Whether you want something traditional, modern or completely original, finding the right name for your son can take months of lists and late-night debates. Here are baby boy names grouped by style, with the meaning and origin of each. Many have featured near the top of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) lists for England and Wales in recent years.
Popular baby boy names
These names regularly appear among the most popular choices for boys in England and Wales.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Muhammad | Praiseworthy | Arabic |
| Noah | Rest, comfort | Hebrew |
| Oliver | Olive tree | Latin |
| George | Farmer | Greek |
| Leo | Lion | Latin |
| Arthur | Bear; noble | Celtic |
| Oscar | Friend of deer; God's spear | Irish / Old English |
| Theodore | Gift of God | Greek |
| Freddie | Peaceful ruler | Germanic |
| Henry | Ruler of the home | Germanic |
| Archie | Genuine, bold | Germanic |
| Jack | God is gracious | English (from John) |
Classic British boys' names
Timeless names that never really go out of fashion.
- William — "resolute protector"; royal and reliable.
- Thomas — "twin"; friendly and familiar.
- James — "supplanter"; one of the most enduring British names.
- Edward — "wealthy guardian"; with nicknames Ed, Eddie or Ted.
- Charles — "free man"; regal but down-to-earth as Charlie.
- Alfred — "wise counsel"; a vintage revival favourite.
- Albert — "noble and bright"; Bertie is a popular nickname.
- Hugo — "mind, intellect"; short and stylish.
Nature-inspired boys' names
- Rowan — the rowan tree; also Gaelic for "little red one".
- Ash — the ash tree.
- Jasper — a gemstone; "bringer of treasure".
- Forrest — "of the woods".
- Reed — the water plant; also "red-haired".
- Bear — strong, playful and increasingly popular.
- Robin — the beloved British garden bird.
Short and strong boys' names
- Max — "the greatest".
- Kit — a classic short form of Christopher.
- Ted — warm and friendly.
- Finn — "fair" in Irish.
- Rex — "king" in Latin.
- Jude — "praised".
Unusual baby boy names
- Otto — "wealth, fortune".
- Rafferty — "abundance, prosperity" in Irish.
- Caspian — after the sea; adventurous and literary.
- Bodhi — "awakening, enlightenment".
- Ezra — "help".
- Lachlan — "from the land of lakes" in Scottish Gaelic.
- Ellis — "benevolent"; also a Welsh surname.
Tips for choosing a boy's name
- Test it in real life. Imagine shouting it across a park — and on a CV in 30 years' time.
- Check popularity. If you want something unique, look at the latest ONS data before you decide.
- Think about family names. A grandparent's name makes a meaningful middle name.
- Avoid awkward initials. Write out the full initials before you commit.
- Remember the deadline. Births in England and Wales must be registered within 42 days (21 days in Scotland).
Looking for girls' names? See our list of baby girl names, or explore more ideas in our baby names section.
