British boy names have a rich and extensive history, ranging from traditional classics to royal figures and Celtic names. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which name would be best for your little boy.
To simplify the process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of British boy names that covers their origins, meanings, and famous bearers. This list will guide you through the entire scope of the British Empire’s naming traditions and ensure that your little prince has access to only the most outstanding British boy names. May your little ruler thrive with the perfect name.
Table of Contents
- 105 Best British Names for Boys
- Aidan
- Aldis
- Alfie
- Alfred
- Alistair
- Archibald
- Arthur
- Basil
- Benedict
- Benjamin
- Bertram
- Blake
- Byron
- Caledon
- Callum
- Cameron
- Carew
- Charlie
- Christopher
- Cillian
- Cooper
- Crispin
- Damian
- Daniel
- Dean
- Desmond
- Devon
- Duncan
- Dwight
- Earl
- Edgar
- Edmund
- Elliott
- Ellis
- Elton
- Emmett
- Farley
- Fergus
- Finch
- Frasier
- George
- Grayson
- Griffin
- Hamish
- Harper
- Harry
- Harvey
- Henry
- Holt
- Hugh
- Ian
- Jack
- Jacob
- Jarvis
- Jasper
- Jenson
- Julian
- Lawrence
- Leo
- Liam
- Lysander
- Malachy
- Miles
- Milton
- Nathaniel
- Niall
- Nigel
- Noah
- Oliver
- Oscar
- Patton
- Percy
- Phillip
- Piers
- Preston
- Rafe
- Raleigh
- Rand
- Rex
- Riley
- Ripley
- Roland
- Roscoe
- Rupert
- Saxon
- Sebastian
- Shaw
- Sheridan
- Simon
- Sinjin
- Spencer
- Sterling
- Tate
- Theodore
- Tobias
- Torquil
- Trevor
- Truman
- Vance
- Wallis
- Wesley
- Wilfred
- William
- Zane
- Zed
105 Best British Names for Boys
Get jolly with this incredible selection of classic and unique British boy names for your little fellow.
Aidan
Aidan comes from the Gaelic “aed,” meaning “fire.” It’s a version of Aodán, a diminutive of “Aodh.” The similar Hebrew Aden means “handsome,” so your little guy will love being called Aidan if he’s known for his fiery nature or good looks.
Aldis
Aldis may have started as a surname that traveled to England because of the Norman conquest of 1066. It’s used prolifically in Latvia, where it may have come from the surname Aldonis. Aldis stands out as an old-fashioned name for your little one.
Alfie
Alfie has origins in the Old English “Aelfraed,” meaning “elf.” It also means “elf” in Old Norse. Alfie is the diminutive of Alfred and is uncommon enough as a given name to make a magical namesake for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Alfred
Alfred comes from the root “aelf,” meaning “elf” or any supernatural being, and “raed,” meaning “counsel.” As a name, it came from either Aelfraed or Alfrid. When it comes to British male names, Alfred is one of the most British.
Alistair
Alistair (and its Scottish cousin Alasdair) is an Anglo version of the old Greek Alexander. It can mean “warrior” and is a classic Victorian name in England, even if not as common today. Your little Allistair will have a really British name, full of class and ready to impress.
Archibald
Archibald consists of the Germanic roots “erchan,” meaning “genuine,” and “bald,” meaning “bold.” It started as a surname and, though quite uncommon these days, Archibald is one of those British boy names you won’t forget soon.
Arthur
Arthur’s original roots may be Celtic, from the root words “art,” meaning “bear” and “rigos,” meaning “king.” It grew in popularity during the Middle Ages due to the legendary King Arthur and remains a favorite in the United Kingdom for your little king.
Basil
Basil is derived from the Greek name Vassilios, based on “basileus,” meaning “emperor.” One of the most proper British names for boys, the often royal-used Basil can work wonders for your little boy, whom you can also call “Baz” for short.
Benedict
Benedict combines the Latin words “bene,” meaning “’good,” and “dicte,” meaning well-spoken.” Benedict has been a favorite among popes and saints throughout European history and can serve your little boy with longtime loyalty.
Benjamin
Benjamin was a figure in the Hebrew Bible who was the youngest of 12 sons. Today, the “Benjamin of the family” means the youngest. Whether he is the last or the first, your little boy will look just as cute as Benjamin to you.
Bertram
Bertram came to England from France during the 1066 Norman conquest. Bertram is both old-fashioned and fabulous with its British style for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Blake
Blake is derived from the Old English “blac,” meaning someone with “dark” hair or skin or “blaac”, meaning someone with “pale” hair or skin. Whether he’s blonde or brunette, your little boy can be the super cool Blake of today.
Byron
Byron started as an Old English surname and place name, originating from “byre,” meaning “cowshed.” Byron, North Yorkshire in England may be the original place name. Your little Lord Byron could love this classy, typically English name for him to make his own.
Caledon
Caledon is a place name in Ontario, while the English refer to Scotland by the original Latin name Caledonia. Caledon seems like a very fancy old-world name for a boy, but your little boy can be known as Cal on his days off from being officially Caledon.
Callum
Callum comes from the Latin name Columba, and is a variation of Malcolm in Scotland. It’s known as a Christian name since doves were the traditional symbol of peace. Bring your little peacemaker this great boy’s name for himself.
Cameron
Cameron was once a Scottish surname and is rooted in the Gaelic word “cam abhainn,” meaning “crooked river.” Whichever part of the original Cameron clan was crooked doesn’t matter since the unisex Cameron isn’t too typical for your little guy.
Carew
Carew is also known as a Welsh and Cornish surname, which became a given name meaning “fort near a slope.” Carey is a related boy’s name to Carew, although Carew is unisex and special enough for your little boy to have for himself.
Charlie
Charlie is an Old English nickname for Charles, which has become a unisex given name all its own. Charles grew in popularity in France during the Middle Ages, but Charlies are often modern little boys and girls who are anything but generic.
Christopher
Christopher is based upon the Greek Christós, meaning “anointed” and “phérein,” meaning “to bring.” Christopher has been a widely used name in England since the 10th-century, so why break tradition for your little Chris?
Cillian
Cillian originally started as a Gaelic nickname for “ceallach,” meaning “strife,” or “ceall,” meaning “monastery.” It can also mean “bright-headed.” Cillian is an adorable, unique way to name your little man whatever origin you choose.
Cooper
Cooper is derived from the Middle English “couper” or “cowper,” which itself came from the Dutch “kuper.” Kup originally meant “tub” or “container,” which became “coop” in English. Cooper is unisex but used as a unique, modern take among British boy names.
Crispin
Although Crispin comes from the Latin “crispus,” it was also an Old French family name popular during the Middle Ages.
Damian
Damian comes from the Greek “Damianos,” meaning “conquer.” It’s also connected to the Greek goddess of fertility, Damia, or Demeter. It’s a favorite of upper-class England and one of the best names for your little boy from the UK.
Daniel
Daniel appears twice as a figure in the Hebrew Bible. It’s beyond popular and has been for thousands of years. Daniel is a classic choice for a young boy, whether British, American, French, Brazilian, Nigerian or anywhere else.
Dean
Dean comes from the Old English “denu” for “valley,” but also means “monk or dignitary in charge of ten others” in Greek. An Old English dean referred to a church dean. The Dean of your heart, i.e., your little one, can make this name his own.
Desmond
Desmond began as an Irish surname and an Anglo form of the Gaelic Ó Deasmhumhnaigh, or “descendant of the man from southern Munster.” Gaelic-English relations will stay strong when you use this top name for boys for your little defender.
Devon
Devon began as a surname for a Celtic clan named Dumnonii and is the name of a county in Southwest England. Devon is a unisex variant of Davon, derived from David. Devon can become a fresh, modern take on your little guy’s name.
Duncan
Duncan comes from the Gaelic Donnchadh, made up of “donn,” meaning “brown” and “cath,” meaning “warrior.” Macbeth famously killed King Duncan in the Shakespearean tragedy. Your little Duncan can only thrive with this mighty name.
Dwight
Dwight was once the Medieval girl’s name Diot, a diminutive of Dionysia, from the Greek god of festivals, fertility, and wine. Your little boy’s too young to be a devotee of Dionysus, so he can enjoy being known as a blond, even if he’s not one.
Earl
Earl comes from the Old English root “eorl,” meaning “warrior,” and has beginnings as the Germanic title “Jarl,” meaning “warrior-king.” Earl is a tried-and-true name for boys that means more than just another English title for your little guy.
Edgar
Edgar is derived from the Old English name Eadgar, made up of “ead,” meaning “prosperity,” and “gar,” meaning “spear.” The one with the many spears can find power in other ways, like being the cutest little boy around when you name him Edgar.
Edmund
Edmund was the Old English Eadmund, consisting of “ead,” meaning “prosperity” and “mund,” meaning “protection.” Edmund has been given to English kings and other royalty through the years, so it can serve your little king well too.
Elliott
Eliott is an English variation of the Hebrew Elijah, meaning “God is my Yahweh.” It may come from the Gaelic surname Elloch, meaning “mound” or “bank.” Elliott is uncommon but has many variation choices for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Ellis
Ellis is a unisex name originating in the medieval name Elis, also a form of Elijah and Elias. It’s also associated with the Welsh name Elisedd, a derivative of “elus,” meaning “kindly.” Ellis can be an adorable name for the blessed little boy in your life.
Elton
Elton may derive from the Old English name Ella or Elli. The English word “’tun” means “enclosure.” It may also connect to “aelf,” meaning “elf.” Elton is unisex and playful enough for the most interesting little boy to call his own.
Emmett
In English, Emmett means “hard worker” or “truth,” and may be connected to the female Emma. Emmett is unisex but more often used for boys. It’s uncommon outside the U.S., but this universal name has an adorable factor to offer your little one.
Farley
Farley is an Anglo form of the Old Irish “Ó Fearghail ,” meaning “man of valor.” This powerful name for boys is also unisex but can be a name choice for your little boy that’s both cute and masculine all at once.
Fergus
Fergus consists of the Gaelic roots “fear,” meaning “man” and “gus,” meaning “vigor” or “force.” Fergus is also associated with Fergus mac Róich, an Irish mythological warrior king. What great deeds will your little Fergus achieve?
Finch
The Old English meaning of Finch may have come from the word “finc,” also meaning “songbird.” It’s unisex and has associations with one who likes to swindle. Don’t let your little Finch rule the house unless he does it in the cutest way possible.
Frasier
Fraser was originally the surname of a Scottish clan but became a boys’ name used in England. It may also have French Norman origins from “fraise,” meaning “strawberry.” The rare Frasier could work well for your little boy of the forest.
George
George is an Anglo version of the Greek Georgios, based on “georgos,” meaning “earth-worker.” George belongs to the patron saint of England and many members of English royalty. It will wear like a royal robe and crown for your little saint.
Grayson
Grayson was once an English surname derived from the Scottish and Irish Grierson or Gray. It’s also a derivative of the surname Gravesson, meaning “son of the reeve.”
Griffin
Griffin came from the Welsh Gruffydd, made up of “udd,” meaning “lord.” Griffin also names the mythical creature having the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. This unisex mythmaker name will have your little boy flying in no time.
Hamish
Hamish comes from the Gaelic Sheumais, a variant of James and the Latin Jacomus. Jacomus derives from the Hebrew “Iakobos,” meaning “God protects.” Hamish has traveled a long way just in time to be the best name for your little boy.
Harper
Harper was a surname in the UK and came from the Middle English “harpere,” meaning “harper player.” Harper’s unisex and used as a first name for boys and girls, especially in the U.S. This modern take on tradition can delight your Harper.
Harry
Harry is a Medieval form of Henry, from the Germanic Heimerich, consisting of “heim,” for “home” and “ric,” meaning “power.” The famous King Henry was called Harry, so you can choose one or both for the Harry in your life.
Harvey
Harvey is derived from the Old Breton name Huiarnviu, made up of “huiarn,” meaning “iron” and “viu,” meaning “blazing.” This powerful, old-world name will outlast all the trends in boys’ names to serve your little guy well.
Henry
Henry comes from the French Henri and, like Harry, is based on the German Heimeric. Eight English kings have been named Henry, including the famous Henry V and VIII. Little King Henry can rule your home in no time with this old name.
Holt
Holt was an Old English surname taken from “wold,” meaning “a forested upland.” Holt is also used in Viking culture for “wood.” Holt is super rare outside the U.S. but is a great reminder of how names move from different places to your little boy’s life.
Hugh
Hugh in Irish is Aodh, a classic name for the Celtic sun god that came to Britain from the Normans. It’s also a Germanic compound name using “hug,” meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.” Hugh has a classic feel among British male names, perfect for your little boy to breathe new life into.
Ian
Ian is a Scottish Gaelic version of John, derived from the Hebrew Yohanan. Ian has been used as a boy’s name in England and the UK during modern times, so if you want the quintessential English name for your boy, Ian could be it!
Jack
Jack is a diminutive for the English/Hebrew John and Jacob. It’s also used as a nickname for any boy named John. It’s officially unisex but appears more as a boys’ name worldwide. Little Jack can grow up to be Big Jack or John in no time.
Jacob
Jacob is a version of James, which came from the Latin “Iacobus” and Greek “Iakobos,” also meaning “may God protect.” Jacob has Biblical ancient meaning and tradition to bring to the baby boy you’re expecting.
Jarvis
Jarvis was an English surname that might have come from the French Gervase, with “geri,” meaning “spear.” It also means “servant” in Celtic and is relatively uncommon.
Jasper
Jasper comes from the Persian name Ganzabara, known as one of the Three Kings in the Bible. Jasper may have also traveled from France as a surname first, like Caspar, Gaspar, and Gaspard. Jasper’s unisex and ready for the coolest boy you know.
Jenson
Jenson is a form of the English John, from Johannes, meaning “God is gracious.” Jenson is a common surname in Denmark, but you might have the only Jenson for miles when you choose it for your little guy.
Julian
Julian comes from the Roman name Julianus, or Julius, referring to the Roman emperor Julian in the 4th-century. It’s a classic unisex name that’s still used today for little emperors in training.
Lawrence
Lawrence was taken from Laurentium, an ancient Roman city known for its laurel trees. Laurel has been a symbol of wisdom and achievement for centuries. Its continuous popularity makes it the ideal name for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Leo
Leo is a common nickname for Leonard or Leopold and comes from the Latin word for lion. Leo was used by many early saints and popes and can work its powerful, brave magic for your little warrior.
Liam
Liam is a nickname version of the Irish name Uilliam, meaning “helmet of will.” It can also mean “guardian” and is commonly used as a pet form of the English William. Your little Liam can be formal or casual whenever he wants to.
Lysander
Lysander consists of the Greek roots “lysis,” meaning “freedom,” and “andros,” meaning “man.” It’s best known as the lead character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Lysander is a one-of-a-kind way to honor the past through your little boy.
Malachy
Malachy means “second” in Irish, and is sometimes used for second-born sons. It’s unisex, but used more as a boy’s name. Malachy is often thought of as the Irish version of the Scottish name Malcolm, but your saintly little boy could love it too.
Miles
Miles referred to a knight in Medieval Latin and any soldier in Classical Latin. In Hebrew, Miles also means “gift from God” and can bless your little knight with this somewhat uncommonly used name.
Milton
Milton originally referred to an English settlement that contained a mill. It’s made up of the Old English “mylen,” meaning “mill” and “tun,” meaning “homestead.” Milton has some retro British charm it can share with your little boy.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel comes from the Hebrew name Netan’el, made up of “natan,” meaning “to give,” and “el,” referring to God. Nathaniel is a long-form version of Nate or Nathan, which can bring even more choice to your boy’s nuanced name.
Niall
Niall is based on the Old Irish “niadh,” which may have meant “champion,” but the history of Niall isn’t completely clear. Neil is often used in England, which is a variation of Niall. Your Niall can work at being a champion with this fun name.
Nigel
Nigel is an even more commonly used English version of the Gaelic Niall. It’s also associated with the Latin Nigellas.
Noah
Noah is a well-known Bible character and was originally the Hebrew “Noach,” meaning “rest” or “repose.” It has the same meaning as the Babylonian “nukhu.” Noah is unisex but will make the perfect boys’ name for your little guy.
Oliver
Oliver is derived from the Latin “olivarius,” meaning “olive branch planter,” and also comes from Old Norse, meaning “elf warrior.” As a symbol of peace, the olive branch can bring great tidings to your gorgeous boy’s life.
Oscar
Oscar can also mean “friend of deer” or “gentle friend” in the Irish language. Whether your little boy is a wild warrior or a great friend, Oscar will allow him to be whatever he wants to be!
Patton
Patton also comes from the Middle English surname using the root “pate,” meaning “bald.” It may be a diminutive for Patrick and is unisex. Patton is rare enough as a first name to make your special little guy even more unique.
Percy
Percy is a short version of the Old French Percival, which also means “hard steel.” It also came from the Greek Perseus, meaning “to destroy.” This powerful name sounds a lot cuter than its many meanings for your new explorer.
Phillip
Phillip comes from the Greek Philippos, made up of “philein,” meaning “love” and “hippos,” meaning “horse.” Christian saints and even a British king named Philip. All the horses your little boy can dream up will be honored by this name.
Piers
While Piers was also an English surname, it was originally based on Peter, which means “stone” or “rock.” It became more commonly used in England after the Norman conquest. Your little Piers will stand out with this cool version of Peter.
Preston
Preston was once a surname that originated as the name of a town. It’s based on the words “prēost,” meaning “priest” and “tūn,” meaning “enclosure.” Preston is a very English name that can work miracles as your little boy’s moniker.
Rafe
Rafe is also known as a variation of the Hebrew Rafael, meaning “God has healed.” When used by the British, it’s based on the Old English “Rædwulf.” The miniature wolf you love can appreciate this awesome and storied name.
Raleigh
In addition to its Old English origins, Raleigh is the name of the capital city of North Carolina in the U.S., named for Sir Walter Raleigh, an English colonist. Raleigh is unisex but has a boyish feel for the cutest explorer in your life.
Rand
Rand started off as Randolph, a surname in England. Rand meant “son of Randolph.” Rand’s Arabic meaning is “warrior” and “bay laurel.” Rand is unisex and can become Randy if you like this brave warrior in your midst.
Rex
In the Middle Ages in Britain, Rex was often used as a king’s insignia when Henry II became known as Henri Rex. Rex is a special English name that doesn’t come along every day, so take a chance and name your King Rex when he’s born.
Riley
Riley was used as an English surname made up of “ryge,” meaning “wood” and “lēah,” meaning “clearing.” It may have also come from the Irish surname O’Reilly. Riley is unisex and is the cutest way to name your brave little guy.
Ripley
Ripley started as a surname based on place names in England. It’s unisex and rare, but it may be the next big trend to modern names for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Roland
Roland originated as a Germanic name made up of “hrod,” meaning “renown” and “nand,” meaning “bold,” which became land. It was known as a chivalrous name in the Middle Ages and is ideal for the famous boy you love.
Roscoe
In England, Roscoe started as a Cornish name taken from the Old Norse for “doe wood” or “roebuck copse.” Roscoe may sound like an old hood from the 1920s, but it has a lot of personality for the little buck in your life.
Rupert
Rupert started as a German variation of Robert and is built upon “hrod,” meaning “glory” and “berhtl,” meaning “bright.” It came into use in England via Prince Rupprecht, nephew of Charles I. Your little prince Rupert can be ready for great things.
Saxon
Saxon comes from the Old English “Seaxe tun,” meaning “Saxon village.” The Anglo-Saxon tribes in England were called so for the Saxon village in Yorkshire. Saxon is fun, hip, and ancient at the same time for the baby boy you’re expecting.
Sebastian
Sebastian is also based on the Greek “sebastos,” meaning “venerable.” The root “sebas” means “awe” and “reverence.” He’ll have fun choosing his favorite nickname, anything from Bastion and Seb to Baz.
Shaw
Shaw is traditionally a surname in both England and Scotland, given to anyone living near a thicket, or group of trees. It’s derived from the Old English “sceaga,” meaning “dweller by the wood.” Your little Shaw will be like no other with this cool name.
Sheridan
Sheridan is an Anglo variant of the Irish surname, meaning “grandson of Sheridan.” It can also mean “peaceful, wild man” in Gaelic for boys and girls. Your little Gaelic warrior can find all he’s looking for when he becomes a Sheridan.
Simon
Simon is built upon the Hebrew Simon (Simeon), who was an apostle also known as Simon Peter. It also means “flat-nosed” in Greek. Simon is a very popular name in England, and you can continue this tradition for the sweet boy you know.
Sinjin
Sinjin is a Norman variation on the Anglicized St.John, one of the twelve apostles in the New Testament. The spelling represents a phonetic interpretation of St. John. This ancient name will stand ready to make your little boy proud.
Spencer
Spencer is an Anglo version of the French word “despensier,” meaning “steward.” Spencer was a surname and then a given name in England. It’s unisex but mostly used for boys- a perfect choice for your little administrator boy today.
Sterling
Sterling was first an English surname meaning “of high quality” or “genuine.” It also refers to the British currency, the Pound Sterling. Sterling may set your little guy up to rule the world or love life as a little Sterling.
Tate
Tate’s Old English origins mean “pleasant” and “bright.” In Native American, Tate means “windy” and “a great talker.” He’ll likely be a fantastic little guy no matter which meaning is most suitable for your Tate.
Theodore
Theodore belonged to many famous ancient Greeks, like Theodorus of Samos and Theodorus of Byzantium. Theodorus is a Latin form of Theodore, as is Theodora. Theodore can be the perfect brainy name for your little genius to have.
Tobias
Tobias is also the Greek variation of the Hebrew Tobiah, or Toviyah. Toviyah consists of “tov,” meaning “good” and “yah,” meaning “the Hebrew God.” Tobias sounds powerful but can always become even more adorable as Toby.
Torquil
Torquil is an Anglo variation of the Old Norse Torkel, made up of “tór,” meaning “Thor” for the Norse god of thunder, and “kell,” meaning “cauldron.” The supernatural elements of Torquil will be welcomed by the little living deity you love most.
Trevor
Trevor is the Anglo version of Trefor, once a surname in Wales. It’s made up of the Welsh “tre(f),” meaning “settlement,” and “fawr,” meaning “big.” Trevor is both formal and cute at the same time if that’s what you’re after in a name.
Truman
Truman was once a British surname that came from the Old English words “trew” and “trowe,” meaning “true” and “trusted.” As the name of one of the U.S.’s most trusted presidents, Truman is ready to be loyal to your little one.
Vance
Vance was an English and Scottish surname taken from the Old English “fenn,” meaning a “low-lying area.” Vance has a short, contemporary feel and might be the coolest modern British name for your little boy.
Wallis
Wallis is another spelling for Wallace, a Scottish surname. It originates from the Anglo-Norman French “weleis,” meaning “Welshman.” Wallis could prove to be an awesome name for your little boy since he’s not a foreigner to you.
Wesley
Wesley started as an English surname meaning “from the west field.” It then became a given name when the founder of the English Methodist Church, John Wesley, encouraged parishioners to name their baby boys after him. Yours can be next!
Wilfred
Wilfred is made up of the Old English roots “wil,” meaning “will” and “frið,” meaning “peace.” Saint Wilfred was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon bishop. The peacemaker you know can grow into this mature name at his own pace.
William
William has Germanic roots from the words “wil,” meaning “desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet.” William the Conqueror was one of the first famous Williams in the British Isles. Your little William can carry on the grand tradition of this famous name.
Zane
In Arabic, Zain means “the ultimate beauty.” It also is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Zane may also be a version of the Hebrew John, so it’s loaded with meaning for the coolest and most charming guy you know.
Zed
Zed is a nickname for the Hebrew Zedekiah, meaning “God’s righteousness.” Zed is the way the British refer to the number zero, taken from the Greek “zeta.” With this unique name, your little Zed can start from zero and build up to extraordinary.
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