”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #219

• Namesakes: British tenor Richard Lewis and American actor Richard Gere

• Variants: Rickard, Rikard, and Ricardo (Italian and Spanish)

 

Robert

• Origin: German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Bright fame,” “famous,” or “bright”

• Pronunciation: “rob-uhrt”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank:#84

• Namesakes: American actors Robert Anthony De Niro and Robert Downey Jr.

• Variants: Ruprecht (German), Robrecht (Dutch), and Roberto (Italian)

• Nicknames can include “Bobby,” “Bob,” and “Rob”

 

Stephen

• Origin: Greek and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Garland,” “crown,” or “wreath”

• Pronunciation: “steff-en”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #359

• Namesakes: American author Stephen Edwin King (dubbed as the “King of Horror” for writing supernatural fiction, suspense, and horror novels)

• Also a middle name after American professional basketball player Stephen Curry (born Wardell Stephen Curry II)

• Variants: Stephanos (Greek) and Steven

 

Theodore

• Origin: Old English and Ancient Greek name

• Meaning: “Gift of God”

• Pronunciation: “thee-uh-dor”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #10

• Namesakes: 26th US President Theodore Roosevelt

• Also after American film composer Theodore Shapiro

• Variants: Theodoor (Dutch), Teodor (Czech), and Theodorus (Latin)

• Nicknames can include “Theo,” “Ted,” “Teodoro,” and “Teddy”

 

Vincent

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: Badass boy name that means “prevailing” or “conqueror”

• Pronunciation: “vin-suhnt”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #123

• Namesakes: Famous Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Willem van Gogh

• Also after American figure skater Vincent Zhou

• Variants: Vicente (Spanish), Vinko, and Vinnie

 

William

• Origin: Old German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Resolute protector” and “determined protector”

• Pronunciation: “wil-yuhm”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #6

• Namesakes: English playwright, actor, and poet William Shakespeare (poetic name)

• Also a prince name after England’s Crown Prince William (the Duke of Cambridge)

• Variants: Wilhem, Wilhelmus, and Willum

• Nicknames can include “Will” and “Billy” 

 

What Are Vintage & Traditional Boy Names?

Abraham

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Father of multitudes” or “father of nations”

• Pronunciation: “ay-bruh-ham”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #204

• Namesakes: Patriarch of the Israelites (through Isaac) and Arab nations (through Ishmael and his other sons)

• Also after the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln 

• Other namesakes include Venezuelan boxer Abraham Torres

• Variants: Abram, Avram, Avraham, and Abramowicz

 

Alfred

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Elf counsel” (elf boy name) or “wise counselor”

• Pronunciation: “ahl-fred”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #848

• Namesakes: English film director-screenwriter and producer Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock

• Also after Alfred the Great, one of the kings of the Anglo-Saxons (a Germanic people in the Early Middle Ages)

• Variants: Alfredo (Spanish and Italian) and Alfie

 

Arthur

• Origin: Old English and Celtic boy name

• Meaning: Powerful boy name meaning “bear” or “strong as a bear”

• Pronunciation: “ahr-thoor”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #140

• Namesakes: Mythical name after the legendary King Arthur of Celtic mythology (“King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table”)

• Variants: Arturo and Artur

• Nicknames include Art 

 

Ernest

• Origin: German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Earnest,” “serious,” or “determined”

• Pronunciation: “er-nuhst”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American country music singer Ernest Jennings Ford (also known as Tennessee Ernie Ford)

• Also after American novelist Ernest Miller Hemingway 

• Variants: Ernnest, Ernesto (Italian), and Ernst (German)

 

Frederick

• Origin: German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Peaceful ruler”

• Pronunciation: “freh-dr-uhk”

• Length: 9 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #474

• Namesakes: English novelist Frederick Forsyth

• Also after American NASA scientist Frederick W. Leslie

• Variants: Fredrick, Frederic, and Friedrich

• Nicknames can include Fred and Freddie

 

Jonathan

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh has given” or “gift of God”

• Pronunciation: “jaa-nuh-thn”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #79

• Namesakes: American actor and director Jonathan Taylor Thomas

• Also after English broadcaster, comedian, and film critic Jonathan Stephen Ross 

• Variants: Johnathan, Johnathon, and Ionakana (Hawaiian boy name)

 

Julius

• Origin: Latin and Roman boy name

• Meaning: “Youthful,” “downy-bearded,” or “devoted to Jove (the Roman king of the gods)”

• Pronunciation: “jooh-lee-uhs”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #348

• Namesakes: Austrian-born American opera and orchestra conductor Julius Rudel

• Also after American football player Julius Gregory 

• Variants: Jules, Jullius, Julio, and Julien

 

Lawrence

• Origin: Old English and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Man from Laurentium (an ancient city in Rome),” “bright and shining one,” or “of the laurel leaves”

• Pronunciation: “lorr-uhns”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #551

• Namesakes: American opera singer Lawrence Brownlee 

• Also after Google Inc. co-founder Lawrence E. Page 

• Variants: Laurentius, Lorenzo (Italian and Spanish), and Laurence 

 

Lewis

• Origin: Old English and German boy name

• Meaning: “Famous warrior” or “renowned warrior”

• Pronunciation: “loo-uhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #489

• Namesakes: Scottish singer-songwriter and musician Lewis Marc Capaldi

• Also after Lewis Carroll (pen name of English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who wrote “Alice in Wonderland”)

• Variants: Ludvig (Scandinavian) and Ludwig (German)

 

Micah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Who is like Yahweh (God)?”

• Pronunciation: “mai-kuh”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #90

• Namesakes: Canadian singer and songwriter Micah Barnes

• Other namesakes include American Christian musician Micah Tyler

• Also a biblical name for one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament

• Variants: Mikah, Myka, and Mika

 

Nicholas

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Victory of the people” (after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory) or “conqueror of the nation”

• Pronunciation: “nik-uh-luhs”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #98

• Namesakes: American novelist and screenwriter Nicholas Sparks

• Also after English actor Nicholas Caradoc Hoult 

• Variants: Nicolaas (Dutch), Nikolas, and Nicholaus (German)

 

Phillip

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Horse lover” or “fond of horses”

• Pronunciation: “fil-ip”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #575

• Namesakes: English TV presenter Phillip Bryan Schofield 

• Other namesakes include “American Idol” season 11 winner Phillip Phillips

• Variants: Philip, Philippe (French), Felipe (Spanish and Portuguese), and Philippos (ancient Greek)

 

Sebastian

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Revered” or “venerable”

• Pronunciation: “see-bast-eeh-uhn”

• Length: 9 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #13

• Namesakes: Romanian-American actor Sebastian Stan

• Another namesake is Italian former professional footballer Sebastian Giovinco 

• Variants: Sebastianos (Greek), Sebastião (Portuguese), and Sebastijan (Croatian)

 

What Are Handsome & Good Old-Timey Names?

Ethan

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Firmness,” “long-lived,” or “enduring”

• Pronunciation: “eeh-thuhn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #21

• Namesakes: American actor, film director, and author Ethan Green Hawke

• Also after the motivational speaker Ethan Zohn (he’s also the winner of the “Survivor: Africa” season 3)

• Variants: Eithan, Eytan, and Eitan

 

Everett

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Strength or courage of a wild boar,” “strong boar,” or “brave”

• Pronunciation: “eh-vr-uht”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #81

• Namesakes: American jazz guitarist Everett Barksdale 

• Also a name after American multi-instrumentalist Everett Bradley

• Variants: Everitt and Everet 

 

Francis

• Origin: Latin and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “A free man” or “French man” 

• Pronunciation: “fraan-sis”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #462

• Namesakes: American actor Francis Cordero Capra 

• Also after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake from the 1570s

• Variants: Fransis (Thai name), Franciskus (Norwegian), Francys, and Franscis

 

Geoffrey

• Origin: Anglo Saxon, Norman French, and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “God’s peace” or “pledge of peace”

• Pronunciation: “jeff-ree”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: English poet and writer Geoffrey Chaucer

• Also after actor Geoffrey Dyson Palmer 

• Variants: Geffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffery, and Jeffory

 

Ian

• Origin: Scottish and Gaelic boy name

• Meaning: “The Lord is gracious”

• Pronunciation: “ai-uhn”

• Length: 3 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #72

• Namesakes: American actor Ian Joseph Somerhalder

• Other namesakes include English actor Sir Ian Murray McKellen 

• Variants: Ion, Iain, Yohanan (Hebrew), and John

 

Ivan

• Origin: Greek and Old Slavic boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is gracious”

• Pronunciation: “ai-vn”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #159

• Namesakes: British writer and poet Ivan Jones

• Other namesakes include American-Israeli basketball player Ivan Leshinsky 

• Variants: Another form of “John”; also spelled as Ivvan and Ivo (Croatian)

 

Jethro

• Origin: Ancient Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Abundance,” “eminent,” or “excellence”

• Pronunciation: “jeh-throw”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the Midianite priest who became Moses’ father-in-law

• Other namesakes include American football player Jethro Pugh

• Also a fictional name after the character Jethro in “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes”

• Variants: Jetro, Jeithro, and Jethroe 

 

Joseph

• Origin: Hebrew and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “God will give” or “God will multiply”

• Pronunciation: “joh-zif”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #30

• Namesakes: British physicist Sir Joseph John Thomson (Nobel Laureate in Physics)

• Other namesakes include American actor Joseph Leonard Gordon-Levitt

• Also a classic biblical boy name after Jacob’s favorite son in the Bible 

• Variants: Giuseppe (Italian), Josef, Jozef (Dutch), Iosif (Russian boy name), and Youssef (Arabic boy name)

 

Josiah

• Origin: Ancient Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh supports” or “God supports and heals”

• Pronunciation: jow-zai-uh

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #51

• Namesakes: American philosopher (the founder of American idealism) Josiah Royce

• Another namesake is pro-boxer American Josiah Judah

• Also a biblical name after one of the righteous kings of Judah (a kingdom of Israel)

• Variants: Jossiah, Joesiah, Josias, and Josea 

 

Owen

• Origin: Welsh and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Noble born” and “young warrior”

• Pronunciation: “oh-in”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #18

• Namesakes: American actor Owen Wilson and writer Owen Wister

• Variants: Owyn and Owain

 

Raymond

• Origin: English, German, and French name for boys

• Meaning: “Guards wisely,” “protector,” “protecting hands,” “wise protector,” or “counselor” 

• Pronunciation: “ray-muhnd”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #343

• Namesakes: Tough boy name after American professional wrestler Raymond Rowe

• Also after American fantasy writer Raymond E. Feist

• Variants: Ramundi, Raimondo, Raimund, and Raimond

• Nicknames can include the gender-free and nonbinary name “Ray”

 

Russell

• Origin: Anglo-Norman (a French language)

• Meaning: “Reddish,” “red-haired,” “fox-colored,” “red-skinned,” or “little red” (a name that means “red”)

• Pronunciation: “ruhs-el”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #374

• Namesakes: English comedian, actor, and presenter Russell Edward Brand

• Other namesakes include New Zealand-born actor Russell Ira Crowe 

• Variants: Russel and Rusel

 

Samuel

• Origin: Hebrew and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Asked of God” or “God has heard”

• Pronunciation: “sa-myoo-uhl”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #20

• Namesakes: American actor and film producer Samuel L. Jackson

• Other namesakes include American football player Samuel Womack

• Also a biblical name after the last judge of Israel and the prophet who anointed King Saul and King David

• Variants: Samuil, Shmuel, and Saamuel

 

Solomon

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Peace”

• Pronunciation: “saa-luh-muhn”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #440

• Namesakes: Western boy name after American rancher and banker Solomon Luna

• Also a biblical name after the king of Israel known for his wisdom

• Variants: Salomon, Sulayman, and Suleiman

 

Timothy

• Origin: English and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “One who honors God”

• Pronunciation: “tee-muh-thee”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #203

• Namesakes: British actor Timothy Leonard Dalton Leggett 

• Also after American actor Timothy David Olyphant

• Variants: Timothée, Timoteo (Spanish), and Timotej

 

Rare & Unique Classic Boy Names

Amos

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Burden,” “load,” or “carried by God”

• Pronunciation: “ay-mohs”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #629

• Namesakes: American inventor Amos Dolbear and singer-songwriter Amos Lee

• Also a biblical name after a minor prophet in the Old Testament who talked about justice and divine retribution

• Variants: Amoss, Amus, Aymos, Aymoss, and Amoka (Hawaiian boy name)

 

Aurelius

• Origin: Ancient Romaic (a language of the Roman empire) and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Golden,” “gilded,” and “the golden one”

• Pronunciation: “aw-ree-lee-uhs”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American photographer and writer Aurelius Ormando Carpenter

• Also a name after American illustrator Aurelius Battaglia

• Variants: Aurelio (Spanish), Aureliusz (Polish), Aurelio (Italian), Aurelijus (Lithuanian), and Aurèle (French)

 

Barnaby

• Origin: German, Greek, and Aramaic boy name

• Meaning: “Son of encouragement,” or “son of consolation,” or “son of the prophet”

• Pronunciation: “bahr-nah-bee”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: British actor, artist, writer, and director Barnaby Edwards

• Also a name after American painter Barnaby Furnas

• Variants: A form of “Barnabas”

 

Elias

• Origin: Greek, Hungarian, and Arabic boy name

• Meaning: Masculine name that means “my God is Yahweh” or “the Lord is my God”

• Pronunciation: “ee-ly-uhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #43

• Namesakes: Native American writer (Cherokee) Elias Boudinot 

• Other namesakes include Greek-Canadian actor Elias Toufexis

• Variants: Another form of “Elijah”

 

Ezra

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning/Description: “Helper” or “help”

• Pronunciation: “ez-ruh”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #25

• Namesakes: American critic and poet Ezra Pound

• Another namesake is American actor Ezra Miller

• Also a biblical name after a prophet and priest in the Old Testament

• Variants: Ezrah, Ezera, Ezdrin (Slavic), and Uzair (Arabic)

 

Hammett

 

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning/Description: “Home” or “village”

• Pronunciation: “hah-met”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: US Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient Hammett L. Bowen, Jr.

• Also a place name after the community of Hammett in Georgia, United States

• Variants: Hamnet and Hammet

 

Hugo

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Heart,” “mind,” or “spirit”

• Pronunciation: “yoo-goh”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #399

• Namesakes: British actor and director Hugo Alexander Speer

• Also after British actor Hugo Wallace Weaving 

• Variants: A form of “Hugh”

 

Levi

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “United” or “joined in harmony”

• Pronunciation: “lee-vy”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #12

• Namesakes: American professional road bicycle racer Levi Leipheimer 

• Also after American musician Levi Seacer Jr.

• Also a biblical name after one of Jacob’s 12 sons and the patriarch of Israel’s priest tribe

• Variants: Levey, Levee, Leevi (Finnish), and Lev (Russian name)

 

Maximilian

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “The greatest”

• Pronunciation: “mak-see-mil-eeh-uhn”

• Length: 10 letters, 5 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #566

• Namesakes: Spiritual name after Christian bishop and martyr Maximilian of Lorch

• Also a fictional character after Maximilian Bercovicz in “Once Upon A Time In America”

• Variants: Maximiliano, Maximus, and Massimiliano

 

Otis

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “Son of Ode” or “wealth”

• Pronunciation: “oh-tis”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #613

• Namesakes: American R&B and soul singer Otis Clay and inventor Otis Tufts

• Variants: Ottis

 

Reginald

• Origin: Latin and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Ruler,” “strong,” “counselor,” “advice,” or “rule”

• Description: Royal name

• Pronunciation: “rej-un-nuhld”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American rock musician Reginald Arvizu 

• Also a name after English blind chess player Reginald Bonham

• Variants: A form of “Reynold”; also spelled as Reynaud (French) and Reinhold (German) 

 

Socrates

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Whole rule” or “power”

• Pronunciation: “saa-kruh-teez”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: After the famous Greek philosopher, recognized as the founder of Western philosophy

• Variants: Sokrates

 

Tobias

• Origin: Hebrew and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “God is good”

• Pronunciation: “tuh-by-uhs”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #276

• Namesakes: Scottish novelist and playwright Tobias George Smollett

• Also after American short story writer and novelist Tobias Jonathan Ansell Wolff 

• Variants: Tobiah, Tobia, Thoby, and Toby

 

Exotic & Unusual Classic Boy Names

Alf

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “Noble peace,” “magical counsel,” or “elf” (elf boy name)

• Pronunciation: “alf”

• Length: 3 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Norwegian Olympic champion rower Alf Hansen 

• Also a name after American composer Alf Clausen

• Variants: Short boy’s name that can also be a nickname for “Alfred”

 

Angus

• Origin: English and Scottish boy name

• Meaning: “One strength” or “one choice”

• Pronunciation: “ang-guhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: English actor, comedian, and musician Gordon Angus Deayton

• Also after Scottish actor Angus Macfadyen

• Variants: A form of Aonghus and Óengus (Celtic)

 

Archibald

• Origin: Old English, Scottish, and Old German boy name

• Meaning: “Bold and genuine” or “strong”

• Pronunciation: “ahr-chee-bawld”

• Length: 9 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American modernist writer Archibald MacLeish

• Also a fictional character after Archibald Craven in the novel “The Secret Garden”

• Variants: Archibaldo (Spanish), Arquibaldo (Portuguese), and Archimboldo (Italian)

 

Demetrius

• Origin: Ancient Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Tribute to the goddess of the grain” or “follower of Demeter (Greek goddess of harvest)”

• Pronunciation: “deh-miy-triy-uhs”

• Length: 9 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #979

• Namesakes: American football player Demetrius Rhaney

• Also a royal name after Indo-Greek king Demetrius III Aniketos (from the first century)

• Variants: Also a masculine form of the baby girl name “Demeter”

 

Lionel

• Origin: Latin and Old English boy name

• Meaning: Masculine name that means “young lion”

• Pronunciation: “ly-uh-nuhl”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #619

• Namesakes: American musician and songwriter-singer Lionel Richie

• Also a name after Argentine professional footballer Lionel Andrés Messi

• Variants: Lyonnel, Lyonnell, Lyinell, and Lionnell

 

Silas

• Origin: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Wood” or “forest” after “Silvanus,” the Roman god of forests

• Pronunciation: “sy-luhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #87

• Namesakes: American basketball player Silas Melson

• Also a fictional character after Silas Greaves (a bounty hunter and the protagonist in the video game “Call of Juarez: Gunslinger”)

• Variants: Silvan (German) and Sylas

 

Romantic & Cute Classic Boy Names & Monikers

Agapito

• Origin: Spanish, Latin, Italian, Greek, and Filipino boy name

• Meaning: “Beloved”; also a pet name for a child or loved one

• Pronunciation: “ah-gah-pee-toh”

• Length: 7 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Badass name after Spanish boxer Agapito Gómez

• Another namesake is Dominican Republic boxer Agapito Sánchez

• Variants: Agapitus (Latin)

 

Beau

• Origin: French and English unisex name

• Meaning: “Handsome,” “sweetheart,” or a name that means “beautiful”

• Pronunciation: “bow”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #89

• Namesakes: American two-time world lightweight champion Beau Jack 

• Other namesakes include Australian actor, TV presenter, and singer Beau Ryan

• Also a character (Beau Wilkes) in “Gone with the Wind”

• Variants: Bo, Beaw, and Beaux (French)

 

Brooks

• Origin: English and German country boy name

• Meaning: “By a brook” or “small stream ” (a names that mean “water”)

• Pronunciation: “bruhks”

• Length: 6 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #76 (boy)

• Namesakes: American professional baseball player Brooks Kriske 

• Another namesake includes American folk musician Brooks Williams 

• Variants: Brook, Brooc, and Brooke (feminine form)

 

Guy

• Origin: Hebrew, Norman, and German boy name

• Meaning: Earthy name that means “valley,” “ravine,” “boy,” and “wood”

• Pronunciation: “gai”

• Length: 3 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: English film director, screenwriter, and producer Guy Stuart Ritchie

• Also after American restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning TV presenter Guy Ramsay Fieri

• Variants: Goy (Hebrew) and Guido (Italian and German)

 

Miles

• Origin: German, Norman, and Latin unisex name

• Meaning: Cute boy name that means “soldier,” “servant,” or “gracious”

• Pronunciation: “mylez”

• Length: 5 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #55

• Namesakes: Canadian guitarist and record producer Miles Holmwood

• Also after jazz trumpeter Miles Davis

• Variants: Comes from the Germanic name “Milo”; can also be spelled as Mylo, Milosz, Myles, and Milan

 

Manu

• Origin: Spanish, Polynesian, and Hispanic name for boys

• Meaning: “God is with us,” “man,” “bird,” or “greatest”

• Pronunciation: “mah-noo”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American-Indian journalist Manu Raju 

• Also after Australian TV personality Manu Toigo

• Variants: A moniker for “Emmanuel,” “Manolo,” or similar names

 

Perry

• Origin: Old English unisex name

• Meaning: “Dweller by the pear tree” or “from the pear tree”

• Pronunciation: “peh-ree”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American professional poker player Perry Friedman and English rugby union footballer Perry Freshwater

• Variants: Peri, Perri, Parri, and Parry

 

Romeo

• Origin: Latin and Italian boy name

• Meaning: “Pilgrim to Rome” or “a Roman”

• Pronunciation: “row-mee-yow”

• Length: 5 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #323

• Namesakes: Famous fictional Shakespearean character from the classic play “Romeo and Juliet”

• Variants: Romaios (ancient Greek name) and Romaeus (Latin)

 

Contemporary & Stylish Classic Boy Names

Calvin

• Origin: French and English boy name

• Meaning: “Hairless” or “little bald one”

• Pronunciation: “kahl-vin”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #148

• Namesakes: Scottish electro musician and singer Calvin Harris

• Other namesakes include American thoroughbred horse jockey Calvin Borel

• Variants: Callvin, Callvinn, Calvyn, and Kalvin

 

Charles

• Origin: French, Old English, and German baby name 

• Meaning: “Free man”

• Pronunciation: “charlz”

• Length: 7 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #50

• Namesakes: English novelist Charles John Huffam Dickens

• Also after King Charles of England 

• Variants: Karl (German boy name), Carlo (Italian), Karel (Norwegian name), Kaarel (Estonian), and Kârale (Greenlandic)

 

Douglas

• Origin: Old English, Scottish, Gaelic, and Irish name

• Meaning: “Dark water” (one of the classic names that mean “water”)

• Pronunciation: “doog-luhs”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #828

• Namesakes: British flying ace Douglas Bader

• Also after American authors Douglas A. Hicks and Douglas A. Anderson

• Variants: Dúghlas, Dougie, and Duggie

 

Edward

• Origin: Anglo-Saxon and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Wealthy guardian” or “guardian of prosperity” 

• Pronunciation: “ed-wahrd”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #216

• Namesakes: American illustrator Edward Gorey

• Also after American actors Edward Walter Furlong and Edward Harrison Norton

• Variants: Éadweard (Anglo-Saxon), Edvard (Scandinavian), Edoardo (Italian), and Édouard (French)

 

Luke

• Origin: Latin and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Light giving,” “bringer of light” (name that means “light”), or “man from Lucania (a historical region of Southern Italy)” 

• Pronunciation: “lewk”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #34

• Namesakes: American actor Luke Cunningham Wilson

• Also after American country singer-songwriter Luke Bryan 

• Variants: Luca (Italian), Luc (French), and Lluc

 

Marcel

• Origin: French, Romaic, and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Young warrior”; also means “belonging to Mars (Roman god of war)”

• Pronunciation: “maar-sel”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #660

• Namesakes: French mime artist and actor Marcel Marceau

• Also after Canadian ice hockey coach Marcel Comeau

• Variants: Marcus, Marcellus, Marcello, and Marcell

 

Rainier

• Origin: French and Norse boy name

• Meaning: Masculine name that means “advice,” “army,” or “judgment warrior”

• Pronunciation: “ray-nee-uhr”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Fictional character and action hero star Rainier Wolfcastle in “The Simpsons” series

• Variants: Raynier, Renier, Rainer, and Raynor

 

Remy

• Origin: English and French gender-neutral name

• Meaning: “Oarsman” or “rower” 

• Pronunciation: “reh-mee”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #356

• Namesakes: French Renaissance poet Rémy Belleau

• Also after American martial artist Remy P. Presas

• Variants: Also a shortened form of the place name “Remington”

 

Thomas

• Origin: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Twin” (twin name for boys)

• Pronunciation: “tom-uhs”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #45

• Namesakes: 3rd US President Thomas Jefferson

• Other namesakes include American actor Thomas Mann

• Also a biblical boy name after one of Jesus Christ’s 12 disciples

• Variants: Tomas, Thomaz, Tomass, and Tommy

 

One-Syllable & Other Short Classic Boy Names

Carl

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “Man,” “free man,” or “warrior”

• Pronunciation: “kaarl”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American poet, playwright, singer, and writer Carl Hancock Rux

• Other namesakes include American race walker Carl Schueler

• Variants: Karl, Carol, Caryl, and Karol

 

Clark

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Clerk,” “scholar,” or “scribe”

• Pronunciation: “klaark”

• Length: 5 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #427

• Namesakes: American basketball player, broadcaster, and analyst Clark Kellogg

• Also a fictional character after Clark Kent (Superman’s secret identity)

• Variants: Klark and Clarke

 

Dean

• Origin: English and Greek boy name

• Meaning: Earthy name that means “valley,” “monk,” or “dignitary”

• Pronunciation: “deen”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #163

• Namesakes: American actor Dean Cain and macroeconomist Dean Baker 

• Variants: Deen and Dane

 

Gil

• Origin: Hebrew and German boy name

• Meaning: “Joy,” “happiness,” or a nature name that means “small goat”; can also mean “pledge bright” if used as a shortened form of “Gilbert”

• Pronunciation: “gihl”

• Length: 3 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American jazz poet, musician, and singer Gilbert Scott-Heron

• Also after Canadian musician Gil Moore

• Variants: Gille (French)

 

Max

• Origin: Latin nonbinary name

• Meaning: “Greatest”

• Pronunciation: “maks”

• Length: 3 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #156

• Namesakes: American animator, inventor, and film director Max Fleischer

• Also after American actor Max Carver

• Variants: Also a short name after longer “Max-” names such as Maximilian, Maximos, and Maxwell

 

Paul

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Small” or “humble”

• Pronunciation: “pol”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #262

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after the Apostle Paul, also called St. Paul

• Modern namesakes include American actor and comedian Paul Stephen Rudd

• Also after American actor and film director Paul Leonard Newman

• Variants: Paulo, Pablo (Spanish), Paolo, and Paulus

 

Saul

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Prayed for” or “asked for” 

• Pronunciation: “saal”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #510

• Namesakes: German-born Canadian actor and director Saul Rubinek

• Also a name after American film producer and Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz

• Variants: Sauli (Finnish), Saoul, and Sha’ul 

 

What Are The Coolest Boy Names Ever?

Jack

• Origin: Middle English and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “God is gracious,” “full of vital energy,” “strong,” or “healthy”

• Pronunciation: “jaak”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #15

• Namesakes: Favorite magical name after the main character in the fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk”

• Variants: A form of John or Jacob

 

Oscar

• Origin: Old English and Irish name for boys

• Meaning: “God spear,” “deer-lover,” “champion,” and “warrior”

• Pronunciation: “aas-kr”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #201

• Namesakes: Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde 

• Also after Italian high jumper Oscar Raise 

• Variants: Osgar (Scottish Gaelic) and Oskar

 

Robin

• Origin: English nonbinary name

• Meaning: “Bright fame” or “famous”; also a nature name after a bird species

• Pronunciation: “raah-bn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #795 (boy)

• Namesakes: Dutch football coach and former professional footballer Robin van Persie

• Other namesakes include American singer-songwriter Robin Alan Thicke

• Variants: Robbin, Robbyn, Robyn, and Robben

 

What Are Badass & Powerful Classic Male Names?

Alaric

• Origin: Ancient German boy name

• Meaning: Gothic name that means “ruler of all” or “all-powerful ruler”

• Pronunciation: “ah-lr-uhk”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #915

• Namesakes: American film and theater composer Alaric Jans 

• Also a mystical name after the fictional character Alaric Stark in George R. R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” fantasy novel 

• Variants: Allaric, Alarik, Alarico (Spanish), and Alaricus

 

Atlas

• Origin: Ancient Greek name

• Meaning: “To carry” or “enduring”

• Pronunciation: “at-luhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #129

• Namesakes: Male Greek god name after Atlas, the strongest Titan (pre-Olympian god) in Greek mythology who carried the Earth on his shoulders

• Variants: Atlass

 

Bernard

• Origin: German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Strong as a bear” (from “bern,” which means “bear”) or “brave bear”; also a name that means “strong”

• Pronunciation: “buhr-nahrd”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Australian professional tennis player Bernard Tomic 

• Also after retired NASCAR racing driver Bernard Alvarez 

• Variants: Berinhard, Bernhard, and Berrnard

• Nicknames can include “Bern” or “Bernie” 

 

Ferdinand

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “Daring,” “brave,” “journey,” “bold voyager,” and “adventurer” 

• Pronunciation: “fur-duh-nand”

• Length: 9 letters, 3-syllable boy name

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: German automotive engineer and Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche

• Other namesakes include German basketball player Ferdinand Zylka

• Variants: Fernão (Portuguese), Fernand, and Fernando 

 

Hugh

• Origin: Old German and Old French boy name

• Meaning: “Mind,” “bright in mind and spirit,” “soul,” and “intellect”

• Pronunciation: “hyoog”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #811

• Namesakes: Australian actor Hugh Michael Jackman 

• Other namesakes include English actor Hugh Grant 

• Variants: Huig, Hugo, and Hughes

 

Leon

• Origin: French, Spanish, and Greek boy name

• Meaning: Powerful boy name that means “lion”

• Pronunciation: “lee-ohn”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #158

• Namesakes: American musician and songwriter Leon Russell

• Also a name after American actor and DJ Leon Isaac Kennedy 

• Variants: Leo, Leonne, Lyon, and Leone

 

Walter

• Origin: Old English and German boy name

• Meaning: “Commander of the army” or “army ruler”

• Pronunciation: “wol-tr”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #269

• Namesakes: American professional football Walter Jerry Payton 

• Also after Academy Award-winning American actor Walter Brennan 

• Variants: Walther, Waltari, Walthari, and Waltar

• Nicknames include “Walt” (as in Walter Elias “Walt” Disney, the founder of Disney)

 

Classic Boy Names From Across The Globe

What Are Old English Boy Names?

Chester

• Origin: Old English and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Camp,” “fortress,” “walled town,” or “camp of soldiers”

• Pronunciation: “chehs-ter”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: The rock band Linkin Park’s lead vocalist Chester Bennington 

• Also after African-American filmmaker Chester Novell Turner

• Variants: Chesster

 

Patrick

• Origin: Old English and Irish name

• Meaning: “Nobleman” or “patrician” 

• Pronunciation: “pat-rik”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #218

• Namesakes: American children’s book author Patrick Jennings 

• Also after American inventor Patrick Flanagan

• Variants: Patricius (Latin name), Patrício, Patrizio, Patrik, and Pádraic

 

Wyatt

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: Warrior name that means “brave in war”

• Pronunciation: “wy-ut”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #38

• Namesakes: American filmmaker Wyatt Bardouille 

• Also a name after American football player Wyatt Davis

• Variants: Wiatt and Wyot (Old English) 

 

Classic Hebrew Boy Names From The Bible

Aaron

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Exalted,” “lofty,” “strong,” or “high mountain”

• Pronunciation: “ey-ruhn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #71

• Namesakes: Biblical name after Moses’ brother and Israel’s first High Priest

• Modern namesakes include American singer and rapper Aaron Charles Carter

• Also after actor American Aaron Edward Eckhart 

• Variants: Arron, Ayron, and Aharon

 

Adam

• Origin: Hebrew boy name 

• Meaning: “From the Earth,” “son of the red Earth,” or “the first man”

• Pronunciation: “ad-uhm”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #97

• Namesakes: American actor and comedian Adam Richard Sandler

• Other namesakes include American musician Adam Noah Levine

• Also the name given by God to the first man he created, according to the Bible

• Variants: Addam, Adamus, and Adamo

 

Caleb

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Devotion,” “whole-hearted,” “faithful,” and “brave”

• Pronunciation: “kay-leb”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #52

• Namesakes: One of the spies Moses sent to the land of Canaan

• Modern namesakes include American actor Caleb McLaughlin

• Also after New Zealand-born Australian rugby footballer Caleb Timu

• Variants: Kaleb, Khalev, and Chaleb

 

Daniel

• Origin: Old English and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “God is my judge”

• Pronunciation: “dayn-yuhl”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #14

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the prayerful man thrown into the lion’s den but saved by God

• Modern namesakes include English “Harry Potter” actor Daniel Jacob Radcliffe

• Also after American actor-comedian Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. (better known as Danny DeVito)

• Variants: Dănuṭ (Romanian), Danilo (Portuguese and Italian boy name), and Daniele (French name)

 

David

• Origin: Old English and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Dearly loved” or “beloved”; also considered a pet name for a loved one

• Pronunciation: “day-vid”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #31

• Namesakes: Biblical name after one of the best and most famous kings of Israel

• Modern namesakes include English singer-songwriter, musician, and actor David Bowie (born David Robert Jones)

• Variants: Daveed, Davey, and Davide

 

Isaac

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “He will laugh,” “laughter,” “rejoices,” or “one who laughs”

• Pronunciation: “ai-zuhk”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #42

• Namesakes: Biblical name after Abraham’s son and Jacob’s father

• Modern namesakes include English physicist and mathematician Sir Isaac Newton

• Also after Nigerian footballer Isaac Okoronkwo

• Variants: Isaak

 

Jacob

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Supplanter (one who replaces)”

• Pronunciation: “jay-kuhb”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #32

• Namesakes: Also a twin boy name; according to the Bible, Jacob and Esau are twins, but Esau came out first while Jacob quickly followed, holding his brother’s heel

• Variants: Jakob, Jacobi, and Jacoby

 

Simon

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “He has heard,” “to listen,” “reputation,” or “the listener”

• Pronunciation: “sy-muhn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #242

• Namesakes: Biblical name after one of Jesus’ 12 disciples; later known as Simon Peter

• Variants: Shimon, Szymon (Polish name), Ximeno, and Ximon

 

Ancient Greek Names For Boys

Cyrus

• Origin: Persian and Greek name for boys

• Meaning: Name that means “sun,” “one who bestows care,” “far-sighted,” “throne,” or “young” 

• Pronunciation: “sai-ruhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #326

• Namesakes: American literary and cultural critic Cyrus Patell

• Also after American sculptor Cyrus Edwin Dallin

• Variants: Kyrus, Kairus, Cirus, and Ciro

 

Okeanos

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Ocean” or “great sea surrounding the Earth” (a name that means “water”)

• Pronunciation: “ow-kee-aah-nowz”

• Length: 7 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Greek god name after the Titan god of the seas who ruled the oceans before Poseidon

• Variants: Oceanus

 

Old-Timey French Boy Names

Amis

• Origin: French boy name

• Meaning: “Friend” or “beloved one” (a name that means “love”)

• Pronunciation: “ey-mis”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Also a last name (e.g., British architect Stanley Amis and novelist Martin Amis)

• Variants: Amiss, Amys, and Amies

 

Claude

• Origin: French and British boy name

• Meaning: “Limping,” “lame,” or “crippled”

• Pronunciation: “klawd”

• Length: 6 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme and French painter Claude Monet

• Variants: Claudio (Italian), Claud, and Claudius

 

René

• Origin: French and Spanish nonbinary name

• Meaning: “Born again”

• Pronunciation: “reh-nay”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #962

• Namesakes: Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte and Canadian ice hockey player René Robert 

• Variants: Renat (Polish), Renát (Hungarian), and Renátus

 

Sacha

• Origin: French nonbinary name

• Meaning: “Defending men” or “defending warrior”

• Pronunciation: “sash-uh”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: British actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen

• Also after American wrestler Sasha Banks

• Variants: Sasha, Sasa, and Sascha

 

Old Man Names Of Italian Origin

Some old man names for your little gentleman:

 

Aderamo

• Origin: Italian, German, and Nigerian boy name

• Meaning: “Wealth and fortune,” “crown of joy,” or “fame”; also a black boy name

• Pronunciation: “ah-deh-rah-moh”

• Length: 7 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: None

• Variants: Aderramo

 

Agatino

• Origin: Italian name for boys

• Meaning: “Fortunate,” “brave,” “noble,” and “moral”

• Pronunciation: “ah-gah-tee-noh”

• Length: 7 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: German musical artist Agatino Romero

• Variants: “Agathon” or “Agaton”

 

Enrico

• Origin: Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and French boy name

• Meaning: “Home ruler”

• Pronunciation: “en-ree-koh”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American surrealist painter and sculptor Enrico Donati

• Also after Italian writer Enrico Brizzi

• Variants: Form of “Henry” (English) or “Enrique” (Spanish)

 

Vintage Spanish Boy Names

Adelardo

• Origin: Spanish, Italian, and German boy name

• Meaning: “Hardy,” “noble,” “aristocratic,” or “brave” 

• Pronunciation: “ah-deh-lar-doh”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Spanish writer and politician Adelardo Herrera

• Also a name after Spanish former soccer player Adelardo Rodríguez

• Variants: Adellardo and Addelardo

 

Atilio

• Origin: Spanish, Portuguese, and Hispanic boy name

• Meaning: Adorable ‘old man’ name that means “grandfather”

• Pronunciation: “uh-til-yoh”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Argentine painter Atilio Malinverno

• Other namesakes include Argentine-Uruguayan soccer player Atilio García

• Variants: Attilio and Atillo

 

Raúl

• Origin: Spanish, Old Norse, and French boy name

• Meaning: “Wolf counsel” and “strong”

• Pronunciation: “rah-ool”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #553

• Namesakes: American mixed martial artist Raul Amaya

• Also after Spanish footballer Raúl Albiol

• Variants: Form of “Raoul” and “Ráðúlfr”

 

Rosendo

• Origin: Spanish, Galician Portuguese, and ancient German boy name

• Meaning: “Fame path” or “victory road”

• Pronunciation: “roh-sen-doh”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Spanish painter Rosendo Fernández and Mexican writer Rosendo Salazar

• Variants: Rossendo

 

Santiago

• Origin: Spanish boy name

• Meaning: “Saint James”; from the combination of “santo” (saint) and “Yago” (Old Spanish name for “James”)

• Pronunciation: “san-tee-yah-gow”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #48

• Namesakes: Spanish baroque guitarist and composer Santiago de Murcia

• Also a literary name after the main character Santiago in Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” novel

• Variants: Thiago (Portuguese) and Diego (Spanish)

 

Classic Middle Names For Boys

Ambrose

• Origin: Latin and Greek boy name

• Meaning: Mythical name that means “immortal” or “food and drink of the gods”

• Pronunciation: “am-brohz”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #720

• Namesakes: American author Ambrose Bierce 

• Another namesake is Nigerian-American jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire 

• Variants: Ambrose, Ambrosio, Ambrosia, Ambrosios, and Ambrogia

 

Grayson

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Son of the gray-haired one”; a last name that’s now also used as a first or middle name for boys

• Pronunciation: “gray-suhn”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #37

• Namesakes: American golfer Grayson Murray and baseball player Grayson Rodriguez 

• Variants: Graysen, Gracen, and Greyson (British)

 

Jackson

• Origin: English and Scottish boy name

• Meaning: “Son of Jack”

• Pronunciation: “jak-sohn”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #23

• Namesakes: American abstract painter Jackson Pollock and pop singer Jackson Harris

• Also common last name (e.g., American actor Samuel L. Jackson and British actor David Jackson)

• Variants: Jaxon, Jaxson, and Jaxsen 

 

Wallace

• Origin: Scottish boy name

• Meaning: “Welshman,” “foreigner,” or “stranger”

• Pronunciation: “wol-uhs”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #966

• Namesakes: American actor, comedian, and playwright Wallace Shawn

• Also after Holiday Inn co-founder Wallace E. Johnson

• Variants: Wallais, Wallass, Wallayis, and Walleis

 

Warren

• Origin: French and English boy name

• Meaning: “Park-keeper” or “guard”

• Pronunciation: “waw-ruhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #335

• Namesakes: American art dealer and art historian Warren Adelson

• Also after American-Canadian football player Warren Moon 

• Variants: Warryn, Warrin, and Warron

 

Literature & Pop Culture-Inspired Classic Boy Names

Ahab

• Origin: Latin and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Uncle” or “father’s brother”

• Pronunciation: “ay-hab”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: One of Israel’s kings (the seventh) in the Bible

• Also after the captain of the Pequod in “Moby Dick” (novel by Herman Melville)

• Variants: Ahav and Ahava

 

Atticus

• Origin: Latin and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Man from Attica (a municipality in Greece)”

• Pronunciation: “ah-tuh-kuhs”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #274

• Namesakes: Canadian actor and musician Atticus Mitchell

• Also after the fictional main character Atticus O’Sullivan of “The Iron Druid Chronicles” (a novel series)

• Variants: Attikus and Attica 

 

Dorian

• Origin: French and English unisex name

• Meaning: “Gift” or “from Doris (a Greek district)”

• Pronunciation: “daw-ree-uhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #565

• Namesakes: American musician Dorian Holley

• Other namesakes include South African badminton player Dorian James

• Also a group of people in “The Odyssey” (an ancient Greek epic poem)

• Variants: Dorrian and Doryan

 

Linus

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Flax” or “flax colored”

• Pronunciation: “la-nuhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: One of the Greek god Apollo’s sons or a character in the comic “Peanuts” featuring Charlie Brown

• Also after American musical artist Linus of Hollywood (born Linus Dotson)

• Variants: Linnus and Lynus

 

Titus

• Origin: Ancient Roman and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Title of honor”

• Pronunciation: “tai-tuhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #362

• Namesakes: An early Christian missionary and church leader in the Bible 

• Also the titular character in William Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus”

• Modern namesakes include American football players Titus Leo and Titus Davis

• Variants: Tytus (Polish), Tittus, and Tiitus

 

Celebrity-Inspired Classic Boy Names

Christopher

• Origin: Old English and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “He who holds Christ in his heart” or “one who is a Christ-bearer”

• Pronunciation: “krist-uh-fur”

• Length: 11 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #56

• Namesakes: Celebrity namesakes include Christopher Walken, Christopher Nolan, Christopher Lee, Christopher Reeve, etc.

• Variants: Christóforos (Greek name)

• Nicknames can include “Chris”

 

George

• Origin: Greek and Old English boy name

• Meaning: Country boy name that means “earthworker” or “farmer” 

• Pronunciation: “jowrz”

• Length: 6 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #142

• Namesakes: Celebrity namesakes include George Clooney, George Lopez, Boy George, Prince George of Wales, etc.

• Variants: Jorge, Georgi, Georg, and Gjorgji

 

Leo

• Origin: German, Latin, and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Lion,” “lion-hearted,” or “brave people”

• Pronunciation: “lee-oh”

• Length: 3 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #22

• Namesakes: Celebrity namesakes include Leo Howard, Leo Gregory, Leo Gordon, Leo Kruger, etc.

• Variants: Leon

 

Adorable Nicknames For Classic Boy Names

The following are great as nicknames or first names:

 

Abe

• Origin: Dutch, Hebrew, and Frisian (West Germanic language)

• Meaning: “Noble”; also a nickname for “Abraham,” meaning “father of nations”

• Pronunciation: “ah-bay”

• Length: 3 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American baseball pitcher and coach Abe Alvarez

• Also a name after American drummer Abe Laboriel Jr.

• Variants: Abeh and Abbe

 

Archie

• Origin: Old English and German boy name

• Meaning: “Brave,” “genuine,” or “bold”

• Pronunciation: “ahr-chee”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #377

• Namesakes: English actor and model Archie Renaux

• Also a prince name after British royal Prince Archie of Sussex (son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle)

• Variants: Also a nickname for “Archibald”

 

Eli

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Ascension,” “elevated,” “high,” or a spiritual name that means “my God”

• Pronunciation: “eeh-lie”

• Length: 3 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #69

• Namesakes: Latvian-American poet, philosopher, and critic Eli Siegel

• Also a name after Welsh rugby union player Eli Walker

• Variants: Elli, Eeli, and Ely; also a nickname for “Elijah”

 

Lou

• Origin: German and French unisex name

• Meaning: “Famous battle” or “famous warrior”

• Pronunciation: “loo”

• Length: 3 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Lou Thesz (ring name of American professional wrestler Aloysius Martin Thesz)

• Also after former NASCAR Cup Series team owner Lou Viglione

• Variants: Also a nickname for “Ludwig” or “Louis”

 

Nathan

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Gift from God” or “given by God”

• Pronunciation: “nay-thuhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #57

• Namesakes: American podcaster, historian, and professor Nathan Daniel Beau Connolly

• Also after figure skater Nathan Chen 

• Variants: Natan, Neizan, and Nosson (Yiddish); also a nickname for “Nathaniel”

 

Classic Boy Names From A-Z

Classic Boy Names Starting With A

Abner

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “My father is a light” or “father of light”

• Pronunciation: “ab-ner”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American physicist and science philosopher Abner Shimony

• Other namesakes include Puerto Rican boxer Abner Cotto

• Variants: Avner and Abbner

 

Alden

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Wise protector” or “old friend”

• Pronunciation: “awl-duhn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+ 

• Namesakes: American composer Alden Jenks and author Alden Carter

• Variants: Aldden and Elden 

 

Ansel

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “With divine protection,” “follower of a nobleman,” or “God is my protector”

• Pronunciation: “an-sl”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American actor and musician Ansel Elgort

• Another namesake is American thoroughbred horse racing trainer Ansel Williamson

• Variants: Annsel, Anseel, Anssel, and Anselm (German)

 

Asher

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Blessed,” “happy,” or “fortunate”

• Pronunciation: “ah-shr”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #19

• Namesakes: Biblical name after one of Jacob’s 12 sons

• Modern namesakes include American artistic gymnast Asher Hong

• Also after American child actor Asher Blinkoff

• Variants: Ashar, Assher, and Ashor 

 

Ashley

• Origin: Old English unisex name

• Meaning: Nature name for boys that means “ash tree”

• Pronunciation: “ash-lee”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+ 

• Namesakes: American pro wrestler Ashley Remington British actor-rapper Ashley Anthony Walters

• Variants: Ashlee, Ashli, Ashlie, and Ashlea

 

Aulus

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: Cute boy name that means “little grandfather”

• Pronunciation: “aw-loos”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Aulus Cornelius Celsus, a Roman encyclopaedist (a person who writes, contributes to, or edits an encyclopedia) from the first century

• Variants: Aule and Aules

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With B

Balthazar

• Origin: Babylonian boy name

• Meaning: “Bel (a Babylonian god) protects the king”

• Pronunciation: “bal-thuh-zaar”

• Length: 9 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: One of the three wise men or Magi who brought special gifts to the infant Jesus, according to the Bible

• Modern namesakes include the fictional character Balthazar (known as the god of war and fire in the “Guild Wars” online game)

• Variants: Baltasar (Spanish), Belshazzar, and Baldassare

 

Barnabas

• Origin: Greek and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Encouragement,” “son of the prophet,” or “son of encouragement”

• Pronunciation: “baar-nuh-buhs”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: English organist and composer Barnabas Gunn (from the 1700s)

• Also a name after Nigerian footballer Barnabas Imenger

• Variants: Barnaby and Barnabe

 

Bartholomew

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Furrowed” or “son of Talmai”

• Pronunciation: “baar-thaa-luh-myoo”

• Length: 11 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after one of Jesus’ 12 apostles

• Modern namesakes include American entertainer and video producer Bartholomew “Bart” Baker

• Also after English sailor-explorer Bartholomew Gilbert

• Variants: Bartolomeu and Bartolomeo

 

Benedict

• Origin: Latin and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Blessing” or “brave friend”

• Pronunciation: “ben-uh-dikt”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #963

• Namesakes: English actor Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch 

• Also after American historian Benedict F. Kiernan

• Variants: Benediktas, Benito, and Benedetto

 

Bertrand

• Origin: Ancient German boy name

• Meaning: “Wise,” “bright,” “glorious raven,” or “intelligent”

• Pronunciation: “bur-truhnd”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: French songwriter-singer and musician Bertrand Cantat

• Other namesakes include American football player Bertrand Berry

• Variants: Berttrand and Berrtrand

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With C

Cassian

• Origin: Latin, Irish, and Welsh boy name

• Meaning: “Curly-headed” or “son of Cassius”

• Pronunciation: “kas-eeh-uhn”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #933

• Namesakes: Fictional character Cassian Andor in “Rogue One” (a “Star Wars” franchise film)

• Another namesake is British film producer Cassian Elwes

• Variants: Kassian and Casian

 

Cecil

• Origin: Old English, Latin, and Old Welsh unisex name

• Meaning: “Blind to one’s own beauty” or “sixth”

• Pronunciation: “ses-uhl”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American singer-songwriter and record producer Cecil Womack

• Also after American jazz bassist Cecil McBee

• Variants: Ceccil and Cecily 

 

Cedric

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “Love,” “kindly,” or “gift of splendor”

• Pronunciation: “sehd-reek”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #958

• Namesakes: American actor and comedian Cedric Kyles (also called “Cedric the Entertainer”)

• Also after American baseball player Cedric Mullins

• Variants: Cedrick, Zedric, and Sedrick

 

Clement

• Origin: French and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Gentle,” “mild,” or “merciful” 

• Pronunciation: “kleh-muhnt”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American poet and author Clement Clarke Moore

• Also after English mapmaker Clement Cruttwell (from the 1740s)

• Variants: Clemente, Clemens, Clements, and Clemendo

 

Corbin

• Origin: British and Anglo-Norman boy name

• Meaning: “Crow” or “raven”

• Pronunciation: “kohr-bihn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #428

• Namesakes: American actor and singer Corbin Bleu Reivers and professional baseball pitcher Corbin Brian Burnes

• Variants: Korbin, Corbyn, Korbyn, and Corben

 

Cuthbert

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Brilliant” or “bright and famous” 

• Pronunciation: “kuhth-bert”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: British painter Cuthbert Orde

• Also a magical name after the Hogwarts History of Magic Professor and wizard Cuthbert Binns in “Harry Potter”

• Variants: Cuthburt, Cudberd, and Cudbert

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With D

Dexter

• Origin: English and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Skilled” or “right-handed”; also an occupational name meaning “one who dyes” 

• Pronunciation: “dek-str”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #692

• Namesakes: American punk rock singer and musician Dexter Holland

• Other namesakes include American country music singer Dexter Roberts

• Variants: Dexxter

 

Domenico

• Origin: Italian and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “The Lord’s day” or “belonging to the Lord”

• Pronunciation: “duh-men-eeh-koh”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Italian poet and writer Domenico Caruso

• Also after Italian-German football manager Domenico Tedesco

• Variants: Dominic

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With E

Edgar

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Prosperous spear,” “fortunate and powerful,” or “rich and prosperous”

• Pronunciation: “ed-gahr”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #418

• Namesakes: English filmmaker Edgar Howard Wright 

• Also after American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs

• Variants: Eadgar

 

Edmund

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Rich protection,” “wealthy protector,” “protector of riches,” or “successful defender”

• Pronunciation: “ed-muhnd”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American novelist and journalist Edmund P. Murray

• Other namesakes include Irish author and storyteller Edmund Lenihan

• Variants: Edmond and Eamon (Irish boy name)

 

Elmer

• Origin: Germanic and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Famous noble” or “noble and famous”

• Pronunciation: “el-mehr”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #924

• Namesakes: American composer Elmer Bernstein 

• Other namesakes include American hall-of-fame baseball player Elmer Flick

• Variants: Ellmer, Elemer, Elmir, and Elmmer

 

Evan

• Origin: Welsh and Hebrew gender-neutral name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is gracious,” “God is gracious,” “good messenger,” or “good man”

• Pronunciation: “eh-vuhn”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #134

• Namesakes: American novelist Evan Dara and Canadian comedian

• Also after American filmmaker Evan D. Goldberg 

• Variants: Evann and Ivan (Russian boy name); another form of “John”

 

Ezekiel

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “God will strengthen” or “strength of God”

• Pronunciation: “uh-zee-kee-uhl”

• Length: 7 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #49

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after a prophet of the Old Testament

• Modern namesakes include American football players Zeke Moreno and Zeke Mowatt

• Variants: Ezequiel, Esequiel, and Ezekkiel

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With F

Faustino

• Origin: Spanish and Roman boy name

• Meaning: Hispanic name for boys that means “lucky,” “fortunate one,” or “auspicious” 

• Pronunciation: “faa-stee-now”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Cuban singer and composer Faustino Oramas

• Also a name after the Italian Baroque period painter Faustino Raineri

• Variants: Fausto

 

Felix

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Successful,” “lucky,” or “happy”

• Pronunciation: “fee-liks”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #192

• Namesakes: American singer and musician Felix Hanemann

• Also a name after Swedish professional racing driver Felix Rosenqvist

• Variants: Felyx

 

Finn

• Origin: Old Irish unisex name 

• Meaning: “Fair” or “white” 

• Pronunciation: “fin”

• Length: 4 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: #176

• Namesakes: American entrepreneur and philanthropist Finn Wentworth

• Also after Norwegian illustrator Finn Graff 

• Variants: A form of “Fionn” (after the Irish mythological hero Fionn mac Cumhail)

 

Franklin

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “Free landholder” or “freeman”

• Pronunciation: “frangk-leen”

• Length: 8 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Powerful boy name after 14th US President Franklin Pierce and 32nd US President Franklin D. Roosevelt 

• Variants: Francklin, Francklyn, Franklyn, and Frankie

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With G

Gaston

• Origin: French boy name

• Meaning: “Stranger,” “the foreigner,” or “guest” 

• Pronunciation: “gas-tuhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Belgian Olympic champion fencer Gaston Salmon

• Other namesakes include Argentine film director Gastón Solnicki

• Also a Disney name after the fictional character who’s in love with Disney Princess “Belle” in “Beauty and the Beast”

• Variants: Gasston and Gastton

 

Gregory

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Watchful,” “vigilant,” or “alert”

• Pronunciation: “greg-uh-ree”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #496

• Namesakes: Canadian musician and singer Gregory Charles

• Also a name after American professional wrestler Gregory Smith (ring name Gregory Iron)

• Variants: Grégoire (French), Gregori, Greggori (Thai name), and Grigor (Welsh)

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With H

Harold

• Origin: Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Ruler of an army,” “army commander,” or “army leader”

• Pronunciation: “harr-uhld”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #925

• Namesakes: American stunt performer, actor, and comedian Harold Clayton Lloyd, Sr.

• Also after poet Harold Norse

• Variants: Hereweald (another Old English name), Harald, Haroldo (Spanish), and Haraldur (Icelandic)

 

Hector

• Origin: Greek and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Steadfast” and “holding fast”

• Pronunciation: “hek-tr”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #354

• Namesakes: French composer Hector Berlioz 

• Other namesakes include Australian radio and TV producer Hector Crawford

• Also a mythical name after the brave prince of Troy in Greek mythology

• Variants: Hektor and Heitor (Portuguese)

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With I

Ignacio

• Origin: Spanish, Roman, and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Fiery one” (name that means “fire”)

• Pronunciation: “ig-nah-syo”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #953

• Namesakes: 20th-century Spanish journalist and writer Ignacio Ramonet 

• Also after 21st-century Argentinian-American actor Ignacio Serricchio

• Variants: Ignazio (Italian) and Iñaki (Basque)

 

Isaiah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation” or “salvation of the Lord”

• Pronunciation: “ai-zay-uh”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #58

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after one of the four major prophets in the Old Testament

• Modern namesakes include African-American music conductor Isaiah Jackson 

• Also after American guitarist Isaiah Sharkey

• Variants: Esaiah, Isaias, Isayah, and Essaiah

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With J

Jasper

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Treasurer” or “bearer of treasures”

• Pronunciation: “jas-pr”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #130

• Namesakes: American painter, sculptor, and printmaker Jasper Johns

• Also after American comedian Jasper Redd

• Variants: For of “Caspar” (one of the three wise men or Magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus)

 

Jeremiah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh will exalt”

• Pronunciation: “jeh-ruh-mai-uh”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #93

• Namesakes: Biblical name after Jeremiah, also known as “The Weeping Prophet”

• Modern namesakes include Samoan-American football player Jeremiah Kolone

• Also after American singer-songwriter Jeremiah Birnbaum

• Variants: Jeremias

 

Joab

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Praise Jehovah (God)”

• Pronunciation: “jow-ab”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical name after David’s military advisor who led the Israelites to many victories

• Also a last name after Australian actor Sachin Joab

• Variants: Joahb and Johab

 

Jonah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: Nature name that means “pigeon” or “dove”

• Pronunciation: “jown-uh”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #135

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the prophet swallowed by a whale and sent to the shores of Nineveh (his original destination before he tried running away from God)

• Modern namesakes include American singer and songwriter Jonah Matranga

• Also after American comedian Jonah Ray

• Variants: Jonas, Jonnah, Giona (Italian), and Jona (Croatian)

 

Joshua

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is the savior,” “God is deliverance,” or “the Lord is my salvation”

• Pronunciation: “josh-oo-uh”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #60

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after Moses’ successor as the Israelites’ leader

• Modern namesakes include American actor and comedian Josh Server

• Also a name after musician (drummer) Joshua Williams 

• Variants: Josua (Hungarian), Josva (Danish), and Iokua (Hawaiian name for boys)

 

Julian

• Origin: Roman and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Downy bearded,” or “Jove’s child (refers to the Roman chief of the gods),” or “young”

• Pronunciation: “joo-le-uhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #35

• Namesakes: American Nobel Prize laureate and physicist Julian Schwinger

• Also a name after English chess grandmaster Julian Hodgson

• Variants: Juliano, Julyan, and Giuliano

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With K

Kelvin

• Origin: Old English and Scottish boy name

• Meaning: “River man,” “river” (name that means “water”), or “friend of ships”

• Pronunciation: “kel-vn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #910

• Namesakes: American mixed martial artist Kelvin Gastelum 

• Also after American guitarist Kelvin Holly

• Variants: Kelvyn, Kellven, and Kelven

 

Kenneth

• Origin: Scottish and Irish boy name

• Meaning: “Handsome” or “born of fire”

• Pronunciation: “keh-neth”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #264

• Namesakes: American drummer and percussionist Kenneth Blevins

• Also a name after American country singer Kenneth Arnold Chesney 

• Variations: Kenith, Kennith, and Kennet

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With L

Leopold

• Origin: German name for boys

• Meaning: “Brave people” or “the bold man”

• Pronunciation: “lee-uh-powld”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American violinist and chemist Leopold Godowsky Jr.

• Also after American sculptor Leopold Scholz

• Variants: Leopoldo

 

Lorencio

• Origin: Old Spanish boy name

• Meaning: “From Laurentum (ancient Italian city)” 

• Pronunciation: “loh-ren-syo”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: None 

• Variants: Form of “Laurence” or “Lawrence”

 

Lloyd

• Origin: Welsh and English boy name

• Meaning: “Gray,” “gray-haired,” or “sacred”

• Pronunciation: “loyd”

• Length: 5 letters, 1 syllable

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American Nobel Prize-winning economist and mathematician Lloyd Shapley

• Other namesakes include American R&B artist Lloyd (born Lloyd Polite Jr.)

• Variants: Lloyed, Llwyed, Luyd, and Lhuyd

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With M

Maël

• Origin: French and Breton – Celtic boy name

• Meaning: “Chieftain” or “prince” 

• Pronunciation: “mah-el”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Fifth-century Breton saint Maël

• Also a last name after American musician brothers (both “Sparks” band members) Russell and Ron Mael

• Variants: Maell

 

Malachi

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Messenger of God”

• Pronunciation: “ma-luh-kai”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #162

• Namesakes: Biblical name after a prophet in the Old Testament

• Modern namesakes include American jazz trumpet player Malachi Thompson 

• Also after American jazz bassist Malachi Favors

• Variants: Malachai, Malakhi, Malakai, and Malachy

 

Maurice

• Origin: Roman, Latin, Old English, and French name

• Meaning: Also a black boy name that means “Moorish,” “dark-skinned,” or “one from Mauritania (a country in Africa)”

• Pronunciation: “maw-rees”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #1,000+

• Namesakes: French Impressionist music composer and pianist Maurice Ravel

• Other namesakes include American sprinter Maurice Greene

• Also a Disney name after Maurice, Belle’s father in the Disney princess movie “Beauty and the Beast”

• Variants: Mauricio (Spanish), Morris, and Maurits (Dutch)

 

Maxwell

• Origin: Scandinavian, Old English, and Scottish boy name

• Meaning: “Great,” “Mack’s stream,” or “great stream”

• Pronunciation: “mak-swel”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #173

• Namesakes: American R&B and neo-soul singer Maxwell (born Gerald Maxwell Rivera)

• Also after American professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman

• Variants: Mackswell, Maxwel, and Mackwell

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With N

Nathaniel

• Origin: Ancient Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “God has given” or “gift of God”

• Pronunciation: “nuh-than-yel”

• Length: 9 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #139

• Namesakes: American Olympic fencer Nathaniel Lubell

• Also after American tennis player Nathaniel Lammons

• Variants: “Nathan,” “Nate,” and “Nathanael”

 

Nestor

• Origin: Greek and Spanish boy name

• Meaning: “Homecomer,” “returner,” or “traveler”

• Pronunciation: “neh-str”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Cuban-American professional baseball player Nestor Cortés Jr.

• Other namesakes include American actor Nestor Carbonell

• Also a prince name after the fictional Prince Nestor in the “World of Quest” animated TV series 

• Variants: Nesstor, Neztor, and Nestorr

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With O

Omar

• Origin: Hebrew and Arabic boy name

• Meaning: “Speaker,” “life,” “flourishing,” “long-lived,” or “one who has a long life”

• Pronunciation: “oh-mar”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #241

• Namesakes: American fashion and costume designer Omar Kiam

• Also after Academy Award-nominated Egyptian actor Omar Sharif

• Variants: Umar and Omaar

 

Orson

• Origin: Norman and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Bear” or “bear cub”

• Pronunciation: “or-sn”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American film, television, and stage actor Orson Bean

• Also a name after American science fiction author Orson Scott Card

• Variants: Orsen, Orsson, and Orsino

 

Otto

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “Fortune” or “wealth” 

• Pronunciation: “ah-tow”

• Length: 4 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #309

• Namesakes: Czech chemist (the inventor of modern soft contact lenses) Otto Wichterle

• Other namesakes include American cartoonist Otto Soglow

• Variants: Ottoh and Odo

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With P

Pascal

• Origin: French and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Relating to Easter,” “Easter child,” or “of the Passover”

• Pronunciation: “pah-skal”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Romanian Jewish-American book editor and publisher Pascal Covici

• Other namesakes include French singer-songwriter Pascal Obispo

• Variants: Pascual, Paskal, Paschal, and Pasqual

 

Percival

• Origin: Old English and French boy name

• Meaning: Warrior name that means “pierce the vale” or “pierces the valley”

• Pronunciation: “pur-suh-vl”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American astronomer Percival Lowell

• Also a magical name after the fictional character Percival Graves in the “Harry Potter” spin-off series “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” 

• Also a mythical name as one of the legendary King Arthur’s knights of the round table

• Variants: Parsifal, Perceval, and Parzival

• Nicknames can include “Percy”

 

Phineas

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “The bronze-colored one,” “the Nubian (from the ancient region of Nubia, located along the Nile River),” “serpent’s mouth,” or “oracle”

• Pronunciation: “fee-nee-uhs”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American clockmaker and inventor Phineas Davis

• Also a mystical name after Phineas Nigellus Black (the great-great-grandfather of Sirius Black) in the “Harry Potter” series

• Variants: Phinees, Fineas, and Pinhas

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With Q

Quentin

• Origin: Latin and French boy name

• Meaning: “The fifth”

• Pronunciation: “kwen-tin”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #654

• Namesakes: British TV presenter and motoring journalist Quentin Willson

• Also after American philosopher Quentin Smith

• Variants: Quinton and Quinntin

 

Quincy

• Origin: French and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “From the orchard of the quince trees” or “estate of the fifth son”

• Pronunciation: “kwin-zee”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #665

• Namesakes: Swedish-American music and film producer Quincy Jones III

• Also after American-born Taiwanese basketball player Quincy Davis

• Variants: Quince, Quincey, and Quinncy

 

Quinton

• Origin: Old English and Old French boy name

• Meaning: “Queen’s settlement”

• Pronunciation: “kwin-tuhn”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #757

• Namesakes: American NFL football player Quinton Kyle Coples 

• Other namesakes include American mixed martial artist Quinton Ramone Jackson

• Variants: Quenton and Kwinton

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With R

Roman

• Origin: Spanish and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Citizen of Rome” or “strong and powerful”

• Pronunciation: “row-man”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #68

• Namesakes: American professional wrestler Roman Reigns (born Leati Joseph Anoaʻi)

• Also a name after American composer Roman Yakub

• Variants: Romanus (Latin), Romanos (Greek), Romain (French), and Romein (Dutch)

 

Romuald

• Origin: French boy name

• Meaning: Powerful boy name that means “famous ruler” or “glorious reign”

• Pronunciation: “ruh-moh-ald”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Saint Romuald (an 11th-century Italian saint)

• Modern namesakes include French football player Romuald Boco

• Variants: Romwalt, Romwald, and Rumwalt

 

Rufus

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: Red-haired (a name that means “red”)

• Pronunciation: “roo-fuhs”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American Cajun fiddler Rufus Thibodeaux 

• Also a name after Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright

• Variants: Ruffus

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With S

Sancho

• Origin: Spanish and Latin boy name

• Meaning: Spiritual name that means “holy” and “saintly” 

• Pronunciation: “saan-chow”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Royal name after King Sancho Ramírez of Viguera (an ancient kingdom in Spain)

• Also a last name (e.g., Spanish composer and scholar Juan Bautista Sancho, also spelled as “Joan Batista Sanxo”)

• Variants: Sanchiolo, Sauncho, Sanzio, and Sancha

 

Sylvester

• Origin: Roman and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Of the forest or woods” or “wild”

• Pronunciation: “sil-vest-uhr”

• Length: 9 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American actor Sylvester Stallone and professional wrestler Sylvester Terkay

• Variants: Silvester

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With T

Thaddeus

• Origin: Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Courageous heart” or “gift of God”

• Pronunciation: “tha-dee-uhs”

• Length: 8 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #807

• Namesakes: American architect and amateur historian Thaddeus B. Hurd

• Other namesakes include American professional wrestler Thaddeus Bullard (ring name Titus O’Neil) 

• Variants: Taddeo, Taddeos, Tadeusz, and Thadeus

 

Tiberius

• Origin: Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Of the Tiber (a river in Rome)”

• Pronunciation: “tai-bee-ree-uhs”

• Length: 8 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Powerful boy name after Roman Emperor Tiberius Claudius Nero

• Also a royal name after several kings of Bosporus (a kingdom in ancient Greece), such as King Tiberius Julius Eupator and King Tiberius Julius Cotys I

• Variants: Tyberius

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With U

Ulrich

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “Prosperity and power” or “noble and regal ruler”

• Pronunciation: “uul-rik”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: German medieval writer, poet, and knight Ulrich von Liechtenstein (from the 1200s)

• Also a name after American record producer Ulrich Wild

• Variants: Ulrik and Oldrich (Slovak)

 

Umberto

• Origin: Italian boy name

• Meaning: “Bear cub,” “bright warrior,” or “renowned warrior”

• Pronunciation: “uhm-ber-toh”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Italian artist and sculptor Umberto Boccioni

• Other namesakes include Italian water polo player Umberto Panerai

• Variants: Humbert (French)

 

Uriah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “God is my light,” “flame of God” (name that means “fire”), or “my light is Yahweh”

• Pronunciation: “yur-ai-uh”

• Length: 5 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #696

• Namesakes: Biblical boy name after several people, including a prophet, a soldier, and several priests

• Modern namesakes include American bassist Uriah Duffy

• Also after Jamaican mixed martial arts fighter Uriah Hall 

• Variants: Urijah and Urriah

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With V

Vernon

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “From the alder tree,” “place of alders,” or “alder grove” (an earthy name)

• Pronunciation: “vur-nuhn”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American film, stage, and TV actor Vernon Weddle

• Also after American football quarterback Vernon Adams

• Variants: Verrnon and Vernard

 

Victor

• Origin: Roman, Old English, Greek, and Latin boy name

• Meaning: “Victor” or “conqueror” 

• Pronunciation: “vik-tohr”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #213

• Namesakes: Danish-born American comedian and musician Victor Borge

• Also after the fictional character Victor Newman in “The Young and the Restless” TV series

• Variants: Viktor, Vittorio (Italian), and Vitor

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With W

Werther

• Origin: German boy name

• Meaning: “Worthy warrior”

• Pronunciation: “wur-thr”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: The fictional main character in the novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther”

• Variants: Wertter

 

Wilbur

• Origin: Middle English boy name

• Meaning: “Wild boar,” brilliant,” or “resolute”

• Pronunciation: “wil-buir”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright (one of two brothers credited for inventing the first successful airplane)

• Variants: Willbur and Wilburr

 

Wilfred

• Origin: German and Old English boy name

• Meaning: “Desire peace”

• Pronunciation: “wil-frid”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: British explorer and travel writer Wilfred Thesiger

• Other namesakes include Nigerian football player Wilfred Ndidi

• Variants: Wilfrid and Wilfrith

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With X

Xavier

• Origin: Spanish, Old English, Arabic, Basque – Southwestern European, and French boy name

• Meaning: “The new house” or “one who is bright or splendid” 

• Pronunciation: “zay-vee-yer”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #100

• Namesakes: French freestyle skier Xavier Bertoni 

• Also after American NFL player Xavier Adibi

• Variants: Javier (Spanish name), Zavier, and Saverio

 

Xhemal

• Origin: Albanian and Arabic boy name

• Meaning: “Beauty”

• Pronunciation: “zeh-mahl”

• Length: 6 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Actors Xhemal Berisha and Xhemal Sefa

• Variants: Xhemali

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With Y

Yeshua

• Origin: Hebrew and Greek boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation” or “to save, rescue, and deliver”

• Pronunciation: “yeh-shoo-wah”

• Length: 6 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Another form of “Jesus” used in Hebrew biblical texts

• Variants: Also a form of Joshua and can be spelled as Yeshu

 

Yosef

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “He will add,” “Jehovah increases,” or “God will increase”

• Pronunciation: “yoh-sef”

• Length: 5 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American rabbi (Jewish religious leader) and author Yosef Reinman

• Also a name after Israeli archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel

• Variants: Form of Joseph

 

Classic Boy Names Starting With Z

Zachariah

• Origin: Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh remembers” or “the Lord recalled”

• Pronunciation: “zak-uh-ry-uh”

• Length: 9 letters, 4 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: #533

• Namesakes: Biblical name after one of the kings of Israel

• Modern namesakes include American publisher and orator Zachariah “Zach” Montgomery

• Also after baseball player Zachariah Davis “Zack” Wheat

• Variants: Form of Zechariah

 

Zebedee

• Origin: Ancient Greek and Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Yahweh has bestowed” or “gift of Jehovah”

• Pronunciation: “zeh-buh-dee”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical name after the father of Jesus’ two disciples, James and John

• Modern namesakes include English radio presenter Zebedee “Zeb” Soanes 

• Also after English painter Zebedee Jones

• Variants: Form of “Zebadiah”

 

Zebulon

• Origin: Ancient Hebrew boy name

• Meaning: “Gift,” “to dwell,” or “dwelling of honor”

• Pronunciation: “zeh-byuh-laan”

• Length: 7 letters, 3 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Biblical name after one of Jacob’s 12 sons

• Western boy name after the fictional character Zebulon “Zeb” Macahan in “How The West Was Won”

• Also a place name after the town of Zebulon in North Carolina, USA

• Variants: Also spelled as “Zebulun”

 

More Classic Boy Names To Consider

Freddie

• Origin: English boy name

• Meaning: “Peaceful ruler” or “power”

• Pronunciation: “fred-eeh”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: American actor Freddie Prinze Jr. 

• Also after British singer-songwriter Freddie Mercury

• Variants: Freddy and Freddi

 

Gervase

• Origin: English, Germanic, and Celtic boy name

• Meaning: “Servant spear” or “with honor”

• Pronunciation: “jur-vayz”

• Length: 7 letters, 2 syllables

• Popularity/Rank: 1,000+

• Namesakes: Literary character Gervase Piercey in character in Mrs. Margaret Oliphant’s “The Cuckoo in the Nest” historical novel

• Variants: Gervais

 

Other Popular Baby Name Lists

• Rare baby names for girls
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• Baby names for 2023

 

You can also find ideas from the top 15 baby name generators.

 

 

 

References 

(1) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/