Fertility
120 Cute Boy Names: Trending, Unique, & Meaningful Baby Boy Names
Top 10 Trending Boy Names
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 / Most Rare 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 name can 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
More Baby Name Ideas
Anime girl names & Anime boy names
Black boy names & Black girl names
Chinese girl names & Chinese boy names
French girl names & French boy names
German girl names & German boy names
Greek boy names & Greek girl names
Greek baby names & Ancient Greek names
Greek gods and goddesses-inspired names
Irish girl names & Irish boy names
Italian girl names & Italian boy names
Japanese girl names & Japanese boy names
Korean boy names & Korean girl names
Russian boy names & Russian girl names
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