Boy Names

This extra-L variation of Alan isn't quite as popular in the US as the original. Both spellings remain popular in Ireland and England.

Similar in sound to Arlo, Remington, and Arthur, this surname style and place name could make a patriotic choice in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 14 girls and 24 boys in 2023, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.

Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.

If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin. It's currently in the Welsh top 100 and in the England and Wales top 1000 over all and has been rising in recent years.

Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality, giving it a magical feel. Parents today may also associate it with the BBC show Merlin which notably used the name as an alternative name for the warlock.

Ephriam is a variant of the biblical name Ephraim, derived from Hebrew origins meaning "fruitful" or "productive." In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Ephriam has remained relatively uncommon in modern usage, maintaining a traditional and distinctive quality. This spelling variation gives the name a unique character while preserving its biblical heritage. Though not frequently chosen for baby boys today, Ephriam appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. The name carries connotations of abundance and prosperity, reflecting its etymological roots.

Ezra has a lot going for it: the strength of its heroic Biblical legacy, its quirky sound, and its fresh but familiar feel. Ezra is now at its highest point ever, but its intuitive streamlined spelling and deep roots could make it a worth successor to Elijah in the Top 10 -- or even to Liam or Noah at Number 1.

The Greek name of sixteen popes and fifteen saints, the gregarious Gregory became big in the United States with the emergence of admirable actor Gregory Peck (born Eldred) in the late 1940s. From 1950 to 1973, it was in the Top 30, with nickname Greg becoming a Cool Dude name.

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Grey/Gray is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative—if slightly somber—choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney named their son Leo Grey.

A relatively rare English place and surname, Hallam could make a distinctive but usable boy's name. Hallam was the surname of the beloved Cambridge friend whose death Alfred, Lord Tennyson, mourns in his famous poem In Memoriam. A.H.H. Tennyson's eldest son, whom he named Hallam, became a Governor-General of Australia.

Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for thirteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio.

A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.

In the past, Orson has felt like a one-person moniker, tied to film director Orson Welles, who dropped his given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle. While the Citizen Kane creator seemed to own the name during his lifetime, it's now an interesting possibility for any parent seeking an unusual yet solid name. It's started to appear to the celeb set too -- both Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose have little Orsons.

Ullrich is a masculine name of German origin, derived from the Old High German elements 'uodal' meaning 'heritage' or 'homeland' and 'rihhi' meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful.' It's essentially a variant spelling of Ulrich, which was popularized by several medieval saints and nobility throughout German-speaking regions. While not common in English-speaking countries, Ullrich maintains steady usage in Germany and other German-speaking areas. The name carries connotations of heritage, strength, and leadership. Notable bearers include German cyclists Jan Ullrich and various individuals in academic and business fields. The spelling with double 'l' distinguishes it slightly from the more common Ulrich form.