AHEAD: The ultimate list of modern names for boys.

Get ready for an epic list of almost 500 modern boy names along with their meanings and current popularity rankings.

This list is huge, so feel free to use the Table of Contents to navigate.

Let’s delve in and check out these amazing modern boy names!

Related: Modern Girl Names

Short modern boy names for 2025

These cool baby names are only 3 letters or 4 letters.

Ace

• Name meaning: One, unity, or expert.
• Popularity: #157

Axel or Axl

• Name meaning: Father of peace.
• Popularity: Axel ranks #72 and Axl is #897.

Beau

• Name meaning: Handsome.
• Popularity: #79

Cash or Kash

• Name meaning: Money. Short for Cassius, meaning empty or vain.
• Popularity: Cash ranks #288 and Kash is #261.

Clay

• Name meaning: Sticky fine-grained earth. (Short for Clayton meaning town with good clay.)
• Popularity: #580

Cole or Kole

• Name meaning: Charcoal.
• Popularity: Cole ranks #155 and Kole is #978.

Colt

• Name meaning: Young horse.
• Popularity: #263

Crew or Krew

• Name meaning: Group.
• Popularity: Crew ranks #260 and Crue ranks #729. Krew ranks #647. Kru and Krue aren’t ranking.

Cruz

• Name meaning: Cross.
• Popularity: #328

Dane

• Name meaning: God is my judge. Person from Denmark.
• Popularity: #898

Eli

• Name meaning: Uplifted.
• Popularity: #80

Elio

• Name meaning: Sun.
• Popularity: #646

Enzo

• Name meaning: Italian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
• Popularity: #90

Related: Italian Boy Names

Evan

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #137

Ezra

• Name meaning: Helper.
• Popularity: This modern E name ranks #15 for boys and #762 for girls.

Fox

• Name meaning: Wild animal.
• Popularity: This modern boy name isn’t ranking.

Gage

• Name meaning: Money lender. Pledge.
• Popularity: #732

Jace

• Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
• Popularity: Jace ranks #110, Jayce is #166, and Jase is #613.

Jax or Jaxx

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Jax ranks #287 and Jaxx isn’t ranking.

Jett

• Name meaning: Black.
• Popularity: #206

Jude

• Name meaning: Short for Judah, meaning praised.
• Popularity: #161

Kai or Kye

• Name meaning: Sea.
• Popularity: For boys, Kai ranks #61 and Kye is #938. For girls, Kai is #940.

Knox

• Name meaning: Round-topped hill.
• Popularity: #208

Kylo

• Name meaning: A variation of Kyle, which means narrow land.
• Popularity: #405

Leon

• Name meaning: Greek version of Leo, meaning Lion.
• Popularity: #148

Levi

• Name meaning: Joined.
• Popularity: #12

Liam

• Name meaning: Will. Resolution. Helmet. Protector.
• Popularity: #1

Related: Middle Names for Liam

Luca or Luka

• Name meaning: Italian version of Luke, meaning man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Luca ranks #24, Luka is #95, and Lucca is #498.

Luke

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: #31

Max

• Name meaning: The greatest.
• Popularity: #163

Nash

• Name meaning: By the ash tree.
• Popularity: #259

Nico or Niko

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Popularity: Nico ranks #240 and Niko is #319.

Noah

• Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
• Popularity: For boys, Noah ranks #2. For girls, Noah ranks #640 and Noa ranks #298.

Owen

• Name meaning: Noble or young warrior.
• Popularity: #19

Related: O Names for Boys

Reid or Reed

• Name meaning: Red-haired. A tall grass.
• Popularity: Reid ranks #315 and Reed is #429.

Remy or Remi

• Name meaning: Oarsman. One who drives a boat forward.
• Popularity: For boys, Remy ranks #390 and Remi isn’t ranking. For girls, Remy ranks #641 and Remi ranks #127.

Rhys or Reece or Reese

• Name meaning: Fiery, enthusiastic, and passionate.
• Popularity: For boys, Rhys ranks #353, Reece isn’t ranking, and Reese ranks #630. For girls, Reese ranks #174.

Related: Middle Names for Reese

Trey

• Name meaning: Three.
• Popularity: #718

Zane or Zayn

• Name meaning: God is gracious. Beauty and grace.
• Popularity: Zane ranks #277, Zayn is #246, and Zayne is #433, Zain is #549.

Zeke

• Name meaning: God will strengthen.
• Popularity: #640

Zion or Zyon

• Name meaning: Hill of Jerusalem.
• Popularity: Zion ranks #125 and Zyon is #866.

If you like these short modern boy names for 2025 you’ll also like this complete list of short names.

Cute modern boy names

All of the modern names for boys in this next batch have a sweet and playful ring.

Archie

• Name meaning: Truly brave.
• Popularity: #347

Arlo or Arlow

• Name meaning: Literary name. Might mean ‘between hills’.
• Popularity: Arlo ranks #158 and Arlow isn’t ranking.

Bodhi or Bodie

• Name meaning: Enlightenment.
• Popularity: Bodhi ranks #296, Bodie is #387, and Bowdie isn’t ranking.

Brady

• Name meaning: Broad meadow.
• Popularity: #323

Brantley

• Name meaning: Fire or sword.
• Popularity: #365

Brody or Brodie

• Name meaning: Broad island.
• Popularity: Brody ranks #233 and Brodie is #841.

Felix

• Name meaning: Fortunate.
• Popularity: #192

Finn

• Name meaning: White.
• Popularity: #188

Grady

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #395

Huxley

• Name meaning: Inhospitable place. A small rural village in England.
• Popularity: #617

Leo

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: #18

Mack or Mac

• Name meaning: Son of.
• Popularity: Mack ranks #545 and Mac is #651.

Milo or Mylo

• Name meaning: Dear or beloved. Soldier.
• Popularity: Milo ranks #121 and Mylo is #710.

Tate

• Name meaning: cheerful
• Popularity: #197

If you like these cute modern boy names for 2025 you might also like this list of hippie names.

Modern gender-neutral names

The following modern baby names would work for a boy or a girl born in 2025.

Avery

• Name meaning: King of elves.
• Popularity: Avery ranks #241 for boys and #29 for girls.

Related: Middle Names for Avery

Bentley

• Name meaning: A meadow with coarse grass.
• Popularity: Bentley ranks #190 and Bentlee isn’t ranking. Bentley isn’t ranking for girls.

Blake

• Name meaning: Light. Bright and shining.
• Popularity: This B name ranks #255 for boys and #221 for girls.

Devin or Devon

• Name meaning: Fawn. Poet. Divine.
• Popularity: Devin ranks #462 and Devon ranks #907. Devon isn’t ranking for girls.

Dylan or Dillon

• Name meaning: Son of the sea.
• Popularity: Dylan ranks #34, Dillon ranks #766, and Dilan ranks #758. Dylan ranks #648 for girls.

Elliott or Elliot

• Name meaning: The Lord is my God.
• Popularity: Elliott ranks #167 and Elliot ranks #178. For girls, Elliott ranks #667 and Elliot ranks #898.

Ellis

• Name meaning: Benevolent.
• Popularity: This E name ranks #73 for boys and #757 for girls.

Emerson

• Name meaning: Son of Emery.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #268 for boys. For girls, Emerson ranks #161 and Emersyn ranks #71.

Finley or Finnley

• Name meaning: Fair-haired hero.
• Popularity: Finley ranks #285 and Finnley ranks #666. For girls, Finley ranks #282.

Hayden or Haden

• Name meaning: Heather or hay valley.
• Popularity: Hayden ranks #368 for girls. Hayden and Haden aren’t ranking for boys.

Hunter

• Name meaning: One who hunts.
• Popularity: Hunter ranks #115 for boys and #807 for girls.

Lennon

• Name meaning: Lover, blackbird, cloak.
• Popularity: This L name ranks #754 for boys and #243 for girls.

Lennox

• Name meaning: Elm field.
• Popularity: This modern 2-syllable name ranks #265 for boys and #628 for girls.

Logan

• Name meaning: Little hollow.
• Popularity: This cool Scottish name ranks #38 for boys and #356 for girls.

Parker

• Name meaning: Park keeper.
• Popularity: This modern P name ranks #91 for boys and #121 for girls.

Phoenix

• Name meaning: A mythical bird that rises from the ashes and is born again. The name also means dark red.
• Popularity: This bird baby name ranks #269 for boys and #348 for girls.

Quinn

• Name meaning: Descendant of Conn.
• Popularity: This one-syllable name ranks #452 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Reign

• Name meaning: Rule or sovereign.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #624 for boys and #414 for girls.

Remington

• Name meaning: Raven.
• Popularity: This R name ranks #283 for boys and #419 for girls.

Riley

• Name meaning: Wood clearing or courageous.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #223 for boys and #43 for girls.

Rowan or Rowen

• Name meaning: Reddish-brown tree known for its scarlet berries and mystical history.
• Popularity: For boys, Rowan ranks #76. For girls, Rowan ranks #233. Rowen isn’t ranking for either gender.

Ryder

• Name meaning: Horseman.
• Popularity: This modern baby name (that now makes me think of Paw Patrol) ranks #129 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Rylan or Ryland

• Name meaning: Island meadow or rye land.
• Popularity: For boys, Rylan ranks #376 and Ryland ranks #703. Rylan and Ryland aren’t ranking for girls.

Sawyer

• Name meaning: Person who saws timberwood.
• Popularity: This S name ranks #127 for boys and #280 for girls.

Shiloh

• Name meaning: Tranquil. Peaceful.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #388 for boys and #286 for girls.

Sutton

• Name meaning: Southern settlement.
• Popularity: This cool baby name ranks #446 for boys and #205 for girls.

Tatum

• Name meaning: Bringer of joy. Tate’s homestead.
• Popularity: This T name ranks #233 for boys and #226 for girls.

If you like these modern gender-neutral baby names you’ll also like this list of nonbinary names.

Modern southern names for boys

Even if you don’t live below the Mason-Dixon line, these are some classic yet current baby names worth considering for your 2025 baby boy…

Boden

• Name meaning: Hill.
• Popularity: Boden ranks #756. Bowden and Beauden aren’t ranking.

Cameron

• Name meaning: Crooked nose.
• Popularity: #480

Colton or Colten or Kolton

• Name meaning: From the coal town.
• Popularity: Colton ranks #93. Colten and Kolton aren’t ranking.

Corbin or Korbin

• Name meaning: Crow.
• Popularity: None of these spellings are ranking (including Corbin, Corben, Korbin, and Korbyn).

Dalton

• Name meaning: Settlement in the valley.
• Popularity: #513

Deacon

• Name meaning: Messenger. Helper. A member of the Christian ministry.
• Popularity: #534

Declan

• Name meaning: Man of prayer.
• Popularity: #132

Gavin

• Name meaning: White hawk.
• Popularity: #231

Granger

• Name meaning: Granary worker.
• Popularity: This cool G name isn’t ranking.

Grant

• Name meaning: Tall.
• Popularity: #228

Gunner or Gunnar

• Name meaning: Battle fighter.
• Popularity: Gunner ranks #439 and Gunnar isn’t ranking.

Landon or Landen

• Name meaning: Long hill.
• Popularity: Landon ranks #97, Landen ranks #810, and Landyn ranks #895.

Rhett

• Name meaning: Advice.
• Popularity: #165

Tex

• Name meaning: A nickname for someone from Texas.
• Popularity: This cute modern name isn’t ranking.

Travis

• Name meaning: Toll keeper. To cross.
• Popularity: #378

Tripp

• Name meaning: The third.
• Popularity: #456

Tucker

• Name meaning: Fabric pleater (occupation).
• Popularity: #205

Wade

• Name meaning: To go. To walk through water.
• Popularity: #341

Related: W Names for Boys

Walker

• Name meaning: Inspector of the forest.
• Popularity: #85

Waylon

• Name meaning: Roadside land.
• Popularity: #62

Wells

• Name meaning: Spring or person who lives near a spring.
• Popularity: #445

Wesley or Wes

• Name meaning: Western meadow.
• Popularity: Wesley ranks #73 and Wes ranks #798.

Wyatt

• Name meaning: Brave in war.
• Popularity: #47

If you like these southern modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of southern names.

Modern nature-inspired boy names for 2025

The following modern names for boys have meanings related to the earth, sky, and sea.

Beckett

• Name meaning: Beehive.
• Popularity: #196

Brooks

• Name meaning: Small stream.
• Popularity: #73

Calix or Calyx

• Name meaning: Husk or pod.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this cool plant baby name is ranking.

Cyrus

• Name meaning: Sun.
• Popularity: #297

Everest

• Name meaning: The world’s tallest mountain.
• Popularity: #837

Forrest or Forest

• Name meaning: Wooded area.
• Popularity: Forrest ranks #427 and Forest ranks #747.

Holt

• Name meaning: Grove of trees.
• Popularity: This modern-sounding tree baby name isn’t ranking.

Jonah

• Name meaning: Dove.
• Popularity: #124

Oliver

• Name meaning: Olive tree.
• Popularity: #3

Raiden

• Name meaning: Thunder and lightning.
• Popularity: Raiden ranks #423 and Rayden ranks #761.

Ridge

• Name meaning: A chain of mountains or hills.
• Popularity: #505

River

• Name meaning: Stream of water.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #116 for boys and #193 for girls.

Ronan or Ronin

• Name meaning: Little seal.
• Popularity: Ronan ranks #290 and Ronin ranks #474.

Silas or Sylas

• Name meaning: Man of the forest.
• Popularity: Silas ranks #81 and Sylas is #463.

Related: Middle Names for Silas

Slate

• Name meaning: Grayish rock.
• Popularity: This modern-sounding name isn’t ranking.

If you like these nature-inspired modern boy names you’ll also like this huge list of earthy names.

Badass baby names for boys

The following modern boy names are edgy and cool for a baby on the way in 2025.

Alpha

• Name meaning: First letter of the Greek alphabet. Socially dominant.
• Popularity: This cool A name isn’t ranking.

Archer

• Name meaning: Bowman.
• Popularity: #130

Blaze

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: #765

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Cade

• Name meaning: Barrel.
• Popularity: #279

Cannon or Kannon

• Name meaning: Artillery.
• Popularity: Cannon ranks #636 and Kannon is #819.

Crimson

• Name meaning: Dark red.
• Popularity: This modern-sounding C name isn’t ranking.

Dash

• Name meaning: To move quickly.
• Popularity: #905

Diego

• Name meaning: One who takes the place of another. Spanish version of James.
• Popularity: #135

Diesel or Diezel

• Name meaning: Fuel.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this cool D name is ranking.

Harlan

• Name meaning: Rocky land.
• Popularity: #653

Hendrix

• Name meaning: Son of Hendrik or estate ruler.
• Popularity: #303

Hutton

• Name meaning: Ridge enclosure.
• Popularity: This modern-sounding H name isn’t ranking.

Jagger

• Name meaning: Carter.
• Popularity: #854

Ledger

• Name meaning: Tribe + spear.
• Popularity: #561

Lynx

• Name meaning: A wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears. A constellation.
• Popularity: This modern baby name isn’t ranking.

Madden

• Name meaning: Little dog.
• Popularity: #644

Maddox

• Name meaning: Fortunate. Son of Madoc.
• Popularity: #195

Maverick

• Name meaning: Independent-minded person. An unbranded animal.
• Popularity: #37

Related: Middle Names for Maverick

Onyx

• Name meaning: A layered black stone.
• Popularity: #308

Pierce

• Name meaning: Rock. Son of Piers.
• Popularity: #546

Rex

• Name meaning: King. (Also reminiscent of the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex).
• Popularity: #722

Ryker or Riker

• Name meaning: Rich. (Will Riker is First Officer on the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation.)
• Popularity: Neither spelling is ranking.

Slade

• Name meaning: From the valley.
• Popularity: This boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2010.

Smith

• Name meaning: Blacksmith.
• Popularity: This modern baby name isn’t ranking.

Storm

• Name meaning: Weather event.
• Popularity: This moody name isn’t ranking.

Thiago or Tiago

• Name meaning: Portuguese version of Jacob and James, meaning one who takes the place of another.
• Popularity: Thiago ranks #71 and Tiago isn’t ranking.

Wilder

• Name meaning: Untamed.
• Popularity: Wilder ranks #421 and Wylder is #727.

Xander or Zander

• Name meaning: Protector.
• Popularity: Xander ranks #214 and Zander is #355.

If you like these badass modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of badass names for 2025.

Modern geographical boy names

These modern names for boys are inspired by famous destinations throughout the world.

Atlas

• Name meaning: From Greek mythology: a Titan who was forced to support the heavens on his shoulders. Also a collection of maps.
• Popularity: #112

Austin or Austen

• Name meaning: Magnificent. The state capital of Texas.
• Popularity: Austin ranks #101 and Austen isn’t ranking.

Cairo

• Name meaning: Victorious. The capital of Egypt.
• Popularity: #333

Camden

• Name meaning: Winding valley. A common American city name.
• Popularity: #181

Dakota

• Name meaning: Friend or ally. North and South Dakota are midwestern states.
• Popularity: This name ranks #329 for boys and #262 for girls.

Dallas

• Name meaning: Skilled. A city in northern Texas.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #252 for boys and #615 for girls.

Dax

• Name meaning: A town in southwestern France.
• Popularity: #558

Denver

• Name meaning: Green valley. The capital and most populous city of Colorado.
• Popularity: This great winter baby name ranks #512 for boys and #780 for girls.

Gatlin

• Name meaning: Companion. Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city in Tennessee.
• Popularity: #806

Hudson

• Name meaning: Son of Hudd or Hugh. A huge river that flows through New York.
• Popularity: #21

Jackson

• Name meaning: Son of Jack. The state capital and most populous city of Mississippi.
• Popularity: #28

Related: Middle Names for Jackson

Kingston

• Name meaning: King’s town. The capital and largest city of Jamaica.
• Popularity: #142

Lincoln

• Name meaning: Town by the pool or settler by the lake. The capital city of Nebraska.
• Popularity: #64

London

• Name meaning: From the great river. The capital of England and the United Kingdom.
• Popularity: London isn’t ranking for boys. For girls, London ranks #313.

Miles or Myles

• Name meaning: Soldier.
• Popularity: Miles ranks #43 and Myles isn’t ranking.

Nile or Niall or Niles

• Name meaning: Champion. The longest river in Africa.
• Popularity: None of these N names are ranking.

Rome

• Name meaning: The capital and largest city in Italy.
• Popularity: #520

Salem

• Name meaning: Peace or safety. The capital of Oregon.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #629 for boys and #420 for girls.

Trenton

• Name meaning: Trent’s town. The capital city of New Jersey.
• Popularity: #861

If you like these geography-inspired 2025 boy names you’ll also like this huge list of city baby names.

Modern but timeless boy names

These names have been around for ages and have stood the test of time.
As you’ll see, many of them are currently ranked in the top 20 male baby names.

Alexander

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #22

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Benjamin or Ben

• Name meaning: Son of my right hand.
• Popularity: Benjamin ranks #11 and Ben ranks #796.

Graham

• Name meaning: Gravel.
• Popularity: #140

Jack

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #14

Jacob or Jakob

• Name meaning: To follow. Supplanter.
• Popularity: Jacob ranks #36 and Jakob isn’t ranking.

James

• Name meaning: One who follows.
• Popularity: James ranks #4 and Jimmy ranks #818.

Lucas or Lukas

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Lucas ranks #9 and Lukas ranks #238.

Theodore or Theo

• Name meaning: God-given. Divine gift.
• Popularity: Theodore ranks #7 and Theo ranks #78.

Related: Middle Names for Theo

Zachary

• Name meaning: God has remembered.
• Popularity: #171

If you like these simultaneously timeless and modern boy names you might also like this list of three-syllable names.

Modern Hebrew boy names

These modern names for boys are of Hebrew origin.

(You’ll also find a bunch more Hebrew names sprinkled throughout the other sections).

Feel free to jump ahead to modern spiritual names if you prefer.

Abbott

• Name meaning: Father.
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.

Abner

• Name meaning: Father of light, creator of the sun and stars.
• Popularity: #997

Asher

• Name meaning: Happy or blessed. One who lives by an ash tree.
• Popularity: #23

Related: Middle Names for Asher

Benji

• Name meaning: Short for Benjamin, meaning son of my right hand.
• Popularity: This precious boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Caleb

• Name meaning: Devotion.
• Popularity: #51

Cohen or Coen or Kohen or Koen

• Name meaning: Priest.
• Popularity: Cohen ranks #247. Coen, Kohen, and Koen aren’t ranking.

Ethan

• Name meaning: Long-lived, strong, firm.
• Popularity: Ethan ranks #25 and Eithan is #370.

Hirsch

• Name meaning: Deer.
• Popularity: This modern boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Jayden or Jaden or Jaiden

• Name meaning: Thankful.
• Popularity: Jayden ranks #48, Jaden ranks #352, and Jaiden ranks #502.

Judah

• Name meaning: Praised.
• Popularity: #176

Ruben or Reuben

• Name meaning: Behold, a son.
• Popularity: Ruben ranks #774 and Reuben ranks #815.

Samson

• Name meaning: Sun.
• Popularity: #568

If you like this short list of Hebrew modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of Hebrew names. [Updated link coming soon]

Modern German boy names

These modern names for boys are of German origin.

(You’ll also find a bunch more German names sprinkled throughout the other sections)

Adler

• Name meaning: Eagle.
• Popularity: #943

Barrett

• Name meaning: Bear strength.
• Popularity: #207

Brant

• Name meaning: Sword.
• Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Brenner

• Name meaning: Charcoal burner.
• Popularity: This modern baby name isn’t ranking.

Emmett or Emmitt

• Name meaning: Universal.
• Popularity: Emmett ranks #118 and Emmitt ranks #655.

Everett

• Name meaning: Strong and brave. Wild boar.
• Popularity: #88

Keller

• Name meaning: Cellar master. Overseer of the household.
• Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.

Kyler or Kylar

• Name meaning: Church. Monk’s cell.
• Popularity: Kyler ranks #322 and Kylar isn’t ranking.

Lance

• Name meaning: Land or territory.
• Popularity: #820

Walter

• Name meaning: Powerful warrior, bright warrior, forest warrior.
• Popularity: #267

If you like this short list of German modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of German names.

Modern Greek boy names

These modern names for boys are of Greek origin.

(You’ll also find a bunch more Greek names sprinkled throughout the other sections)

Alec

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #840

Apollo

• Name meaning: Destroyer. From Greek mythology. NASA’s Apollo program put the first people on the moon.
• Popularity: #432

Atticus

• Name meaning: Person from Athens.
• Popularity: #284

Damian or Damien

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: Damian ranks #107 and Damien ranks #330.

Damon

• Name meaning: To tame.
• Popularity: #425

Darian

• Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
• Popularity: Darian isn’t ranking. Darien last ranked in 2014 and Darion last ranked in 2008.

Dean

• Name meaning: Several meanings including monk, valley, law, or justice.
• Popularity: #158

Drew

• Name meaning: Strong and manly.
• Popularity: This modern baby name ranks #540 for boys and #761 for girls.

Orion

• Name meaning: A giant in Greek mythology. A constellation of a hunter.
• Popularity: #373

Sebastian

• Name meaning: Person from Sebastia.
• Popularity: #13

Troy

• Name meaning: Foot soldier. An ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
• Popularity: #462

If you like this short list of Greek modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of Greek names.

Modern Irish boy names for 2025

These modern names for boys are of Irish origin.

(You’ll also find a bunch more Irish names sprinkled throughout the other sections)

Aiden

• Name meaning: Little fire.
• Popularity: Aiden ranks #40, Ayden ranks #190, Aidan ranks #300, Aden ranks #834, and Aydin isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Aden

Blaine

• Name meaning: Slender.
• Popularity: isn’t ranking

Brennan

• Name meaning: Raven, sorrow, drop, or brave.
• Popularity: isn’t ranking

Caden or Kayden

• Name meaning: Battle. Round.
• Popularity: Caden ranks #198 and Caiden ranks #495. Kayden ranks #114, Kaiden ranks #170, and Kaden ranks #282.

Callan or Callen

• Name meaning: Descendant of Cathalán.
• Popularity: Callan isn’t ranking and Callen ranks #448.

Carson

• Name meaning: Son of marsh dwellers.
• Popularity: #111

Colin or Collin

• Name meaning: Cub (baby animal) or victory of the people.
• Popularity: Colin ranks #334 and Collin ranks #486.

Connor

• Name meaning: Lover of hounds.
• Popularity: Connor ranks #126, Conor and Conner aren’t ranking.

Cullen

• Name meaning: Holly tree. (This name makes me think of Twilight).
• Popularity: #997

Desmond

• Name meaning: From South Munster, Ireland.
• Popularity: #401

Finnegan

• Name meaning: Fair-haired.
• Popularity: #492

Garrett

• Name meaning: Irish version of Gerard, meaning spear strength.
• Popularity: #482

Kane or Cain

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: Kane ranks #399. Kain and Kaine aren’t ranking. Cain ranks #925.

Keegan

• Name meaning: Son of Aodhagán, meaning fire.
• Popularity: Keegan ranks #627 and Kegan isn’t ranking.

Kellan

• Name meaning: Swamp. Slender.
• Popularity: Kellan ranks #901 and Kellen ranks #922. Kellin isn’t ranking.

Kieran

• Name meaning: Little dark one.
• Popularity: #476

Nolan

• Name meaning: Noble or famous.
• Popularity: #57

Sullivan

• Name meaning: Little dark-eyed one.
• Popularity: #358

Teagan

• Name meaning: Little poet.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for boys. It currently ranks #308 for girls.

Trevor

• Name meaning: From the large village.
• Popularity: #550

Warren

• Name meaning: A network of rabbit burrows.
• Popularity: #304

If you like this short list of Irish modern boy names you’ll like this huge list of Irish names.

Modern spiritual boy names for 2025

These modern names for boys are perfect for families of faith.

Elias

• Name meaning: Greek version of Elijah, meaning Yahweh is God.
• Popularity: #35

Elijah

• Name meaning: Yahweh is God.
• Popularity: #5

Ezekiel or Ezequiel

• Name meaning: God will strengthen.
• Popularity: Ezekiel ranks #50 and Ezequiel ranks #336.

TAP THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THE IMAGE TO PIN IT

Gabriel

• Name meaning: God is my strength.
• Popularity: #38

Ivan

• Name meaning: Russian version of John, meaning graced by God.
• Popularity: #153

Related: I Names for Boys

Jaxon

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Jaxon ranks #86, Jaxson ranks #138, and Jaxxon ranks #846. Jaxen isn’t ranking.

Jeremiah

• Name meaning: Appointed by God.
• Popularity: #92

Kobe

• Name meaning: Supplanter. God’s door. God may protect. Tortoise. A large city in Japan.
• Popularity: #418

Mateo

• Name meaning: Spanish version of Matthew, meaning gift of God.
• Popularity: #6

Saint

• Name meaning: A holy or virtuous person.
• Popularity: #313

Shane

• Name meaning: Graced by God.
• Popularity: #555

Solomon

• Name meaning: Man of peace. A biblical name.
• Popularity: #444

If you like these spiritual modern boy names for 2025 you might also like this list of rainbow baby names.

Unique modern boy names for 2025

The following modern baby names are a little different, but not obscure. All of them are ranked in the top 1000.

Alden

• Name meaning: Wise friend or old.
• Popularity: #634

Bowen

• Name meaning: Son of Owen.
• Popularity: #75

Briggs

• Name meaning: Bridges.
• Popularity: #339

Daxton

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: #351

Ford

• Name meaning: River crossing.
• Popularity: #521

Idris

• Name meaning: Lord or studious.
• Popularity: #788

Jaylen or Jalen

• Name meaning: Invented name that might mean calm or healing.
• Popularity: Jaylen is #270 and Jalen is #431.

Jensen

• Name meaning: Son of Jens (John).
• Popularity: #301

Judson

• Name meaning: Son of Jordan or Judd.
• Popularity: #863

Kaizen

• Name meaning: Positive change.
• Popularity: #587

Kenzo

• Name meaning: Wise. Healthy. Humble. Three.
• Popularity: #618

Koa

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: #298

Koda

• Name meaning: A common Japanese surname.
• Popularity: #413

Kylan or Kylen

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Kylan ranks #547 and Kylen is #874.

Kyson

• Name meaning: Son of Ky or Kyle.
• Popularity: #417

Neo

• Name meaning: New.
• Popularity: #971

Odin or Oden

• Name meaning: A god in Germanic mythology.
• Popularity: Odin ranks #361 and Oden isn’t ranking.

Patton

• Name meaning: Fighter’s town
• Popularity: This boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Rio

• Name meaning: River. Rio de Janeiro is a city in Brazil.
• Popularity: #572

Stetson

• Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
• Popularity: #182

Titus

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown. (This was a common name in Roman history).
• Popularity: #373

Tyson

• Name meaning: Nickname for someone with a fiery personality.
• Popularity: #394

Zaid or Zayd

• Name meaning: To increase.
• Popularity: Zaid ranks #723 and Zayd is #731.

Zayden or Zaiden

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Zayden ranks #191 and Zaiden is #518.

If you like these unique modern boy names for 2025 you might also like this list of space names.

Rare (but modern-sounding) names for boys

If you’re looking for an unusual but modern-sounding boys’ name, this next batch is for you!

Alder

• Name meaning: A tree in the birch family. Fun fact: an alder tree’s wood is used to make electric guitars.
• Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.

Arrow

• Name meaning: Object shot from a bow.
• Popularity: This modern boy’s name isn’t ranking.

Artéo

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.

Baron or Barron

• Name meaning: A member of the British nobility, also known as a lord. (This is the name of Donald Trump’s youngest son).
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this royal baby name is ranking. Baron last ranked in 2008.

Benton

• Name meaning: Town in the bent grass.
• Popularity: This name last ranked in 2017.

Bretton

• Name meaning: From Brittany, France.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Carden

• Name meaning: Wood carder (one who prepares fibers for processing).
• Popularity: This modern-sounding boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Corwin

• Name meaning: Friend of the heart.
• Popularity: This friendly boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Denton

• Name meaning: Village in a valley.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.

Evander

• Name meaning: Good man. Also a South African town.
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.

Falcon

• Name meaning: Bird.
• Popularity: This F name isn’t ranking.

Farley

• Name meaning: Fern clearing.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Fielder

• Name meaning: Dweller in open land.
• Popularity: This modern-sounding boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Gibson

• Name meaning: Son of Gilbert. Also a famous guitar company.
• Popularity: This cool name last ranked in 2018.

Grafton

• Name meaning: Grove settlement.
• Popularity: This baby boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hamilton

• Name meaning: Treeless hill or crooked hill.
• Popularity: This great boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hart

• Name meaning: A male deer.
• Popularity: This cute boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hawk

• Name meaning: Bird of prey.
• Popularity: This fierce baby name isn’t ranking.

Huntley

• Name meaning: Hunter’s meadow.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Jeter

• Name meaning: To throw.
• Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.

Jetson

• Name meaning: Son of Jet.
• Popularity: This futuristic boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Joah

• Name meaning: God is his brother.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kano

• Name meaning: Might mean god of the waters, capability, or masculine power. The second largest city in Nigeria.
• Popularity: This K name isn’t ranking.

Kenner

• Name meaning: Connoisseur.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.

Kennon or Kennan

• Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this male name is ranking.

Knight

• Name meaning: Honored soldier.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Levin or Levon

• Name meaning: Dear friend.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this modern name is ranking.

Lyon

• Name meaning: Lion or brave.
• Popularity: This French name isn’t ranking.

Mayer or Meyer

• Name meaning: Superior.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this M name is ranking.

Ranger

• Name meaning: Forest guardian.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Renley

• Name meaning: Invented name. Renley Baratheon is a character in Game of Thrones.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Ryman

• Name meaning: Woodland clearing. (The Ryman Auditorium is a famous concert venue in Nashville).
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Sutter

• Name meaning: Shoemaker.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.

Tilden

• Name meaning: Person from a valley. A regional park in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Popularity: This great boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Zev

• Name meaning: Wolf.
• Popularity: #881

Zylo

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This Z name isn’t ranking.

If you like these rare modern boy names you might also like this list of exotic names.

More 2025 baby names for boys

Are you ready for one last batch of modern boy names?

Anderson

• Name meaning: Son of Anders.
• Popularity: #332

Ashton

• Name meaning: Ash tree town.
• Popularity: #156

Banks

• Name meaning: Riverbank dweller.
• Popularity: #348

Beck

• Name meaning: Stream.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Beckham

• Name meaning: An English surname that might mean ‘from the homestead.’
• Popularity: #199

Bennett

• Name meaning: Blessed.
• Popularity: #74

Benson

• Name meaning: Son of Ben.
• Popularity: #615

Branson

• Name meaning: Son of the raven.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Braxton

• Name meaning: Brock’s settlement.
• Popularity: #317

Brayden or Braden

• Name meaning: Brave. Wide valley.
• Popularity: Brayden ranks #190 and Braden isn’t ranking.

Braylen or Braylon

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Braylen ranks #633 and Braylon isn’t ranking.

Brent

• Name meaning: Dweller near burnt land.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Bryson or Brycen

• Name meaning: Son of Brice.
• Popularity: Bryson ranks #150 and Brycen ranks #792.

Callum or Calum

• Name meaning: Dove.
• Popularity: Callum ranks #886 and Calum isn’t ranking.

Carter

• Name meaning: Transporter of goods.
• Popularity: #48

Related: Middle Names for Carter

Cason or Cayson or Casen

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Cason ranks #787, Cayson ranks #793, and Casen isn’t ranking.

Chance

• Name meaning: Gamble.
• Popularity: #378

Chase

• Name meaning: To hunt.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Clayton

• Name meaning: Town with good clay.
• Popularity: #312

Colter

• Name meaning: One who looks after horses.
• Popularity: #321

Cooper

• Name meaning: Wood repairer. One who makes wooden barrels.
• Popularity: #52

Easton

• Name meaning: East-facing place.
• Popularity: #96

Edison

• Name meaning: Son of Edward.
• Popularity: #830

Foster

• Name meaning: Forester.
• Popularity: This modern name ranks #967 for boys and is not ranking for girls.

Franklin

• Name meaning: Free land holder.
• Popularity: #410

Grayson or Greyson or Graysen

• Name meaning: Son of the steward.
• Popularity: Grayson ranks #43, Greyson ranks #117, and Graysen isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Grayson

Griffin

• Name meaning: A fierce or dangerous person.
• Popularity: #214

Harrison

• Name meaning: Son of Harry.
• Popularity: #119

Hayes

• Name meaning: Brushwood.
• Popularity: #208

Holden

• Name meaning: Hollow valley.
• Popularity: #285

Jameson or Jamison

• Name meaning: Son of James.
• Popularity: Jameson ranks #103 and Jamison ranks #660.

Jaxton or Jaxtyn

• Name meaning: Modern invented name.
• Popularity: Jaxton ranks #534 and Jaxtyn isn’t ranking.

Kayson or Kason or Kasen

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Kayson ranks #278, Kason ranks #511, Kaison ranks #501, and Kasen isn’t ranking.

Kelton

• Name meaning: Town of keels (part of a boat).
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Lawson

• Name meaning: Son of Lawrence.
• Popularity: #414

Lyle

• Name meaning: Island dweller.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Mason or Maison

• Name meaning: One who works with stone.
• Popularity: Mason ranks #30 and Maison isn’t ranking.

Miller

• Name meaning: Grain grinder.
• Popularity: #527

Nikolai

• Name meaning: Russian version of Nicholas, meaning people of victory.
• Popularity: #607

Paxton

• Name meaning: Peace town.
• Popularity: #257

Porter

• Name meaning: Gatekeeper (occupation).
• Popularity: #503

Preston

• Name meaning: Priest’s estate.
• Popularity: #275

Quentin or Quinton

• Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
• Popularity: Quentin ranks #768 and Quinton ranks #812.

Quincy

• Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
• Popularity: #676

Riggs

• Name meaning: One who lives by the ridge.
• Popularity: #733

Roman

• Name meaning: Citizen of Rome.
• Popularity: #66

Soren

• Name meaning: Stern or severe.
• Popularity: #544

Spencer

• Name meaning: Dispenser of provisions.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Talon

• Name meaning: Claw of a bird of prey.
• Popularity: #955

Tanner

• Name meaning: Leather tanner (occupation).
• Popularity: #430

Tristan

• Name meaning: Noise or sadness. (You may want to make up another meaning haha).
• Popularity: #253

Tyler or Ty

• Name meaning: Tile maker (occupation).
• Popularity: Tyler ranks #177 and Ty ranks #772.

Watson

• Name meaning: Son of Walter.
• Popularity: #804

Weston or Westin

• Name meaning: From the western town.
• Popularity: Weston ranks #75 and Westin isn’t ranking.

Xavier or Zavier

• Name meaning: Castle. New house.
• Popularity: Xavier ranks #105 and Zavier isn’t ranking.

Have you found the perfect modern name for your 2025 baby boy?

Predictions for 2025 boy names

Here are the boys’ names I believe are poised to see sharp rises in popularity in 2025…

Elio

Current rank: #646

Elio’s trajectory has been remarkable: After first entering the top 1000 in 2021 at #838, it has shown explosive growth. In just two years, it has risen 192 spots to #646 in 2023. Looking at year-over-year growth:

– 2021 to 2022: Rose 38 spots (4.5% increase in rank)
– 2022 to 2023: Rose 230 spots (26.3% increase in rank), one of the largest single-year jumps in the data

Pixar’s “Luca” (2021) featured a character named Elio, corresponding with the name’s first appearance in the top 1000.

Now, Pixar’s 2024 film “Elio” puts the name center stage, which could trigger another dramatic rise.

In September 2023, actress Bonnie Wright (known globally as Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter) named her son Elio Ocean Wright Lococo.

Elio follows the successful ‘ends in o’ pattern seen in top 100 names like Leo (#18), Milo (#121), and Enzo (#90). It’s also part of the strong ‘E’ names trend.

The name has Italian roots but feels modern, hitting the perfect balance of familiar yet distinctive that parents often seek.

Elio has all the characteristics of names that tend to “go viral” – it’s familiar enough to feel usable but unique enough to feel special.

Rhodes

Current rank: #707

Rhodes has shown explosive momentum, jumping from #923 in 2022 to #707 in 2023—a leap of 216 spots and a 23.4% increase in just one year. This is one of the more dramatic rises in the 2023 data, putting it among the top 100 fastest-rising boy names.

The name gained initial celebrity cachet when Emma Roberts (American Horror Story star and niece of Julia Roberts) chose it for her son in 2020. This celebrity connection has been amplified by its recent usage in influencer circles and social media, where the name has gained significant visibility.

The name follows a clear pattern of success: single-syllable surnames-as-first-names have dominated recent trends. Looking at the 2023 data, we see Banks (#348), Wells (#445), Hayes (#208), and Brooks (#73) all ranking strongly. Rhodes fits perfectly into this established pattern while still feeling fresh.

With historical and intellectual weight, Rhodes connects to the famed Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, underscoring the name’s depth and legacy.

The name’s nature meaning, “woodland clearing,” taps into the outdoor naming trend we’re seeing in the data. Nature-influenced names like Ridge (#505), River (#116), and Forest (#747) are all showing strength in recent rankings.

Rhodes carries layered symbolism. Its connection to “roads” resonates with travel-loving families, evoking ideas of life’s journey and new paths.

The ‘s’ ending is particularly significant—it’s a sound pattern that has proven successful with other rising names for boys. Names ending in ‘s’ like Atlas (#112, up from #128), Ares (#412, up from #480), and Wells (#445, up from #467) are all showing upward momentum.

Given that Rhodes has already accomplished what few names achieve—a 200+ spot jump in a single year—and considering it hits multiple current naming trends (surname names, nature names, single syllable names, ‘s’ endings), the data strongly suggests its rise will continue through 2025.

Kaizen

Current rank: #587

Kaizen has shown remarkable momentum since its first appearance in the top 1000 in 2022. In just one year, it catapulted from #904 to #587—a dramatic rise of 317 spots, representing a 35% increase in rank. This is one of the most significant jumps in the 2023 data.

The name carries unique cultural significance. Kaizen (改善) is a Japanese business philosophy meaning “continuous improvement” or “change for the better,” which resonates strongly with modern parents seeking names with cultural depth and aspirational qualities.

Kaizen follows multiple sound patterns that are driving current naming trends:

– The ‘Kai-‘ prefix links it to established favorites like Kai (#61) and Kairo (#234)
– The ‘-en’ ending echoes successful names like Brayden, Jayden, and Kayden
– The ‘z’ sound adds a contemporary edge, similar to rising names like Ezra (#15) and Aziel (#243)

Its emergence into the top 1000 in 2022 and subsequent dramatic rise suggests we’re witnessing the early stages of this name’s ascent.

The timing is particularly significant—Kaizen’s rise coincides with a growing interest in Eastern philosophy and mindfulness practices in Western culture. As parents increasingly seek names that embody personal growth and positive change, Kaizen offers both meaningful substance and stylish sound.

Given its remarkable 35% rank improvement in its first year in the top 1000, combined with its alignment with current cultural values and sound trends, Kaizen shows strong potential for continued viral growth through 2025.

What say you? Will any of these modern boy names make it big in 2025?

More baby names for boys:

• 380 Seriously Badass Boy Names for your Tough Little Babe
• 215 Epic Earthy Boy Names for your Outdoorsy Dude
• 15 Very Awesome Boy Names that Start with V

Final thoughts on modern names for boys

Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list of modern boy names, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Whether you prefer a name that’s trendy, rare, long, or short, all of these male names are cool choices.

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect modern name for your tiny human!

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Dec 7, 202 and was updated on Nov 11, 2024.

Modern Boy Names