495 Modern Boy Names You’re Going to Love

Dec 7, 2022

495 Modern Boy Names You’re Going to Love

AHEAD: The ultimate list of modern names for boys.

If you’re looking for a cool name for your son, you’re in the right place!

Below, you’ll find an epic list of almost 500 modern boy names along with their meanings and current popularity.

newborn baby boy lying on back yawning

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

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

Related: Modern Girl Names

modern boy names pin

Short modern boy names

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

Ace

  • Name meaning: One, unity, or expert.
  • Popularity: #156

Axel or Axl

  • Name meaning: Father of peace.
  • Popularity: Axel ranks #76 and Axl is #845.

Beau

  • Name meaning: Handsome.
  • Popularity: #94

short modern boy names list

Cash or Kash

  • Name meaning: Money. Short for Cassius, meaning empty or vain.
  • Popularity: Cash ranks #253 and Kash is #240.

Clay

  • Name meaning: Sticky fine-grained earth. (Short for Clayton meaning town with good clay.)
  • Popularity: #614

Cole or Kole

  • Name meaning: Charcoal.
  • Popularity: Cole ranks #132 and Kole is #858.

baby boy crawling modern city

Colt

  • Name meaning: Young horse.
  • Popularity: #220

Crew or Krew

  • Name meaning: Group.
  • Popularity: Crew ranks #267 and Crue isn’t ranking. Krew ranks #625. Kru and Krue aren’t ranking.

Cruz

  • Name meaning: Cross.
  • Popularity: #297

Dane

  • Name meaning: God is my judge. Person from Denmark.
  • Popularity: #846

Eli

  • Name meaning: Uplifted.
  • Popularity: #64

Enzo

  • Name meaning: Italian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
  • Popularity: #139

Related: Italian Boy Names

Evan

  • Name meaning: God is gracious.
  • Popularity: #116

Ezra

  • Name meaning: Helper.
  • Popularity: This modern E name ranks #37 for boys and #714 for girls.

Fox

  • Name meaning: Wild animal.
  • Popularity: #939

Gage

  • Name meaning: Money lender. Pledge.
  • Popularity: #569

Jace

  • Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
  • Popularity: Jace ranks #102, Jayce is #158, and Jase is #495.

Jax or Jaxx

  • Name meaning: God is gracious.
  • Popularity: Jax ranks #243 and Jaxx is #918.

baby boy outside brown overalls

Jett

  • Name meaning: Black.
  • Popularity: #244

Jude

  • Name meaning: Short for Judah, meaning praised.
  • Popularity: #150

Kai or Kye

  • Name meaning: Sea.
  • Popularity: For boys, Kai ranks #71 and Kye is #889. For girls, Kai is #770.

Knox

  • Name meaning: Round-topped hill.
  • Popularity: #221

Kylo

  • Name meaning: A variation of Kyle, which means narrow land.
  • Popularity: #526

Leon

  • Name meaning: Greek version of Leo, meaning Lion.
  • Popularity: #177

Levi

  • Name meaning: Joined.
  • Popularity: #12

Liam

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

Related: Middle Names for Liam

two baby boys sitting in bed

Luca or Luka

  • Name meaning: Italian version of Luke, meaning man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
  • Popularity: Luca ranks #42, Luka is #115, and Lucca is #469.

Luke

  • Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
  • Popularity: #32

Max

  • Name meaning: The greatest.
  • Popularity: #159

Nash

  • Name meaning: By the ash tree.
  • Popularity: #233

Nico or Niko

  • Name meaning: People of victory.
  • Popularity: Nico ranks #259 and Niko is #291.

Noah

  • Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
  • Popularity: For boys, Noah ranks #2. For girls, Noah ranks #692 and Noa is #330.

Owen

  • Name meaning: Noble or young warrior.
  • Popularity: #22

Related: O Names for Boys

Reid or Reed

  • Name meaning: Red-haired. A tall grass.
  • Popularity: Reid ranks #299 and Reed is #416.

Remy or Remi

  • Name meaning: Oarsman. One who drives a boat forward.
  • Popularity: For boys, Remy ranks #357 and Remi is #720. For girls, Remy ranks #550 and Remi is #122.

Rhys or Reece or Reese

  • Name meaning: Fiery, enthusiastic, and passionate.
  • Popularity: For boys, Rhys ranks #413, Reece is #579, and Reese is #701. For girls, Reese ranks #147.

Related: Middle Names for Reese

Trey

  • Name meaning: Three.
  • Popularity: #653

Zane or Zayn

  • Name meaning: God is gracious. Beauty and grace.
  • Popularity: Zane ranks #238, Zayn is #281, and Zayne is #378, Zain is #588.

Zeke

  • Name meaning: God will strengthen.
  • Popularity: #619

Zion or Zyon

  • Name meaning: Hill of Jerusalem.
  • Popularity: Zion ranks #136 and Zyon is #938.

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

Cute modern boy names

cute baby boy

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

Archie

  • Name meaning: Truly brave.
  • Popularity: #399

Arlo or Arlow

  • Name meaning: Literary name. Might mean ‘between hills’.
  • Popularity: Arlo ranks #190 and Arlow isn’t ranking.

Bodhi or Bodie

  • Name meaning: Enlightenment.
  • Popularity: Bodhi ranks #284, Bodie is #521, and Bowdie isn’t ranking.

Brady

  • Name meaning: Broad meadow.
  • Popularity: #272

Brantley

  • Name meaning: Fire or sword.
  • Popularity: #268

Brody or Brodie

  • Name meaning: Broad island.
  • Popularity: Brody ranks #186 and Brodie is #808.

Felix

  • Name meaning: Fortunate.
  • Popularity: #193

Finn

  • Name meaning: White.
  • Popularity: #184

Grady

  • Name meaning: Noble.
  • Popularity: #428

Huxley

  • Name meaning: Inhospitable place. A small rural village in England.
  • Popularity: #586

Leo

  • Name meaning: Lion.
  • Popularity: #31

Mack or Mac

  • Name meaning: Son of.
  • Popularity: Mack ranks #470 and Mac is #673.

Milo or Mylo

  • Name meaning: Dear or beloved. Soldier.
  • Popularity: Milo ranks #127 and Mylo is #745.

Tate

  • Name meaning: cheerful
  • Popularity: #305

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

Modern gender-neutral names

modern baby lying in moses basket

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

Avery

  • Name meaning: King of elves.
  • Popularity: Avery ranks #19 for boys and #19 for girls.

Related: Middle Names for Avery

Bentley

  • Name meaning: A meadow with coarse grass.
  • Popularity: Bentley ranks #142 and Bentlee is #889. Bentley last ranked for girls in 2011.

Blake

  • Name meaning: Light. Bright and shining.
  • Popularity: This B name ranks #205 for boys and #199 for girls.

Devin or Devon

  • Name meaning: Fawn. Poet. Divine.
  • Popularity: Devin ranks #389 and Devon is #781. Devon hasn’t ranked for girls since 2005.

Dylan or Dillon

  • Name meaning: Son of the sea.
  • Popularity: Dylan ranks #44, Dillon ranks #669, and Dilan is #869. Dylan ranks #567 for girls.

Elliott or Elliot

  • Name meaning: The Lord is my God.
  • Popularity: Elliott ranks #169 and Elliot ranks #160. For girls, Elliott ranks #479 and Elliot is #574.

Ellis

  • Name meaning: Benevolent.
  • Popularity: This E name ranks #321 for boys and #594 for girls.

Emerson

  • Name meaning: Son of Emery.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #279 for boys. For girls, Emerson ranks #167 and Emersyn is #148.

Finley or Finnley

  • Name meaning: Fair-haired hero.
  • Popularity: Finley ranks #265 and Finnley is #593. For girls, Finley ranks #211.

Hayden or Haden

  • Name meaning: Heather or hay valley.
  • Popularity: Hayden ranks #176 for boys and #290 for girls. Haden is not ranking for either gender.

Hunter

  • Name meaning: One who hunts.
  • Popularity: Hunter ranks #86 for boys and #817 for girls.

Lennon

  • Name meaning: Lover, blackbird, cloak.
  • Popularity: This L name ranks #670 for boys and #236 for girls.

Lennox

  • Name meaning: Elm field.
  • Popularity: This modern 2-syllable name ranks #254 for boys and #599 for girls.

Logan

  • Name meaning: Little hollow.
  • Popularity: This cool Scottish name ranks #21 for boys and #310 for girls.

Parker

  • Name meaning: Park keeper.
  • Popularity: This modern P name ranks #93 for boys and #115 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 #248 for boys and #308 for girls.

Quinn

baby boy studio photo in swaddle

Reign

  • Name meaning: Rule or sovereign.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #608 for boys and #349 for girls.

Remington

  • Name meaning: Raven.
  • Popularity: This R name ranks #231 for boys and #348 for girls.

Riley

  • Name meaning: Wood clearing or courageous.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #246 for boys and #37 for girls.

Rowan or Rowen

  • Name meaning: Reddish-brown tree known for its scarlet berries and mystical history.
  • Popularity: For boys, Rowan ranks #106 and Rowen is #539. For girls, Rowan ranks #241 and Rowen isn’t ranking.

Ryder

  • Name meaning: Horseman.
  • Popularity: This modern baby name ranks #111 for boys and #993 for girls.

Rylan or Ryland

  • Name meaning: Island meadow or rye land.
  • Popularity: For boys, Rylan ranks #338 and Ryland is #566. For girls, Rylan ranks #950 and Ryland isn’t ranking.

Sawyer

  • Name meaning: Person who saws timberwood.
  • Popularity: This S name ranks #114 for boys and #216 for girls.

Shiloh

  • Name meaning: Tranquil. Peaceful.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #581 for boys and #410 for girls.

Sutton

  • Name meaning: Southern settlement.
  • Popularity: This cool baby name ranks #541 for boys and #244 for girls.

Tatum

  • Name meaning: Bringer of joy. Tate’s homestead.
  • Popularity: This T name ranks #385 for boys and #279 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

modern southern baby boy hat pumpkins

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

Boden

  • Name meaning: Hill.
  • Popularity: Boden ranks #827. Bowden and Beauden aren’t ranking.

Cameron

  • Name meaning: Crooked nose.
  • Popularity: #62

Colton or Colten or Kolton

  • Name meaning: From the coal town.
  • Popularity: Colton ranks #74 and Colten is #851. Kolton ranks #511. Kolten last ranked in 2019.

Corbin or Korbin

  • Name meaning: Crow.
  • Popularity: Corbin ranks #366 and Corben isn’t ranking. Korbin ranks #859 and Korbyn is #991.

southern modern boy names list

Dalton

  • Name meaning: Settlement in the valley.
  • Popularity: #518

Deacon

  • Name meaning: Messenger. Helper. A member of the Christian ministry.
  • Popularity: #473

Declan

  • Name meaning: Man of prayer.
  • Popularity: #105

Gavin

  • Name meaning: White hawk.
  • Popularity: #173

Granger

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

Grant

  • Name meaning: Tall.
  • Popularity: #212

Gunner or Gunnar

  • Name meaning: Battle fighter.
  • Popularity: Gunner ranks #324 and Gunnar is #540.

Landon or Landen

  • Name meaning: Long hill.
  • Popularity: Landon ranks #73, Landen is #622, and Landyn is #690.

Rhett

  • Name meaning: Advice.
  • Popularity: #148

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: #381

Tripp

  • Name meaning: The third.
  • Popularity: #445

Tucker

  • Name meaning: Fabric pleater (occupation).
  • Popularity: #180

Wade

  • Name meaning: To go. To walk through water.
  • Popularity: #325

Related: W Names for Boys

Walker

  • Name meaning: Inspector of the forest.
  • Popularity: #129

Waylon

  • Name meaning: Roadside land.
  • Popularity: #69

Wells

  • Name meaning: Spring or person who lives near a spring.
  • Popularity: #479

Wesley or Wes

  • Name meaning: Western meadow.
  • Popularity: Wesley ranks #84 and Wes is #865.

Wyatt

  • Name meaning: Brave in war.
  • Popularity: #29

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

Modern nature-inspired boy names

baby boy sitting in nature

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

Beckett

  • Name meaning: Beehive.
  • Popularity: #198

Brooks

  • Name meaning: Small stream.
  • Popularity: #77

Calix or Calyx

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

Cyrus

  • Name meaning: Sun.
  • Popularity: #350

Everest

  • Name meaning: The world’s tallest mountain.
  • Popularity: #903

Forrest or Forest

  • Name meaning: Wooded area.
  • Popularity: Forrest ranks #414 and Forest is #715.

Holt

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

Jonah

  • Name meaning: Dove.
  • Popularity: #140

Oliver

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

Raiden

  • Name meaning: Thunder and lightning.
  • Popularity: Raiden ranks #383 and Rayden is #700.

Ridge

  • Name meaning: A chain of mountains or hills.
  • Popularity: #558

River

  • Name meaning: Stream of water.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #110 for boys and #151 for girls.

Ronan or Ronin

  • Name meaning: Little seal.
  • Popularity: Ronan ranks #274 and Ronin is #438.

Silas or Sylas

  • Name meaning: Man of the forest.
  • Popularity: Silas ranks #91 and Sylas is #536.

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

cool modern baby boy with hundred dollar bills

The following modern names are edgy and cool.

Alpha

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

Archer

  • Name meaning: Bowman.
  • Popularity: #138

Blaze

  • Name meaning: Fiery.
  • Popularity: #775

badass modern boy names list

Cade

  • Name meaning: Barrel.
  • Popularity: #340

Cannon or Kannon

  • Name meaning: Artillery.
  • Popularity: Cannon ranks #504 and Kannon is #594.

Crimson

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

Dash

  • Name meaning: To move quickly.
  • Popularity: #792

Diego

  • Name meaning: One who takes the place of another. Spanish version of James.
  • Popularity: #126

Diesel or Diezel

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

Harlan

  • Name meaning: Rocky land.
  • Popularity: #637

Hendrix

  • Name meaning: Son of Hendrik or estate ruler.
  • Popularity: #275

Hutton

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

Jagger

  • Name meaning: Carter.
  • Popularity: #771

Ledger

  • Name meaning: Tribe + spear.
  • Popularity: #574

rock star baby boy

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: #824

Maddox

  • Name meaning: Fortunate. Son of Madoc.
  • Popularity: #174

Maverick

  • Name meaning: Independent-minded person. An unbranded animal.
  • Popularity: #47

Related: Middle Names for Maverick

Onyx

  • Name meaning: A layered black stone.
  • Popularity: #406

Pierce

  • Name meaning: Rock. Son of Piers.
  • Popularity: #499

Rex

  • Name meaning: King. (Also reminiscent of the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex).
  • Popularity: #696

Ryker or Riker

  • Name meaning: Rich. (Will Riker is First Officer on the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation.)
  • Popularity: #153

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 #141 and Tiago isn’t ranking.

Wilder

  • Name meaning: Untamed.
  • Popularity: Wilder ranks #368 and Wylder is #976.

Xander or Zander

  • Name meaning: Protector.
  • Popularity: Xander ranks #187 and Zander is #293.

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

Modern geographical boy names

toddler boy field grass mountains

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: #149

Austin or Austen

  • Name meaning: Magnificent. The state capital of Texas.
  • Popularity: Austin ranks #96 and Austen hasn’t ranked since 2006.

Cairo

  • Name meaning: Victorious. The capital of Egypt.
  • Popularity: #323

Camden

  • Name meaning: Winding valley. A common American city name.
  • Popularity: #175

geographical modern boy names

Dakota

  • Name meaning: Friend or ally. North and South Dakota are midwestern states.
  • Popularity: This name ranks #344 for boys and #270 for girls.

Dallas

  • Name meaning: Skilled. A city in northern Texas.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #270 for boys and #635 for girls.

Dax

  • Name meaning: A town in southwestern France.
  • Popularity: #463

Denver

  • Name meaning: Green valley. The capital and most populous city of Colorado.
  • Popularity: This great winter baby name ranks #505 for boys and #776 for girls.

Gatlin

  • Name meaning: Companion. Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city in Tennessee.
  • Popularity: #776

Hudson

  • Name meaning: Son of Hudd or Hugh. A huge river that flows through New York.
  • Popularity: #34

Jackson

  • Name meaning: Son of Jack. The state capital and most populous city of Mississippi.
  • Popularity: #14

Related: Middle Names for Jackson

Kingston

  • Name meaning: King’s town. The capital and largest city of Jamaica.
  • Popularity: #112

Lincoln

  • Name meaning: Town by the pool or settler by the lake. The capital city of Nebraska.
  • Popularity: #45

London

  • Name meaning: From the great river. The capital of England and the United Kingdom.
  • Popularity: London ranks #864 for boys. For girls, Londyn ranks #206 and London is #219

Miles or Myles

  • Name meaning: Soldier.
  • Popularity: Miles ranks #54 and Myles is #119.

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: #785

Salem

  • Name meaning: Peace or safety. The capital of Oregon.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #718 for boys and #506 for girls.

Trenton

  • Name meaning: Trent’s town. The capital city of New Jersey.
  • Popularity: #658

If you like these geographical modern boy names you’ll also like this huge list of city baby names.

Modern but timeless boy names

baby boy wearing giant glasses

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: #13

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Benjamin or Ben

  • Name meaning: Son of my right hand.
  • Popularity: Benjamin ranks #7 and Ben is #763.

Graham

  • Name meaning: Gravel.
  • Popularity: #161

Jack

  • Name meaning: God is gracious.
  • Popularity: #11

Jacob or Jakob

  • Name meaning: To follow. Supplanter.
  • Popularity: Jacob ranks #24 and Jakob is #850.

vintage modern boy namew

James

  • Name meaning: One who follows.
  • Popularity: James ranks #5 and Jimmy is #758.

Lucas or Lukas

  • Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
  • Popularity: Lucas ranks #8 and Lukas is #227.

Theodore or Theo

  • Name meaning: God-given. Divine gift.
  • Popularity: Theodore ranks #10 and Theo is #142.

Related: Middle Names for Theo

timeless modern boy names list

Zachary

  • Name meaning: God has remembered.
  • Popularity: #144

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

Modern Hebrew boy names

modern baby boy draped in flag of Israel

These modern names for boys are of Hebrew origin.

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

Abbott

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

Abner

  • Name meaning: Father of light, creator of the sun and stars.
  • Popularity: #974

Asher

  • Name meaning: Happy or blessed. One who lives by an ash tree.
  • Popularity: #25

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 #287 and Coen is #939. Kohen ranks #589. Koen last ranked in 2014.

Ethan

  • Name meaning: Long-lived, strong, firm.
  • Popularity: Ethan ranks #20 and Eithan is #847.

Hirsch

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

Jayden or Jaden or Jaiden

  • Name meaning: Thankful.
  • Popularity: Jayden is #41, Jaden is #307, and Jaiden is #415.

Judah

  • Name meaning: Praised.
  • Popularity: #183

Ruben or Reuben

  • Name meaning: Behold, a son.
  • Popularity: Ruben ranks #460 and Reuben is #883.

Samson

  • Name meaning: Sun.
  • Popularity: #590

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

little boy waving german flag

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: #910

Barrett

  • Name meaning: Bear strength.
  • Popularity: #192

Brant

  • Name meaning: Sword.
  • Popularity: This cool boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2001.

Brenner

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

Emmett or Emmitt

  • Name meaning: Universal.
  • Popularity: Emmett ranks #103 and Emmitt ranks #544.

Everett

  • Name meaning: Strong and brave. Wild boar.
  • Popularity: #82

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 #242 and Kylar isn’t ranking.

Lance

  • Name meaning: Land or territory.
  • Popularity: #811

Walter

  • Name meaning: Powerful warrior, bright warrior, forest warrior.
  • Popularity: #271

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

Modern Greek boy names

little greek boy in greece

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: #682

Apollo

  • Name meaning: Destroyer. From Greek mythology. NASA’s Apollo program put the first people on the moon.
  • Popularity: #400

Atticus

  • Name meaning: Person from Athens.
  • Popularity: #266

Damian or Damien

  • Name meaning: To tame.
  • Popularity: Damian ranks #113 and Damien is #280.

Damon

  • Name meaning: To tame.
  • Popularity: #424

Darian

  • Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
  • Popularity: Darian ranks #972. Darien last ranked in 2014 and Darion last ranked in 2008.

Dean

  • Name meaning: Several meanings including monk, valley, law, or justice.
  • Popularity: #165

Drew

  • Name meaning: Strong and manly.
  • Popularity: This modern baby name ranks #509 for boys and #815 for girls.

Orion

  • Name meaning: A giant in Greek mythology. A constellation of a hunter.
  • Popularity: #314

Sebastian

  • Name meaning: Person from Sebastia.
  • Popularity: #19

Troy

  • Name meaning: Foot soldier. An ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
  • Popularity: #418

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

Modern Irish boy names

irish baby boy in grass

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 #26, Ayden ranks #143, Aidan is #286, Aden is #681, and Aydin is #894.

Related: Middle Names for Aden

Blaine

  • Name meaning: Slender.
  • Popularity: #986

Brennan

  • Name meaning: Raven, sorrow, drop, or brave.
  • Popularity: #871

Caden or Kayden

  • Name meaning: Battle. Round.
  • Popularity: Caden ranks #230 and Caiden is #419. Kayden ranks #108, Kaiden is #162, and Kaden is #260.

Callan or Callen

  • Name meaning: Descendant of Cathalán.
  • Popularity: Callan ranks #375 and Callen is #458.

Carson

  • Name meaning: Son of marsh dwellers.
  • Popularity: #98

Colin or Collin

  • Name meaning: Cub (baby animal) or victory of the people.
  • Popularity: Colin ranks #269 and Collin is #421.

Connor

  • Name meaning: Lover of hounds.
  • Popularity: Connor ranks #97, Conor is #462, and Conner is #514.

Cullen

  • Name meaning: Holly tree. (This name makes me think of Twilight).
  • Popularity: #742

Desmond

  • Name meaning: From South Munster, Ireland.
  • Popularity: #355

irish toddler boy in field by fence

Finnegan

  • Name meaning: Fair-haired.
  • Popularity: #376

Garrett

  • Name meaning: Irish version of Gerard, meaning spear strength.
  • Popularity: #402

Kane or Cain

  • Name meaning: Warrior.
  • Popularity: Kane ranks #329. Kain and Kaine aren’t ranking. Cain ranks #956.

Keegan

  • Name meaning: Son of Aodhagán, meaning fire.
  • Popularity: Keegan ranks #494 and Kegan isn’t ranking.

Kellan

  • Name meaning: Swamp. Slender.
  • Popularity: Kellan ranks #835 and Kellen is #862. Kellin isn’t ranking.

Kieran

  • Name meaning: Little dark one.
  • Popularity: #517

Nolan

  • Name meaning: Noble or famous.
  • Popularity: #60

Sullivan

  • Name meaning: Little dark-eyed one.
  • Popularity: #373

Teagan

  • Name meaning: Little poet.
  • Popularity: This name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2014. It currently ranks #254 for girls.

Trevor

  • Name meaning: From the large village.
  • Popularity: #459

Warren

  • Name meaning: A network of rabbit burrows.
  • Popularity: #345

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

​Modern spiritual boy names

baby boy making wish dandelion

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

Elias

  • Name meaning: Greek version of Elijah, meaning Yahweh is God.
  • Popularity: #48

Elijah

  • Name meaning: Yahweh is God.
  • Popularity: #4

Ezekiel or Ezequiel

  • Name meaning: God will strengthen.
  • Popularity: Ezekiel ranks #53 and Ezequiel ranks #334.

modern spiritual boy names list

Gabriel

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

Ivan

  • Name meaning: Russian version of John, meaning graced by God.
  • Popularity: #168

Related: I Names for Boys

Jaxon

  • Name meaning: God is gracious.
  • Popularity: Jaxon ranks #55, Jaxson is #101, Jaxxon is #665, and Jaxen is #988.

Jeremiah

  • Name meaning: Appointed by God.
  • Popularity: #85

Kobe

  • Name meaning: Supplanter. God’s door. God may protect. Tortoise. A large city in Japan.
  • Popularity: #298

Mateo

  • Name meaning: Spanish version of Matthew, meaning gift of God.
  • Popularity: #15

Saint

  • Name meaning: A holy or virtuous person.
  • Popularity: #454

Shane

  • Name meaning: Graced by God.
  • Popularity: #493

Solomon

  • Name meaning: Man of peace. A biblical name.
  • Popularity: #422

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

Unique modern boy names

little boy in dry field nature

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: #680

Bowen

  • Name meaning: Son of Owen.
  • Popularity: #367

Briggs

  • Name meaning: Bridges.
  • Popularity: #372

Daxton

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: #300

Ford

  • Name meaning: River crossing.
  • Popularity: #439

Idris

  • Name meaning: Lord or studious.
  • Popularity: #856

Jaylen or Jalen

  • Name meaning: Invented name that might mean calm or healing.
  • Popularity: Jaylen is #318 and Jalen is #515.

Jensen

  • Name meaning: Son of Jens (John).
  • Popularity: #303

Judson

  • Name meaning: Son of Jordan or Judd.
  • Popularity: #878

Kenzo

  • Name meaning: Wise. Healthy. Humble. Three.
  • Popularity: #530

smiling baby boy lying on belly

Koa

  • Name meaning: Warrior.
  • Popularity: #546

Koda

  • Name meaning: A common Japanese surname.
  • Popularity: #520

Kylan or Kylen

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: Kylan ranks #572 and Kylen is #929.

Kyson

  • Name meaning: Son of Ky or Kyle.
  • Popularity: #467

Neo

  • Name meaning: New.
  • Popularity: #980

Odin or Oden

  • Name meaning: A god in Germanic mythology.
  • Popularity: Odin ranks #327 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: #672

Stetson

  • Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
  • Popularity: #371

Titus

  • Name meaning: Meaning unknown. (This was a common name in Roman history).
  • Popularity: #361

Tyson

  • Name meaning: Nickname for someone with a fiery personality.
  • Popularity: #353

Zaid or Zayd

  • Name meaning: To increase.
  • Popularity: Zaid ranks #666 and Zayd is #803.

Zayden or Zaiden

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: Zayden ranks #204 and Zaiden is #506.

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

Rare (but modern-sounding) names for boys

baby boy sticking out tongue

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.

rare modern boy names list

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.

handsome baby boy outside

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.

unusual modern boy names list

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.

baby boy modern photo shoot sticking tongue out

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: #996

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 modern baby names for boys

daddy baby fist bump

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

Anderson

  • Name meaning: Son of Anders.
  • Popularity: #328

Ashton

  • Name meaning: Ash tree town.
  • Popularity: #147

Banks

  • Name meaning: Riverbank dweller.
  • Popularity: #503

Beck

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

Beckham

  • Name meaning: An English surname that might mean ‘from the homestead.’
  • Popularity: #222

modern baby names list

Bennett

  • Name meaning: Blessed.
  • Popularity: #90

Benson

  • Name meaning: Son of Ben.
  • Popularity: #585

Branson

  • Name meaning: Son of the raven.
  • Popularity: #931

Braxton

  • Name meaning: Brock’s settlement.
  • Popularity: #146

Brayden or Braden

  • Name meaning: Brave. Wide valley.
  • Popularity: Brayden ranks #131 and Braden is #907.

baby boy smiling lying on back

Braylen or Braylon

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: Braylen ranks #464 and Braylon is #478.

Brent

  • Name meaning: Dweller near burnt land.
  • Popularity: This boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2016.

Bryson or Brycen

  • Name meaning: Son of Brice.
  • Popularity: Bryson ranks #122 and Brycen is #667.

Callum or Calum

  • Name meaning: Dove.
  • Popularity: Callum ranks #273 and Calum is #838.

Carter

  • Name meaning: Transporter of goods.
  • Popularity: #39

Related: Middle Names for Carter

Cason or Cayson or Casen

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: Cason ranks #663, Cayson is #634, and Casen isn’t ranking.

Chance

  • Name meaning: Gamble.
  • Popularity: #326

Chase

  • Name meaning: To hunt.
  • Popularity: #125

Clayton

  • Name meaning: Town with good clay.
  • Popularity: #278

Colter

  • Name meaning: One who looks after horses.
  • Popularity: #627

Cooper

  • Name meaning: Wood repairer. One who makes wooden barrels.
  • Popularity: #68

smiling baby boy with teddy bear on bed

Easton

  • Name meaning: East-facing place.
  • Popularity: #70

Edison

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

Foster

  • Name meaning: Forester.
  • Popularity: This modern name ranks #963 for boys and is not ranking for girls.

Franklin

  • Name meaning: Free land holder.
  • Popularity: #395

Grayson or Greyson or Graysen

  • Name meaning: Son of the steward.
  • Popularity: Grayson ranks #35, Greyson is #83, and Graysen is #928.

Related: Middle Names for Grayson

Griffin

  • Name meaning: A fierce or dangerous person.
  • Popularity: #232

Harrison

  • Name meaning: Son of Harry.
  • Popularity: #120

Hayes

  • Name meaning: Brushwood.
  • Popularity: #229

Holden

  • Name meaning: Hollow valley.
  • Popularity: #236

Jameson or Jamison

  • Name meaning: Son of James.
  • Popularity: Jameson ranks #80 and Jamison is #522.

Jaxton or Jaxtyn

  • Name meaning: Modern invented name.
  • Popularity: Jaxton ranks #456 and Jaxtyn is #935.

Kayson or Kason or Kasen

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: Kayson is #283, Kason ranks #426, Kasen is #474, Kaison is #454, and Kaysen is #580.

baby boy reaching out

Kelton

  • Name meaning: Town of keels (part of a boat).
  • Popularity: This cool name last ranked in 2008.

Lawson

  • Name meaning: Son of Lawrence.
  • Popularity: #362

Lyle

  • Name meaning: Island dweller.
  • Popularity: This name last ranked in 2019.

Mason or Maison

  • Name meaning: One who works with stone.
  • Popularity: Mason ranks #18 and Maison last ranked in 2020.

Miller

  • Name meaning: Grain grinder.
  • Popularity: #591

Nikolai

  • Name meaning: Russian version of Nicholas, meaning people of victory.
  • Popularity: #480

Paxton

  • Name meaning: Peace town.
  • Popularity: #255

Porter

  • Name meaning: Gatekeeper (occupation).
  • Popularity: #441

Preston

  • Name meaning: Priest’s estate.
  • Popularity: #241

Quentin or Quinton

  • Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
  • Popularity: Quenton ranks #542 and Quinton is #704.

Quincy

  • Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
  • Popularity: #631

Riggs

  • Name meaning: One who lives by the ridge.
  • Popularity: #786

Roman

  • Name meaning: Citizen of Rome.
  • Popularity: #75

Soren

  • Name meaning: Stern or severe.
  • Popularity: #537

Spencer

  • Name meaning: Dispenser of provisions.
  • Popularity: #315

Talon

  • Name meaning: Claw of a bird of prey.
  • Popularity: #796

nature modern boy names list

Tanner

  • Name meaning: Leather tanner (occupation).
  • Popularity: #358

Tristan

  • Name meaning: Noise or sadness. (You may want to make up another meaning haha).
  • Popularity: #208

Tyler or Ty

  • Name meaning: Tile maker (occupation).
  • Popularity: Tyler ranks #157 and Ty is #687.

Watson

  • Name meaning: Son of Walter.
  • Popularity: #596

Weston or Westin

  • Name meaning: From the western town.
  • Popularity: Weston ranks #95 and Westin is #598.

Xavier or Zavier

  • Name meaning: Castle. New house.
  • Popularity: Xavier ranks #100 and Zavier is #955.

If you still haven’t found the perfect modern name for your baby boy, check out the following lists…

modern boy names with meanings

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.

cool modern boy names list

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!

unique modern boy names list

Modern Boy Names