Ancient boy names

From Germanic roots meaning “resolute protection,” William has been a royal and literary name for centuries.

French and German for “renowned warrior,” this royal favorite gained renewed attention through Prince Louis.

Known for its biblical association as the name of one of Jesus's first apostles. It's a patron saint's name for Scotland, Russia, and Greece, and has been popular among various cultures.

With Irish and Norse roots, Oscar means “deer-lover” or “God spear.”

From Greek, this classic means “bearer of Christ” and honors the patron saint of travelers.

Derived from Greek element "aléxein," mainly associated with Macedonian king, Alexander the Great

Greek in origin and meaning “people of victory,” Nicholas connects to saints, czars, and Christmas traditions.

Meaning “peaceful ruler” in German, Frederick honors figures from Frederick Douglass to Shakespearean characters.

Latin in origin and meaning “bald,” Calvin has intellectual roots and modern flair thanks to fashion and comics.

Greek for “lover of horses,” this regal name spans apostles, monarchs, and literary legends

Derived from Germanic roots, this name means “serious” or “resolute” and famously featured in Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy.

A name of Old Norse origin meaning “eternal ruler,” Eric is tied to Viking explorers and peaked in mid-century America.

This French-rooted name meaning “redhead” saw peak popularity mid-century and lives on through sports and screen stars.

A Greek-derived name meaning “man from Lucania,” Luke brings Biblical depth.

An English name meaning "renowned warrior," Lewis was once a U.S. Top 100 pick and is still widely used in Scotland and beyond.

Of English and French origin, Warren means “park-keeper” and once honored a Revolutionary War hero.

Famous Warrior, Fame, Glory and Launches, Renowned Spearman

From the River Crossing, Ford

Defence, The Roman God of War, Mars, Of the Sea

Desire, Brilliant, Will, Dearly Loved Stronghold

Ruddy Red-Haired, King, The Redheaded, A Roman Cognomen

Wealthy Defender, Wealth and Protection, Guardian of Possession, Rich Protector

Victory of the People, Girl, Holly

Vigilant Watchman, The Watchful, Alert

Adventurer, At the Ash Tree, Cliff

This unisex English name means “from the southern homestead” and combines modern style with surname appeal.

Spear and Hard, Gravelly Place Gray House, Strong, Warlike

Kleopatra, Boasting

Honest Adviser, Wise Counselor, Bold Ruler, Brave

Peace, The Word Éire with the Meaning Ireland, Beauty

Manly, A Man's Woman, Feminine Form of Andrew, Man Ones

Of the Woods, Woodsman, Forest, Lives in Wood

Ruler of the People

Blessed, Owner of Spear, Wealth, Possession

An old Scottish surname meaning “round hill,” brought into vogue by celebrity baby name trends.

Master, Ruler, Far Sighted, The Element Kyrios Which Means Lord

Farmstead Or Village of Wine, Pleasant Stone, Homestead, Friend

Michel, Michael, Who is Like God

The Element Haeth Which Means Heath, Wasteland, A Moor

The Chaste, The Pure

Horned, Strong Willed, Wise, Like a Horn

Homeland, Land, A Lance

Hardy, Mighty with a Spear, Brave

Strong and Glory, Powerful Ruler or Warrior, Army-power, Heroic Leader

Priest's Town

Arrow Maker, Arror Featherer

Holder of the Heel, Supplanter, One Who Supplants, Yahweh May Protect

Keeper of the Forest

Hardy, Strong, Courageous, Bärenstarke

Rocky Outcropping, Rock, Dweller by the Crag

Most Beautiful, Variant of Cayley Lovely, Fortress, Lark

Very High Places, Fen, Lives by a Marsh, From the Marshland

Messenger, Angel

Ruler of Work, House and Powerful King

Hostage, Trusted, Bright, Illustrious Pledge

Steward of Horses, Marshall, Horse-keeper, Shoeing Smith

A modernized spelling of Stephen, it shares the same regal meaning and has had decades of steady use.

A Small Fresh Water Stream, Breaking Forth, Bach, Modeled on An English Place Names

West Town, From the Western Settlement

An Aromatic, Symbol of Victory, Botanical Name, The Myrtle is a Dark Green Shrub with Pink or White Blossoms

Free Condition, Frankie is Occasionally Used for Girls, Of the Franks, French Man

Cyneburga's Field, Ruler

Brown, Shield, Transfer: Bear

German Religious Reformer Martin Luther, People, Army, Warrior

From the Village Near a Bridge, Diminutive of Brigham

Son of Benedict

Guard of His Wealth, Wealthy Spearman, Courageous People, Divine Gift

Descendant of Donndubhán, Dark Black, Good and Christmas

Masterful, Of the Lord, Divine, Lordly

Bright, Illustrious Warrior, Ruler, Armed and Shining

Manly, Defending Men, Helper and Defender of Mankind

Settlement by the Mill, Similar to a Place and Family Names, Town

To Protect, The Defender, Helper, Repel

The Dane, From Denmark, Mother of the Gods in Myths, Judge

Noble and Fight, Son of the Highborn, Alice

Eagle and Elder, Rule, Prevail

Title, Honored, New Testament Character, Giant

An English occupational name meaning “woodcutter,” now a trendy unisex option with literary flair.

From the Alder Grove

Torrent, Gushing Waters

Life

Dragon, Male Duck

Town of Colt-breeding, Dark Settlement

Rich, Powerful, Peaceful Ruler, Hardy

Mighty, Possessor of the Good, Give

Forested Area, From the Grove of Trees, Graf, Wood

Merciful, Servant, Inventor of the Corn Mill, Soldier

Peace, Young Bear, Protection, Peaceful Hun

Industrious Ruler, Brave, House and King, Mighty

A Hunter

Of the Woods, Guest, Stranger

This Irish place-name implies wisdom and nature, drawn from the legendary River Shannon.

Fierce, Name of a Saint, Fight, Battle

Strong, Husband, Army, Man

Of, Noble, Honorable, Old

Victory of the People, Victorious Person

Famous Power, Powerful, Rich, Glory

Hostage, Homeros

Fight, Variant of Wayland, Modern Singer Waylon Jennings, Brave

Spear-brave, Hardy, Brave, Strength of the Spear

God is My Salvation, Old Welshman, Form of Elijah, Elliot

Derived from Old Norse, this unisex name means “from the willow estate” and carries a gentle, nature-based tone.

Glory and King

He Who Wards Off (Other) Men

Heath, Clearing, Heather Meadow, Wood

Roman Fort, Fortified Place, From Leicester, The Elements Ligora

Dove, Victory of the People, Young Pup, Victor

Family Name, Of the Forest Men, Strawberry, French Town

Fragrant Oil, Myrrh

An Olive, Form of Oliver, Elf, Warrior

Dedicated to Mars, God of War Mars Ordained

An Irish surname turned first name, Sloan means “warrior” and gives off a cool, modern edge.

Descendant of Cathasaigh, Brave

Beauty, Dawn, Aurora, Whiteness

With German origins meaning “free man,” Karl is a strong, historic name borne by leaders and thinkers alike.

Form of Robert, Bright, Fame, Glorious Shining

Fortune, Prosperous Guardian, Wealth and Keep

Son of will, Brave, Will-helmet, Bold

A variant of Stewart, this vintage name means “steward” and has strong links to Scottish royalty.

Boomerang

Inspired By a Place Name, Wood, Glade, Poet

Brave, Power, King and Strong, Rich

Army, Form of Irving, Place Name, Beautiful

Church

Staff Bearer, Form of Gustave, Stick, Goth

Light Hearted, Great Talker, Pleasant and Bright, Measure of Land

Hay and Lēah = Clearing, Hero

Son of Gilbert, Happiness

A Place of Linden Trees, Wetland, Lincolns Wetl

Joy, Young Goat, Happiness, Aigilops

Calf, Gentle, Wife, Companion

The Elements Berht Meaning Bright Famous, Brilliant and Raven, Wise Person

From the Tall Mans Town Or Estate

Typically a short form of Stephen, it stands on its own as a casual, guy-next-door favorite.

Son of Nicholas

Helmet, Protection, Composition, Desire

Famous

Curly, Gruaig Which Means Hair

Scottish in origin, this aristocratic name means “steward” and has royal historical links.

Russet, Famous Wolf, Fame, Ginger

The Crowned, Crowning, Crown

The Elements Wit Meaning Wide, Small Fighter, Fight, War

Famous Northman, North and Brilliant, Illustrious, Renowned Northerner

The Brave

The Lord is My God, Form of Elijah

Free Condition, Of the Franks

Meaning “of high quality,” this Old English name also links to silver and British currency.

Treasurer, Treasure Bearer

Village, Noble, Peacock Town, Royal

Fair-haired, Blond, Yellow Gold

Place to Lay the Camp, Pool on an Island, Wetland

Earthworker, Variant of Georgia, Farmer

Council, An Office in the Army, Senior, Spear

Priests Meadow, Wood, Preost Which Means Priest, Clearing

Greek in origin and short for Stephanie or Stephen, this spunky name gained fans thanks to Stevie Nicks.

A Scottish name meaning “from St. Clair."

Shiny, Country and Illustrious, Land, Homeland

Host, Mound, From the Hare's Hill, Army

Clearing, From the High Meadow, Wood

People's Victory, Niko Which Means Victor, Female Version of Nicholas

Settlement of Freemen, From Carl's Farm, Farmer's Town, Place Name

Worker of the Earth, Farmer, Earthworker

This short form of Stanley means “stony meadow” and comes with both comic book and classic appeal.

Driver of a Cart, Carter

Laplander, The Element Fionn Which Means White Fair, Fair-haired Courageous One, Light Skinned

From the Oak Tree Field

City Name, Boat and Gwys = Men, To Seek, Search For

Safety, Peace, Rich, Power

Power, Hardy, Hard Strength, Powerful

Strong as a Wild Boar, Everard

The Stone, The Rock

Ruddy, Descendant of Flann, Red One

War, Famous, Battle, Renowned Warrior

Composition, Helmet, Desire, Protection

Broad Ford, Wide River-crossing

The Hunteress, Brave, Summer, Place of Thracius

Glory and Brilliant, Bright Fame, Gloriously Shiny, Short Form of Robert

Garden, An Enclosed Yard, Enclosure, Protection

Coastal Rocks, Son of Carr, Mossy Place, Rock

The Fighter's Settlement, Warrior, Protector, Defender