1000 baby boy name ideas UK for 2023

Here's our list of 1000 baby boy names to inspire you...

Popular baby boy names

These baby boy names all appear in the list of the top 100 boy names registered in England and Wales in 2021 – the latest popular baby-name list for boys from the Office for National Statistics. (The list for 2022 is due to be released in the winter months of 2023.) Noah has knocked Oliver off the top spot, forcing it into second place for the first time in 8 years. There are still plenty of names that are regular fixtures in the top 100 list, such as George, Muhammad, Leo, Harry, Jack, William and Isaac. But there are some more unusual or less traditional options which have shot up the the top 100 chart – or even made their debut – including Roman, Kai, Brody, Otis, Blake, Oakley and Hudson.

1. Noah

Traditional baby boy names

These names are wonderful if you’re a fan of tradition and our list includes classic options which could be passed down from generation to generation. As the list of most popular boys' names (above) confirms, old-fashioned names continue to be favourites among new parents of baby boys, and it's a fair bet that some of the vintage names on this list will have been popular choices for newborn boys when your parents were born. Here are some timeless, traditional names to consider:

101. Alan

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: handsome or little rock
Also: Allan, Allen, Alun, Alain

102. Anthony

Origin: Latin
Meaning: ‘priceless one’
Also: Antony

103. Archibald

Origin: German
Meaning: genuinely bold

104. Arnold

Origin: German
Meaning: power of an eagle

105. Barry

Origin: Irish
Meaning: spear
Also: Barrie

106. Bernard

Origin: German
Meaning brave bear

107. Bobby

Origin: English
Meaning: bright fame

108. Brian

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: strong
Also: Bryan, Brien and Brion

109. Christopher

Origin: Greek
Meaning: bearing Christ; St Christopher is the patron saint of travellers
Also: Chris, Kris

110. Derek

Origin: German
Meaning: ruler of the people

111. Donald

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: mighty leader
Also: Don, Donnie, Donny

112. Douglas

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: black stream
Also: Doug

113. Peter

Origin: Greek
Meaning: stone, rock
Also: Pete

114. Mark

Origin: Latin
Meaning: warlike, of Mars

115. Duncan

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: brown

116. Ernest

Origin: German
Meaning: ‘earnestness’
Also: Ernie

117. Edgar

Origin: English
Meaning: spear of fortune

118. Edmund

Origin: English
Meaning: protection of happiness
Also: Edmond

119. Ferdinand

Origin: German
Meaning: bold journey

120. Francis

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Frenchman

121. Garnet

Origin: English
Meaning: pomegranate; the name of a red gemstone
Also: Garnett

122. Geoffrey

Origin: German
Meaning: peace
Also: Jeffrey, Geoff, Jeff

123. Gerald

Origin: German
Meaning: chief with a spear

124. Gerard

Origin: German
Meaning: courageous with a spear

125. Graham

Origin: English
Meaning: ‘gravelly homestead’
Also: Graeme and Grahame

126. Giles

Origin: Greek
Meaning: goatskin

127. Godfrey

Origin: German
Meaning: the peace of God

128. Gregory

Origin: Greek
Meaning: a watchman
Also: Gregor, Greg

129. Herbert

Origin: German
Meaning: gleaming army
Also: Herb, Herbie

130. Howard

Origin: German
Meaning: brave heart

131. Hugh

Origin: German
Meaning: heart or mind

132. Jeremy

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: may Jehovah raise up
Also: Jez, Jes, Jed

133. Jonathan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Jehovah has given
Also: Jonathon, Johnathan, Johnathon, John, Jon, Johnny, Johnnie, Jonny, Jonnie

134. Keith

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: wood

135. Laurence

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a man from Laurentium (a city of ancient Rome)
Also: Lawrence

136. Leonard

Origin: German
Meaning: bold as a lion
Also: Lennard, Lennie, Lenny, Len

137. Lewis

Origin: German
Meaning: brave warrior
Also: Lew

138. Martin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: warlike
Also: Martyn

139. Maurice

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a Moor
Also: Morris

140. Montague

Origin: French
Meaning: pointed hill

141. Mortimer

Origin: French
Meaning: dead sea
Also: Mort

142. Neil

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a champion
Also: Neal, Neale

143. Norman

Origin: English
Meaning: northman
Also: Norm, Normie

144. Paul

Origin: Latin
Meaning: small

145. Raymond

Origin: German
Meaning: strong protection
Also: Ray

146. Reginald

Origin: English
Meaning: power
Also: Reg, Reggie

147. Robert

Origin: German
Meaning: bright fame
Also: Bob, Rob, Robbie, Bobbie, Robby, Bobby

148. Rodney

Origin: English
Meaning: Hroda's island (an Old English place name)
Also: Rod

149. Roger

Origin: English
Meaning: famous spearman
Also: Rodger

150. Roland

Origin: German
Meaning: the famous land
Also: Rowland, Rolland

151. Russell

Origin: French
Meaning: red coloured
Also: Russ

152. Scott

Origin: English
Meaning: from Scotland

153. Seymour

Origin: English
Meaning: marshy land by the sea

154. Spencer

Origin: English
Meaning: steward
Also: Spenser

155. Terence

Origin: Latin
Meaning: smooth
Also: Terance, Terrance, Terrence, Terry

156. Vincent

Origin: Latin
Meaning: conquering
Also: Vince

157. Wilfred

Origin: English
Meaning: aspiring to peace
Also: Wilfrid, Wilf

Irish baby boy names

Baby boy names with an Irish origin are growing in popularity throughout the UK with Finley, Riley, Liam and Finn all making the ONS list of most-chosen baby boy names. And the recent runaway success of Irish drama Normal People is expected to inspire even more parents to turn to the Emerald Isle for inspiration in the future. Here are some Celtic boy names that should get you sucking baby-name-inspiration diesel, to paraphrase the wonderfully Irish Hastings in Line of Duty:

158. Aidan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: small fire
Also: Aiden, Edan

159. Brendan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: prince

160. Broderick

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: brother

161. Caley

Origin: Irish
Meaning: slender

162. Calhoun

Origin: Irish
Meaning: from the forest

163. Cary

Origin: Irish
Meaning: dark brown
Also: Carey

164. Casey

Origin: Irish
Meaning: vigilant in war

165. Cashel

Origin: Irish
Meaning: a stone fort

166. Cathal

Origin: Irish
Meaning: war leader

167. Cavan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: grassy hill

168. Cian

Origin: Irish
Meaning: ancient

169. Ciaran

Origin: Irish
Meaning: little and black
Also: Kieran, Kieron and Cieran

170. Colm

Origin: Irish
Meaning: a dove

172. Colman

Origin: Irish
Meaning: keeper of doves

173. Conan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: hound or wolf

174. Conn

Origin: Irish
Meaning: wisdom
Also: Con

175. Connall

Origin: Irish
Meaning: a brave man

176. Conor

Origin: Irish
Meaning: lover of dogs
Also: Connor

177. Colin

Origin: Irish
Meaning: young one

178. Corcoran

Origin: Irish
Meaning: red-faced

179. Corey

Origin: Irish
Meaning: ‘ravine’
Also: Cory

180. Cormac

Origin: Irish
Meaning charioteer
Also: Cormack and Cormick

181. Conroy

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: wise

182. Dacey

Origin: Irish
Meaning: southerner

183. Daley

Origin: Irish
Meaning: a meeting
Also: Daly

184. Darren

Origin: Irish
Meaning: small and great

185. Declan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: man of prayer; the name of an early Irish saint

186. Dermot

Origin: Irish
Meaning: free man
Also: Diarmaid and Diarmait

187. Derry

Origin: Irish
Meaning: oak wood

188. Desmond

Origin: Irish
Meaning: one from South Munster

189. Devlin

Origin: Irish
Meaning: brave

190. Donal

Origin: Irish
Meaning: mighty

191. Eamonn

Origin: Irish
Meaning: wealthy protector
Also: Eamon

192. Ennis

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: from the island

193. Eoghan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: born of the Yew tree

194. Eoin

Origin: Irish
Meaning: God is gracious

195. Farrell

Origin: Irish
Meaning: warrior

196. Fergal

Origin: Irish
Meaning: brave

197. Fergus

Origin: Irish
Meaning: strong man

198. Gallagher

Origin: Irish
Meaning: foreign helper

199. Galvin

Origin: Irish
Meaning: bright

200. Garret

Origin: Irish
Meaning: spear strength
Also: Garrett

201. Gillespie

Origin: Irish
Meaning:‘son of the bishop’s servant

202. Keegan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: son of Egan

203. Keenan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: ancient

204. Kevin

Origin: Irish
Meaning: handsome

205. Kian

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: ancient

206. Malone

Origin: Irish
Meaning: devotee of St John

207. Niall

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: champion

208. Patrick

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a nobleman
Also: Padraig

209. Ronan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: little seal

210. Seamus

Origin: Irish
Meaning: supplanter; Irish form of James
Also: Seamas

211. Sean

Origin: Irish
Meaning: god is gracious; Irish form of John
Also: Shaun, Shawn and Shane

212. Strachan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: minstrel

213. Tyrone

Origin: Irish
Meaning: land of the yew tree

Strong baby boy names

These baby boy names ooze strength and intensity. They're not everyone's cup of tea – there's no subtlety in meaning here – but many parents do really like the idea of choosing a boy name that signals a powerful presence and someone who's likely to make an impact on the world. Brace yourselves for the fierce impact of this strong boy name selection:

214. Absko

Origin: Kenyan
Meaning: power and strength

215. Archer

Origin: English
Meaning: bowman

216. Armstrong

Origin: English
Meaning: strong fighter

217. Arsenio

Origin: Spanish
Meaning: masculine

218. Baron

Origin: English
Meaning: noble man

219. Ayele

Origin: Ethiopian
Meaning: powerful

Top tips for choosing your baby boy name

Your baby boys's name is with him for life so that can mean narrowing your choice down to just one can feel like a daunting process. To make it feel a little easier, follow these top name-picking tips:

Think about names that mean a lot to your family. You may want to consider naming your child after a much-loved relative or there might be a significant name which has been passed down your or your partner's family for generations.
Consider options from other countries. If you or your partner have a strong link with another country, choosing a baby boy name from that part of the world is a great way of honouring that connection. You may also want to look at names from places you've loved to visit on holiday.
Look at name meanings. Thinking about the meaning of the names you like can help you work out whether it is the one for you. Take a moment to consider the type of meaning you want your child's name to have. Do you want a strong, powerful, masculine name or something with a positive or heartwarming message? Perhaps you have an affinity for nature or you want a name which reflects your religious beliefs?
Troubleshoot your choices. Once you've drawn up a shortlist of names you like, take them for a test-drive to see whether they will work in reality. How does the name sound with your surname? What will the initials be? Do other people find it easy to pronounce or will your child have a lifetime of correcting others? Do other people find it simple to spell and, if not, does it matter to you that you and your child will probably have to keep correcting other's mistakes? What nicknames might people call your child? How can it be shortened?
Check how popular the names you like are. It’s a good idea to check out where your favourite baby boy names come in the top 100 list before you commit to one. And if it's high up on the list, ask yourself if you mind the prospect of your child sharing a name with a couple of future classmates or whether you'd prefer your boy's name to be as different as possible.

220. Bruce

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: from the brushwood

221. Burl

Origin: English
Meaning: bearer of the cup

222. Caesar

Origin: Latin
Meaning: emperor, ruler

223. Canute

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: a knot; the name of an early English King

224. Eric

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: eternal ruler

225. Griffin

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: strong lord

226. Hercules

Origin: Greek
Meaning: ‘Hera’s glory; the name of a superstrong ancient Greek hero

227. Hyam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: a man full of life

228. Idris

Origin: Welsh/Arabic
Meaning: ardent lord or prophet

229. Imre

Origin: Hungarian
Meaning: strength

230. Kawan

Origin: Korean
Meaning: strong

231. Kenzo

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: strong and healthy

232. Lincoln

Origin: English
Meaning: lake colony; last name of Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States

233. Luther

Origin: German
Meaning: army of the people

234. Maxim

Origin: Latin
Meaning: greatest

235. Olaf

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: his ancestors or heir

236. Prabhu

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: powerful, mighty master

237. Qadir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: capable, powerful
Also: Kader, Kadir, Kadeer

238. Rayner

Origin: German
Meaning: mighty people

239. Reynard

Origin: German
Meaning: strong and brave

240. Rex

Origin: Latin
Meaning: king

241. Roald

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: famous leader

242. Siegfried

Origin: German
Meaning: peace from victory

243. Sterling

Origin: English
Meaning: high quality
Also: Stirling

244. Swithin

Origin: English
Meaning: strong

245. Takeshi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: strong, fierce, warrior

246. Thane

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: clan chieftain
Also: Thaine

247. Thor

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: thunder

248. Thurstan

Origin: Danish
Meaning: the stone of Thor

249. Tyson

Origin: French
Meaning: fire bird

Scottish baby boy names

While the National Records of Scotland's list of most popular baby boy names is similar in many respects to the ONS list of most popular baby boy names in England and Wales, it does contain, as you would expect, some great, traditionally Scottish Gaelic boy names that have been inspired by the nation’s landscape and history, and passed down from generation to generation. Here are some of our favourites:

250. Alastair

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: defender of men
Also: Alasdair, Alistair

251. Angus

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: one choice

252. Annan

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: water

253. Athol

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: New Ireland (the Scots tribe is thought, originally, to have emigrated from Ireland)

254. Bryce

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: speckled or freckled

256. Callum

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: a dove
Also: Calum

257. Cameron

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: crooked nose

258. Campbell

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: crooked mouth

259. Carmichael

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Michael’s fort

260. Carrick

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a rock

261. Clyde

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: after the Scottish River Clyde

262. Craig

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a crag

263. Dempsey

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: proud descendant

264. Errol

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: earl

265. Ewan

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: God is gracious
Also: Euan

266. Fingal

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: blond stranger

267. Fraser

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: strawberry
Also: Frazer

268. Gordon

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: great hill

269. Hamish

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: supplanter; the Gaelic form of James

270. Ian

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: God is gracious
Also: Iain

271. Irvine

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: green water

272. Kenneth

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: handsome

273. Kyle

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning:‘a narrow piece of land

274. Lachlan

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: from the land of lakes

275. Murdoch

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: protector of the sea
Also: Murdock, Murdo

276. Murray

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: sea settlement
Also: Moray

277. Ramsey

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: island of garlic
Also: Ramsay

278. Ronald

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: ruler’s counsellor

279. Ruairidh

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: red king
Also: Ruaridh, Ruairi, Ruaraidh, Rhuairidh, Ruairi

280. Sinclair

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: pure, bright

281. Taggart

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: son of the priest

282. Wallace

Origin: Scottish.
Meaning: foreigner
Also: Wallis

For more baby-boy name inspiration from north of the Border, check out our 230 Scottish boy name ideas

Cool baby boy names

Some baby boy names are steeped in tradition and culture; other just channel cool. Of course, what's cool and what's not on the boy-name front does vary as the years turn but, right now, the coolest boy names are often those that started out as last names and have now become properly hipster first names. Don your shades and check out our pick of the cool baby boy names:

283. Bailey

Origin: English
Meaning: bailiff

284. Baldwin

Origin: German
Meaning: bold friend

285. Brigham

Origin: English
Meaning: homestead by a bridge

286. Burton

Origin: English
Meaning: a fortified farmstead

287. Calvin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: bald

288. Conrad

Origin: German
Meaning: bold counsellor

289. Dalton

Origin: English
Meaning: a farm in the valley

290. Deacon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: servant, messenger

291. Emmett

Origin: German
Meaning: universal

292. Fletcher

Origin: English
Meaning: arrow maker

293. Hamilton

Origin: English
Meaning: flat-topped hill

294. Jefferson

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Jeffrey

295. Jenson

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: son of Jesus

296. Jett

Origin: Latin
Meaning: black stone

297. Lawson

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Lawrence

298. Lennox

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: elm grove

299. Maxwell

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: great stream

300. Mayer

Origin: German
Meaning: steward
Also: Meyer and Myer

301. Miller

Origin: English
Meaning: one who grinds grain

302. Radcliffe

Origin: English
Meaning: red cliff

303. Rafferty

Origin: Irish
Meaning: prosperity

304. Ransom

Origin: English
Meaning: shield’s son

305. Rider

Origin: English
Meaning: horseman

306. Ridley

Origin: English
Meaning: reed meadow

307. Rigby

Origin: English
Meaning: ridge farm

308. Ryan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: descendant of the king

309. Sacha

Origin: Russian
Meaning: protector

310. Snowdon

Origin: English
Meaning: snowy peak
Also: Snowden

311. Stig

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: wanderer

312. Teo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: gift of God
Also: T'eo

313. Tristan

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: bold or noise

314. Urban

Origin: Latin
Meaning: from a town

315. Warner

Origin: German
Meaning: army guard

316. Wilson

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Will

317. Woodrow

Origin: English
Meaning: row of houses by a wood

318. Xavier

Origin: Arabic/Basque
Meaning: new house

319. Xeven

Origin: Slavic
Meaning: lively

Welsh baby boy names

The poetic cadences of the Welsh language has produced some amazing boy names, often with a proud Celtic backstory featuring battles, castles, nobility and bravery. Cymerwch gip (take a look) at our boy baby-name list from the valleys and mountains of Wales:

320. Aneurin

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: noble, honourable

321. Bryn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: a hill

322. Cadell

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: battle spirit

323. Cadfael

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: battle metal

324. Cadoc

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: battle

325. Caradoc

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: beloved

326. Carey

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: dweller in a castle

327. Ceinwen

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: blessed or beautiful

328. Cynan

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: outstanding
Also: Cynin and Cynon

329. Dafydd

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: beloved

330. Dai

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: shining

331. Deinol

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: charming

332. Emlyn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: rival; possibly derived from a Welsh place name

333. Evan

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: God is gracious

334. Floyd

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: grey

335. Gareth

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: gentle

336. Geraint

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: old

337. Griffith

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: strong warrior

338. Gwyn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: blessed or fair
Also: Gwynn

339. Gwynfor

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: fair and great

340. Howell

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: eminent
Also: Howel and Hywel

341. Kendrick

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: champion

342. Llewellyn

Origin: Welsh.
Meaning:‘like a lion
Also: Llywelyn

343. Lloyd

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: grey

344. Madoc

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: fortunate

345. Owen

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: young warrior

346. Rhys

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: temper
Also: Reece

347. Rhodri

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: crowned leader

348. Vaughan

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: little one
Also: Vaughn

Cute baby boy names

Cute baby boy names weren't really a thing in the past; it was all about serious, formal boy names with solid overtones of masculine heft and gravitas. But recently, boy names have been getting cuter and cuter– or at the very least being given cuter shortenings/endings, with Charlie and Albie, for example, all making it into the 100 most popular baby boy names list ahead of the more straight-faced forebears Charles and Albert. Here are some of more adorably cute baby boy names we could find:

349. Ace

Origin: Latin
Meaning: one, only

350. Billy

Origin: German
Meaning: determined protector; shortening of William

351. Bruno

Origin: German
Meaning: brown

352. Caspar

Origin: Persian
Meaning: the keeper of treasure
Also: Gasper and Gaspard

353. Cooper

Origin: English
Meaning: a barrel maker

354. Digby

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning the village by the dyke

355. Diggory

Origin: French
Meaning: strayed or lost

356. Dougal

Origin: Irish
Meaning: dark stranger
Also: Dugal and Dougall

357. Garfield

Origin: English
Meaning: a field shaped as a spear

358. Jace

Origin: Greek
Meaning: healer; shortening of Jason

359. Jake

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: supplanter

360. Jax

Origin: English
Meaning: God is gracious; shortening of Jaxon

361. Grover

Origin: English
Meaning: grove of trees

362. Herman

Origin: German
Meaning: a soldier

363. Huxley

Origin: English
Meaning: Hugh’s meadow

364. Manny

Origin: German
Meaning: man of peace; shortening of Manfred

365. Marmaduke

Origin: Irish
Meaning: servant of Madoc

366. Marvin

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: sea friend

367. Miles

Origin: Latin
Meaning: soldier

368. Monty

Origin: French
Meaning: man power; shortening of Montgomery or Montague

369. Mungo

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: beloved

370. Quincy

Origin: French
Meaning: estate of the 5th son
Also: Quincey

371. Remy

Origin: French
Meaning: oarsman

372. Waldo

Origin: German
Meaning: a king

373. Walter

Origin: German
Meaning: army leader

374. Zebedee

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: gift from god

375. Zeke

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God strengthens; shortening of Ezekiel

English baby boy names

While traditionally English names feature heavily in the top baby boy name list for England and Wales, there are many other boy names with English or Anglo-Saxon origins or derivations to discover and consider. Many English baby names for boys have meanings that reference traditional English occupations, English landscape or English places. Here are some of our favourites:

376. Ashton

Origin: English
Meaning: place with ash trees

377. Aubrey

Origin: English
Meaning: noble ruler

378. Burn

Origin: English
Meaning: stream or brook

379. Carlton

Origin: English
Meaning: the peasant's farm
Also: Charlton

380. Carver

Origin: English
Meaning: wood carver

381. Cerdic

Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: king, after a famous king of Wessex
Also: Cedric

382. Chapman

Origin: English
Meaning: a merchant

383. Chauncey

Origin: English
Meaning: a chancellor

384. Clayton

Origin: English
Meaning: a dwelling in clay

385. Clifford

Origin: English
Meaning: ford by the cliff

386. Clifton

Origin: English
Meaning: on a cliff

387. Crawford

Origin: English
Meaning: ford of the crows

388. Dale

Origin: English
Meaning: a valley

389. Darwin

Origin: English
Meaning: dear friend

390. Darnell

Origin: English
Meaning: hidden corner

391. Dennison

Origin: English
Meaning: the son of Dennis
Also: Denison

392. Denton

Origin: English
Meaning: ‘a valley’

393. Edwin

Origin: English
Meaning: friend

394. Ellison

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Elias

395. Elgar

Origin: English
Meaning: noble spear

396. Elmer

Origin: English
Meaning: noble defender

397. Elmore

Origin: English
Meaning: river bank

398. Elvin

Origin: English
Meaning: noble friend

390. Hayden

Origin: English
Meaning: hay valley
Also: Haydon, Haydn, Haiden

400. Keane

Origin: English
Meaning: wise

401. Leighton

Origin: English
Meaning: meadow town
Also: Layton

402. Nelson

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Neil

403. Piers

Origin: English
Meaning: rock, stone

404. Randolph

Origin: English
Meaning: ‘shield of the wolf
Also: Randulf, Randolf, Randulph

405. Royston

Origin: English
Meaning: Royce’s town

406. Ryland

Origin: English
Meaning: place where rye is grown
Also: Rylan

407. Sawyer

Origin: English
Meaning: woodcutter

408. Selwyn

Origin: English
Meaning: the home of a friend

409. Sherlock

Origin: English
Meaning: fair-haired

410. Talbot

Origin: English
Meaning: command of the valley

411. Turner

Origin: English
Meaning: works with a lathe

412. Tyler

Origin: English
Meaning: maker of tiles

413. Warren

Origin: English
Meaning: park keeper

414. Willis

Origin: English
Meaning: servant of Will

415. Winston

Origin: English
Meaning: joyful stone

Royal baby boy names

Most of the baby boy names you’d associate with the British royal family – William, Harry, Charles, George, Louis – are already in the top 100 most popular boy names list, proving that regal boy names have a real attraction for today's parents. And there are plenty of other royal boy names to choose from, whether they're inspired by previous British kings and princes, such as Philip or Harold, by modern-day members of the wider British royal family, such as August (Princess Eugenie's son, born in February 2021), or by royal dynasties from other lands and cultures. Please be upstanding for the baby boy names that are fit for a king:

416. Andrew

Origin: Greek
Meaning: ‘manly’

417. August

Origin: Latin
Meaning: consecrated

418. Carl

Origin: German
Meaning: strong or noble
Also: Karl

419. Clarence

Origin: Latin
Meaning: bright; associated with the Duke of Clarence, son of Edward III

420. Damba

Origin: Angolan
Meaning: king of the world

421. Harold

Origin: English
Meaning: power of an army

422. John

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious

423. Malcolm

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: disciple of Columba

424. Philip

Origin: Greek
Meaning: fond of horses
Also: Phillip

425. Regan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: royal
Also: Reagan

426. Richard

Origin: German
Meaning: brave ruler

427. Stephen

Origin: Greek
Meaning: crown
Also: Steven

428. Stuart

Origin: English.
Meaning: a steward
Also: Stewart

429. Tor

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: ‘people king’

430. Tudor

Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: king

431. Umberto

Origin: Italian
Meaning: bright warrior

432. Victor

Origin: Latin
Meaning: conqueror

433. Xerxes

Origin: Greek/Persian
Meaning: royal

Seasonal baby boy names

Lots of parents-to-be like the idea of choosing a boy baby name that reflects the time of year their baby's due to be born. And there are many really great – and often unusual – boy names connected to spring, summer, autumn and winter, as well as boy names that reference months of the year and seasonal festivities (such as harvest-time and Christmas). Here are some of our boy baby names picks inspired by highlights in the yearly calendar:

434. Aviv

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: springtime

435. Aquilo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: north/winter wind

435. Cyrus

Origin: Persian
Meaning: the sun

436. Elfed

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: autumn

437. Haru

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: spring

438. Izumi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: spring

438. Jaroslav

Origin: Czech
Meaning: glory of spring

436. Jora

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: autumn rain

437. Noel

Origin: French
Meaning: Christmas

438. Nicholas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: victory of the people; St Nicholas is associated with Christmas

439. Octavian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: eighth, as October, the eighth month
Also: Octavius, Octavio

440. Pascal

Origin: French
Meaning: Easter

441. Sharad

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: autumn

442. Sharadchandra

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: harvest moon

443. Winter

Origin: German
Meaning: winter

Japanese baby boy names

Japanese baby boy names are slowly becoming more popular in the UK, as parents-to-be learn about their sonorous rhythms and lovely, auspicious and usually nature-based meanings. We write and say the names in a Romanised version of kanji, the characters in Japanese script – and, in actual fact, the same Japanese name can often be written in multiple variations of kanji, giving it a different meaning each time. Here, we've chosen Japanese boy names that translate most easily to Western culture and language, and given them their most common meanings:

444. Aito

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: love

445. Akio

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: bright, clear

446. Akito

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: bright

447. Benjiro

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: enjoys peace

448. Chibi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: short person or small child

449. Chiko

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: arrow or pledge

450. Daichi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: great earth

451. Daiki

Origin. Japanese
Meaning: bright, shining

452. Daisuke

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: great

453. Hakaku

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: white crane

454. Haruki

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: shine bright

455. Haruma

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: groundbreaking

456. Haruto

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: sun, soar

457. Hayato

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: falcon

458. Hiro

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: generous, broad

459. Hiroshi

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: generous

460. Hiroto

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: fly far, big flight

461. Kaito

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: between pear trees

462. Reo

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: at the summit of the mountain

463. Yuma

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: calm truth

Unusual and unique baby boy names

Some of us find boy names we love and either accept or simply aren't bothered that other parents-to-be will love and choose them, too; for others, it matters that the baby boy name they pick is so unusual – or even unique – that no other baby boy for miles will be called the same thing. Unusual names for boys tend either to be traditional names that have fallen out of fashion many years ago and are getting a deserved new outing, or more modern names, often invented by combining two boy names together into a new hybrid. Here are some brilliantly unusual names to inspire you:

464. Abelard

Origin: German
Meaning: resolute or steadfast

465. Aera

Origin: Hindu
Meaning: lion

466. Aldous

Origin: German
Meaning: old

467. Aldwyn

Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: old friend
Also: Aldwin

468. Algernon

Origin: French
Meaning: whiskered; having a moustache

469. Baliant

Origin: Hungarian
Meaning: strong and healthy

470. Braylon

Origin: American
Meaning: thought to be formed by combining Braydon and Waylon

472. Chaim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: life

473. Cree

Origin: American
Meaning: the name of a Native American tribe

474. Granville

Origin: French
Meaning: a large town

475. Hallam

Origin: English
Meaning: the hollow

476. Havelock

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: sea competition

477. Jolyon

Origin: Latin
Meaning: youthful; medieval form of Julian

478. Kapono

Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: righteous one

479. Leopold

Origin: German
Meaning: brave people

480. Lian

Origin: Chinese
Meaning: graceful willow

481. Peregrine

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a pilgrim or traveller

482. Riggs

Origin: English
Meaning: old ridge

483. Sabin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a Sabine man

484. Salathiel

Origin: Babylonian
Meaning: requested of God

485. Speed

Origin: German
Meaning: prosperity, wealth, success

486. Tabbai

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: good

487. Torquil

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Thor's cauldron

For more unusual boy names ideas, check out this list of 100 top unique boy names

African baby boy names

It's impossible to capture here the sheer range and diversity of African baby boy names – after all, there are 54 different African countries, each with their own long lists of classic boy names, influenced by a mix of Christian, Muslim and Arabic traditions. In many African countries, baby names are chosen at special ceremonies following the birth – and the name will often indicate the baby's position in the family or, in some parts of Ghana in particular, the day of the week they were born. Here are just some of our favourites:

488. Ajani

Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: the victor

489. Amadi

Origin: Igbo
Meaning: free man

490. Ayan

Origin: Somali
Meaning: fortune

491. Azizi

Origin: Swahili
Meaning: precious treasure

492. Barack

Origin: Swahili.
Meaning: thunderbolt or blessing

493. Chidi

Origin: Igbo
Meaning: God exists

494. Dakari

Origin: Shona
Meaning: rejoice

495. Khari

Origin: West African
Meaning: kingly

496. Kofi

Origin: Ghanaian (Twi)
Meaning: born on Friday

497. Kato

Origin: Ugandan
Meaning: the second of twins

498. Kwaku

Origin: Ghanaian (Twi)
Meaning: born on Wednesday

499. Kwame

Origin: Ghanaian (Akan)
Meaning: born on Saturday

500. Obi

Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: heart

501. Omari

Origin: Swahili
Meaning: god the highest

502. Odion

Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: first born of twins

503. Sekani

Origin: Egyptian
Meaning: joy, laughter

504. Shango

Origin: Nigerian
Meaning: god of thunder

505. Tafari

Origin: Amharic
Meaning: he who inspires awe

506. Taye

Origin: Ethiopian
Meaning: he has been seen

507. Yared

Origin: Egyptian
Meaning: descendant

508. Zuri

Origin: Kiswahili
Meaning: good, beautiful

Celebrity baby boy names

When it comes to baby boy names, celebs tend to lead the field in selecting – or inventing – something truly quirky, attention-grabbing and unusual. If you'd like your baby boy's name to stand out from the crowd, then the names of the little (and not-s0-little) sons of the rich and famous – or indeed the rich and famous fathers themselves – can provide some brilliant, surprising, properly distinctive inspiration. Here's our pick of the celebrity baby names that we'd actually quite like to steal for our own baby boys:

509. Adler

Origin: German
Meaning: eagle

510. Aksel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: father is peace
Also: Axel and Axl

511. Apollo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: destroyer or sun, after the Greek god of light

512. Blaze

Origin: Latin
Meaning: fire

513. Blu

Origin: Italian
Meaning: blue

514. Bronx

Origin: American
Meaning: Bronck's land

515. Bode

Origin: German
Meaning: messenger

516. Bowie

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: blond

517. Denzel

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: stronghold
Also: Denzil and Denzell

518. Drake

Origin: English
Meaning: dragon

519. Elton

Origin: English
Meaning: from the old town

When do you have to choose your baby boy's name by?

New parents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 42 days to register their baby’s name once he is born. If you live in Scotland, you will be expected to register your baby’s birth (and name) within 3 weeks of his birth.

Once you have picked a name, contact your local register office for an appointment to go in and register your baby’s birth.

You will need to take some identification with you to prove who you are and some registrars may ask to see your baby’s red book, which is their personal health record. When you register the birth, you will be asked your baby’s full name as well as details about when and where he was born.

The birth must be registered by the baby’s mother or father and if you are unmarried and go to the register office alone, you will have to take a declaration of parentage form signed by the other parent with you.

520. Elvis

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: wise

521. Gene

Origin: Greek
Meaning: well-born, noble

522. Jaden

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: god has heard

523. Jarvis

Origin: French/Norman
Meaning: spear man

524. Maverick

Origin: American
Meaning: wildly independent

525. Orlando

Origin: Italian
Meaning: famous throughout the land

526. Pilot

Origin: American
Meaning: plane or ship operator

527. Psalm

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: song

528. Racer

Origin: English
Meaning: someone who races

529 Rhodes

Origin: Greek
Meaning: where roses grow

530. Rocket

Origin: English
Meaning: rocket

531. Saint

Origin: Latin
Meaning: holy

532. Storm

Origin: English
Meaning: tempest

533. Ziggy

Origin: German
Meaning: victorious protector

American baby boy names

Baby boy names that are popular in the US tend to be short, bold and confident and – though many of them are in use in the UK – they do have an informal ring to them that could appeal if you find traditional British boy names a little stuffy or old-fashioned-sounding. The American baby names listed here don’t necessarily have a modern-US or Native American origin but they're all ones that appear regularly on US popular baby name lists for boys:

534. Booker

Origin: English
Meaning: scribe

535. Bo

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: to live

536. Bradley

Origin: English
Meaning: broad meadow
Also: Brad

537. Brandon

Origin: English
Meaning: a broom-covered hill

536. Buck

Origin: English
Meaning: stag or dashing young man

539. Buddy

Origin: English
Meaning: friend or brother

540. Chad

Origin: English
Meaning: battle warrior

541. Chase

Origin: French
Meaning: a hunter

542. Cade

Origin: English
Meaning: round, barrel

543. Cody

Origin: Irish
Meaning: a helpful person

544. Colby

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: coal settlement

545. Colton

Origin: English
Meaning: from the coal town

546. Dwayne

Origin: Irish
Meaning: black or dark

547. Earl

Origin: English
Meaning: nobleman

548. Franklyn

Origin: English
Meaning: free landholder
Also: Franklin

549. Helaku

Origin: North American Indian
Meaning: sunny day

550. Huck

Origin: American
Meaning: humble; after Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn
Also: Huckleberry

551. Hudson

Origin: English
Meaning: son of Hugh

552. Houston

Origin: English
Meaning: Hugh’s town

553. Leroy

Origin: French
Meaning: the king

554. Mitchell

Origin: English/Scottish/Irish
Meaning: big; descendant of St Michael

555. Namid

Origin: North American Indian
Meaning: star dancer

556. Paco

Origin: North American Indian
Meaning: eagle

557. Seth

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: compensation

558. Troy

Origin: Greek
Meaning: foot soldier

559. Wade

Origin: English
Meaning: at the river crossing

560. Wyatt

Origin: English
Meaning: war strength

For more baby-boy name inspiration from across the pond, check out our 200 American baby name ideas

Gender-neutral baby boy names

Yes, it sounds like a contradiction in terms – how can a name for a boy be gender-neutral? – but, within the increasingly popular trend for names that let children escape from outdated gender stereotypes, there are some unisex names that parents of baby boys tend to particularly favour. The gender-neutral baby names that really caught our eye include:

561. Alex

Origin: Greek
Meaning: defender of the people

562. Alexis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: helper or defender

563. Artemis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: moon god

564. Ashley

Origin: English
Meaning: ash field

565. Avery

Origin: English
Meaning: ruler of the elves

566. Blair

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a plain

567. Brooklyn

Origin: Dutch
Meaning: broken land; an area of New York City

568. Carol

Origin: Latin
Meaning: strong, noble
Also: Karol or Karel

569. Cassidy

Origin: Irish
Meaning: clever

570. Dallas

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a resting place

571. Darcy

Origin: French
Meaning: from Arcy

572. Denver

Origin: English
Meaning: the crossing of the Danes

573. Devon

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: poet, fawn

574. Harlow

Origin: English
Meaning: a fortified hill

575. Hollis

Origin: English
Meaning: holly tree

576. Jamie

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: supplanter

577. Jordan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: flowing down

578. Kay

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a giant

579. Kelly

Origin: Irish
Meaning: descendant of Ceallach

580. Kennedy

Origin: Irish
Meaning: misshapen head

581. Marlow

Origin: English
Meaning: driftwood
Also: Marlowe

582. Monroe

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: from the hill
Also: Monro, Munro and Munroe

583. Morgan

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: born of the sea

584. Parker

Origin: English
Meaning: park keeper

585. Quinn

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: counsel

586. Rida

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: favoured

587. Ripley

Origin: English
Meaning: clearing in the woods

588. Shea

Origin: Irish
Meaning: stately one

589. Sheridan

Origin: Irish
Meaning: descendant of Siridean

590. Sidney

Origin: English
Meaning: broad island
Also: Sydney

591. Skye

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: from the Isle of Skye

592. Taylor

Origin: English
Meaning: tailor, cutter of cloth

593. Tierney

Origin: Irish
Meaning: descendant of a lord

Indian baby boy names

Naming a baby in India is usually accompanied by a big family ceremony and a lot of care is taken with the name selection, with parents sometimes calling on a 'pandit' (a wise man) to cast the baby boy's astrology chart and select a letter of the alphabet that the name should begin with. Great weight is also placed on the meaning of the name and, for that reason, Indian baby boy names, whether modern or traditional, Hindi or Urdu, tend to have powerful, auspicious, light-strewn meanings and origins based in Sanskrit, or sometimes Persian or Arabic. Here are some of the most popular and interesting Indian boy baby names to choose from:

594. Aarav

Origin: Hindu
Meaning: peaceful
Also: Arav

595. Ajay

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: invincible

596. Amit

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: without limit

597. Anand

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: happiness; joy

598. Arjun

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: bright

599. Arun

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: reddish brown

600. Bhaskar

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: sun

601. Chandan

Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Meaning: sandlewood; a divine name in Hindu texts

602. Chander

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the moon

603. Chandrakant

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: loved by the moon

604. Chetan

Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Meaning: life; vigour; intelligence
Also: Chethan, Chetana, Chaitanya

605. Darshan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: to see

606. Deepak

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: little lamp
Also: Dipak

607. Devdan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: gift from the gods

608. Dhani

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: person of wealth and riches

609. Dilip

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: king

610. Gautam

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the bright one in darkness

611. Gopal

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: ‘a worshipper of Krishna’

612. Gulab

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: ‘a rose’

613. Gyan

Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Meaning: knowledge

614. Hari

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: light brown

615. Hitesh

Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Meaning: one who thinks well of everyone

616. Inderjit

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: conqueror of the god Indra

617. Kamal

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: light red

618. Ketan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: home

619. Kiran

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: ray of light

620. Kumar

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: prince

621. Kunal

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: one who sees beauty in everything

622. Kushal

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: intelligent

623. Milan

Origin: Sanskrit/Hindi
Meaning: union; grace; favour

624. Mohan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: attractive

625. Nayan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: an eye

626. Nikhil

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: complete

627. Poojan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: worshipped
Also: Pujan

628. Pratik

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: symbol

629. Rajan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the king

630. Rajesh

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the king

631. Rajnish

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the moon
Also: Rajneesh

632. Rama

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: pleasing

633. Rishi

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: wise man

634. Rohan

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: ascending; rising up

635. Ronak

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: enrichment

636. Rupak

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: beautiful

637. Sagar

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: great sea
Also: Saagar

638. Sahil

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: guide

639. Shayan

Origin: Hindi/Persian
Meaning: courteous; intelligent

640. Sunil

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: dark blue

641. Suraj

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: the sun

642. Sujan

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: trustworthy

643. Vijay

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: victory

644. Vikesh

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: moon

645. Vishal

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: vast

Nature-inspired baby boy names

Nature-inspired baby boy names are becoming more widespread, with parents opting for names that reflect the beauty of the landscape around them and a desire to feel more connected to the natural world. Nature names for baby boys tend to focus on streams, trees, herbs and rivers – feel the freshness of the breeze in your hair as you consider these name picks for baby boys inspired by the great outdoors:

646. Basil

Origin: Greek
Meaning: kingly; the name of a herb

647. Beck

Origin: old Norse
Meaning: small brook; stream

648. Bergren

Origin: Swedish
Meaning: mountain stream

649. Brook

Origin: English
Meaning: a small stream

650. Cedar

Origin: English
Meaning: cedar tree

651. Daven

Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning two rivers

652. Dean

Origin: English
Meaning valley

653. Derwent

Origin: English
Meaning: a river flowing through oak woods

654. Flint

Origin: English
Meaning: a stream

655. Forrest

Origin: English
Meaning: of the woods

656. Garth

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: a paddock

656. Glen

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: a valley
Also: Glenn

657. Glyn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: a valley
Also: Glynn

658. Holden

Origin: English
Meaning: hollow valley

659. Itsuki

Origin: Japanese
Meaning: timber; tree

660. Ivor

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: yew tree

661. Kelvin

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: narrow water

662. Ocean

Origin: English
Meaning: the sea

663. Roscoe

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: deer forest

664. Sheldon

Origin: English
Meaning: steep valley

665. Sorrel

Origin: French
Meaning: reddish-brown; the name of a herb

666. Thorne

Origin: English
Meaning: thorn bush

667. Wesley

Origin: English
Meaning: western meadow

668. Yves

Origin: French
Meaning:‘a yew tree

French baby boy names

Many people think French baby boy names have a certain 'je ne sais quoi' – bestowing a distinct aura of charm, sophistication and romance. French baby boys (and girls) traditionally had to be named after the saint on whose 'day' in the Roman Catholic calendar they are born but, since 1993, French parents have been able to choose any name they like – meaning chic, modern-sounding French boy names are now just as widespread. Here are our current French baby boy names de choix:

669. Antoine

Origin: French
Meaning: praiseworthy

670. Beau

Origin: French
Meaning: beautiful or handsome

671. Bertrand

Origin: French
Meaning: bright raven

672. Blaise

Origin: French
Meaning: to lisp, stammer

673. Bonamy

Origin: French
Meaning: good friend

674. Carvel

Origin: French
Meaning: swampy dwelling

675. Chandler

Origin: French
Meaning: maker of candles

676. Chevy

Origin: French
Meaning: horseman, knight

677. Curtis

Origin: French
Meaning: courteous

678. Darrel

Origin: French
Meaning: from Airelle (a town in France)
Also: Darrell, Darell, Darryl and Daryl

679. Etienne

Origin: French
Meaning: garland, crown

680. François

Origin: French
Meaning: Frenchman; free man

681. Gaston

Origin: French
Meaning: from Gascony (a region of France)

682. Henri

Origin: French
Meaning: home ruler

683. Jacques

Origin: French
Meaning: one who follows

684. Jules

Origin: French
Meaning: youthful

685. Lancelot

Origin: French
Meaning: a servant
Also: Launcelot

686. Laurent

Origin: French
Meaning: bright one

687. Matthieu

Origin: French
Meaning: gift of the Lord

688. Olivier

Origin: French
Meaning: olive tree

689. Pierre

Origin: French
Meaning: stone, rock; French version of Peter

690. Raoul

Origin: French
Meaning: wolf-counsel

691. Remi

Origin: French
Meaning: oarsman

692. René

Origin: French
Meaning: re-born

693. Sébastien

Origin: French
Meaning: from Sebaste (a town in Turkey); after Saint Sebastian

694. Seeley

Origin: French
Meaning: blessed
Also: Sealey

695. Vernon

Origin: French
Meaning: alder grove

Baby boy names that mean love

We've all heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve but what about bearing your heart in your name? Baby boy names with meanings that signify love, desire and romance have origins in many languages and cultures and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK – where once you'd rarely see more than the odd Valentine, named for a 14 February birth day. Prepare to be smitten by these love-themed baby boy names (we've got a big crush on several of them):

696. Amias

Origin: Latin
Meaning: loved
Also: Amyas

697. Adonis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: lord; the name of the human lover of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love

698. Byron

Origin: English
Meaning: a barn; after Lord Byron, romantic poet

699. Carwyn

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: blessed love

700. Cupid

Origin: Latin
Meaning: passionate desire; after the Roman god of love, son of Venus

701. Didier

Origin: French
Meaning: desired; beloved

702. Eros

Origin: Greek
Meaning: love/desire; after the Greek god of love, son of Aphrodite

703. Fidel

Origin: Latin
Meaning: faithful

704. Hashu

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: love; caring

705. Heathcliff

Origin: English
Meaning: living by the cliff of heather; the hero of Wuthering Heights
Also: Heathcliffe

706. Lennon

Origin: Irish
Meaning: lover

707. Romeo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: citizen of Rome; pilgrim to Rome

708. Sevilen

Origin: Turkish
Meaning: beloved

709. Valentine

Origin: Italian
Meaning: strong and healthy
Also: Valentin, Valentino

For more love-themed name inspiration, check out our megalist of 200 baby names that mean love

Ancient Greek and Roman baby boy names

The gods and goddesses of classical Greece and Rome were powerful, passionate and impressive – as were the mortal Greek and Roman heroes and rulers who built temples in their honour. So, if you're looking for baby boy name with authority, majesty and a wonderful, legendary aura, you'd do well to turn to Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire for inspiration. These baby boy names have a timeless, heroic quality that have stood the test of centuries:

710. Adrian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: of the Adriatic

711. Alpheius

Origin: Greek
Meaning: changing or resourceful
Also: Alpheus

712. Ambrose

Origin: Greek
Meaning: immortal

713. Augustus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: venerable, consecrated

714. Cadmus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: man from the east

715. Cassius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: empty, hollow

716. Cato

Origin: Latin
Meaning: ‘wise one’

717. Cecil

Origin: Latin
Meaning: blind

718. Claud

Origin: Latin
Meaning: lame
Also: Claude, Claudio

719. Clement

Origin: Latin
Meaning: mild, merciful

720. Constantine

Origin: Latin
Meaning: constant, firm; the name of the 1st Christian Emperor of Rome

721. Cosmo

Origin: Greek
Meaning: order

722. Crispin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: curly-haired

723. Daedalus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: artful craftsman

724. Damian

Origin: Greek
Meaning: a tamer
Also: Damien

725. Damon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: a guide

726. Decimus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: tenth

727. Demetrios

Origin: Greek
Meaning: devoted to Demeter, goddess of grain and 'mother earth'
Also: Demetrius, Demitrus, Dimitri, and Dmitri

728. Denis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: devoted to Dionysos, god of wine
Also: Dennis, Den and Denny

729. Deus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: god

730. Dion

Origin: Greek
Meaning: from Dionysos, the Greek god of wine

731. Erasmus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: beloved

732. Eugene

Origin: Greek
Meaning: well-born

733. Eustace

Origin: Greek
Meaning: fruitful

734. Fabian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a bean

735. Hadrian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: dark-haired

736. Hector

Origin: Greek
Meaning: hold fast, restrain

737. Homer

Origin: Greek
Meaning: security, pledge; Homer is said to be the author of the Greek epic tales, The Odyssey and The Iliad

738. Horace

Origin: Latin
Meaning: man of time; Horace was a Latin poet

739. Ignatius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: fiery one

740. Jason

Origin: Greek
Meaning: healer; in Greek mythology, Jason was the hero who stole the Golden Fleece

741. Jerome

Origin: Greek
Meaning: holy name

742. Julian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: youthful

743. Justin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: upright, righteous

744. Lysander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: a liberator

745. Leander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: man of lion’s strength

746. Magnus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: great

747. Marcus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: dedicated to Mars, the god of war
Also: Marcos, Markas, Markus

748. Marius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: of the sea; possibly connected with the god Mars, too

749. Maximilian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: the greatest

750. Myron

Origin: Greek
Meaning: fragrant

751. Nero

Origin: Latin
Meaning: strong, energetic

752. Nestor

Origin: Greek
Meaning: one who returns home from travels

753. Nicodemus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: people's victory

754. Octavius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: eighth (often used for a boy born in October, the 8th month of the year)
Also: Octavio, Octavian

755. Orban

Origin: Latin
Meaning: from the city
Also: Urban

756. Orestes

Origin: Greek
Meaning: he who can conquer mountains

757. Orion

Origin: Greek
Meaning: son of light

758. Orsan

Origin: Latin
Meaning: bear

Best boy baby name books

Best for themed lists: The Best Baby Names for Boys by Emily Larson, £9.99. Contains over 100 handy lists of boys' names on different themes (there's even one on food-based names!), as well as good naming tips.
Best for modern trends: Best Baby Names 2022 by Siobhan Thomas, £7.99. Has more than 9,000 different names (including girls' names) to choose from – and some inspiration lists based on the latest baby name trends.
Best for biblical meanings: The Name Book by Dorothy Astoria, £7.85. Lists the origins and meanings of more than 12,000 names, and talks about the spiritual significance of each one, with an accompanying passage of Judeo-Christian scripture.
Best for advice on avoiding pitfalls: The Ultimate Book of Baby Names by Clint Hammerstrike, £5.99. Includes 100s names for boys (and girls), and good advice on how to make sure you don’t pick a name you might regret later. The names are arranged in a 'game-play' format that might help you discover names you might not have otherwise considered.

759. Paris

Origin: Greek
Meaning: wallet; name of Greek prince whose love affair with Helen of Troy started the Trojan war

760. Pius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: holy

761. Quentin

Origin: Latin
Meaning: fifth or fifth-born

762. Remus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: an oar; the name of one of the twin brothers who founded ancient Rome

763. Silas

Origin: Latin
Meaning: wood, forest

764. Silvester

Origin: Latin
Meaning: ‘from a wood’
Also: Sylvester

765. Titus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: title of honour

766. Ulysses

Origin: Latin
Meaning: wounded in the thigh; the Latin form of the name of the Greek hero Odysseus

767. Vidal

Origin: Latin
Meaning: of life

768. Virgil

Origin: Latin
Meaning: staff bearer; the name of the Roman poet, author of The Aeneid

769. Xanthus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: golden-haired

770. Xenophon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: stranger’s voice

771. Xylon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: from the forest

Muslim baby boy names

Muslim baby boys are traditionally named in a ceremony that takes place on the 7th day after their birth and the name is always chosen carefully as it's thought to influence a boy's personality as he grows up. Muslim baby boy names tend to have wonderful, strong, steady, spirtual meanings and, while fewer than 15% of Muslims worldwide are ethnically Arab, most Muslim boy names have a firmly Arabic origin. Here are some of our favourites:

772. Aadil

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: just, honest

773. Aalam

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: the world

774. Abdullah

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: servant of Allah
Also: Abdul

775. Adil

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: honest
Also: Adeel

776. Ahmed

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: praiseworthy
Also: Ahmad.

777. Ali

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: excellent, noble

778. Amin

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: trustworthy

779. Arsalan

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: lion

780. Ashraf

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: more noble

781. Ayaan

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: God's gift

782. Azaan

Origin: Urdu
Meaning: virtuous

783. Azim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: determined, great

784. Badiah

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: astonishing, amazing, original creation

785. Bilal

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: water

786. Burhan

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: proof, evidence

787. Faisal

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: a judge
Also: Feisal and Faysal

788. Haseeb

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: noble, respected

789. Hakeem

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: wise

790. Hamal

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: lamb

791. Hamzah

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: a lion
Also: Hamza

792. Hani

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: happiness

793. Harun

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: exalted, strong

794. Hasan

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: good
Also: Hassan, Hussain, Hussein

795. Ismail

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: God will hear

796. Jalal

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: greatness
Also: Jalil, Galal, Galil

797. Jamal

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: beautiful
Also: Jaimal, Jamil, Jamel

798. Junayd

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: soldier, warrior
Also: Junaid

799. Kabir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: great, powerful

800. Kamil

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: perfect

801. Kashif

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: explorer

802. Kedar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: strong

803. Musa

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: saved from the water

804. Muhsin

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: charitable

805. Munir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: brilliant
Also: Muneer

806. Murad

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: desired

807. Mustafa

Origin: Arabic
Meaning chosen

808. Nabil

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: prince, noble

809. Nadim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: a friend
Also: Nadeem

810. Naim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: contented

811. Nasser

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: victorious

812. Omar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: flourishing

813. Osman

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: wise, powerful, protected by God

814. Qasim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: one who shares

815. Rahim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: merciful
Also: Raheem

816. Raja

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: hope

817. Raqib

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: watchman, guard, overseer

818. Rashad

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: good sense, good judgement

819. Sajjad

Origin: Arbaic
Meaning: kneeling in prayer
Also: Sajad

820. Salah

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: goodness, peace

821. Salim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: flawless, perfect

822. Salman

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: untouched

823. Samir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: jovial, loyal, charming
Also: Sameer

824. Shahid

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: a witness

825. Shahin

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: a falcon
Also: Shaheen

826. Sharif

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: honourable, noble, highborn

827. Suhayl

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: bright star, easy, uncomplicated
Also: Suhail

828. Syed

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: noble one

829. Tahir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: virtuous

830. Umar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: flourishing

831. Usman

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: wise, powerful, the chosen one

832. Waqar

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: dignity

833. Wasim

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: attractive

834. Zahid

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: self-disciplined

For more Muslim baby-boy name inspiration, check out our 300 Muslim and Arabic names for boy and girls

Italian baby boy names

Italian baby boy names have lately been making more of a constant appearance in the UK's list of most popular names for boys – with Luca currently ranking highest in the list. Italian boy names with their bouncy, singsong 'o' or 'a' endings often convey a touch of confidence and charm that's hard to resist. We've picked out a lovely little list of Italian baby boy names that are all definitely cute enough to consider for your bambino-to-be:

835. Aldo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: old and wise

836. Alessandro

Origin: Italian
Meaning: defending of the people

837. Alfredo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: wise counsellor

838. Alonzo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: noble

839. Angelo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: angel

840. Antonio

Origin: Italian
Meaning: priceless one

841. Armando

Origin: Italian
Meaning: soldier

842. Arturo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: bear

843. Carlo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: manly

844. Dante

Origin: Italian
Meaning: enduring

845. Dino

Origin: Italian
Meaning: expert with a spear; short form of other Italian names, such as Bernardino

846. Emiliano

Origin: Italian
Meaning: eager

847. Emilio

Origin: Italian
Meaning: to strive or excel

848. Enzo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: home ruler

849. Francesco

Origin: Italian
Meaning: free man

850. Gerardo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: spear strength

851. Giacomo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: supplanter; Italian form of James or Jacob

852. Gianni

Origin: Italian
Meaning: God is gracious; short form of Giovanni, below

853. Giovanni

Origin: Italian
Meaning: God is gracious

854. Giuseppe

Origin: Italian
Meaning: God will add; Italian form of Joseph

855. Giraldo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: spear ruler

856. Guido

Origin: Italian
Meaning: guide, leader

857. Leandro

Origin: Italian
Meaning: lion man

858. Leonardo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: brave lion

859. Lorenzo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: from Laurentium

860. Luciano

Origin: Italian
Meaning: light

861. Mateo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: gift of god
Also: Matteo

862. Marco

Origin: Italian
Meaning: warlike; Italian form of Mark

863. Mario

Origin: Italian
Meaning: dedicated to Mars, the god of war

864. Mauro

Origin: Italian
Meaning: dark-skinned

865. Maximo

Origin: Italian
Meaning: greatest

866. Renato

Origin: Italian
Meaning: reborn

867. Roberto

Origin: Italian
Meaning: bright fame

868. Rocco

Origin: Italian
Meaning: rest

869. Salvatore

Origin: Italian
Meaning: saviour

870. Santino

Origin: Italian
Meaning: little saint

871. Sergio

Origin: Italian
Meaning: to serve

872. Tiziano

Origin: Italian
Meaning: honoured

Biblical baby boy names

Baby boy names taken from the Bible have long been popular in Britain, and many of them still dominate the most popular names list. Most biblical boy names are of Hebrew origin and while some, such as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are now commonly associated with the Christian tradition (they're the names of the writers of the 1st books of the New Testament, which tell the story of Jesus), the majority are linked to the Jewish faith. Here are our top biblical baby boy names from both the Old and New Testaments:

873. Aaron

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: mountain of strength; the name of Moses’ brother.
Also: Aron, Arron

874. Abba

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: father

875. Abel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: a breath; son of Adam and Eve

876. Abner

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: father of light

877. Abraham

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: father of many nations

878. Absalom

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: father of peace

879. Amos

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: to carry; carried by God

880. Asa

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: physician

881. Barnabas

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: son of consolation

882. Bartholomew

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: son of Talmay; son of the ploughman

883. Benedict

Origin: Latin
Meaning: blessed

884. Cephas

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: rock

885. Christian

Origin: Latin
Meaning: a follower of Christ

886. Cyrus

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Sun

887. Dominic

Origin: Latin
Meaning: belonging to the Lord

888. Ebenezer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: stone of help

889. Elias

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my God

890. Enoch

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: skilled, dedicated

891. Ephraim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: fertile

What if I choose the wrong baby boy name?

If you get cold feet and decide you’ve made a mistake with the name you've picked and registered, don't worry: in the UK, you can get the name changed relatively easily at your local register office – as long as you do so within a year of your baby's birth. You can read more about how to do this – and what to do if you want to change it after a year – in our guide to changing your baby's first name.

892. Esau

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: hairy

893. Ezekiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God’s strength

894. Gideon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: great warrior

895. Hiram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: my brother on high

896. Ira

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: watchful

897. Isaiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God saves

898. Ishmael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God listens

899. Jared

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: he descends

900. Jedidiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: friend of the Lord

901. Jeremiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God will uplift

902. Jethro

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: eminent

903. Joab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Jehovah is a father

904. Joachim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: may Jehovah exalt

905. Job

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: persecuted

906. Joel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Jehovah is God

907. Jonah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: dove

908. Josiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God supports

909. Judah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: praised

910. Laban

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: white, shining

911. Levi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: joined in harmony

912. Luke

Origin: Roman
Meaning: light

913. Malachi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: messenger of God

914. Matthew

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: gift of God

915. Micah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: who is like God

916. Moses

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: delivered from the water

917. Naboth

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: words, prophecies

918. Nahum

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: consoler

919. Nathaniel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: given by God

920. Nehemiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: conforter

921. Obadiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: servant of God

922. Rachamin

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: compassion and understanding

923. Raphael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has healed

924. Samson

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: sun

925. Saul

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: prayed for

926. Simeon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: hearkening

927. Simon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: listen, hearing

928. Solomon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: peace

929. Timothy

Origin: Greek
Meaning: honouring God

930. Uriah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: light of God

931. Zabdi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: gift

932. Zacchaeus

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: pure

933. Zedekiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: the goodness of God

934. Zephaniah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has hidden

Animal-inspired baby boy names

Baby boy names with an animal theme are strong and beautiful – with a touch of both the cuddly and a healthy respect for the natural world. Animal-themed baby boy names can either be the actual name of an animal, such as Bear, Tiger and Wolf, or can have meanings that link them to a particular animal – or bird. Here is our pick of the best baby boy names with a real animal side:

935. Ari

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: lion or eagle

936. Averett

Origin: English
Meaning: strong boar

937. Bear

Origin: English
Meaning: bear

938. Bertram

Origin: German
Meaning: bright raven

939. Björn

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: bear

940. Bram

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: raven

941. Delvin

Origin: Greek
Meaning: dolphin

942. Everett

Origin: German
Meaning: wild boar

943. Gavin

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: white hawk

944. Irwin

Origin: English
Meaning: a friend of the boars

945. Lionel

Origin: French
Meaning: young lion

948. Lowell

Origin: French
Meaning: young wolf

946. Marlon

Origin: English
Meaning: little hawk

947. Marshall

Origin: French
Meaning: caretaker of horses

951. Namir

Origin: Arabic
Meaning: leopard

948. Oberon

Origin: English
Meaning: bear-like

949. Ofer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: fawn

950. Orson

Origin: Latin
Meaning: bear

951. Phoenix

Origin: Greek
Meaning: dark red; name of mythological bird which dies in fire and is reborn from its ashes

952. Robin

Origin: English
Meaning: bright fame

953. Rolf

Origin: German
Meaning: famous wolf

954. Rudolf

Origin: German
Meaning: glorious wolf
Also: Rudolph

955. Tiger

Origin: Greek
Meaning: tiger

956. Tipu

Origin: Hindi
Meaning: tiger

957. Todd

Origin: English
Meaning: fox

958. Ulmar

Origin: English
Meaning: a wolf

959. Wilbur

Origin: German
Meaning: wild boar

960. Wolf

Origin: English
Meaning: wolf
Also: Wolfe

961. Wren

Origin: English
Meaning: small bird

Short baby boy names

Sometimes you just want to keep it short and sweet. Neat, friendly, straightforward, 1-syllable baby boy names are increasing in popularity – not only are they quick to say and (usually) easy to spell, they're super-simple for your little boy to recognise, as he gets old enough to spot the patterns in letters and words, and, eventually, to write as he enters the school-age years. When it comes to naming babies, less is often more. Here's our pick of baby boy names that are small in size but big in impact:

962. Ash

Origin: English
Meaning: ash tree

963. Baird

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: minstrel or poet

964. Ben

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: shortened form of Benjamin, son of the right hand

965. Boyd

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: yellow-haired

966. Brett

Origin: English
Meaning: a Breton
Also: Bret

967. Carr

Origin: Old Norse/Irish
Meaning: marsh; short in height

968. Clark

Origin: French
Meaning: clerk, scribe
Also: Clarke

969. Clint

Origin: English
Meaning: rocky cliff

970. Clive

Origin: English
Meaning: cliff, slope

971. Dev

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: god

972. Drew

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: wise

973. Eli

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: raised on high

974. Frank

Origin: German
Meaning: free man or Frenchman

975. Gray

Origin: English
Meaning: grey-haired

976. Grant

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: large

977. Gus

Origin: Scottish
Meaning: great, majestic

978. Guy

Origin: French
Meaning: guide, leader

979. Hal

Origin: English
Meaning: ruler

980. Hale

Origin: English
Meaning: from the hall; hero

981. Jay

Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: victory

982. Jed

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: friend of god

983. Kai

Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: ocean

984. Kane

Origin: Celtic
Meaning: warrior

985. Keir

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: dark

986. Kent

Origin: English
Meaning: coastal land

987. Kit

Origin: Greek
Meaning: bearing Christ

988. Lee

Origin: English
Meaning: a meadow
Also: Leigh

989. Lyle

Origin: French
Meaning: from the island

990. Nir

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: ploughed field

991. Nye

Origin: Welsh
Meaning: honourable

992. Odo

Origin: English
Meaning: rich

993. Ross

Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: peninsula

994. Sam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: shortened form of Samual, told by God

995. Tate

Origin: English
Meaning: cheerful
Also: Tait

996. Tam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: innocent, honest

997. Ted

Origin: English
Meaning: wealthy guardian

998. Tom

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: shortened form of Thomas, twin

999. Uzi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: my strength

1000. Zeb

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: gift from god; dwelling of honour

About the author Helen Brown

Helen is Deputy Editor of MadeForMums, the author of Parenting for Dummies (Wiley, £17.99). She has been a judge for the Bookstart Awards and written about parenting for Mumsnet, Pregnancy & Birth, Prima Baby, Boots Parenting Club and She Magazine and she's also been Consumer Editor of Mother & Baby. She has 3 boys – all with names that she and her husband eventually agreed on! – and a heavy-duty washing machine.

About the '100 most popular names' list

Every year in October, the Office of National Statistics publishes a list of the most popular names in England and Wales for both girls and boys. Because of the time needed to collect and process all the data, each new list is always based on names registered up to 2 years ago. So, the the most recent list is based on names registered in 2021. Scotland's National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland's Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency also each release their own list every year, gathered in the same way.

Pics: Getty Images

Helen BrownHead of Content Delivery

Helen is author of the classic advice book Parenting for Dummies and a mum of 3. Before joining MadeForMums, she was Head of Community at Mumsnet and also the Consumer Editor of Mother & Baby.