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Boy Names

Boy Names

Classic, modern, and timeless names for your son. Every name has a story, discover the meaning, origin, and pronunciation behind it.

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Burley

Clearing by the fortified place

Burley is a name rich with natural imagery, evoking a woodland clearing or meadow near a fortified place, rooted firmly in the English landscape. It suggests a person who is robust, earthy, and at ease in the natural world, with a quiet confidence born of solid ground. The name carries an old-world charm that feels both rugged and gentle.

Origin: English
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Burnham

Homestead by the stream

Burnham is a distinguished name drawn from the English landscape, meaning 'homestead by the stream', evoking a peaceful, pastoral setting of running water and settled life. It has the polished feel of an English county surname repurposed as a first name, projecting calm authority and a sense of rootedness. The name suits a boy with a steady, thoughtful temperament.

Origin: English
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Byron

Cow barn

Byron is a name of Old English origin derived from the word for cowshed or cattle barn, originally used as a surname for someone who lived near such a place. Despite its humble pastoral origins, the name has been elevated to literary greatness through its association with the Romantic poet Lord Byron. It carries a dashing, poetic quality that transcends its agricultural roots.

Origin: English
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Cadbury

Cada's fort, Arthurian heritage

Cadbury is a name steeped in ancient English history, referring to a fortified hilltop settlement and carrying echoes of Arthurian legend through its association with Cadbury Castle in Somerset, often linked to Camelot. It projects a sense of noble heritage, mystery, and enduring strength. As a given name it is rare and bold, suited to a boy with a strong sense of identity and history.

Origin: English
BoyStable

Caddock

Battle-eager warrior spirit

Caddock is a rare and ancient English name with warrior connotations, suggesting eagerness for battle and a fierce, courageous spirit rooted in early medieval England. It carries an air of forgotten nobility, evoking the pre-Conquest era of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic heroism. The name suits a boy of bold character and strong will.

Origin: English
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Cade

Sturdy, independent spirit

Cade is a crisp, strong single-syllable name carrying meanings of roundness, sturdiness, and in some interpretations, a spirit of rebellion and independence. It projects confident masculinity without heaviness, feeling both modern and historically rooted in English tradition. The name suits a boy with a bold, self-assured character and natural leadership quality.

Origin: English
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Caden

Son of Cadan, spirit of battle

Caden traces back to the Irish surname MacCadain, built on the personal name Cadan, which is connected to ideas of battle or spirit. It crossed cleanly from surname to first name in late twentieth-century American naming and became one of the headline picks of the wider -aden wave of boys' names. The two clean syllables keep it feeling fresh even as the wave has matured.

Origin: Irish
BoyStable

Cadfael

Battle prince

Cadfael is a Welsh name composed of two elements: 'cad', meaning battle, and 'mael', meaning prince or chieftain. The full sense is therefore battle prince, a name that captures the warrior nobility of early Welsh culture. The name is ancient, appearing in Welsh chronicles, and was borne by a sixth-century Welsh saint. In the twentieth century it gained wide recognition through Ellis Peters' beloved series of medieval mystery novels featuring the Benedictine monk Brother Cadfael.

Origin: Welsh
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Cadmus

Legendary civilisation-builder, pioneering spirit

Cadmus is a name steeped in legendary significance, famously borne by the mythological founder of Thebes in ancient Greek tradition. The name carries connotations of civilization-building, ingenuity, and pioneering spirit. It suggests a person of remarkable intelligence and the capacity to bring order and culture to new endeavors.

Origin: English
BoyStable

Cadoc

Battle, glory in combat

Cadoc is an ancient Welsh name derived from the Brythonic element 'cad', meaning battle. It was borne by one of the most important early Welsh saints, giving it both martial and spiritual resonance. The name suggests strength of character, courage, and a willingness to stand firm. Cadoc is a name that feels rooted in the landscape and history of Wales itself.

Origin: Welsh
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Cadogan

Glory in battle, Welsh nobility

Cadogan is a distinguished name with strong associations with nobility and the aristocratic tradition in Britain. It carries connotations of honour, valor, and a proud heritage. The name evokes a sense of dignified strength and a connection to old British lineage.

Origin: English
BoyFalling

Cadwaladr

Battle leader

Cadwaladr is composed of the Old Welsh elements cad, meaning battle, and gwaladr, meaning leader or ruler. The name therefore means battle leader or one who leads in war, a fitting title for the heroic tradition of early Welsh culture. It was borne by Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon, a seventh-century King of Gwynedd who became a legendary figure in Welsh tradition, with prophecies foretelling his return to lead the Britons. The name is among the most historically rooted Welsh names and carries the full weight of early medieval Welsh history.

Origin: Welsh
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Cadwallader

Battle leader, ancient Welsh royalty

Cadwallader is a name of great historical and legendary weight, associated with the last native king of all Britain in Welsh tradition. It conveys a sense of ancient nobility, resilience, and a connection to the deep roots of British history. The name suggests leadership and a proud cultural inheritance.

Origin: English
BoyFalling

Cadwgan

Battle glory

Cadwgan is composed of the Old Welsh elements 'cad', meaning battle, and 'gwogawn', meaning glory or renown. Together they convey the ideal of a warrior celebrated for his deeds in combat, a name fitting for the medieval Welsh princes who bore it. It is among the most authentically Welsh of all historic given names.

Origin: Welsh
BoyStable

Cahal

Battle ruler, mighty in battle

Cahal means 'battle ruler' or 'mighty in battle,' reflecting the warrior spirit that was deeply valued in ancient Irish society. It is the anglicised form of the Gaelic name Cathal, combining strength with authority. This is a name rooted in leadership and courage, carrying the weight of centuries of Irish chieftains and kings who bore it.

Origin: Irish
BoyStable

Cahir

Battle warrior

Cahir is the anglicised form of the Old Irish name Cathair, composed of 'cath', meaning battle, and 'fir', meaning man or warrior. Together they form the meaning 'warrior of battle' or 'battle man'. The name has deep roots in ancient Irish kingship, borne by several legendary and historical figures. It also lends its name to the town of Cahir in County Tipperary, where a famous castle stands, adding a strong sense of place to its identity.

Origin: Irish
BoyStable

Cai

Rejoice

Cai is a Welsh name often interpreted as meaning 'rejoice,' though its roots may also connect to the Latin name Caius. It is a name of joyful simplicity with deep ties to Arthurian legend.

Origin: Welsh
BoyStable

Cailean

Young dog, whelp

Cailean is the Scottish Gaelic form of Colin, derived from the Old Irish coilin or possibly from the Greek Nikolaos through Norman influence, though most Scottish scholars connect it to the Gaelic word for whelp or young dog. The name is historically associated with Clan Campbell, whose progenitor Cailean Mor (Great Colin) gave his name and identity to many generations of Campbells. It is a name steeped in Highland history, clan loyalty, and the Gaelic literary tradition of Scotland. Its spelling preserves the original Gaelic form and distinguishes it from the anglicised Colin.

Origin: Scottish
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Caio

Rejoice

Caio is the Italian form of the Latin name Gaius, which is thought to derive from the Latin verb 'gaudere,' meaning to rejoice or be glad. It was one of the most common given names in ancient Rome and carries the weight of classical antiquity into a modern Italian form.

Origin: Italian
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Caius

Rejoice

Caius carries an expansive, joyful meaning rooted in the Latin expression of celebration and delight. The name suggests a person whose very presence brings cause for happiness, an individual whose life is marked by exuberance and positive energy. This life-affirming meaning, paired with the name's ancient Roman dignity, makes Caius both a celebratory declaration and a mark of distinguished classical heritage.

Origin: English
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Caladh

Harbour, safe haven

Caladh is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning harbour or safe haven, places where boats shelter from the sea. As a name it evokes protection, calm, and the welcoming shelter of the Scottish coast. It carries the deep cultural association between Scottish island and coastal communities and the sea that defines their lives.

Origin: Scottish
BoyStable

Calaf

Unknown prince

Calaf is the name of the mysterious protagonist in Giacomo Puccini's opera 'Turandot.' The name's exact etymological origin is unclear, and it is presented in the opera as a deliberately enigmatic name -- the prince keeps his identity secret. It has an exotic, operatic quality that evokes adventure, romance, and mystery.

Origin: Italian
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Calder

Rough waters

Calder derives from Old Norse and Old Celtic roots meaning rough or cold waters. The element 'cal' relates to cold or turbulent, and 'der' is cognate with the Celtic word for water or stream, also seen in names like Douglas and Avon. The name was first applied to several rivers in Scotland and northern England, particularly the River Calder in Yorkshire and West Lothian, before transitioning into use as a surname and eventually a given name. It evokes wild northern landscapes and the force of nature.

Origin: Norse
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Caldwell

Cold spring, English landscape

Caldwell is a strong, grounded name with associations of natural settings and solid, dependable character. It suggests a person of steady temperament and practical capability, rooted in the landscape and traditions of the English countryside. The name carries an air of quiet authority and reliability.

Origin: English
BoyStable

Caleb

Faithful, whole-hearted

Caleb is a Hebrew name most commonly interpreted as meaning 'faithful' or 'whole-hearted'. Some scholars also connect it to the Hebrew word 'kelev', meaning 'dog', which in ancient context symbolised loyalty and devotion rather than anything dismissive.

Origin: Hebrew
BoyFalling

Calixto

Most beautiful

Calixto is the Spanish masculine form derived from the Greek Kallistos, a superlative of kalos meaning 'beautiful,' thus meaning 'most beautiful' or 'most handsome.' The name was borne by early Christian martyrs and popes, most notably Pope Callixtus I, lending it ecclesiastical prestige. In Spanish literary tradition, Calixto is the name of the romantic male protagonist of La Celestina, the seminal fifteenth-century tragicomedy, giving the name literary as well as religious resonance.

Origin: Spanish
BoyStable

Callan

Battle, rock

Callan is a Scottish Gaelic name with roots meaning 'battle' or possibly 'rock', reflecting strength and resilience. It has a crisp, modern sound whilst retaining its deep Celtic heritage. The name has steadily grown in appeal among parents who appreciate its blend of tradition and contemporary style.

Origin: Scottish
BoyStable

Callisto

Most beautiful

Callisto is the Italian masculine form derived from Greek 'kallistos,' meaning 'most beautiful' or 'most fair.' It was borne by two early popes and a figure from Greek mythology, giving the name both sacred and legendary dimensions.

Origin: Italian
BoyRising

Calloway

Charismatic, musical heritage

Calloway is a spirited, charismatic name with deep associations with American musical heritage through the legendary entertainer Cab Calloway. It carries connotations of creativity, energy, and showmanship. The name suggests a person of vibrant personality, artistic talent, and natural magnetism.

Origin: English
BoyStable

Callum

Dove

Callum derives from the Latin 'columba' (dove) through the Scottish Gaelic 'Calum,' carrying associations of peace, gentleness, and the spiritual legacy of Saint Columba who brought Christianity to Scotland.

Origin: Scottish
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