UK Boy Names

Sims is a medieval English surname, also found in Ireland and Scotland, that has many variations all deriving from the Hebrew Biblical name Simon. Sims is a simple, straightforward, yet proper-sounding name that works well as a first, whether you find it in your family tree or pluck the idea from someone else's. It was used for only five boys in the US in 2013.

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

Welsh form of Richard.

Variant of Kendall

This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.

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

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

Although this was the surname of a rugged World War II admiral, these days it has a feminine feel.

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.

Rob has claimed Bob's turf.

Most color names, like Scarlet and Violet, are definitely female, but not this one. Brown is as rich and warm as the tone it denotes, though we must admit the Italian version Bruno has more spark and substance.

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

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.

Macho-er than thou.

This name of a busy British port city -- as well as of several places in America -- has a brisk and bustling air. It will now--and for years to come--be identified as a (female) Sarah Palin name.

The Anglophile Howard.

A bit too cunning.

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.

Possible Hayden alternative.