The NeverEnding Boys List
- Killian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"war strife or church"Description:
Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew.
- Kit
Origin:
English, diminutive of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor Kit Connor of Heartstopper fame may have introduced it to a wider audience.
- Lake
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
- Lennon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"lover"Description:
A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon.
- Lennox
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"elm grove"Description:
Lennox is an aristocratic and powerful Scottish surname name made truly special by that final x. The worldwide fame of British boxer--World and Olympic champion--Lennox Claudius Lewis brought the name into the spotlight as a first name, while as a last it's tied to Eurythmics singer Annie L.
- Leonello
Description:
Leonello is a masculine Italian name that serves as a diminutive form of Leone, meaning "lion." It has origins in ancient Roman culture, where lions symbolized strength and courage. The name carries a distinguished quality with its romantic Italian flair and historical connections. Leonello was particularly popular among noble families during the Italian Renaissance, with notable bearers including Leonello d'Este, a 15th-century Italian nobleman and arts patron. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today, Leonello maintains modest usage in Italy and among families with Italian heritage who appreciate its classical roots and strong meaning.
- Malik
Origin:
Arabic; GreenlandicMeaning:
"king; owner; wave"Description:
A name with many spelling variations, including Malek, Melik, and Maliq, Malik is a popular name of Arabic and Semetic origin that is used internationally as both a given name and a surname. In terms of meaning, it can be considered a royal name meaning "king", though other sources suggest it is an alternative transcription of Maalik, making "owner, possessor" a more accurate meaning.
- Massey
Origin:
English, Scottish, and French place-nameDescription:
Some definite downsides: Massive, Messy.
- Miles
Origin:
English form of Milo, Latin and Old German,"soldier or merciful"Meaning:
"soldier or merciful"Description:
Miles, which has a permanent veneer of cool thanks to jazz great Miles Davis, is a confident and polished boys' name that's an American classic. Always ranking in the US Top 1000, it's been drifting up the charts for the past half century and now ranks at its highest point ever, in the Top 50.
- Murphy
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"sea warrior"Description:
This jaunty Celtic surname -- the most common family name in both Ireland and the US -- is totally viable as a first. The arguably most famous Murphy is TV's Murphy Brown, and indeed the name is twice as common for baby girls as for baby boys today. But still, it's solidly gender neutral and works equally well for all sexes.
- Namid
Origin:
OjibwaMeaning:
"star dancer"Description:
Fanciful image distinguishes this Native-American name.
- Nasir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"helper"Description:
Similar to Nasser, with a slightly more altruistic meaning. Rapper Nas was born Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones, and Nasir may have gotten a bump from 2016 show The Night Of, whose protagonist was named Nasir Kahn.
- Nat
Origin:
English, diminutive of Nathan or NathanielDescription:
Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.
- Novak
Origin:
SerbianMeaning:
"new"Description:
Tennis star Novak Djokovic introduced this new first name to the English-speaking world, though it had long been familiar as a surname. The celebrity Novak, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, might be an inspirational role model for a baby Novak. And the name Novak goes well with other stylish names that mean new, including Nova, Neo, and Nouvel.
- Natteo
- Oak
Origin:
English tree nameMeaning:
"tree from the genus Quercus"Description:
Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle.
- Ollivander
Origin:
Literary name, compound of Oliver and Alexander, Latin and GreekMeaning:
"olive tree and defending men"Description:
A rare twist on modern favorites like Oliver and Alexander, this elaborate option is nevertheless familiar to most people as the surname of the eminent wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, from the Harry Potter books.
- Olympus
Description:
Olympus is an uncommon masculine name derived directly from Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Greek gods in classical mythology. This majestic name carries powerful associations with divine strength, elevation, and ancient wisdom. As a given name, Olympus projects grandeur and uniqueness, making it stand out significantly from more conventional choices. Though rare in modern usage, it may appeal to parents with an appreciation for classical mythology or those seeking a distinctive name with historical significance. The name suggests lofty aspirations and remarkable potential, evoking imagery of something that stands above the ordinary.
- Osias
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"salvation"Description:
Osias has a Latinate and biblical feel without making an appearance in the Bible. The related Ozias, on the other hand, is a form of Uzziah, found in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, and could make a distinctive path to the nickname Oz or Ozzie--both far cooler, in our opinion, than Oswald.
- Ozymandias
Origin:
Greek variant of Ramses, EgyptianMeaning:
"begotten by Ra, the Sun God"Description:
Percy Bysshe Shelley got the name for one of his most famous poems -- a sonnet about the insignificance of man's labors in the vastness of time -- from the Greek name for Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II.