120+ Cute Boy Names: Trending, Unique, & Meaningful Choices

Here are the popular baby boy names that topped the rankings in 2020, according to the SSA’s (Social Security Administration) most recent data. (Note: SSA is yet to release data for 2021.) (1)

Alexander

Meaning: People’s defender

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: AL-IG-ZAN-DUR

Variations: Alec, Alejandro, Alessandro, Alex, Alexis, Alexzander, Xander, Zander

Description: Alexander was the top 10 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 10,151 recorded male births. (2)

Benjamin

Meaning: Favored son, right hand’s son

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: BEN-JUH-MEN

Description: Benjamin was the top 7 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 12,136 recorded male births. (2)

Elijah

Meaning: Jehovah is God

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: EE-LIE-JUH, EH-LEE-YAH

Variations: Eli, Elias, Elia
Description: Elijah was the top 4 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 13,034 recorded male births. (2)

Henry

Meaning: Home ruler

Origin: French, German

Pronunciation: HEN-REE

Variations: Henri

Description: Henry was the top 9 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 10,705 recorded male births. (2)

James

Meaning: One who replaces someone or something

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: JAYMS

Variations: Jameson, Jamison

Description: James was the top 6 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 12,250 recorded male births. (2)

Liam

Meaning: Protector, warrior

Origin: Irish

Pronunciation: LEE-UHM

Variations: William
Description: Liam topped the trendy baby boy name list in 2020 with 19,659 recorded male births. Its variation, William, was the top 5 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 12,541 recorded male births. (2)

Lucas

Meaning: Light giver, illuminating

Origin: English, Greek, Latin

Pronunciation: LOO-KUS

Variations: Luke, Lucius, Lucca, Luca

Description: Lucas was the top 8 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 11,281 recorded male births. (2)

Mason

Meaning: Stone worker

Origin: Old French

Pronunciation: MAY-SUHN

Variations: Masson, Maison

Description: Mason was the top 11 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 10,029 recorded male births. (2)

Noah

Meaning: Comfort, rest

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: NOH-AH

Description: Noah was the top 2 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 18,252 recorded male births. (2)

Oliver

Meaning: Descendants, olive, olive tree

Origin: French, Latin, Old Norse

Pronunciation: AA-LI-VER

Variations: Olivier, Ollie

Description: Oliver was the top 3 most popular baby boy name in 2020, with 14,147 recorded male births. (2)

What’s A Cute Name For A Boy?

Aaro

Meaning: Enlightened, high mountain

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: AA-RO

Variations: Aaron

Abram

Meaning: Father of nations

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: AYB-RAHM

Variations: Abraham

Ace

Meaning: Number one, the best

Origin: English

Pronunciation: AYS

Adam

Meaning: Son of the red Earth, to be red

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: AY-DUHM

Variations: Adan

Adrian

Meaning: Adria’s son

Origin: Greek, Latin

Pronunciation: AY-DREE-UHN

Variations: Adreeyan

Aiden

Meaning: Small fire

Origin: Irish

Pronunciation: AY-DEN

Variations: Aidan, Ayden, Aydan

Alfred

Meaning: Elf’s counsel

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: AL-FRED

Variations: Alfredo

Alistair

Meaning: Protector, warrior

Origin: Scottish

Pronunciation: AL-IS-TAYR

Variations: Alexander

Archie

Meaning: Archer, bold

Origin: German

Pronunciation: AR-CHEE

Variations: Archibald, Archer

Arlo

Meaning: Rock hill, stone hill

Origin: English

Pronunciation: AHR-LOH

Variations: Harlow

Axel

Meaning: Divine reward, father of peace

Origin: Hebrew, Old German

Pronunciation: AHK-SEL

Ben

Meaning: Son, right-hand man’s son

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: BEN

Variations: Benedict, Benito, Bennett

Bevan

Meaning: Evan’s son

Origin: Welsh

Pronunciation: BEV-UHN

Variations: Beavan, Bevin

Bodie

Meaning: Home, shelter, news bringer

Origin: Scandinavian, Old French

Pronunciation: BOW-DEE

Variations: Boden

Brent

Meaning: One from a steep hill, one from a high place

Origin: Celtic, Old English

Pronunciation: BRENT

Caleb

Meaning: Wholehearted

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: KAY-LEB

Variations: Kaleb, Kalib

Carlos

Meaning: Freeman

Origin: Spanish

Pronunciation: KHAR-LOS

Variations: Charles

Caspian

Meaning: White, sea

Origin: English

Pronunciation: KAS-PEE-UHN

Chance

Meaning: Good fortune, one who takes risks

Origin: English

Pronunciation: CHANS

Cody

Meaning: Helpful, cushion

Origin: English, Gaelic, Irish

Pronunciation: KO-DEE

Variations:Kody, Codey

Cosmo

Meaning: Beauty, decency, order

Origin: English, German

Pronunciation: KAAS-MOW

Variations: Cosimo

Davian

Meaning: Beloved

Origin: American, Welsh

Pronunciation: DAYV-YEN

Variations: Davin, Davyn

Dean

Meaning: Religious, valley

Origin: Arabic, English

Pronunciation: DEEN

Variations: Deane, Dino

Delwin

Meaning: Bright friend, good friend, proud friend

Origin: Irish

Pronunciation: DEL-WIN

Variations: Delvin

Donatello

Meaning: To give, to donate

Origin: Italian, Latin

Pronunciation: DOH-NA-TEL-LOH

Variations: Donatella

Dorian

Meaning: Ancient Greek tribe, gift

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: DOR-EE-YUN

Variations: Dorothy, Dora

Easton

Meaning: East town, East-facing place

Origin: English

Pronunciation: EES-TUHN

Ezra

Meaning: Aid, help, protect

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: EHZ-RUH

Variations: Ezri

Finley

Meaning: Blond or fair warrior

Origin: Gaelic, Scottish

Pronunciation: FIN-LEE

Variations: Finn, Finnley

Ford

Meaning: River crossing, river crossing dweller

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: FORD

Gavin

Meaning: White hawk

Origin: Finnish, Welsh

Pronunciation: GAY-VIN

Variations: Gawain

Gray

Meaning: Gray-haired

Origin: English, Scottish

Pronunciation: GRAY

Variations: Grey, Grayson, Greyson, Greysen

Harry

Meaning: Home ruler

Origin: English, German

Pronunciation: HAE-REE

Variations: Henry

Hudson

Meaning: Hugh’s son, Hud’s son

Origin: English

Pronunciation: HUHD-SUN

Hugh

Meaning: Mind, spirit

Origin: English

Pronunciation: HYOO

Variations: Hugo, Hugues

Isaac

Meaning: God will laugh

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: IE-ZAEK

Variations: Issac, Isaak, and Isaack

Jacob

Meaning: May God protect, seizing by the heel

Origin: Greek, Hebrew, Latin

Pronunciation: JAY-KOB, YA-KUHB

Variations: Jacoby

Jasper

Meaning: Treasure bringer

Origin: Latin, Persian

Pronunciation: JAS-PUR

Variations: Gaspar

Jayden

Meaning: Thankful one

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: JAY-DEN

Variations: Jaden, Jadon, Jaydon

Jett

Meaning: Black, stone

Origin: English

Pronunciation: JET

Variations: Jet

Jonah

Meaning: Dove

Origin: Arabic, English

Pronunciation: JO-NUH

Variations: Jonas

Jude

Meaning: Generosity, praise

Origin: Arabic, English

Pronunciation: JOOD

Variations: Judah

Julian

Meaning: Youthful

Origin: Greek, Latin

Pronunciation: JUL-YEN

Variations: Julien, Julianne, Julia, Julio

Kai

Meaning: Ocean, sea, rejoice

Origin: Finnish, Hawaiian

Pronunciation: KIE

Kairo

Meaning: Victorious one

Origin: Arabic

Pronunciation: KIE-RO

Variations: Cairo

Keanu

Meaning: Breeze

Origin: Hawaiian

Pronunciation: KEE-AH-NU

Keith

Meaning: Forest, wood

Origin: Celtic, Scottish

Pronunciation: KEETH

Description: Originally a Scottish last name

Kendrick

Meaning: Greatest champion

Origin: Welsh

Pronunciation: KEN-DRIK

Variations: MacKendrick

Description: Originally a last name derived from Machendrie

Kenji

Meaning: Wise second child

Origin: Japanese

Pronunciation: KEN-JEE

Variations: Ken, Kenichi

Kenzo

Meaning: Wise one

Origin: Japanese

Pronunciation: KEN-ZOH

Variations: Ken, Kenichi

Kevin

Meaning: Handsome

Origin: Irish

Pronunciation: KEH-VIN

Variations: Kevan

Kobe

Meaning: God’s door, God may protect

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: KOH-BEE

Variations: Coby, Koby

Kyle

Meaning: Narrow, strait

Origin: Irish, Scottish

Pronunciation: KYL

Variations: Kile, Kylie

Lawrence

Meaning: Bright one, shining one

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: LOR-UHNS

Variations: Laurence

Leo

Meaning: Lion

Origin: Latin, Spanish

Pronunciation: LEE-OH

Variations: Leon, Leonard, Leonardo, Leonel, Lionel

Levi

Meaning: Joined, united

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: LEE-VIE

Lloyd

Meaning: Gray-haired

Origin: Welsh

Pronunciation: LOYD

Variations: Loyd

Logan

Meaning: Hollow

Origin: Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, Celtic

Pronunciation: LOH-GUHN

Description: Logan is a popular gender-neutral name. It was the top 16 baby boy and the top 317 baby girl names in 2020. (2)

Lorenzo

Meaning: Laurel crown

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: LOH-REN-ZOH

Variations: Lorenz, Lawrence, Laurence

Makai

Meaning: Good looking, good health

Origin: Hawaiian

Pronunciation: MAH-KAH-I

Variations: Michael

Malachi

Meaning: Angel, a messenger of God

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: MAH-LAH-KAI

Variations: Malakai

Marcellus

Meaning: Young warrior

Origin: French, Latin

Pronunciation: MAR-SEL-UHS

Variations: Marcelles, Marcelli

Maverick

Meaning: Independent

Origin: English

Pronunciation: MAV-UH-RIK

Variations: Maverik

Mccoy

Meaning: Fire

Origin: Irish

Pronunciation: MAK-KOY

Variations: Mac, Mc

Merrell

Meaning: Shining sea

Origin: English

Pronunciation: MEH-RAHL

Variations: Merril, Meryl, Muriel, Meriel

Miles

Meaning: Merciful, soldier, God’s servant

Origin: English, German, Irish

Pronunciation: MIE-LZ

Variations: Myles, Milan, Milos, Milo

Milo

Meaning: Beloved, dear

Origin: Greek, Latin, Slavic

Pronunciation: MIE-LOH

Variations: Milos

Mirza

Meaning: Prince

Origin: Arabic

Pronunciation: MIR-ZAH

Musa

Meaning: Moses (Arabic, Hebrew), warrior (Korean)

Origin: Arabic, Hebrew, Korean

Pronunciation: MOO-SAH

Variations: Mosa, Moosa, Mousa, Moussa

Nash

Meaning: By the ash tree

Origin: English

Pronunciation: NASH

Description: Originally an English last name that has become a trendy first name.

Neo

Meaning: New, gift

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: NEE-OH

Nolan

Meaning: Famous, noble, a champion’s descendant

Origin: Gaelic, Irish

Pronunciation: NOH-LUHN

Description: Originally a traditional Irish last name.

Omar

Meaning: Flourishing, long-lived

Origin: Arabic

Pronunciation: OH-MAR

Oscar

Meaning: Deer lover

Origin: English, Irish

Pronunciation: AAS-KAHR

Otto

Meaning: Prosperous, wealthy

Origin: German

Pronunciation: AAD-OH

Variations: Audo, Odo, Udo

Patrick

Meaning: Nobleman, patrician

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: PAT-RIK

Variations: Patricia

Philip

Meaning: Horse lover

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: FEE-LIP

Variations: Phillip, Phillipe

Rafael

Meaning: God has healed

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: RAH-FA-EL

Variations: Raphael

Raiden

Meaning: Thunder and lightning

Origin: Japanese

Pronunciation: RIE-DEN

Description: Rai means lightning in Japanese.

Reginald

Meaning: Advice, counsel

Origin: German, Latin

Pronunciation: REJ-UH-NUHLD

Variations: Reinald, Reynaud

Ridge

Meaning: Ridge or mountain range

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: RIJ

Rohan

Meaning: Ascending, spiritual

Origin: Arabic, Sanskrit

Pronunciation: ROH-UHN

Variations: Roan, Rowan

Description: Rohan is a unique-sounding name that can be used as a first name and a last name.

Roman

Meaning: Strong, powerful

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: ROH-MUHN

Sebastian

Meaning: Highly respected, admired

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: SEH-BAS-CHAAN

Description: Sebastianus used to refer to people hailing from Sebaste, which is now the city of Sivas in Turkey.

Silas

Meaning: Forest, wood

Origin: Greek, Latin

Pronunciation: SIE-LUHS

Description: Silas is a popular boy name derived from the Roman god Sylvanus.

Titan

Meaning: Defender, giant gods in Greek mythology

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: TIE-TUHN

Tobias

Meaning: God is good

Origin: Greek, Hebrew

Pronunciation: TOH-BY-UHS

Variations: Tobiah

Travis

Meaning: To traverse or cross over

Origin: French

Pronunciation: TRA-VUHRS

Description: Travis was originally a French last name given to bridge or crossing toll collectors.

Uriel

Meaning: Angel of light, a flame of God

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: YU-REE-UHL

Valentino

Meaning: Strength, health

Origin: Spanish

Pronunciation:

Variations: Valentin, Valentina, Valentine

Description: Valentino is an Italian last name.

Vincenzo

Meaning: To win

Origin: Italian, Latin

Pronunciation: VIN-CHEN-ZOH

Variations: Vincent, Vince, Vin

Waylon

Meaning: Sideroad land

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: WAY-LUHN

Variations: Wayland

Wyatt

Meaning: Brave

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: WHY-UHT

Variations: Wiot

Yosef

Meaning: Fame, praise

Origin: Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish

Pronunciation: YOH-SEF

Variations: Yossef, Yoseph, Yousef, Yusuf

Description: Yosef is the Hebrew form of Joseph.

Zackary

Meaning: God remembers

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: ZAK-UH-REE

Variations: Zachariah, Zacharias, Zakariya, Zack, Zacky

What Is A Unique / Rarest Name For A Boy?

Here are some unique baby boy names:

Akia

Meaning: First-born child

Origin: African

Pronunciation: AH-KEE-YA

Description: Akia is also a unisex name.

Myron

Meaning: Derived from myrrh, an aromatic shrub

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: MY-RON

Variations: Myrrhon, Miron

Nasir

Meaning: A victor’s supporter

Origin: Arabic

Pronunciation: NAA-SIHR

Variations: Nasira, Nasser, Naseer

Nalo

Meaning: Beloved, lovable

Origin: African

Pronunciation: NAH-LOH

Description: Nalo is also a gender-neutral name.

Nehemiah

Meaning: Comforted by God

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: NEE-UH-MIE-UH

Description: One of the lesser-known biblical names.

Onyx

Meaning: Black gemstone

Origin: English

Pronunciation: OH-NIKS

Variations: Onix, Enix

What Name Means Miracle?

These are the perfect names for your little miraculous blessing:

Asher

Meaning: Blessed, blessing, happy

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: ASH-UHR

The following names mean “Gift of God.”

Ayaan

Origin: Arabic, Indian

Pronunciation: AH-YAAN

Variations: Ahyan

Jesse

Origin: English, Dutch

Pronunciation: JESS-SEE

Variations: Jess, Jessie

Matthew

Origin: English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Pronunciation: MATH-YOO

Variations: Mateo, Matteo, Mattis

Nathanael

Origin: Hebrew

Pronunciation: NUH-THAN-EE-UHL

Variations: Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Nathan

Sean

Origin: Hebrew, Irish

Pronunciation: SHON

Description: Sean is the Irish form of John.

Theodore

Origin: Greek, Latin

Pronunciation: THEE-OH-DOR

Variations: Theo, Theodora, Dorothea, Dorothy

Zael

Origin: Hebrew, Spanish

Pronunciation: ZAH-EL

Middle Name Ideas For Baby Boy

Did you know that giving your little one a middle namecan give him or her a leg up in life?

According to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, middle name initials are often associated with intellectual capacities and achievements. (3)

Pax

Meaning: Peaceful

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: PAKS

Peter

Meaning: Rock, stone

Origin: Greek

Pronunciation: PEE-TUR

Variations: Pater, Pete

Preston

Meaning: Priests’ town

Origin: Old English

Pronunciation: PRES-TON

Quentin

Meaning: Fifth, number five

Origin: French, Latin

Pronunciation: KWEN-TUHN

Variations: Quintin, Quinton, Quinten

Quincy

Meaning: The fifth son’s estate, quince trees orchard

Origin: French, Latin

Pronunciation: KWIN-ZEE

Remi

Meaning: Oarsman

Origin: French

Pronunciation: REM-EE

Variations: Remy

Shared Names: Patronym Vs. Matronym

Shared names are common worldwide. Children named after their father or grandfather–generally, after men in the family is called a patronym.

This family naming trend is commonly followed by US families with high regard for honor, reputation, and cultural values observed by a University of Oklahoma researcher. (4)

On the other hand, matronym or naming after the mother or grandmother is rare. (4)

Gender-Neutral Names

Unisex names are gaining popularity as more new parents choose names that are neither pink nor blue. Here are a few unique and meaningful gender-neutral names for your new baby.

Beau

Meaning: Good looking

Origin: French

Pronunciation: Bo

Caden

Meaning: Companion, friend

Origin: Arabic, French

Pronunciation: KAY-DUHN

Kylo

Meaning: Sky

Origin: American

Pronunciation: KIE-LOH

Noe

Meaning: Peace, rest

Origin: American, French

Pronunciation: NO-EH

Variations: Noah

Rayan

Meaning: Heaven’s flower, luxuriant, abundant

Origin: Arabic

Pronunciation: RIE-AHN

Variations: Rayyan

Other Cute Little Boy Monikers To Consider

Atticus
Cooper
Emerson
Enzo
Graham
Sawyer
Wesley
Wren
Zane (also a one-syllable nickname)

More Baby Name Ideas

REFERENCES

(1) https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/popularnames.cgi

(2) https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi

(3) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ejsp.2026

(4) https://phys.org/news/2013-11-babies-fathers-mothers-cultural-ideologies.html

Top 10 Trending Boy Names