930+ English Names for Boys

With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.

Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.

This marvelously medieval name had a moment in the 1910s and 1920s but has dropped completely off the radar now.

Short but not particularly sweet surname.

Way out.

The name of the famous British man of letters might just appeal to some English majors as a more interesting alternative to Zachary. An appropriate playmate for Russell Crowe's boy Tennyson.

Téa Leoni and David Duchovny named their kid Kyd in 2002, but he usually goes by his middle name, Miller. Probably a wise choice, given the homonym.

If you're looking for a Nicholas substitute or namesake, Nicholson would make a more distinctive path to the likable nickname Nick, fitting in with other newer patronymics like Anderson and Harrison. Unusual but not outlandish, it is associated with writer Nicholson Baker, library advocate and author of Vox. And as a surname, of course, with Jack.

This old-time name for a sofa would not be comfortable as a baby name.

Although it connotes a sense of well-being, not likely to be a popular choice.

More user-friendly than the original.

See ST.

The Anglophile Howard.

Severe surname choice.

New Testament, Texas, and Kansas place-name more fitting for a girl.

This old short form might be seen as a little dubious by some, though it could make for a fun pet name or an update on Roger.

A surname name, most popularly associated with actor Heston, has a blue-blooded ring to it. Charlton is also a more unusual pathway to evergreen nickname Charlie.

Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.

A bit too cunning.

Since this is a word that pertains to cowardice, not the most appealing choice. Raven, Arven, and Haven might be more positive options for those drawn to the name by its sound.