Congrats on the new member of the family! Whether it’s a bouncing baby boy or a furry friend (because dogs are the new kids), picking a name is a thrilling first step.
It can also feel overwhelming, like scrolling through endless Netflix queues with decision fatigue. But fear not, mama (or daddy)! I’m your BFF for finding the perfect boy name.
I’m starting with a huge list of names to see if anything jumps out at you. But if you get to the bottom of it and still aren’t sure what name you like best, there’s a great guide for helping you narrow it down.
(Psst: If you already know you only want to see four-letter boy names, I’ve got a separate list for that!)
1,000 Top Baby Boy Names in the U.S.
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- James
- Elijah
- William
- Henry
- Lucas
- Benjamin
- Theodore
- Mateo
- Levi
- Sebastian
- Daniel
- Jack
- Michael
- Alexander
- Owen
- Asher
- Samuel
- Ethan
- Leo
- Jackson
- Mason
- Ezra
- John
- Hudson
- Luca
- Aiden
- Joseph
- David
- Jacob
- Logan
- Luke
- Julian
- Gabriel
- Grayson
- Wyatt
- Matthew
- Maverick
- Dylan
- Isaac
- Elias
- Anthony
- Thomas
- Jayden
- Carter
- Santiago
- Ezekiel
- Charles
- Josiah
- Caleb
- Cooper
- Lincoln
- Miles
- Christopher
- Nathan
- Isaiah
- Kai
- Joshua
- Andrew
- Angel
- Adrian
- Cameron
- Nolan
- Waylon
- Jaxon
- Roman
- Eli
- Wesley
- Aaron
- Ian
- Christian
- Ryan
- Leonardo
- Brooks
- Axel
- Walker
- Jonathan
- Easton
- Everett
- Weston
- Bennett
- Robert
- Jameson
- Landon
- Silas
- Jose
- Beau
- Micah
- Colton
- Jordan
- Jeremiah
- Parker
- Greyson
- Rowan
- Adam
- Nicholas
- Theo
- Xavier
- Hunter
- Dominic
- Jace
- Gael
- River
- Thiago
- Kayden
- Damian
- August
- Carson
- Austin
- Myles
- Amir
- Declan
- Emmett
- Ryder
- Luka
- Connor
- Jaxson
- Milo
- Enzo
- Giovanni
- Vincent
- Diego
- Luis
- Archer
- Harrison
- Kingston
- Atlas
- Jasper
- Sawyer
- Legend
- Lorenzo
- Evan
- Jonah
- Chase
- Bryson
- Adriel
- Nathaniel
- Arthur
- Juan
- George
- Cole
- Zion
- Jason
- Ashton
- Carlos
- Calvin
- Brayden
- Elliot
- Rhett
- Emiliano
- Ace
- Jayce
- Graham
- Max
- Braxton
- Leon
- Ivan
- Hayden
- Jude
- Malachi
- Dean
- Tyler
- Jesus
- Zachary
- Kaiden
- Elliott
- Arlo
- Emmanuel
- Ayden
- Bentley
- Maxwell
- Amari
- Ryker
- Finn
- Antonio
- Charlie
- Maddox
- Justin
- Judah
- Kevin
- Dawson
- Matteo
- Miguel
- Zayden
- Camden
- Messiah
- Alan
- Alex
- Nicolas
- Felix
- Alejandro
- Jesse
- Beckett
- Matias
- Tucker
- Emilio
- Xander
- Knox
- Oscar
- Beckham
- Timothy
- Abraham
- Andres
- Gavin
- Brody
- Barrett
- Hayes
- Jett
- Brandon
- Joel
- Victor
- Peter
- Abel
- Edward
- Karter
- Patrick
- Richard
- Grant
- Avery
- King
- Caden
- Adonis
- Riley
- Tristan
- Kyrie
- Blake
- Eric
- Griffin
- Malakai
- Rafael
- Israel
- Tate
- Lukas
- Nico
- Marcus
- Stetson
- Javier
- Colt
- Omar
- Simon
- Kash
- Remington
- Jeremy
- Louis
- Mark
- Lennox
- Callum
- Kairo
- Nash
- Kyler
- Dallas
- Crew
- Preston
- Paxton
- Steven
- Zane
- Kaleb
- Lane
- Phoenix
- Paul
- Cash
- Kenneth
- Bryce
- Ronan
- Kaden
- Maximiliano
- Walter
- Maximus
- Emerson
- Hendrix
- Jax
- Atticus
- Zayn
- Tobias
- Cohen
- Aziel
- Kayson
- Rory
- Brady
- Finley
- Holden
- Jorge
- Malcolm
- Clayton
- Niko
- Francisco
- Josue
- Brian
- Bryan
- Cade
- Colin
- Andre
- Cayden
- Aidan
- Muhammad
- Derek
- Ali
- Elian
- Bodhi
- Cody
- Jensen
- Damien
- Martin
- Cairo
- Ellis
- Khalil
- Otto
- Zander
- Dante
- Ismael
- Angelo
- Brantley
- Manuel
- Colson
- Cruz
- Tatum
- Jaylen
- Jaden
- Erick
- Cristian
- Romeo
- Milan
- Reid
- Cyrus
- Leonel
- Joaquin
- Ari
- Odin
- Orion
- Ezequiel
- Gideon
- Daxton
- Warren
- Casey
- Anderson
- Spencer
- Karson
- Eduardo
- Chance
- Fernando
- Raymond
- Bradley
- Cesar
- Wade
- Prince
- Julius
- Dakota
- Kade
- Koa
- Raiden
- Callan
- Hector
- Onyx
- Remy
- Ricardo
- Edwin
- Stephen
- Kane
- Saint
- Titus
- Desmond
- Killian
- Sullivan
- Mario
- Jay
- Kamari
- Luciano
- Royal
- Zyaire
- Marco
- Wilder
- Russell
- Nasir
- Rylan
- Archie
- Jared
- Gianni
- Kashton
- Kobe
- Sergio
- Travis
- Marshall
- Iker
- Briggs
- Gunner
- Apollo
- Bowen
- Baylor
- Sage
- Tyson
- Kyle
- Oakley
- Malik
- Mathias
- Sean
- Armani
- Hugo
- Johnny
- Sterling
- Forrest
- Harvey
- Banks
- Grady
- Kameron
- Jake
- Franklin
- Lawson
- Tanner
- Eden
- Jaziel
- Pablo
- Reed
- Pedro
- Zayne
- Royce
- Edgar
- Ibrahim
- Winston
- Ronin
- Leonidas
- Devin
- Damon
- Noel
- Rhys
- Clark
- Corbin
- Sonny
- Colter
- Esteban
- Erik
- Baker
- Adan
- Dariel
- Kylo
- Tripp
- Caiden
- Frank
- Solomon
- Major
- Memphis
- Quinn
- Dax
- Hank
- Donovan
- Finnegan
- Nehemiah
- Andy
- Camilo
- Asa
- Jeffrey
- Santino
- Isaias
- Jaiden
- Kian
- Fabian
- Callen
- Ruben
- Alexis
- Emanuel
- Francis
- Garrett
- Kendrick
- Matthias
- Wells
- Augustus
- Jasiah
- Alijah
- Alonzo
- Koda
- Collin
- Ford
- Frederick
- Jaxton
- Kohen
- Troy
- Kason
- Seth
- Denver
- Kyson
- Ares
- Raphael
- Bodie
- Sylas
- Uriel
- Zaiden
- Shiloh
- Lewis
- Kieran
- Marcos
- Bo
- Shepherd
- Philip
- Zaire
- Gregory
- Princeton
- Roberto
- Leland
- Eithan
- Moshe
- Johnathan
- Lucca
- Kenzo
- Mack
- Porter
- Kolton
- Kaison
- Valentino
- Saul
- Shane
- Jamari
- Rocco
- Kylan
- Deacon
- Dalton
- Moses
- Callahan
- Tadeo
- Makai
- Amiri
- Rowen
- Drew
- Jalen
- Kylian
- Sutton
- Dominick
- Reece
- Rodrigo
- Soren
- Kasen
- Ridge
- Zachariah
- Jamir
- Peyton
- Omari
- Trevor
- Morgan
- Izaiah
- Alessandro
- Kaysen
- Enrique
- Marcelo
- Sincere
- Lucian
- Leandro
- Armando
- Braylen
- Jayson
- Julio
- Lawrence
- Cassius
- Raul
- Jase
- Mohammad
- Zain
- Jayceon
- Jonas
- Ronald
- Ayaan
- Rio
- Allen
- Bruce
- Mohamed
- Dorian
- Maximilian
- Keegan
- Shawn
- Yusuf
- Pierce
- Ariel
- Ander
- Conor
- Conrad
- Phillip
- Arjun
- Roy
- Moises
- Arturo
- Johan
- Gerardo
- Atreus
- Nikolai
- Braylon
- Samson
- Hezekiah
- Kayce
- Scott
- Gunnar
- Jamison
- Samir
- Keanu
- Ledger
- Jaime
- Finnley
- Cannon
- Colby
- Nikolas
- Emmitt
- Kamden
- Miller
- Boone
- Hamza
- Ocean
- Mac
- Anakin
- Brixton
- Roland
- Huxley
- Zeke
- Danny
- Marvin
- Otis
- Albert
- Clay
- Emir
- Boston
- Bruno
- Lionel
- Ozzy
- Taylor
- Jamie
- Augustine
- Chaim
- Krew
- Rayan
- Alden
- Bellamy
- Amos
- Drake
- Davis
- Dustin
- Corey
- Ahmad
- Conner
- Gustavo
- Layton
- Abram
- Axton
- Chandler
- Azariah
- Reese
- Benson
- Tru
- Case
- Trey
- Mauricio
- Westin
- Gage
- Reign
- Creed
- Mylo
- Dennis
- Quentin
- Madden
- Rome
- Julien
- Sam
- Zaid
- Marcel
- Maximo
- Layne
- Ahmed
- Kannon
- Quincy
- Yosef
- Aarav
- Lennon
- Ryland
- Skyler
- Chris
- Eliam
- Kareem
- Kyree
- Dario
- Donald
- Fletcher
- Darius
- Duke
- Rayden
- Salem
- Vicente
- Vincenzo
- Cayson
- Eliseo
- Issac
- Lian
- Clyde
- Wilson
- Santana
- Tomas
- Dexter
- Keith
- Houston
- Harry
- Uriah
- Lee
- Rex
- Tony
- Carmelo
- Alberto
- Loyal
- Trace
- Alfredo
- Riggs
- Forest
- Raylan
- Salvador
- Jakari
- Zakai
- Louie
- Flynn
- Leonard
- Mohammed
- Derrick
- Musa
- Avi
- Ty
- Westley
- Ambrose
- Brycen
- Aron
- Caspian
- Gatlin
- Harlan
- Dillon
- Emery
- Nixon
- Tommy
- Watson
- Zayd
- Azrael
- Zyair
- Azriel
- Legacy
- Cillian
- Alvin
- Bridger
- Alec
- Edison
- Kingsley
- Remi
- Briar
- Jaxxon
- Truett
- Lachlan
- Cal
- Landen
- Roger
- Alonso
- Kaiser
- Blaze
- Jerry
- Seven
- Kenji
- Noe
- Quinton
- Grey
- Jefferson
- Marcellus
- Ray
- Kyro
- Benicio
- Justice
- Neil
- Idris
- Bear
- Kiaan
- Wayne
- Ben
- Junior
- Karim
- Yehuda
- Jimmy
- Ramon
- Bjorn
- Nathanael
- Stanley
- Hassan
- Magnus
- Trenton
- Brayan
- Brock
- Jagger
- Cason
- Dakari
- Rey
- Abdiel
- Abdullah
- Casen
- Jiraiya
- Lance
- Misael
- Alvaro
- Robin
- Langston
- Nelson
- Wes
- Khari
- Landyn
- Jakai
- Lochlan
- Valentin
- Keaton
- Amias
- Joziah
- Thaddeus
- Jedidiah
- Orlando
- Eliel
- Hugh
- Koen
- Calum
- Enoch
- Mitchell
- Rohan
- Aryan
- Dilan
- Aden
- Allan
- Leighton
- Elisha
- Evander
- Castiel
- Curtis
- Kellen
- Dash
- Douglas
- Eddie
- Melvin
- Avyaan
- Everest
- Zamir
- Ricky
- Dutton
- Yahir
- Devon
- Franco
- Khaza
- Dior
- Leif
- Sevyn
- Guillermo
- Ira
- Emory
- Felipe
- Titan
- Alfred
- Azael
- Zahir
- Kellan
- Darren
- Rudy
- Ayan
- Leroy
- Anders
- Ishaan
- Reuben
- Boden
- Mccoy
- Heath
- Kase
- Wylder
- Judson
- Khai
- Kye
- Axl
- Crue
- Ernesto
- Ahmir
- Zyon
- Aries
- Mustafa
- Santos
- Dane
- Damari
- Elio
- Jadiel
- Jovanni
- Salvatore
- Mathew
- Kolson
- Nova
- Brendan
- Murphy
- Brodie
- Damir
- Rocky
- Larry
- Fisher
- Waylen
- Byron
- Ermias
- Joey
- Joe
- Jon
- Arian
- Chosen
- Jairo
- Vihaan
- Kylen
- Ameer
- Dion
- Jrue
- Kaizen
- Yousef
- Bryant
- Cullen
- Kaisen
- Kelvin
- Zen
- Kartier
- Randy
- Shepard
- Alaric
- Cain
- Jeremias
- Alfonso
- Brecken
- Colten
- Gian
- Rhodes
- Wesson
- Duncan
- Harold
- Henrik
- Harley
- Alistair
- Agustin
- Jericho
- Talon
- Westyn
- Cassian
- Eugene
- Ryatt
- Shmuel
- Braden
- Yahya
- Aldo
- Dangelo
- Ezrah
- Korbin
- Zavier
- Bronson
- Teo
- Jones
- Neo
- Stefan
- Van
- Mekhi
- Coleson
- Eren
- Ignacio
- Kristian
- Harlem
- Zev
- Canaan
- Cedric
- Khalid
- Bode
- Gary
- Rene
- Benedict
- Maxton
- Thatcher
- Wallace
- Davian
- Gordon
- Niklaus
- Yisroel
- Kabir
- Osman
- Adler
- Darian
- Terry
- Cartier
- Osiris
- Vance
- Demetrius
- Kamryn
- Lux
- Stone
- Jaxx
- Kooper
- Rodney
- Aurelio
- Darwin
- Jakob
- Zechariah
- Brennan
- Marlon
- Meir
- Yael
- Asaiah
- Atharv
- Imran
- Ivaan
- Kanan
- Kalel
- London
Been There, Done That: The Name Struggle is Real
I know how you feel: drowning in baby name books, arguing over endless lists, and getting bombarded with suggestions from everyone. Choosing a name is personal, and there’s a lot to think about.
Maybe you want to honor a family tradition, like using Great Grandpa Harold’s middle name. Or perhaps you’re obsessed with “Game of Thrones” and low-key want to name your son Khal Drogo (don’t, just don’t).
I can help you navigate all these options and find a name that makes you do a happy dance.
Classic with a Kick or Totally Unique?
Some names are like your favorite jeans: timeless and totally reliable. These classic choices have a familiar feel and often come with strong meanings. Think William (aka “resolute protector”), all strength and tradition. Or Elijah (“Yahweh is my God”), with its religious significance.
Even literary references can make a name a forever fave, like Alexander (“defender of men”), the name of that legendary Greek dude who conquered stuff.
Pop culture can also be a major name influencer. Names like Tyrion (“kind or gentle”), thanks to “Game of Thrones” (see previous point), or Atticus (“from Attica” in Greece), because everyone loved Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” show how TV and movies can leave their mark.
Right now, names starting with L and M are all the rage, because apparently strong consonant sounds are in.
Popular is great, but there’s also a desire to be unique. Let’s be honest, sharing your name with three other kids in class isn’t exactly ideal.
Beyond the Classics: Hot Name Trends
The world of baby names is constantly evolving, and it’s kind of fun to see what’s hot. Here are some trends to watch:
- Nature is Bae: We’re all about surrounding ourselves with greenery, and that’s reflected in names like River or Forest. Earthy and cool.
- Short and Sweet: One-syllable names pack a punch, like Kai (“sea”) or Crew (because your son is about to be part of your crew, obvi).
- Global Grooves: Our world is diverse, and so are baby names! Names from various cultures are gaining traction, like Mateo (Spanish, meaning “Gift of God”) or Omar (Arabic, meaning “thriving”).
These trends show a desire for names that are unique, meaningful, and reflect your values. Basically, a name that screams, “This little dude is awesome and has awesome parents!”
Now, let’s get down to figuring out what kind of name vibe you’re feeling.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: It’s A Little Bit About You
Choosing a name is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to find a name that reflects your style and makes your heart melt. Answer these questions to identify what speaks to you:
- Classic Cool or Modern Marvel? Do you gravitate towards timeless names like Theodore (“gift of God”) or Arthur (“like a bear”)? Or are you drawn to edgier choices like Jaxon (a modern invention) or Zayn (Arabic, meaning “beautiful”)?
- Standing Out vs. Standing the Test of Time: Would you prefer a name steeped in history, like George (our first president), or Benjamin (“son of the right hand”)? Or are you seeking something completely unique that will make your son stand out on the classroom roster?
- Cultural Connection: Does incorporating your heritage matter to you? This could involve using cherished family names or a name with meaning in your ancestral language. Like Miguel (love that name) or Arun (Sanskrit, meaning “dawn”) for a connection to Indian roots.
Name Length? It Might Matter
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to name length. It’s all about personal preference!
Some parents love the grandeur of a longer name, like Sebastian (“venerable”) or Christopher (“bearer of Christ”) – think instant movie star potential.
Others prefer the simplicity and strength of a one-syllable name, like Ash or Cole (“swarthy”).
The two-syllable sweet spot, like David (“beloved”) or Ethan (“strong, enduring”), remains popular for a reason – it’s easy to say and remember.
Get Inspired!
Now that you have a better idea of what kind of name vibe you’re feeling, it’s time to brainstorm some awesome options! Here are a few ways to get those creative juices flowing:
- The Internet is Your Oyster: The internet is a goldmine for baby names! Websites like Nameberry (because, duh) and Behind the Name (super informative) have searchable databases with everything you ever wanted to know about a name, from origin stories and meanings to how popular it is (spoiler alert: nobody wants their kid to be the fifth Aiden in class).
- Baby Name Books: Don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned baby name book. They’re packed with options, often categorized by style, origin, or meaning. Plus, there’s something calming about flipping through the pages and letting inspiration strike. Pro tip: Borrow from friends or hit up your local library to save some cash (and bookshelf space).
- Family Tree Time! Dive into your family history for some unique finds. Maybe a cherished family name could be a cool middle name, or you might unearth a hidden gem from a past generation. You never know!
- Travel Inspiration: Did that recent trip to Iceland totally blow your mind? Places you love can inspire beautiful and meaningful names. Jasper (think majestic mountains) or Lake (because, serenity) could be strong contenders.
- Lit Lovers, Unite! Calling all bookworms! Characters from your favorite novels can spark amazing name ideas. Think about the qualities you admire in a fictional hero and find a name that embodies those traits. Just avoid anything too “out there” – nobody wants their kid to be constantly explaining they’re not actually named after an obscure Harry Potter character.
The Pros and Cons of These Methods
There are good and bad sides to every method, of course. Online resources give you a ton of options (perhaps too many), while baby name books offer a curated (re: limited) selection.
Exploring personal connections adds a special touch, but relying solely on family names might limit your choices and put too much pressure on the choice.
Make an effort to explore more than one source of baby name inspo.
Meaningful, But Not Everything
The meaning behind a name can be super important. Virtue names like Justice or Valor represent admirable qualities, while nature names like River or Sky evoke a connection to the natural world.
I even dove into the meaning behind over 100 of my favorite boy names (and noted which ones are a definite no because of their meaning).
Considering the meaning can be a powerful way to find a name that resonates with you. But here’s the thing: meaning isn’t everything.
Meanings can be subjective and vary across cultures. Like Asher, meaning “happy, blessed” in English? That might have a different meaning in another language. Ultimately, the sound and overall feel of the name should be something you and your partner love.
Making Your Shortlist Shine
Alright, Mom (or Dad), you’ve brainstormed some killer names and have a shortlist of faves. Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and make those choices sing! Here are some things to consider:
Family Ties: Honoring Your Roots
Family names hold a special place in many traditions, and incorporating them can be a beautiful way to honor your ancestors. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Carrying on the Legacy: Using a cherished family name as a middle name is a classic way to pay homage to those who came before you. Bonus points if the name has a cool story behind it!
- Modern Twists on Tradition: Maybe there’s a family name you love but it feels a little, well, dated. Consider using a variation of it. For example, if Agnes is a family name but not quite your style, you could opt for the more modern Agnes’s cousin, Agnesia.
- Meaningful Matches: Look for names with similar meanings or sounds to a family name you’d like to incorporate. This way, you can still honor tradition while picking a name that feels fresh and unique.
- The Hyphenated Hustle: Hyphenated last names are becoming increasingly popular. This allows you to combine your last name with your partner’s or another family name that holds significance. Just make sure the hyphenated combo isn’t super long and cumbersome.
Gender-Neutral Names: Breaking the Mold for a New Generation
Society’s views on gender are evolving, and baby names are reflecting that! Exploring unisex options can be super appealing for a few reasons:
- Breaking Free from the Binary: Gender-neutral names allow you to choose a name based on sound and meaning, rather than sticking to traditional categories for boys or girls. Think Riley, Rowan, or Blake – all strong, cool names that don’t conform to gender norms.
- Future Flexibility: A gender-neutral name gives your child more freedom to express their identity as they grow up. They might identify more with a traditionally masculine or feminine name later on, and a gender-neutral choice allows for that flexibility.
The Magic of the Middle Name: It’s Not Just an Afterthought
The middle name can be like the finishing touch on a fabulous outfit – it adds another layer of meaning or honors a family member. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Flow and Harmony: Say the full name out loud – first, middle, and last. Does it roll off the tongue smoothly, or does it sound like you’re tripping over your words? Avoid any awkward combinations that might make your kid want to ditch their middle name altogether.
- Initials Matter: Nobody wants their kid to be stuck with unfortunate initials like B.R.B. or O.M.G. Double-check those initials before you fall in love with a name.
- Nickname Potential: Most people consider nicknames for the first name, but how could the middle name come into play? Certain name combinations can create cool nicknames your son might love as he grows up. Make sure the possibilities from your two chosen names aren’t, well, dorky.
The Home Stretch: Picking Your Little Dude’s Name
Alright, you’ve narrowed down your options and have a killer shortlist of contenders. Now comes the moment of truth: choosing the one name for your son! Here are some steps to guide you through this exciting (and maybe slightly stressful) process:
Sharpen Your Focus: Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Choice
Take a deep breath and let’s winnow down that shortlist to a more manageable number, ideally 3-5 names. Here are some key things to consider:
- Say it with Sass (and Your Last Name): Repeat the name out loud with your last name. Does it flow together smoothly, or does it sound like a tongue twister? Avoid any awkward combinations or names that could cause confusion.
- Pronunciation Power: Imagine your son having to spell his name out for people his entire life. Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and spell. Nobody wants a kid who’s constantly correcting people (“It’s actually Kiernan with a ‘K,’ not Cieran with a ‘C'”).
- Nickname Alert! Consider if nickname potential is important to you. Certain name combinations can create cool nicknames your son might love as he grows up. Just avoid anything too embarrassing.
Putting the Names to the Test
Once you have a final few finalists, it’s time to put them through the ringer! Here’s how:
- Say it Out Loud, Say it Proud: Repeat the names often. How does it feel saying them? Imagine introducing your little dude by name to the world – teachers, doctors, grandparents, the barista at your favorite coffee shop. Does the name feel right?
- Feedback from the Fam: Run the names by trusted friends and family. Their honest opinions can be helpful, but remember, parents know best! Ultimately, the choice is yours.
- Red Flag Roundup: Avoid names with negative associations or pop culture references that might feel dated in five minutes (think “Epstein” or “Tiger King”). Steer clear of names that are difficult to spell or pronounce – you don’t want your son to be known as “X Æ A-Xii” (we see you, Elon Musk, but this mama can’t afford that struggle).
There’s No Perfect Name, Just the Perfect Choice for You
Listen up, lady (or dude): there’s no single “perfect” name out there. The most important factor is that you, as parents, love the name you choose. It should feel like the perfect fit for your son, something that embodies his awesomeness and makes your heart melt.
Trust your instincts and enjoy this special part of your parenting journey. Picking out a name is a fun and personal experience, so embrace the process and don’t be afraid to get a little creative!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Bonus Round: Name-Nerd Resources Galore!
Buckle up, mama (and papa), because we’re diving into a treasure trove of resources to fuel your baby name obsession and help you find the perfect fit.
Websites: Your Online Name HQ
- The Social Security Administration’s baby name database is your BFF for popularity stats. It’s where I found the most recent top 1,000 names used on this list! See what other cool parents are naming their little dudes.
- Behind the Name is like the Wikipedia of names. It has everything you ever wanted to know about a name, from origin stories and meanings to fun facts (did you know Chad means “lake” in Old English?).
- Nameberry is your one-stop shop for creative inspiration. Search by origin, meaning, style, or even pop culture references (think Maverick, anyone?).
Book: Dive Deeper into the Name Nerd World
- The Baby Name Wizard by Laura Wattenberg is a classic resource, jam-packed with comprehensive lists, cultural influences, and creative naming tips. Think of it as your baby name bible.
Baby Name Generators and Tools: When You Need Help
Stuck for ideas or feeling a creative block? Websites like Nameberry offer baby name generators that are like magic wands. You can search by origin, meaning, style, and even pop culture references.
Mobile App: The Name Matchmaker?
There’s an app for everything, even baby names! BabyName is basically the Tinder of baby names. You and your partner can swipe left or right on names to see which ones you both love.
It might just save you a ton of bickering during the naming process.
Baby Name Etiquette: Keeping it Classy
Grandma suggesting Gertrude or Uncle Steve pushing for Reginald? We’ve all been there. Websites like SheKnows offer helpful articles on baby name etiquette, ensuring a smooth and respectful naming process with your family.
Legal Name Check: Just a heads up!
While you should focus on choosing a boy name you love, be aware that some states have legal restrictions on baby names. Nobody wants to get to the hospital all excited only to be told “Sorry, Sparkleigh isn’t allowed.” It’s always a good idea to check with your local vital records office before finalizing your perfect pick.
Happy naming! May you find the name that makes your hearts melt and your son totally awesome.
