Looking for a handsome boy name that is so in style but is not being overused?
You’ll find over 100 boy names here that have leaped in popularity in the last few years, however remain uncommon.
There’s a perfect selection of modern and unusual ideas – including some you may never have heard of – and vintage names coming back into style!
I especially love the trend for geography names, as if you don’t find something you love in this list then you could take a look at a map of the world and consider another name that may appeal!
I’ve taken a look at the US SSA data on baby names and the change in name popularity to find names that have seen the steepest rise through the ranks.
You may also like: Baby name trends for 2024
Baby boy names with the biggest rise in the last decade
- Saint
- Bowie
- Ezra
- Bodhi
- Hunter
- Hendrix
- Grayson
- Otis
- Killian
- Archer
Trending modern boy names
These modern names are cool and stylish. I especially love the names Bear, Eden and Wylder – which is a gender neutral name and has such a wonderful whimsical feel to it.
Dutton: This name has leaped in popularity thanks to the hit show Yellowstone. Dutton is the surname of the family at the heart of the show. I love this as a strong, two-syllable name.
Kayce: Another Yellowstone name! This is a variant of the name Casey, meaning vigilant or watchful.
Truett: An English name meaning true or loyal.
Sevyn: A modern variation of Seven, denoting the number 7.
Crue: Possibly derived from the word cruel, but also used as a modern-sounding name.
Westyn: A variant of Weston, meaning from the western town.
Wylder: A variant of Wilder, suggesting someone adventurous or untamed.
Casey: An Irish name meaning vigilant or alert.
Seven: Denoting the number 7.
Ocean: Inspired by the vast bodies of water, symbolising depth and mystery.
Bruno: Derived from the Germanic word for brown, it’s often associated with strength and nobility.
Archer: Referring to someone who practices archery or is skilled in archery.
Cillian: An Irish name meaning church or monastery.
River: A gender neutral name that’s perfect if you love nature names.
Beau: A French name meaning handsome or beautiful.
Lux: Latin for light, symbolising illumination or enlightenment.
Madden: Meaning fortunate or good.
Heath: Referring to uncultivated land or a moorland, suggesting wild beauty.
Banks: Referring to the side of a river, it could suggest stability or strength.
Mylo: A modern variant of Milo, possibly derived from the Germanic root meaning mild or pleasant.
Ozzy: A diminutive form of the name Oswald, meaning divine ruler or God’s power.
Dilan: A variant of Dylan, derived from Welsh roots meaning son of the sea or great tide.
Tatum: Of English origin meaning Tate’s homestead or cheerful bringer of joy.
Reese: Derived from the Welsh name Rhys, meaning ardor or enthusiasm.
Bear: Suggestive of strength, courage, and protection.
Wes: Short for Wesley, meaning western meadow or western clearing.
Mac: A Gaelic prefix meaning son of, often attached to a surname to indicate lineage.
Riggs: Derived from a surname, meaning ridge or crest.
Eden: Derived from the Hebrew word for delight or paradise, symbolising innocence and perfection.
Tate: Of English origin, meaning cheerful or pleasant.
Sutton: Meaning southern settlement or south town in Old English.
Wells: Referring to a water source, symbolising purity and life.
Nico: Meaning victory of the people.
Vintage boy names on the rise
These old fashioned boy names are timeless and coming back into style! Vintage names have been a hit in name charts for a long time.
But which names are in style from this trend changes over time. We are seeing old favourites like Alfred making a return!
Colter: Meaning of the coal town or coal miner.
Cal: Typically a short form of Calvin or Caleb. Calvin means bald or little bald one, while Caleb means faithful or devotion to God.
Alfred: Meaning elf counsel or wise counselor.
Marlon: A variant of the name Marcellus, derived from the Roman god of war, Mars, and could mean little warrior or young warrior.
Robin: Derived from the Old French name Robert, meaning bright fame or famed for his counsel. In English, it’s also associated with the small bird of the same name.
Sonny: An English name meaning son or lad, often used as an affectionate nickname.
Murphy: An Irish surname, meaning sea warrior or mariner.
Aldo: Meaning old ruler or wise leader.
Darwin: Derived from the Old English words for dear and friend, it suggests a beloved companion.
Geography boy names growing in popularity
These names are inspired by places and the world around us. It’s clearly a growing trend, and is a great choice for finding a strong, standout baby name.
You can find more city names for boys here.
Rome: After the Italian city.
Rhodes: The name Rhodes is derived from the Greek island of Rhodes in the eastern Aegean Sea. Meaning where roses grow.
London: After England’s capital city.
Rio: The name Rio is derived from Portuguese and Spanish, meaning river.
Everest: The name Everest is derived from the surname of Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India who was responsible for mapping much of the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, was named in his honour.
Denver: The name for the capital city of the US. state of Colorado.
Atlas: This is a great geography name, as it refers to a book of maps. The name Atlas is derived from Greek mythology, where Atlas was a Titan condemned to hold up the heavens for eternity. The name also means to endure or to suffer.
Unusual boy names on the rise
You’ll find rarely used baby names in this trend. That includes virtue names such as Loyal, and word names like Chosen.
Chosen: Meaning selected or favoured, often used to imply a sense of destiny or special purpose.
Zen: A gender neutral name meaning meditation.
Koa: A Hawaiian name meaning brave or fearless.
Kolson: A modern-sounding name with no widely accepted meaning, likely invented or derived from other similar-sounding names.
Dion: Of Greek origin meaning child of heaven and earth.
Leif: Of Scandinavian origin meaning heir or descendant.
Khai: Of Vietnamese origin meaning strong warrior.
Meir: Of Hebrew origin meaning giving light or illuminating.
Kylo: A modern name with no widely accepted meaning, possibly invented for fictional purposes.
Loyal: Meaning faithful, devoted, or steadfast.
Valentino: Of Latin origin meaning strong or vigorous.
Sylas: A variant of Silas, derived from Latin meaning wood or forest.
Koda: Of Native American origin, meaning friend or companion.
Onyx: A gemstone name, derived from the Greek word onyx, meaning claw or fingernail, due to the resemblance of the stone to a fingernail.
Cade: Of English origin meaning round or barrel.
Aries: Of Greek origin, the name of the first sign of the zodiac, meaning ram.
Noe: Of Hebrew origin meaning rest or comfort.
Emery: Of German origin meaning industrious or hardworking.
Tru: A modern variation of True, meaning genuine, authentic, or faithful.
Ignacio: Of Spanish origin meaning fiery or ardent.
Trace: Of English origin meaning track or path.
Jett: Of English origin meaning jet black.
Neo: Of Greek origin meaning new or young.
Sage: Of English origin meaning wise or profoundly knowledgeable.
Kade: Variant of Cade, of English origin meaning round or barrel.
Stone: A nature-inspired name, symbolising strength, stability, and endurance.
Musa: Of Arabic origin meaning to draw water.
Matias: Of Spanish origin, a variant of Matthew, meaning gift of God.
Creed: Meaning a set of beliefs or principles.
Ridge: Referring to a narrow, elevated crest, often found in geographical features.
Romeo: of Italian origin, meaning pilgrim to Rome or from Rome.
Blaze: A fiery, energetic name, suggesting enthusiasm or intensity.
Knox: Of Scottish origin meaning round hill or hillock.
Beckham: A name for fans of the footballer David Beckham. Of English origin meaning homestead by the stream.
Dax: This name is of French origin, meaning leader.
Final thoughts
I hope you’ve found some unique baby boy name ideas in this list. Still stuck on a name for your baby? Check out this guide to choosing a baby name and these baby name themes.
