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134 English names

English boy names

English names for boys, from timeless classics like James and William to modern favourites like Theo and Leo, each with its meaning and origin. Unisex names are included.

Names

  1. AaronBoyAIR-un · HebrewMeans “possibly high mountain or exalted”In the Bible, Aaron is the older brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. The real meaning is uncertain, and some scholars think the name may come from Egyptian. English speakers began using it after the Protestant Reformation, and it is still common today.
  2. AdamBoyAD-um · HebrewMeans “man”In the Bible, Adam is the first man, made by God from the earth. The Hebrew word is probably connected to adamah, “earth” or “ground”. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages and is short and easy to say in many languages.
  3. AdrianBoyAY-dree-un · LatinMeans “from Hadria”Adrian comes from the Roman name Hadrianus, meaning a person from Hadria, a town in northern Italy. The Roman emperor Hadrian, who built Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, had this name. The only English pope, Adrian IV, also chose it in the 12th century.
  4. AlbertBoyAL-bert · GermanicMeans “noble and bright”Albert is a Germanic name that came to England with the Normans, but it was rare for centuries. It became very popular in Britain after Queen Victoria married the German Prince Albert in 1840. King George VI was also called Albert by his family.
  5. AlexUnisexAL-iks · GreekMeans “defender of men”Alex is a short form of Alexander for boys and Alexandra for girls, both from Greek words for “defend” and “man”. It is now often given as a full name on its own. Because it works for both genders, it is one of the best-known unisex names in English.
  6. AlexanderBoyal-ig-ZAN-der · GreekMeans “defender of men”Alexander comes from Greek words meaning “to defend” and “man”. It was made famous by Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon who built a huge empire. It has been used across Europe for centuries, including by several kings of Scotland.
  7. AlfieBoyAL-fee · Old EnglishMeans “elf counsel”Alfie is a short, friendly form of Alfred, an Old English name made of words for “elf” and “advice”. Alfred the Great was a famous Anglo-Saxon king of the 9th century. Alfie is now often given as a full name and has been one of the most popular boys’ names in England in recent years.
  8. AndrewBoyAN-droo · GreekMeans “manly”Andrew comes from the Greek name Andreas, based on the word for “man”. Saint Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, and he is the patron saint of Scotland. The name has been common in Britain for many centuries.
  9. AnthonyBoyAN-thuh-nee · LatinMeans “from the Roman family name Antonius”Anthony comes from Antonius, the name of a Roman family; its original meaning is unknown. The “h” in the English spelling was added later because people wrongly linked it to the Greek word anthos, “flower”. Saint Anthony of Padua helped make the name popular in Catholic countries.
  10. ArchieBoyAR-chee · GermanicMeans “genuine and bold”Archie began as a short form of Archibald, a Germanic name that became especially common in Scotland. Today Archie is usually given as a name on its own. It has been one of the most popular boys’ names in England and Wales in recent years.
  11. ArthurBoyAR-ther · WelshMeans “possibly bear”Arthur is best known from the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Its origin is uncertain: it may come from the old Celtic word artos, “bear”, or from the Roman family name Artorius. It is an old royal name in Britain and has become very popular again in England.
  12. AsherBoyASH-er · HebrewMeans “happy, blessed”In the Bible, Asher is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and one of the tribes of Israel is named after him. His mother Leah gave him the name because she felt happy at his birth. It has become very popular in the US in recent years.
  13. AshtonUnisexASH-tuhn · Old EnglishMeans “ash tree town”Ashton was first an English surname, taken from the many places called Ashton, meaning a settlement near ash trees. It became a first name in the 20th century. It is mostly given to boys, and only sometimes to girls.
  14. AveryUnisexAY-vuh-ree · Old EnglishMeans “elf counsel”Avery comes from an English surname that grew out of a Norman French form of the Old English name Alfred, which joins words for “elf” and “advice”. It was used mainly for boys at first. Today in the US it is given to girls much more often than to boys.
  15. BaileyUnisexBAY-lee · EnglishMeans “bailiff”Bailey is an English surname for a bailiff, an officer who looked after land or the law; it can also come from the “bailey”, the outer wall of a castle. As a first name it is more common for boys in the UK but given to girls more often in the US.
  16. BenjaminBoyBEN-juh-min · HebrewMeans “son of the right hand”In the Bible, Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The “right hand” in the meaning may also mean “the south”, so the name is sometimes explained as “son of the south”. It has been used in English since the Reformation and is still very popular today.
  17. BlakeUnisexBLAYK · Old EnglishMeans “dark; or pale, shining”Blake comes from an English surname with two possible sources: the Old English word for “black, dark” or a similar word for “pale, shining”. Nobody can be sure which one applies, so the name has two opposite meanings. It is mostly a boy’s name, but it is also used for girls.
  18. BrianBoyBRY-un · IrishMeans “possibly high, noble”Brian is an old Irish name; its meaning is not certain, but it may come from an old Celtic word for “high” or “noble”. It was made famous by Brian Boru, a High King of Ireland who died in 1014. It became very common in English-speaking countries in the 20th century.
  19. CalebBoyKAY-lub · HebrewMeans “possibly dog, or whole-hearted”In the Bible, Caleb is one of the men Moses sent to explore the land of Canaan, and he stays loyal to God. The meaning is debated: it is often linked to the Hebrew word for “dog”, a symbol of loyalty, but some explain it as “whole-hearted”. Puritans took the name to America, and it is popular in the US today.
  20. CalvinBoyKAL-vin · LatinMeans “bald”Calvin comes from the French surname Cauvin, based on the Latin word calvus, “bald”. It was first used as a first name in honour of John Calvin, the 16th-century Protestant leader. It is most common in the US.
  21. CameronUnisexKAM-er-uhn · ScottishMeans “crooked nose”Cameron is the name of a famous Scottish clan, from the Gaelic words for “crooked” and “nose”. It became a first name in the 20th century. It is mainly given to boys, but girls get it too, sometimes spelled Camryn.
  22. CarterBoyKAR-ter · EnglishMeans “cart driver”Carter began as an English surname for a person who drove a cart to carry goods. Like many surnames, it later came into use as a first name. It has become popular in the US in the 21st century.
  23. CaseyUnisexKAY-see · IrishMeans “watchful, vigilant”Casey comes from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, based on a word meaning “alert” or “on guard”. It became a first name in the US and spread from there. It is used for boys and girls in roughly similar numbers.
  24. CharlesBoyCHARLZ · GermanicMeans “free man”Charles comes from the Germanic word karl, meaning a free man. Charlemagne (Charles the Great) made it famous in Europe, and the Normans brought it to Britain. Britain has had three kings called Charles, including King Charles III.
  25. CharlieUnisexCHAR-lee · GermanicMeans “free man”Charlie is a short form of Charles for boys and Charlotte for girls, both from a Germanic word for a man who was not a slave. It is now very often given as a full name. In the UK it is a favourite for boys, while in the US it is used for both genders.
  26. ChrisUnisexKRIS · GreekMeans “bearing Christ; follower of Christ”Chris is a short form of Christopher for boys and Christine or Christina for girls. These names come from Greek words connected with Christ and the Christian faith. As a name on its own it is usually male, but many women use it as a nickname.
  27. ChristopherBoyKRIS-tuh-fer · GreekMeans “bearing Christ”Christopher comes from Greek words meaning “Christ” and “to carry”. In a famous legend, Saint Christopher carried the child Jesus across a river, and he became the patron saint of travellers. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages.
  28. DanielBoyDAN-yul · HebrewMeans “God is my judge”In the Bible, Daniel is a prophet who survives a night in a den of lions. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages and became very common after the Reformation. It is still widely used around the world.
  29. DavidBoyDAY-vid · HebrewMeans “beloved”In the Bible, David is the young shepherd who defeats the giant Goliath and later becomes king of Israel. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales, and two kings of Scotland had the name. It has been one of the most common names in the English-speaking world for centuries.
  30. DominicBoyDOM-in-ik · LatinMeans “of the Lord”Dominic comes from the Latin name Dominicus, from dominus, “lord”. It was often given to boys born on a Sunday, the Lord’s day. Saint Dominic founded the Dominican order of monks in the 13th century, and the name is especially common among Catholics.
  31. DrewUnisexDROO · GreekMeans “manly, brave”Drew began as a short form of Andrew, from a Greek word for “man” and “brave”. It is also an English surname, and that is how many girls got it. It is mostly a boy’s name, though the actress Drew Barrymore made it familiar for girls.
  32. DylanBoyDIL-un · WelshMeans “great tide”Dylan is a character in Welsh legend, a sea god who appears in the Mabinogion. The name probably comes from Welsh words meaning “great” and “tide”, so it is often linked to the sea. The poet Dylan Thomas made it known outside Wales, and Bob Dylan later took it as his stage name.
  33. EdwardBoyED-werd · Old EnglishMeans “rich guardian”Edward is an Anglo-Saxon name made of the Old English words for “wealth” and “guard”. It was the name of the English king Edward the Confessor, and it survived the Norman Conquest because people respected him. England and Britain have had eight kings called Edward.
  34. EdwinBoyED-win · Old EnglishMeans “rich friend”Edwin is an Anglo-Saxon name made of the Old English words for “wealth” and “friend”. It was the name of a 7th-century king of Northumbria in northern England. After the Norman Conquest it became rare, but it came back into use in the 19th century.
  35. ElijahBoyih-LY-juh · HebrewMeans “my God is Yahweh”In the Bible, Elijah is a great prophet who is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. English Puritans used the name after the Reformation. In the 2020s it has been one of the most popular boys’ names in the US.
  36. ElliotUnisexEL-ee-uht · HebrewMeans “my God is Yahweh”Elliot comes from an English surname that grew from a medieval pet form of Elias, the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah. It is mainly given to boys. Girls are sometimes named Elliot too, especially in the US.
  37. EmersonUnisexEM-er-suhn · GermanicMeans “son of Emery”Emerson is an English surname meaning “son of Emery”, and Emery comes from an old Germanic name. It became better known through the American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. Today it is used for both genders, and in the US slightly more often for girls.
  38. EricBoyERR-ik · NorseMeans “ever ruler”Eric comes from the Old Norse name Eiríkr. The second part means “ruler”, and the first part probably means “ever” or “alone”. Erik the Red was a famous Viking explorer, and the name became common in English in the 19th century.
  39. EthanBoyEE-thun · HebrewMeans “firm, enduring”In the Bible, Ethan the Ezrahite is a wise man mentioned in the books of Kings and Psalms. The name was rare for a long time but became very popular in the US and UK from the late 20th century. It is still a common choice today.
  40. EzraBoyEZ-ruh · HebrewMeans “help”In the Bible, Ezra is a priest and teacher who leads the Jewish people back to Jerusalem from Babylon. A book of the Bible carries his name. It was used by Puritans and has become popular again in recent years.
  41. FelixBoyFEE-liks · LatinMeans “lucky, happy”Felix was a Roman name taken from the Latin word felix. It was borne by several early saints and popes, which kept it in use across Europe. Today it is popular in the UK and in German-speaking countries.
  42. FinleyUnisexFIN-lee · ScottishMeans “fair warrior”Finley comes from the Scottish Gaelic name Fionnlagh, made from words for “white, fair” and “warrior”. It is a popular boy’s name in the UK. In the US it is used for both genders and in recent years more often for girls.
  43. FinnBoyFIN · IrishMeans “fair, white”Finn comes from the Irish name Fionn, made famous by the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) in Irish legend. A similar name, Finnr, also existed in Old Norse. It has become a popular boys’ name in the UK and Ireland.
  44. FrankieUnisexFRANK-ee · LatinMeans “Frenchman”Frankie is a pet form of Francis for boys and Frances for girls. Both come from the Latin Franciscus, which referred to the Franks, the people who gave France its name. It is now often given as a full name to both boys and girls.
  45. FrederickBoyFRED-rik · GermanicMeans “peaceful ruler”Frederick is a Germanic name made of words for “peace” and “ruler”. It was common among German kings, such as Frederick the Great of Prussia. It became more used in Britain after the German Hanoverian kings arrived, and several British princes were called Frederick.
  46. GabrielBoyGAY-bree-ul · HebrewMeans “God is my strength”In the Bible, Gabriel is the archangel who tells Mary that she will have a son, Jesus. The name is used in Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions. It has become very popular in many countries, including the US, in recent years.
  47. GeorgeBoyJORJ · GreekMeans “farmer”George comes from the Greek word georgos, a person who works the earth. Saint George, who killed a dragon in legend, is the patron saint of England. Britain has had six kings called George, and Prince George keeps it a favourite royal name.
  48. HarleyUnisexHAR-lee · Old EnglishMeans “hare clearing”Harley comes from an English surname based on a place name, probably from Old English words for “hare” and “wood, clearing”. Many people also link it with the motorbike brand. It is more common for boys in the UK, while in the US it is given to both genders.
  49. HaroldBoyHARR-uld · Old EnglishMeans “army ruler”Harold comes from Old English words for “army” and “power”; the Old Norse name Haraldr has the same parts. King Harold II was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, and he died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name was rare for centuries but came back in the 19th century.
  50. HarryBoyHARR-ee · GermanicMeans “home ruler”Harry was the usual medieval English form of Henry, and it is also used as a short form of Harold. King Henry V was known as “Prince Hal” or “Harry”, and today Prince Harry carries the name. Harry Potter helped make it one of the best-known names in the world.
  51. HaydenUnisexHAY-duhn · Old EnglishMeans “hay valley”Hayden is an English surname from place names, usually explained as “hay valley” in Old English. It became a first name in the late 20th century. It is mostly given to boys, but it is also used for girls.
  52. HenryBoyHEN-ree · GermanicMeans “home ruler”Henry comes from a Germanic name made of words for “home” and “ruler”. The Normans brought it to England, and eight English kings were called Henry, including Henry VIII. It has become one of the most popular boys’ names in England and the US again.
  53. HudsonBoyHUD-sun · EnglishMeans “son of Hudde”Hudson began as an English surname meaning “son of Hudde”, a medieval pet form of Hugh or Richard. The explorer Henry Hudson gave his name to the Hudson River and Hudson Bay. It has become a popular first name in the US in the 21st century.
  54. HugoBoyHYOO-goh · GermanicMeans “mind, heart”Hugo is the Latin form of Hugh, from a Germanic word for “mind” or “spirit”. It is used in many European languages, including Spanish, French and German. It has become popular in the UK in recent years.
  55. HunterBoyHUN-ter · EnglishMeans “hunter”Hunter began as an English and Scottish surname for a person who hunted animals. Like many surnames, it came into use as a first name, especially in the US. It became common there from the late 20th century.
  56. IsaacBoyEYE-zuk · HebrewMeans “he will laugh”In the Bible, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah laughed when she heard she would have a child in her old age, which explains the name. It became common in English after the Reformation and is popular again today.
  57. JackBoyJAK · HebrewMeans “God is gracious”Jack began in the Middle Ages as a pet form of John, through the old form Jankin. It appears in many English stories and sayings, such as “Jack and the Beanstalk”. For many years it was the most popular boys’ name in England, and it is still a top choice.
  58. JacksonBoyJAK-sun · EnglishMeans “son of Jack”Jackson began as an English surname meaning “son of Jack”. It came into use as a first name in the US, partly in honour of President Andrew Jackson. It has been popular there in the 21st century.
  59. JacobBoyJAY-kub · HebrewMeans “holder of the heel”In the Bible, Jacob is born holding the heel of his twin brother Esau, and the name is linked to the Hebrew word for “heel”. It can also be understood as “one who takes another’s place”. The name James comes from the same source.
  60. JamesBoyJAYMZ · HebrewMeans “holder of the heel”James comes from Iacomus, a late Latin form of Jacob. Two apostles of Jesus were called James, and the King James Bible is named after King James I. It has been one of the most common boys’ names in the English-speaking world for centuries.
  61. JamieUnisexJAY-mee · HebrewMeans “supplanter”Jamie started as a Scottish pet form of James, which goes back to the Hebrew name Jacob. It is still used for boys, especially in the UK. Since the 20th century it has also been a common girl’s name.
  62. JasperBoyJAS-per · PersianMeans “possibly treasurer”Jasper is the English form of Gaspar, a name given by tradition to one of the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus. It probably comes from a Persian word for “treasurer”, although this is not certain. It is also the name of a red or brown gemstone.
  63. JesseUnisexJES-ee · HebrewMeans “gift”Jesse comes from the Hebrew name Yishai, which possibly means “gift”, though scholars are not certain. In the Bible he is the father of King David. Jesse is mostly a boy’s name, while girls more often use the spelling Jessie.
  64. JohnBoyJON · HebrewMeans “God is gracious”John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan. In the Bible it was borne by John the Baptist and by John the Apostle, so it spread across the Christian world. King John of England signed the Magna Carta in 1215, and for centuries it was the most common boys’ name in England.
  65. JonathanBoyJON-uh-thun · HebrewMeans “God has given”In the Bible, Jonathan is the son of King Saul and the close friend of David. Their friendship is one of the best-known in the Bible. The name became common in English after the Reformation.
  66. JordanUnisexJOR-duhn · HebrewMeans “flowing down”Jordan is the name of the river in the Middle East where, in the Bible, Jesus was baptised. The river’s Hebrew name comes from a word meaning “to go down”. It is more common for boys, but it is also a well-used girl’s name.
  67. JosephBoyJOH-zuf · HebrewMeans “he will add”In the Bible, Joseph is the son of Jacob who receives a coat of many colours, and also the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The name was given in hope that God would add more children to the family. It has been common in Europe since the Middle Ages.
  68. JoshuaBoyJOSH-oo-uh · HebrewMeans “Yahweh is salvation”In the Bible, Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. The name Jesus comes from the same Hebrew name. It became very popular in English-speaking countries from the late 20th century.
  69. JudeBoyJOOD · HebrewMeans “praised”Jude is a form of Judas, which comes from the Hebrew name Judah. Saint Jude was one of the apostles and is the patron saint of lost causes; the short form helped people avoid the name of Judas Iscariot. The Beatles song “Hey Jude” made it better known.
  70. JulesUnisexJOOLZ · LatinMeans “youthful, downy-bearded”Jules is the French form of the Roman name Julius, whose origin is uncertain; it may come from a Greek word for a young man’s first beard. In France it is a boy’s name. In English it is also used as a short form of Julia, Juliet or Julian, so it works for both genders.
  71. JulianBoyJOO-lee-un · LatinMeans “from the family of Julius”Julian comes from the Roman name Julianus, which was based on Julius. The meaning of Julius is uncertain; it is often explained as “youthful”, but this is not proven. Several saints had the name, and it has become popular in the US in recent years.
  72. JustinBoyJUS-tin · LatinMeans “just, fair”Justin comes from the Roman name Justinus, based on the Latin word iustus. Saint Justin Martyr was an early Christian writer, and the emperor Justinian had a related name. It became very common in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century.
  73. KellyUnisexKEL-ee · IrishMeans “bright-headed; or war, strife”Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, from an old name whose meaning is not certain. In Ireland it was first a boy’s name. Today it is used mainly for girls, especially in the US and UK.
  74. KendallUnisexKEN-duhl · EnglishMeans “valley of the river Kent”Kendall is an English surname taken from the town of Kendal in Cumbria, which lies in the valley of the river Kent. It was used for boys first. Today it is given more often to girls, especially in the US.
  75. KennethBoyKEN-ith · ScottishMeans “handsome, or born of fire”Kenneth is the English form of two Scottish Gaelic names: Coinneach, meaning “handsome”, and Cináed, which may mean “born of fire”. Kenneth MacAlpin is remembered as the first king of the Scots. The name spread beyond Scotland in the 20th century.
  76. KevinBoyKEV-in · IrishMeans “gentle birth”Kevin comes from the Irish name Caoimhín, made of words meaning “gentle” or “handsome” and “birth”. Saint Kevin founded a famous monastery at Glendalough in Ireland. The name became very popular around the world in the 20th century.
  77. KyleBoyKYL · ScottishMeans “narrow strait”Kyle comes from a Scottish Gaelic word for a narrow stretch of water between two pieces of land. It was first a place name in Ayrshire, Scotland, and then a surname. It became a common first name in the late 20th century.
  78. LeeUnisexLEE · Old EnglishMeans “clearing, meadow”Lee comes from an English surname based on the Old English word for an open space in a wood. It became popular as a first name in the 20th century. It is more common for boys, while girls often use the spelling Leigh.
  79. LeoBoyLEE-oh · LatinMeans “lion”Leo is the Latin word for “lion”. It was the name of many popes, including Pope Leo the Great. Short and easy to say in many languages, it has become one of the most popular boys’ names in England and the US in the 2020s.
  80. LeonardBoyLEN-erd · GermanicMeans “brave lion”Leonard comes from a Germanic name made of words for “lion” and “brave” or “hardy”. Saint Leonard was a popular saint in the Middle Ages, and the Normans brought the name to England. It was very common in the early 20th century.
  81. LeslieUnisexLEZ-lee · ScottishMeans “garden of holly”Leslie comes from a Scottish surname and place name; it probably means “garden of holly”, but the origin is not certain. In the UK it is mainly a man’s name, and women usually spell it Lesley. In the US the spelling Leslie is given far more often to girls.
  82. LeviBoyLEE-vy · HebrewMeans “joined, attached”In the Bible, Levi is one of the sons of Jacob, and his descendants, the Levites, served as priests. His mother Leah hoped the baby would bring her husband closer to her. The name has become popular in the US and UK in recent years.
  83. LiamBoyLEE-um · GermanicMeans “will helmet”Liam is the Irish short form of Uilliam, the Irish version of William. It spread from Ireland to other English-speaking countries in the late 20th century. It has been the most popular boys’ name in the US for several years in a row.
  84. LoganBoyLOH-gun · ScottishMeans “little hollow”Logan began as a Scottish surname taken from a place in Ayrshire. The place name comes from a Gaelic word for a small hollow in the land. It is popular as a first name in the US and Scotland.
  85. LouisBoyLOO-ee · GermanicMeans “famous in battle”Louis is the French form of a Frankish name made of words for “famous” and “battle”. Eighteen kings of France were called Louis, and the Normans brought the name to England. Today Prince Louis, the son of Prince William, carries it.
  86. LucasBoyLOO-kus · GreekMeans “from Lucania”Lucas is the Latin form of the Greek name Loukas, which meant a person from Lucania in southern Italy; people have also long linked it to the Latin word lux, “light”. Saint Luke, who wrote one of the Gospels, has this name. It is one of the most popular boys’ names in Europe and the US.
  87. LukeBoyLOOK · GreekMeans “from Lucania”Luke is the English form of the Greek name Loukas, meaning a person from Lucania in southern Italy; it is also often linked to the Latin word lux, “light”. Saint Luke wrote one of the four Gospels in the Bible. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages.
  88. MarkBoyMARK · LatinMeans “probably from Mars”Mark comes from the Roman name Marcus, which is probably connected to Mars, the Roman god of war. Saint Mark wrote one of the Gospels and is the patron saint of Venice. The name became very common in English in the 20th century.
  89. MasonBoyMAY-sun · EnglishMeans “stone worker”Mason began as an English surname for a person who built with stone, from an Old French word. Like many job surnames, it later became a first name. It has been one of the most popular boys’ names in the US in the 21st century.
  90. MatthewBoyMATH-yoo · HebrewMeans “gift of God”Matthew comes from the Hebrew name Mattityahu. Saint Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and is traditionally named as the writer of the first Gospel. The name has been used in England since the Normans and is still common today.
  91. MaxBoyMAKS · LatinMeans “greatest”Max is a short form of Maximilian, from the Latin word maximus, and is sometimes short for Maxwell or Maximus. It is now very often given as a name on its own. It is popular in many countries because it is short and works in many languages.
  92. MichaelBoyMY-kul · HebrewMeans “who is like God?”In the Bible, Michael is an archangel who leads the armies of heaven. The name spread across Europe in the Middle Ages through devotion to Saint Michael. In the US it was the most popular boys’ name for much of the second half of the 20th century.
  93. MilesBoyMYLZ · GermanicMeans “uncertain, possibly gracious”Miles comes from the old name Milo, which the Normans brought to England. Its meaning is not known for sure: it may come from a Slavic word for “gracious”, and people have also linked it to the Latin word miles, “soldier”. It is popular in the US today.
  94. MorganUnisexMOR-guhn · WelshMeans “sea circle”Morgan comes from the old Welsh name Morcant, probably from words for “sea” and “circle”, though the meaning is not certain. In Wales it has long been a boy’s name, but the witch Morgan le Fay in the King Arthur stories is female. Today it is used for both genders, and in the US mostly for girls.
  95. NathanBoyNAY-thun · HebrewMeans “he gave”In the Bible, Nathan is a prophet who bravely tells King David that he has done wrong. It is also used as a short form of Nathaniel. The name became common in English after the Reformation and is still widely used.
  96. NicholasBoyNIK-uh-lus · GreekMeans “victory of the people”Nicholas comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, made of words for “victory” and “people”. Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for giving gifts, is the origin of Santa Claus. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages.
  97. NoahBoyNOH-uh · HebrewMeans “rest, comfort”In the Bible, Noah builds an ark to save his family and the animals from a great flood. The name was used by Puritans but was not very common until recent decades. It has been one of the most popular boys’ names in England and the US in the 2020s.
  98. OliverBoyOL-iv-er · LatinMeans “olive tree”Oliver comes from the Old French name Olivier, usually linked to the Latin word for “olive tree”, although it may have Germanic or Norse roots. Oliver was a hero in old French legends of Charlemagne, and Charles Dickens later wrote Oliver Twist. It has been one of the most popular boys’ names in England and the US in the 2020s.
  99. OscarBoyOS-ker · IrishMeans “possibly deer lover”Oscar is a hero in Irish legend, and the name may come from Irish words for “deer” and “loving”, though it may also come from Old English. It became famous across Europe through the 18th-century Ossian poems, and a Swedish king took the name. It is popular in the UK today.
  100. OwenBoyOH-in · WelshMeans “possibly well born”Owen is the English form of the Welsh name Owain. It may come from the Latin name Eugenius, “well born”, or from a Welsh word for “lamb”. Owain Glyndŵr led a famous Welsh rebellion against the English in the 15th century.
  101. ParkerUnisexPAR-ker · EnglishMeans “park keeper”Parker is an English surname for a person who looked after a park, a large area of land where animals were kept for hunting. It is mostly given to boys in the US. A smaller number of girls are also named Parker.
  102. PatrickBoyPAT-rik · LatinMeans “nobleman”Patrick comes from the Latin word patricius, a member of the noble class in ancient Rome. Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century and is its patron saint. The name is especially common in Ireland and among Irish families abroad.
  103. PaulBoyPAWL · LatinMeans “small, humble”Paul comes from the Roman family name Paulus. In the Bible, Saint Paul spread Christianity and wrote many letters in the New Testament. The name has been used across Europe for many centuries.
  104. PeterBoyPEE-ter · GreekMeans “rock, stone”Peter comes from the Greek word petros. In the Bible, Jesus gave this name to the apostle Simon, as a translation of the Aramaic name Cephas. Saint Peter is seen as the first pope, and the name has been common in Europe since the Middle Ages.
  105. PeytonUnisexPAY-tuhn · Old EnglishMeans “Pæga’s town”Peyton comes from an English surname based on a place name meaning the settlement of a man called Pæga. It is used for both genders in the US. In recent years it has been given more often to girls than to boys.
  106. PhilipBoyFIL-ip · GreekMeans “lover of horses”Philip comes from Greek words for “friend, lover” and “horse”. It was the name of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, and of one of the apostles of Jesus. In Britain it is well known through Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
  107. PhoenixUnisexFEE-niks · GreekMeans “dark red”In Greek myth the phoenix is a bird that dies in fire and is born again from the ashes, so the name suggests new life. The Greek word also meant a deep red or purple colour. It is used for both boys and girls, and it is also the name of a city in Arizona.
  108. QuinnUnisexKWIN · IrishMeans “descendant of Conn”Quinn comes from the Irish surname Ó Cuinn, from the old name Conn, which may mean “chief” or “sense, reason”. In Ireland it is mainly a surname. As a first name in the US it is now given more often to girls, but boys get it too.
  109. RaymondBoyRAY-mund · GermanicMeans “wise protector”Raymond comes from a Germanic name made of words for “advice” and “protector”. The Normans brought it to England. It was very common in the first half of the 20th century.
  110. ReeseUnisexREES · WelshMeans “enthusiasm, ardour”Reese is an English spelling of the Welsh boy’s name Rhys, borne by several medieval Welsh princes. In the UK the Welsh spelling Rhys and the form Reece are used for boys. In the US, Reese is now mostly a girl’s name.
  111. RichardBoyRICH-erd · GermanicMeans “brave ruler”Richard comes from Germanic words for “power” and “brave, hardy”. The Normans brought it to England, and three English kings had the name, including Richard the Lionheart. It has been a common English name ever since.
  112. RileyUnisexRY-lee · IrishMeans “descendant of Raghallach”Riley usually comes from the Irish surname Reilly, from an old name whose meaning is unknown. It can also come from an English place name meaning “rye clearing”. It is popular for both genders, more for boys in the UK and more for girls in the US.
  113. RiverUnisexRIV-er · EnglishMeans “river”River is simply the English word for a large stream of water, used as a name since the late 20th century. It suggests calm, flowing nature. It is given to both genders, a little more often to boys.
  114. RobertBoyROB-ert · GermanicMeans “bright fame”Robert comes from Germanic words for “fame” and “bright”. The Normans brought it to England, and in Scotland it is linked to the hero king Robert the Bruce. It was one of the most common boys’ names in Britain and the US for centuries.
  115. RobinUnisexROB-in · GermanicMeans “bright fame”Robin began in the Middle Ages as a pet form of Robert, a Germanic name made from words for “fame” and “bright”, and it is also the name of a small red-breasted bird. It is the name of the outlaw hero Robin Hood. In the UK it is more often a man’s name, while in the US it is more common for women.
  116. RowanUnisexROH-uhn · IrishMeans “little red one”Rowan comes from the Irish name Ruadhán, from a word for “red”, and it is also the name of a tree with bright red berries. It is mostly a boy’s name. It is given to girls as well, often because of the tree.
  117. SageUnisexSAYJ · EnglishMeans “wise; the herb sage”Sage is an English word for a wise person and also for a herb used in cooking. Both words come from Latin, through French. It is used for both genders, and somewhat more often for girls.
  118. SamUnisexSAM · HebrewMeans “God has heard”Sam is a short form of Samuel for boys and Samantha for girls. Samuel is a Hebrew name, usually explained as “God has heard” or “name of God”, and Samantha was probably made from it in America. Sam is one of the most common unisex short names in English.
  119. SamuelBoySAM-yoo-ul · HebrewMeans “name of God, or God has heard”In the Bible, Samuel is a prophet who chooses the first kings of Israel, Saul and David. The exact meaning is discussed, but it is often explained as “name of God” or “God has heard”. It became common in English after the Reformation and is still popular.
  120. SebastianBoysuh-BAS-tee-un · GreekMeans “from Sebaste”Sebastian comes from the Latin form of a Greek name meaning a person from Sebaste, a town whose name came from sebastos, “honoured”. Saint Sebastian was an early Christian martyr. It has become popular in the UK and the US in recent years.
  121. SimonBoySY-mun · HebrewMeans “he has heard”Simon comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, and it was also influenced by a Greek name of similar sound. In the Bible, Simon is the first name of the apostle Peter, and another apostle was also called Simon. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages.
  122. SkylerUnisexSKY-ler · GermanicMeans “scholar”Skyler comes from the Dutch surname Schuyler, which means “scholar”, with a spelling changed to look like the English word “sky”. It was used for boys first. Today it is given to both genders, and the spelling Skylar is more common for girls.
  123. StephenBoySTEE-vun · GreekMeans “crown”Stephen comes from the Greek word stephanos, a crown or wreath. In the Bible, Saint Stephen is the first Christian martyr. King Stephen ruled England in the 12th century, and the name is also spelled Steven.
  124. SydneyUnisexSID-nee · Old EnglishMeans “wide island”Sydney comes from the English surname Sidney, usually explained as an Old English place name meaning “wide island”; an old idea that it comes from the French Saint-Denis is not supported. It was once mainly a boy’s name. Today the spelling Sydney is mostly given to girls, while Sidney stays more common for boys.
  125. TaylorUnisexTAY-ler · EnglishMeans “tailor”Taylor is an English surname for a person who made clothes, from an old French word meaning “to cut”. It became a first name in the 20th century. It was used for boys first, but in the US it is now mostly given to girls.
  126. TheodoreBoyTHEE-uh-dor · GreekMeans “gift of God”Theodore comes from the Greek name Theodoros, made of words for “god” and “gift”. The teddy bear was named after the US president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. It has become very popular in England and the US in recent years, often shortened to Theo.
  127. ThomasBoyTOM-us · AramaicMeans “twin”Thomas comes from the Aramaic word for “twin”. In the Bible, the apostle Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen until he saw him, which is why we say “doubting Thomas”. Saint Thomas Becket helped make it one of the most common names in medieval England.
  128. TimothyBoyTIM-uh-thee · GreekMeans “honouring God”Timothy comes from the Greek name Timotheos, made of words for “honour” and “god”. In the Bible, Timothy was a companion of Saint Paul, who wrote two letters to him. It came into English use after the Reformation.
  129. TristanBoyTRIS-tun · WelshMeans “uncertain, possibly tumult”Tristan is the hero of the medieval love story Tristan and Isolde, part of the King Arthur legends. The name probably comes from the old Celtic name Drustan, whose meaning is uncertain; in French it was later linked to triste, “sad”. It has been used more often as a first name since the 20th century.
  130. VictorBoyVIK-ter · LatinMeans “conqueror”Victor is a Latin word and was a Roman name. It was borne by several early saints and popes, which kept it in use in Christian Europe. The French writer Victor Hugo is one of its most famous bearers.
  131. VincentBoyVIN-sunt · LatinMeans “conquering”Vincent comes from the Roman name Vincentius, from the Latin verb vincere, “to conquer”. Saint Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century priest who helped the poor, made it popular among Catholics. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh is its best-known bearer.
  132. WilliamBoyWIL-yum · GermanicMeans “will helmet”William comes from Germanic words for “will, desire” and “helmet, protection”. It arrived with William the Conqueror and the Normans in 1066 and soon became one of the most common names in England. Four kings have had the name, and today Prince William carries it.
  133. WyattBoyWY-ut · Old EnglishMeans “brave in war”Wyatt began as an English surname that came from the medieval name Wyot, from the Old English Wigheard, made of words for “war” and “brave, hardy”. It is linked to the American Old West through the lawman Wyatt Earp. It has become popular in the US in recent years.
  134. ZacharyBoyZAK-uh-ree · HebrewMeans “God remembers”Zachary is the English form of Zechariah, a Hebrew name. In the Bible, Zechariah is a prophet, and Zacharias is the father of John the Baptist. It became common in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century.