UK Boy Names

Riggan found fame as the first name of the hero of the Oscar-winning film Birdman, played by Michael Keaton. Riggan has the two-syllable n-ending surname feel so trendy for boys' names today. It may be a variation of Reagan or Regan or it may be a play on the word rigging. Whatever its origin, we bet this is one fictional name that will find wider use in real life.

Pistol is one of the new names that entered the lexicon in the US in 2013, when it was given to nine babies of each gender. Call it an equal-opportunity badass baby name with an unfortunately violent image.

Innovative architect, inventor, and thinker Buckminster (universally known as Bucky) Fuller makes this vaguely possible.

Currently connected to football Hall of Famer turned actor Terry Bradshaw.

Rarely heard name that could sub for Graham.

Best known as a hotel company, but shares some of the cool sounds of Wyatt.

This is an English surname dating back to 1086, but we don't see it having much of a first name future in the twenty-first century.

Future CEO.

Shakespeare's classic drunken fool. In fact, this name, carried to Britain by the Normans, was quite popular until it was brought into disrepute by the low-life character who haunts taverns with Falstaff in Shakespeare's history plays.

Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this, especially as a middle name.

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

Everyone will assume you're honoring actor Robert, which isn't too probable.

Rob has claimed Bob's turf.

Welsh form of Richard.

Down-to-earth surname name with a drawl, also associated with cereal and dog food.

Some cutting-edge parents might revive Osbert as a substitute for Oscar. We like the "divinely brilliant" meaning. Cool or terminally nerdy? Your call.

Besides having an unappealing sound, has long been identified with a much-mocked Ford car model; use of this name is now restricted to the Ford family.

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.

A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.