Choosing a boy’s name? Start with the names American parents picked most last year, then browse timeless, short, biblical, nature-inspired, vintage, and surname-style favorites. Each name includes its meaning and origin.
The 10 Most Popular Boy Names of 2025
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Liam was the No. 1 boy name for babies born in 2025. Noah and Oliver followed, and newer favorites Theodore and Mateo joined classics like James and William in the top 10. The No. column below matches each name’s 2025 rank.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liam | Resolute protector; short form of William | Irish |
| 2 | Noah | Rest, comfort | Hebrew |
| 3 | Oliver | Olive tree | Latin |
| 4 | Theodore | Gift of God | Greek |
| 5 | Henry | Ruler of the home | Germanic |
| 6 | James | Supplanter; from Jacob | Hebrew |
| 7 | Elijah | My God is Yahweh | Hebrew |
| 8 | Mateo | Gift of God; form of Matthew | Spanish |
| 9 | William | Resolute protector | Germanic |
| 10 | Lucas | From Lucania; often linked to “light” | Latin |
You can check the ranking history of any name on the SSA baby names site.
Names From the 2025 Fastest-Rising List
The SSA’s fastest-rising boy names for 2025 were Kasai, Akari, Eziah, Jasai, and Neithan. Kasai made the biggest jump of all: it climbed 1,108 places to enter the top 1,000 for the first time, at No. 639. Like many fast risers, these names are newer to American birth certificates, and Neithan is a variant spelling of Nathan. If you like names that few classmates will share, see our list of rare and unique baby names.
Timeless Boy Names
Classic names that have never really gone out of style. For more, browse our classic baby names that never go out of style.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin | Son of the right hand | Hebrew |
| 2 | Samuel | God has heard | Hebrew |
| 3 | Joseph | God will increase | Hebrew |
| 4 | Daniel | God is my judge | Hebrew |
| 5 | Thomas | Twin | Aramaic |
| 6 | Charles | Free man | Germanic |
| 7 | Edward | Wealthy guardian | Old English |
| 8 | George | Farmer | Greek |
| 9 | John | God is gracious | Hebrew |
| 10 | Michael | Who is like God? | Hebrew |
| 11 | David | Beloved | Hebrew |
| 12 | Andrew | Manly, strong | Greek |
| 13 | Robert | Bright fame | Germanic |
| 14 | Peter | Rock | Greek |
| 15 | Nathaniel | Gift of God | Hebrew |
Short and Strong Boy Names
Compact names that are easy to say and spell.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leo | Lion | Latin |
| 2 | Max | Greatest; short for Maximilian | Latin |
| 3 | Jude | Praised | Hebrew |
| 4 | Eli | Ascended, high | Hebrew |
| 5 | Finn | Fair, white | Irish |
| 6 | Ezra | Help | Hebrew |
| 7 | Asher | Happy, blessed | Hebrew |
| 8 | Luke | From Lucania | Greek |
| 9 | Owen | Often explained as “noble” or “well-born” | Welsh |
| 10 | Rhys | Ardor, enthusiasm | Welsh |
| 11 | Kai | Sea (Hawaiian); used in many cultures | Hawaiian and others |
| 12 | Isaac | He will laugh | Hebrew |
Biblical Boy Names
The Bible has supplied American boy names since colonial times, and several, including Noah, James, and Elijah, are in the 2025 top 10. These names go beyond the most familiar picks while keeping a classic feel. Our full list of biblical baby names has many more.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel | God is my strength | Hebrew |
| 2 | Levi | Joined, attached | Hebrew |
| 3 | Micah | Who is like God? | Hebrew |
| 4 | Josiah | Often explained as “God supports” or “God heals” | Hebrew |
| 5 | Matthew | Gift of God | Hebrew |
| 6 | Jonah | Dove | Hebrew |
| 7 | Ezekiel | God strengthens | Hebrew |
| 8 | Gideon | One who cuts down; hewer | Hebrew |
| 9 | Tobias | God is good | Hebrew, via Greek |
| 10 | Caleb | Often linked to “dog”; also interpreted as “whole-hearted” | Hebrew |
Nature-Inspired Boy Names
Rivers, trees, and stones inspire many modern boy names.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River | A flowing stream of water | English |
| 2 | Jasper | The gemstone; “treasurer” | Persian |
| 3 | Silas | Often linked to Latin silva, “forest”; short form of Silvanus | Latin |
| 4 | Rowan | Little red one; the rowan tree | Irish |
| 5 | Forest | Woodland | French |
| 6 | Reed | Red-haired | Old English |
| 7 | Ash | The ash tree | English |
| 8 | Oakley | Oak clearing | English |
| 9 | Cedar | The evergreen tree | English |
| 10 | Wilder | Wild, untamed | English |
Vintage Boy Names Making a Comeback
These grandpa-chic names are popular again with today’s parents.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walter | Ruler of the army | Germanic |
| 2 | August | Great, venerable | Latin |
| 3 | Felix | Lucky, happy | Latin |
| 4 | Louis | Famous warrior | Germanic, via French |
| 5 | Albert | Noble and bright | Germanic |
| 6 | Otis | Wealth | Germanic |
| 7 | Arthur | Possibly “bear” | Celtic |
| 8 | Hugo | Mind, spirit | Germanic |
| 9 | Ernest | Serious, earnest | Germanic |
| 10 | Rufus | Red-haired | Latin |
Boy Names With Strong Nicknames
A longer name with a ready-made nickname gives your son a formal option for school and work and a friendly one for family. Theodore, at No. 4 in 2025, is a good example: it easily becomes Theo or Teddy. These names offer the same flexibility.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander | Defender of the people; nicknames Alex, Xander, Sasha | Greek |
| 2 | Nicholas | Victory of the people; nicknames Nick, Nico | Greek |
| 3 | Frederick | Peaceful ruler; nicknames Fred, Freddie | Germanic |
| 4 | Sebastian | Venerable; from the Greek city name Sebaste; nicknames Seb, Bash | Greek, via Latin |
| 5 | Christopher | Bearer of Christ; nicknames Chris, Kit | Greek |
| 6 | Leonardo | Brave lion; nicknames Leo, Nardo | Germanic, via Italian |
| 7 | Jonathan | God has given; nicknames Jon, Jonny | Hebrew |
| 8 | Benedict | Blessed; nicknames Ben, Benny | Latin |
Modern Surname-Style Boy Names
Many popular boy names started as English last names, often describing a job or a family line. They sound crisp and modern, though many have been used as first names for generations. Names ending in “-son” originally meant “son of,” so Harrison literally means “son of Harry.”
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hudson | Son of Hudd, a medieval short form of Hugh | English |
| 2 | Carter | Cart driver | English |
| 3 | Cooper | Barrel maker | English |
| 4 | Sawyer | One who saws wood | English |
| 5 | Parker | Keeper of a park | English |
| 6 | Grayson | Son of the steward | English |
| 7 | Brooks | Of the brook | English |
| 8 | Walker | One who walked cloth to thicken it (a fuller) | English |
| 9 | Bennett | Blessed; from Benedict | English, from Latin |
| 10 | Harrison | Son of Harry | English |
How Boy Name Trends Have Changed
For much of the 20th century, a small group of traditional names led the boys’ charts. John, William, James, Robert, and Michael were given to huge numbers of boys, and many sons were named after their fathers or grandfathers.
Today, parents choose from a much wider range. Softer names with gentle sounds, like Liam, Noah, and Elijah, now sit near the top. Vintage names such as Theodore and Henry are back in fashion, and Spanish-language names like Mateo have joined the top 10. At the same time, surname-style names and brand-new creations, like the names on the fastest-rising list, give parents even more choices.
Some classics have never really left. James and William, both long-time favorites, are still in the top 10 for 2025.
Boy Names That Work in Two Languages
Many families want a name that sounds natural in English and in another language spoken at home. Mateo, the Spanish form of Matthew, is one reason this style is so visible in the 2025 top 10. Lucas is used in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and Leo, Gabriel, Daniel, and Samuel cross languages easily too. For more choices, see our list of Spanish and Latino baby names.
Tips for Choosing a Boy’s Name
- Test the full name, including the middle and last name, for rhythm and flow.
- Consider nicknames. Theodore can become Teddy or Theo; William can become Will, Liam, or Billy.
- Honor family with a first or middle name if that matters to you.
- Check the spelling. A simple spelling saves a lifetime of corrections.
Pair a popular first name with a more unusual middle name, or the other way around. It is an easy way to balance familiar and distinctive.
Need more help? Read our tips for choosing a baby name, or see the most popular baby girl names in the U.S..
REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Liam was the most popular boy name in the U.S. for babies born in 2025, according to the Social Security Administration.
Kasai was the fastest-rising boy name. It climbed 1,108 places to enter the top 1,000 for the first time, at No. 639.
Yes. Theodore ranked No. 4 for boys in 2025, and its nicknames Theo and Teddy are popular too.
Noah, James, and Elijah are biblical names in the SSA's 2025 top 10. Other well-loved choices include Gabriel, Levi, Micah, Josiah, and Ezekiel.
Hello! I’m Emma Carter, born in 1990, and a passionate child development specialist. Alongside my work, I have a deep love for helping parents discover beautiful and meaningful baby names. I believe a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of a child’s story. I draw inspiration from languages, cultures, traditions, and even the hidden meanings behind names to help find the perfect fit for every little one’s bright future.