UK Boy Names

If this name makes you think of Victorian novels, it's because Fairfax was part of Mr Rochester's name in Jane Eyre, and the surname of a minor character in Jane Austen's Emma. It has a distinctly aristocratic feel, despite its straightforward meaning. Fairfax is also a city in Virginia.

A bit formal for our time, Alcott would be a bit less forbidding.

Way out.

Perfect choice if your baby has grandpas named Barry and Eric, but also a bit military.

Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may also be on the rise.

Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls.

Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.

One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.

A variation of Jameson. Both names have climbed in popularity in recent years, though Jameson remains the preferred spelling.

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".

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

Has a slight aura of danger, from its being two types of weapons and a looming character in the Star Wars films. Best left as a nickname for Mason.

For 007 fans, a great middle name choice -- or even a first.

Mama's boy.

Twain can be thought of as a modernization (and possible namesake) of the dated Wayne, seasoned with the humor of Mark Twain, who adopted it from a river term.

An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse.

Easy (Ezekiel) Rawlins is the hard-boiled detective created by Walter Mosley.

What child wouldn't like a name that was a synonym for cool?

An alternative spelling of Tristan, and also the modern Welsh form of the legendary hero's name.

Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.