As a doula and baby planner who’s been part of hundreds of births, I’ve heard just about every kind of boy name out there — from timeless classics to cool and creative picks. If you’re searching for the perfect name for your little guy, you’re in the right place. This guide features some of the most loved baby boy names across all styles — from unique and modern to strong and traditional. Whether you’re building your list or narrowing it down, these boy names are sure to inspire.

Boy Name Ideas by Style and Theme

Many of today’s most popular boy names are short, cool, rare, or come with stylish nicknames. To help spark inspiration, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite baby name lists by style, meaning, and vibe — each one designed to help you find the right fit.

Cool Boy Names

These cool baby boy names are perfect for trendsetters. If you want more options beyond this preview, head to our full list packed with 200 standout choices.

Want more cool picks? See our full list of 200 cool boy names that are bold, stylish, and fun.

Cute Boy Names

Whether you’re looking for something sweet, soft, or full of charm, these baby boy names have that irresistible “aww” factor. From timeless picks to trendy favorites, this is just a quick preview — you’ll find even more adorable options in the full list.

Want more adorable ideas? Find more sweet and playful picks in our full list of cute names for boys.

Modern Boy Names

These stylish and fresh picks give off a cool vibe without feeling too out there. This preview is just the beginning — our full list of current and modern names for boys goes even further.

Looking for more trendy picks? Check out our full list of stylish, modern names for boys.

Unique Boy Names

These standout picks are perfect for parents looking for something a little different. If individuality is your goal, this preview offers just a glimpse — the full list includes original, surprising, and truly one-of-a-kind name ideas for boys.

Want more one-of-a-kind options? Browse our full collection of unexpected and unique boy name ideas.

Rare Boy Names

If you’re drawn to names that feel underused and unexpected, these boy name ideas offer something refreshingly different. This is just a small sampling — our full list of rare names for boys goes even deeper.

Want more under-the-radar ideas? Explore even more bold, under-the-radar names in our complete list.

One-Syllable Boy Names

Short, punchy, and easy to remember — these one-syllable baby boy names pack personality into just a few letters. They work beautifully as bold first names or sleek middle name choices.

Want more short and strong options? Browse 200+ one-syllable boy name ideas that are bold and simple.

Looking for something more grounded in current trends? The names below are some of the most popular choices across the U.S. — perfect if you want a name that’s well-loved and widely recognized.

Most Popular Boy Names

Want to know which boy baby names parents across the country are loving most right now? Here are the most popular baby boy names in the United States — including the national top 10 and the top names in select states.

Top 10 Boy Names in the United States

These are the top 10 boy names in the United States, based on the most recent data from the Social Security Administration.¹ Each of these popular names has stood the test of time — and they’re still going strong.

Liam

Noah

Oliver

James

Elijah

Mateo

Theodore

Henry

Lucas

William

Most Popular Boy Names by State

Baby names can trend differently depending on where you live. To give you a peek at what’s popular in different parts of the country, here are the top baby boy names in two big states: Texas and New York.

Want to see what’s popular in your state? View all popular baby names across the U.S. by state.

Looking for names that start with a specific letter? Check out some of our most popular baby boy name lists by letter below — from A to M and more.

Boy Names by Letter

Many families love choosing a name that starts with a specific letter — whether it’s for tradition, sibling coordination, or personal style. If you already have a favorite letter in mind, this section includes a few of our most popular baby names for boys by letter — with even more options in each full list.

Boy Names That Start With A

Looking for meaningful or sweet baby boy names that start with A? This quick preview includes some of our favorite picks — from timeless classics to bold newcomers.

Look for more? See all 200+ A names for boys in the full list.

Boy Names That Start With C

These baby boy names that start with C include cool, classic, and creative options to suit every style. This preview gives you a quick sampling — the full list has even more C-name favorites for boys.

Looking for more? Check out our complete collection of boy names starting with C.

Boy Names That Start With J

From James to Jaxon, these baby boy names that start with J cover everything from timeless favorites to fresh trends. This preview features just a few — the full list includes even more J-name options for boys.

Want even more J names? Check out all of our favorite boy names starting with J.

Boy Names That Start With M

These baby boy names that start with M include everything from meaningful classics to modern trends. This short preview gives you a sample — our full list features even more M-name ideas for boys.

Want more M name ideas? See all of our favorite M names for boys in the full list.

Have a favorite letter in mind? Tap below to explore boy names by letter.

Interested in names with cultural meaning or family roots? Next, explore our baby boy name lists by origin.

Baby Boy Names by Origin

When I was pregnant with my son, I knew I wanted an Irish or German name — something that sounded right with our last name and honored our family’s roots. Our history and culture shape so much of who we are, and choosing a meaningful name can be a beautiful part of that story. If you feel the same, you’ll love these curated baby names for boys by origin — each list offers thoughtful, distinctive options inspired by heritage.

Italian Boy Names

These Italian names for boys blend elegance and charm — from romantic favorites like Matteo to timeless staples like Luca. This is just a quick preview from our full list of baby names inspired by Italy.

Want even more? Explore more charming boy names with Italian roots in our full list.

Irish Boy Names

Whether you’re drawn to lyrical sounds or Celtic roots, these Irish names for boys blend charm and tradition. This is just a quick preview — the full collection includes over 100 beautiful baby names from Ireland.

Want even more? Browse the full list of baby names from Ireland with charm and history.

French Boy Names

From timeless picks like Louis to modern favorites like Remy, these French names for boys blend sophistication and charm. This is just a small preview — our full list features even more beautiful baby names from France.

Want even more? Check out 200+ French-inspired boy names with timeless charm.

German Boy Names

With deep roots and rich history, these German names for boys offer tradition and meaning. This is just a quick preview — the full list includes even more bold, culturally significant baby names from Germany.

Want even more? Browse more meaningful baby names from Germany in the full guide.

If you’re still exploring, these additional baby names for boys offer even more inspiration — from short and punchy to playful and unique.

More Boy Name Lists

Still searching for the perfect fit? These baby names for boys include short picks, bold choices, and nickname-ready favorites — each list below offers just a quick preview of what you’ll find in our full themed collections.

Short Boy Names

These short boy names are simple, bold, and easy to love. Whether you want something clean and classic or modern and punchy, this preview gives you just a taste — the full list has even more quick, memorable picks.

Want even more? See all 100+ short baby boy names that are big on style.

Strong Boy Names

These boy names carry depth, presence, and character. If you’re looking for confident picks with real impact, this preview offers a glimpse — the full list features even more bold and meaningful options.

Looking for more options with presence and charm? Browse our complete list of impactful names for boys with timeless appeal.

Cute Nicknames for Boys

These boy baby names come with fun, flexible nicknames that grow with your child. From classic short forms to playful twists, this preview highlights a few charming picks — but our full list has even more nickname-ready options.

Want more ideas? Browse the full collection of boy names that come with adorable nicknames.

Still exploring? Visit our baby name hub for even more ideas.

Still feeling unsure? These tips can help you narrow down your favorites and feel confident in your final choice.

Tips for Choosing Baby Names

As you can see, there are so many great names for boys to explore — from modern and cute to bold and timeless. We know it can be tough to narrow things down and choose the right baby name. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. These helpful guides can make the decision a little easier:

• 12 Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Name
• 7 Tips for Picking the Perfect Baby Name
• What to Do When You Can’t Agree on a Baby Name

Naming your baby is such an exciting milestone — and there’s no shortage of beautiful, fun, and meaningful boy names to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to vintage charm, cool modern trends, or something truly unique, we hope this guide of baby name lists helped you find the perfect fit for your little one. Before you know it, you’ll be holding him in your arms — and calling him by name.