UK Boy Names

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

Brusque and charmless, two things you don't want your son to be.

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

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.

Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.

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.

Way out.

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

Sounds as if it should have a Sir before it or a shire following it.

The Anglophile Howard.

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

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.

Possible Hayden alternative.

With the fashion for all names Rom, this strong surname with ties to Old Master painter George has new possibilities. Obviously, it now has more political associations than artistic.

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.

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

Often used in England, but here likely to be confused with the feminine Nicole. Nicol Williamson was a Scottish-born actor once described by playwright John Osborne as "the greatest actor since Marlon Brando".

Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

We don't see that bright a future for this one either.