Baby Boy Names

Naming your son is a big moment, and a little intimidating. It’s a name he’ll use on his first day of school, on a résumé, and everywhere in between. You don’t have to rush it. Browse our collection of 793 baby boy names, each with its origin and meaning, and see what feels right. Search by name, origin, or meaning, or jump to any letter of the alphabet. Try typing something like “strong” or “gift” and see which names come up.

How to Use the Name List

Scroll through from A to Z, or tap a letter to jump to that section. If you already have an idea in mind, the search box is the quickest way in. It checks the name, the origin, and the meaning at the same time. That means you can look for Celtic names, names that mean “peace,” or anything that starts with the letters you type. Some entries show a name along with a variation or short form, so you can compare them easily.

Where These Names Come From

The collection leans classic, with plenty of old world names. The largest group is Old English, with 132 names. Teutonic (Germanic) names come next at 125, followed by Hebrew at 84 and Latin at 83. You’ll also find Anglo Saxon, Celtic, Greek, French, Gaelic, Scottish, and Scandinavian names.

Many of these names started out as descriptions. Old English and Teutonic names often tie to strength, leadership, or a trade, like William, meaning determined guardian, and Henry, meaning ruler of the house. Hebrew names tend to carry a spiritual meaning, like Noah, meaning peace, and Elijah, meaning Jehovah is God. Latin and Greek names often reflect light or devotion, like Lucas, meaning luminous, and Theodore, meaning gift of God. Celtic names add a few memorable ones, like Rory, meaning red king.

A Quick Note on Meanings

Name meanings come from ancient languages, and different sources don’t always agree. Some names have more than one possible origin, and others have changed a lot over the centuries. Think of the meanings here as a fun place to start, and a nice story to tell your son when he’s older. A name that honors a grandfather or a family tradition carries more weight than any list can. A few entries are marked “Unknown,” where the roots aren’t clear.

Tips for Choosing the Right Name

Say it out loud with your last name, then write it out. Notice how the initials look together, and whether the sound of the first name clashes with the last. Think about nicknames, because kids and friends will find one whether you plan for it or not. If you love William, you’re also choosing Will, Billy, and maybe Liam. Make sure you’re happy with all of them.

Consider how the name will age. A name that’s cute on a toddler should still work for a teenager, a job applicant, and a grandfather. It’s also worth thinking about siblings. Some families choose names that go together, and others prefer each child’s name to stand on its own. If you want something extra special, a family surname makes a great middle name.

Take it for a test drive. Use the name in conversation for a few days and see how it feels. Ask your partner to try it too. If you both still love it after a week, you’re probably onto something.

Checking Today’s Popularity

Whether you want a name that’s popular or one that’s a little rarer, it helps to see what’s trending. The Social Security Administration releases a yearly ranking. Its 2025 list kept Liam at number one for boys for the seventh year in a row, followed by Noah, Oliver, Theodore, and Henry. Classics like Noah, Oliver, Theodore, and Henry are in our collection, so you can look up their origins and meanings. If you’d like something less common, browse the less familiar letters and see what catches your eye.

More Help for New and Expecting Parents

If you’re still weighing options, take a look at our baby girl names page too, since some names work well for any child. When you’re ready to start planning, our due date calculator can estimate when your little guy is on the way. You can also browse our BabiesDirect section for pregnancy and newborn advice.