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SSA Top 1000: Boy Names Ranked #1000

  1. Hershell

    • Description:

      Hershell is a masculine name of Germanic origin, considered a variant spelling of Herschel. The name ultimately derives from the Yiddish 'Hershel,' a diminutive of 'Hersh' (deer), or from the German 'Hirsch' with the same meaning. Hershell gained modest recognition in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since declined in popularity. The name carries associations with astronomy through Sir William Herschel, the famed astronomer who discovered Uranus. Hershell has a warm, vintage quality that reflects its era of peak usage, though the spelling with double 'l' is less common than Herschel. The name suggests strength and dignity while maintaining a friendly, approachable character.
  2. Hugh

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "mind, intellect"

    • Description:

      Patrician to the core, Hugh was firmly in the Top 100 until 1903. It's never achieved those heights again, though it has always managed to remain in the Top 1000, scraping bottom at literally Number 1000 in 2006 before reversing course and heading back upwards.
  3. Hughie

    • Description:

      Hughie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Hugh, which comes from the Germanic name 'Hugo,' meaning 'mind' or 'intellect.' This affectionate nickname-turned-given-name carries a friendly, approachable quality that has made it endearing across generations. While never reaching the heights of popularity that Hugh achieved, Hughie has maintained a consistent presence, especially in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. In recent years, the character Hughie Campbell from the television series 'The Boys' has brought some renewed attention to this warm, unpretentious name.

  4. Isaak

    • Origin:

      Variation of Isaac

    • Description:

      Cool spelling of the venerable Isaac used in several different cultures.
  5. Issac

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "laughter"

    • Description:

      A play on the spelling of Isaac that's somehow been in the Top 1000 every year since 1880. (If only by a hair: In both 1926 and 1962, it came in at number 999.) It hit an all-time peak at Number 377 in 2007, and has slumped a fair bit in the ensuing decade.
  6. Jabari

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "comforter, bringer of consolation"

    • Description:

      Coolly attractive African name, with distinguished representatives in sports and literature. Jabari has been on the rise recently, returning to the US Top 1000 in 2023.
  7. Jagger

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "carter"

    • Description:

      Jagger is a swaggering Rolling Stone of a name that's been picked up by a number of fellow celebs, including Lindsay Davenport and Brett Scallions--while Soleil Moon Frye pulled a gender switch when she bestowed it on her daughter. It's edgy with a touch of danger.
  8. Jaheim

    • Origin:

      musical name

    • Description:

      Single-named R&B singer Jaheim could inspire others to pick up on this unusual name.
  9. Jerrad

    • Description:

      Jerrad is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Jared or Jarrod. The name has Hebrew origins, deriving from the biblical figure Jared, meaning "descent" or "he who descended." This alternative spelling with double 'r' and a 'd' ending emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive variations of traditional names. Jerrad peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon. The name carries a modern, slightly rugged quality while maintaining its biblical connections, appealing to parents who want a recognizable name with a unique spelling.
  10. Johney

    • Description:

      Johney is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant spelling of John. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious," this particular spelling adds an affectionate, informal quality to the traditional name. While less common than Johnny or Johnnie, Johney maintains the same friendly, approachable character associated with these diminutive forms. This spelling variation appears occasionally in Scotland and parts of the United States, though it has never reached widespread popularity. The name carries the warmth and familiarity of John while offering a slightly distinctive written form. Johney might be chosen by parents who appreciate the traditional roots of John but desire a less conventional spelling.
  11. Jude

    • Origin:

      Latin diminutive of Judah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "praised"

    • Description:

      Jude is a modern star, maintaining a steady level of popularity -- but not TOO much popularity, in the US at least. Thank Jude Law and the great Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude", double-handedly responsible for propelling Jude up the charts.
  12. Junius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "born in June"

    • Description:

      Junius is one of those names that's growing on us, along with many of its Roman countrymen such as Julius and Atticus. We once thought it was a combination of the least attractive elements of Junior and Julius but now we think...well, we think it's okay. Not great, but okay.
  13. Keandre

    • Description:

      Keandre appears to be a modern compound name formed from the prefix 'Ke-' and 'Andre.' Andre derives from the Greek name Andreas, meaning 'manly' or 'warrior.' The 'Ke-' prefix may be a phonetic variant similar to prefixes seen in other contemporary names. This naming pattern of adding prefixes to established names became more common in the United States during the later 20th century. Keandre began appearing on U.S. Social Security Administration name records with increasing frequency in the 1990s and 2000s. The name has maintained a steady presence but has never reached extremely high levels of popularity. Its usage patterns show regional variations across the United States, with higher concentrations in certain states.
  14. Kegan

    • Description:

      Kegan is a masculine name with Irish Gaelic origins, derived from the surnames Keegan or MacKeegan, which come from 'Mac Aodhagáin' meaning 'son of Aodhagán' (a diminutive of Aodh, meaning 'fire'). The name has a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining a modern appeal. In recent decades, Kegan has gained modest popularity in the United States as parents seek unique alternatives to more common names like Kevin or Keegan. The name carries connotations of fiery spirit and strength, reflecting its etymological roots. While not among the top 100 names, Kegan maintains steady usage, appreciated for its Irish heritage and contemporary feel.

  15. Kevin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "handsome"

    • Description:

      Kevin came to the US with the large wave of Irish Immigrants after World War I, hitting the US Top 1000 list for the first time in 1921 and never leaving.
  16. King

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "monarch"

    • Description:

      King is a name that sends a mixed message. While some might think of it as more fitting for a canine, others see it as a strong name with offbeat style and a full court of rich associations, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Elvis.

      King Vidor was an important early Hollywood director; King Camp Gillette invented the safety razor.

      If it's king names you're after that aren't King itself, see our list of Names with Royal Meanings or other lists and blogs on royal names.
  17. Konnor

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Connor

    • Description:

      Some creative spellings work, and then some just don't. We think this one falls into the latter category.
  18. Laddie

    • Description:

      Laddie is a masculine name with Scottish origins, traditionally used as an affectionate term for a boy or young man in Scotland. The word 'lad' means 'boy,' and 'laddie' is its diminutive form. As a proper name, Laddie emerged primarily in the early 20th century, possibly influenced by popular culture references including the famous collie dog character 'Lassie' (with Laddie being the male equivalent). The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful sound and informal heritage. Laddie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1930s but has since become quite uncommon. The name evokes a sense of youthful energy and charm, with connections to Scottish culture that might appeal to families with Celtic heritage.

  19. Laurel

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "laurel tree"

    • Description:

      Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in ancient Greece and Rome.
  20. Lavon

    • Description:

      Lavon has multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the French surname 'La Von' or could be related to the Hebrew name 'Lavan' meaning 'white.' Alternatively, it might be connected to geographical names like Lake Lavon in Texas or Lavon, Utah. The name has been documented in use in the United States since at least the early 20th century, with steady usage across different regions and communities. Lavon has been used for both males and females, though it appears to be predominantly masculine in contemporary usage. The name experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has maintained consistent usage throughout the decades. Its compact, two-syllable structure gives it a strong, straightforward quality that contributes to its enduring appeal.

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