Rustic Boy Names

Gabe ranked in the Top 1000 from 1880 until 1905, when it fell into obscurity. There are fewer than 100 boys named Gabe, just plain Gabe, each year in the US, compared with over 10,000 named Gabriel. Our advice: Go with the crowd and choose the angelic long form, and then call him Gabe if you want to.

Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.

Old-time nickname that may follow in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam.

Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"

If you're seeking a solid but underused occupational name with a warm, friendly sound, and an earthy feel, Granger is one to consider. Associated with faming, grain, and the outdoors, it fits in with the likes of Colton, Sawyer, and Cooper, with a hint of classic George about it too.

The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.

The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category: Hawthorn is a type of hedge.

The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.

As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

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

More unusual than Forest or Forrest, Field is a nature name that is simple, evocative, and fresh--sort of the male equivalent of Meadow.

Field and Fields are both relatively common surnames, noted bearers including department store owner Marshall Field, poet Eugene Field (Wynken, Blynken and Nod) and actress Sally. Those with the plural include W.C. Fields, cookie company founder Debbi, and entertainers Gracie and Kim Fields.

There was an ancient Saint Fort, and this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place.

A grassy place with trees is a nice image to attach to a name.

Though some forward-looking parents are now choosing wood-related names like Oak, Pine, and Ash, this generic option would be even more avant garde.

Rob has claimed Bob's turf.

One of the simplest, most down-to-earth yet evocative of the word names, which could work — especially as a middle.

Unusual and simple nature name worthy of further consideration.

Beachy name perfect for a summer baby.