Explore Boy Names by Popularity and History
Are you drawn to a name you have known all your life, or looking for something you rarely hear? Start with popular choices such as Liam and Noah, explore century-long favorites such as James and William, or discover names with a more recent rise in popularity. Each list offers a different way to build your shortlist.
The historical groups reveal distinctions that a current ranking cannot. A century-long favorite maintained a place in the U.S. top 100 for at least 100 consecutive years. A revived favorite, such as Theodore or Arthur, returned after time outside it. Recent favorites are in their first top-100 run, which has lasted fewer than 30 years. A name can have a long history even if its widespread popularity is recent.
Explore each name's individual page for its literal meaning, linguistic origins, and available U.S. popularity history from 1880 through 2025. The popular list below uses 2025 ranks; the historical lists describe earlier patterns as well. A familiar name can therefore appear among past favorites even when it is still being chosen today.
On this page:
Popular Boy Names
These are the most popular boy names, ordered by their U.S. popularity rank.
Century-Long Favorite Boy Names
These names stayed in the U.S. top 100 for at least 100 consecutive years - a full century of parents choosing them.
Longtime Favorite Boy Names
These names held a place in the U.S. top 100 for 50–99 consecutive years, remaining favorites across generations.
Established Favorite Boy
These names spent 30–49 consecutive years in the U.S. top 100, building a lasting place among familiar favorites.
Rising Favorite Boy Names
These names are gaining ground. Their current top-100 run spans fewer than 30 years, and their popularity rank improved in 2025.
Falling Favorite Boy Names
These boy names remain in the U.S. top 100, but rank lower than they did 30 years ago.
Recent Favorite Boy Names
These names belong to a newer generation of favorites. Their first and only top-100 run spans fewer than 30 years and continues in 2025.
Revived Favorite Boy Names
These names made a comeback. After leaving the U.S. top 100, they returned and hold a place there in 2025.
Past Favorite Boy Names
These names had more than one run in the U.S. top 100, but none continues in 2025. Browse favorites from earlier generations.
Unique Boy Names
Looking for something less common? Browse uncommon boy names for more ideas.
Short Boy Names
Prefer fewer letters? These short boy names keep the spelling compact.
Long Boy Names
Explore longer boy names, especially if you enjoy a full name with room for a nickname.
Browse Boy Names by Letter
Finding a Boy Name That Fits
Look at the names you saved and consider what connects them. Do you prefer short choices such as Bo and Ty, longer names such as Christopher and Maximilian, or a particular beginning or ending? Recognizing that preference can make browsing by letter more useful.
Read beyond the ranking before deciding. An uncommon name can have generations of use in another language or community, while a familiar name may be much less common among babies today. Explore the meaning and history of each finalist, learn its pronunciation, and consider any family connection.
Finally, try the full name aloud with the middle and last names. Write it down, check the initials, and think about any shorter forms you would welcome. Your saved list gives you a place to return while you compare the choices that matter most to you.