Top 25 Most Popular Boy Names
Last Updated on 06/02/2024 by Nell Marie
Whether you want to avoid using popular boy names, are just curious about what’s popular, or are looking for a trending name for your baby, this list will serve you well!
In today’s article, we will discuss the top 25 most popular boy names in the States according to the Social Security Administration.
As a bonus, you’ll also discover 25 uncommon boy names.
I named my oldest a common name, my middle a less common name, and my youngest has a quite uncommon name. It runs the gambit and they’ve all settled into their names.
So whether you choose rare, unique, uncommon, popular, or trendy, the choice is yours and your child will likely settle right into their names quite well.
So, let’s get to it!
| More Names |
| Baby names that need a comeback |
| Trending names for 2024 |
| Classic boy names |
| Popular baby names in 1980 |
| Names that mean love |
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25 Most Popular Boy Names
Popular names are often well-accepted in society, making it easier for the child to fit in and be recognized.
Names that are familiar are less likely to be mispronounced or misspelled, reducing potential frustrations for both the child and others.
Having said that, unique and uncommon are wonderful options as well.
Below are the top 25 most popular names as of 2023 (the latest year SSA has a record).
Top 25 Boy Names
Liam: Origin – Irish; Meaning – “Strong-willed warrior” or “protector”
Noah: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Rest” or “comfort”
Oliver: Origin – Latin; Meaning – “Olive tree”
James: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Supplanter” or “one who follows”
Elijah: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Yahweh is my God”
Mateo: Origin – Spanish/Italian; Meaning – “Gift of God”
Theodore: Origin – Greek; Meaning – “Gift of God”
Henry: Origin – German; Meaning – “Ruler of the household”
Lucas: Origin – Latin; Meaning – “Light-giving” or “illumination”
William: Origin – Germanic; Meaning – “Resolute protector” or “strong-willed warrior”
Benjamin: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Son of the right hand” or “son of the south”
Levi: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Joined” or “attached”
Sebastian: Origin – Greek; Meaning – “Venerable” or “revered”
Jack: Origin – English; Meaning – Originally a diminutive of John, meaning “God is gracious”
Ezra: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Help” or “helper”
Michael: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Who is like God?”
Daniel: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “God is my judge”
Leo: Origin – Latin; Meaning – “Lion”
Owen: Origin – Welsh; Meaning – “Young warrior” or “well-born”
Samuel: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Heard by God” or “name of God”
Hudson: Origin – English; Meaning – “Son of Hugh”
Alexander: Origin – Greek; Meaning – “Defender of the people”
Asher: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Happy” or “blessed”
Luca: Origin – Italian; Meaning – “Light” or “bringer of light”
Ethan: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Strong” or “firm”
25 Uncommon Boy Names
The names below are the last 25 out of the 1,000 most popular baby names that the SSA has a record of, which leads them to be the most uncommon, least used, out of the list.
Alfonso: Origin – Spanish/Italian; Meaning – “Noble and ready”
Henrik: Origin – Scandinavian; Meaning – “Ruler of the household”
Jeremias: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Yahweh will exalt” (variant of Jeremiah)
Kole: Origin – Slavic; Meaning – “Victory of the people” (variant of Nicholas)
Mael: Origin – Breton; Meaning – “Chief” or “prince”
True: Origin – English; Meaning – “Genuine” or “real”
Veer: Origin – Hindi; Meaning – “Brave” or “warrior”
Jadiel: Origin – Hebrew/Spanish; Meaning – “God has heard”
Karsyn: Origin – American; Meaning – “Son of Carr” (variant of Carson)
Mekhi: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Who is like God?” (variant of Michael)
Atharv: Origin – Sanskrit; Meaning – “Name of a Vedic text” or “knowledge”
Darren: Origin – Irish; Meaning – “Great” or “oak tree”
Eliezer: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “My God is help”
Gordon: Origin – Scottish; Meaning – “Large fortification” or “spacious fort”
Mikael: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Who is like God?” (variant of Michael)
Stone: Origin – English; Meaning – “Dweller by the stone” or “rock”
Wren: Origin – English; Meaning – “Small bird”
Ephraim: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Fruitful” or “productive”
Osman: Origin – Arabic; Meaning – “Young serpent” or “divinely protected”
Ulises: Origin – Latin/Spanish; Meaning – “Wrathful” (variant of Ulysses)
Kody: Origin – English; Meaning – “Helpful” or “pillow” (variant of Cody)
Thatcher: Origin – English; Meaning – “Roof thatcher”
Abner: Origin – Hebrew; Meaning – “Father of light”
Cullen: Origin – Irish; Meaning – “Hollyn” or “chaste” or “good-looking lad”
Damari: Origin – American; Meaning – “Boy” or “gentle” (possibly a modern invention)
Hollis: Origin – English; Meaning – “Dweller at the holly trees”
Baby Naming Tips
Choosing a first name for a baby is a significant decision that can be both exciting and challenging. Here are five tips to help you make the best choice:
Consider the Meaning and Origin: The meaning and origin of a name can carry personal or cultural significance. Choose a name with a positive meaning that resonates with you or your family’s heritage.
Think About Pronunciation and Spelling: Select a name that is easy to pronounce and spell. Complicated names can lead to a lifetime of correcting others. Ensure that the name flows well with the last name.
Check for Popularity and Trends: While a popular name can be a safe choice, you might want to avoid names that are overly trendy and could become dated. Consider how common the name is and whether you prefer a unique or more common name.
Consider Nicknames and Initials: Think about potential nicknames and the initials of the full name. Make sure the initials don’t spell out anything undesirable and that you’re comfortable with possible shortened versions of the name.
Say It Out Loud: Repeatedly say the full name out loud to see how it sounds. Consider how it will be used in different contexts (e.g., in a classroom, at work) and ensure it has a pleasant sound and rhythm.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a name that your child will appreciate and that will serve them well throughout their life.
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Final Thoughts About Popular Names
Choosing a popular name for your baby can be a really great idea.
These names are usually well-known and accepted, which means your child will likely have fewer issues with people mispronouncing or misspelling their name.
Popular names also tend to have positive vibes and stay trendy over time, so they won’t feel outdated as your child grows up.
Plus, these names often come with good role models and fit well into cultural or family traditions.
Just make sure you like how it sounds, check its meaning, and think about any potential nicknames.
This way, you’ll pick a name that your kid will appreciate and carry proudly throughout their life.
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