930+ English Names for Boys

An undiscovered option among occupational names, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. But Banner has undeniable charm, much due to its associations with fêtes and phrases like "a banner year".

Kenyon is a very engaging British surname name, the middle y giving it a kind of southwestern canyonesque undertone.

Farrar has two separate origins: an occupational name meaning "smith", and a Scottish river name, from a Pictish word meaning "to wind". Barely ever recorded as a first name, Farrar is a blank slate that fits with the surname style that's popular today.

An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the Rings. Yet, even now that Ever- names are the height of style, Everard hasn't been seen on the charts for decades.

Despite its poetic associations, almost as dated as Sheldon, and more feminine.

Brad in a Brooks Brothers suit.

One case where a spelling variation improves the name, Britton is used about four times as often as Britain for both genders. Currently, the count of baby Brittons is running at about 4 to 3 in favor of the boys.

Best left at the Jersey Shore.

Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.

See WYNTON.

High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.

Patton is an attractive name in the fashionable Haden-Peyton mold, though there is that association with the severe wartime general.

Brenner is an occupational surname for both a charcoal burner and a distiller of spirits. One of the least used of occupational surnames, it has that 'er' ending that definitely adds to its stylishness; a possible successor to Brendan. 

Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.

Clint with a glint; used for flinty characters in old TV westerns and soap operas.

Loyal is one of the few virtue names suitable for boys, an honorable and principled Boy Scout-esque appellation with a surprisingly long and distinguished history.

Strongly associated with the mega-popular single-named singer, who was actually the fourth Usher Raymond in his family. He could start a fad.

He can get it for you wholesale.

An English family name used a few generations ago as an Anglicization of Moses, but hardly heard since th 1950s.

This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie are some sweet nickname options to tone down the formality of this name.