Top 1,000 Boy Names With Meanings and Origin

Every year, the SSA compiles their list of the top baby names for boys and girls using data from U.S. The most recent data available is for 2023, which the list above references. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you choose the perfect name for your son. And believe it or not, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a great place to start.

But both Nameberry and BabyCenter also see that parents don’t care if a name is traditionally a boys’ name, a unisex name or girl’s name. Just when you thought Star Wars couldn’t drive any more baby names, along comes Cassian — as in Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna. (It’s also a big one for the A Court of Thorns and Roses fans.) And doesn’t Kyren seem like it could be a shortening of Kylo Ren? Kylo is already No. 405 on the SSA list, a good match for Rey at No. 794. And, just in time for the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace, Anakin is No. 543 on the list.

Understanding these declines can help parents avoid choosing a name that might feel outdated or overly common. By being aware of the shifting trends, parents can select names that feel fresh and in tune with current preferences, ensuring their child’s name stands out in a sea of traditional choices. Most non-celebrity people may not get away with naming their son after Superman and opt for a more “normal” baby boy name.

For more personalized guidance and exclusive insights, consider exploring more of Family Education to stay updated with the latest trends and tips. Understanding the trends over the years can provide context and inspiration. For instance, in the early 2000s, names like Jacob and Michael were at their peak. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape shifted significantly with Liam and Noah frequently topping the charts.

The summer blockbuster film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, was also influential, with 215 more baby girls named Margot than in 2022, meaning the name ranked 44th out of the 100 most popular baby girl names. If you want to check on the popularity of a name before you decide, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is the first stop. It keeps a list of the top 1,000 baby boy names every year. It also tracks data about names that are rising and falling in rank, so you can see how the use of a name has changed over time. From there, we can also see trends, which are confirmed through lists made by baby-naming sites that know which names its users are looking up and settling on more and more often. Choosing a good name for your baby boy can be trickier than you think.

Selecting the perfect name for your little prince is a journey of love and anticipation, and these English names will help you make the right decision. We’ve got all the cool and unusual names for your baby boy you’ve ever heard of and thousands you haven’t. We love to show you our favorite names, like the starter names below.

English baby boy names offer a treasure trove of possibilities, blending history, culture, and diverse influences. Each name carries a unique story, from fierce Viking legacies to elegant French roots. Whether you prefer timeless classics or adventurous options, there’s something for every parent’s taste. English names have a universal appeal, making them beloved choices worldwide.

Check the Social Security Administration for the official rankings, and consult parents in your neighborhood to learn which names are common in your social circle. Are you looking for gender neutral names that won’t reveal your child’s sex? Or would you prefer a name that’s clearly masculine for your little boy? This choice may play into your feelings about gender identity, or be closely tied to style — gender neutral baby names are often very contemporary. The choices listed here are among the Top 1000 most popular boy names on Nameberry but are not among the Top 1000 boy names in the United States. Here, browse the list of the top baby boy names for inspiration (or to see if your little one’s name made the list!).

If you’re looking for original or unusual boy names — ones that will set your kid apart from the Erics and Bens in his class and keep things interesting, we’ve got you covered. This list of 1,000-plus unique boy names just might include the name you’ve been searching for. There are lots of wonderful traditional baby boy names — we all know and love Jakes, Johns, and Williams. But there are thousands of uncommon baby names worth exploring too, unique baby boy names that illuminate how special a sure-to-be-prodigious offspring will be.