English Names for Boys And Their Meaning

573

It can be difficult to find an English name for that special little boy in your life. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite names for boys, so you can leave the hard work up to us!

So, what are the most popular English male names these days? And what are some unique English male names that aren’t very popular? Here are some English names for boys: 

traditional english boys names

Most Popular English Names For Boys (in England!)

Some of these names may not be strictly English names, but traditions evolve:

  • Arthur. The origins of this English male name can be traced back to the legendary king. It exudes a sense of aristocracy.
  • Charlie. Charlie derives from the German phrase ‘free man,’ and is a perennial favorite. Maybe your child will have an independent spirit as he grows older?
  • George.  Although George is derived from the Greek word for “farmer,” it has long been a popular name in the United Kingdom.
  • Harry. This is a lovely name, and it’s so British. From the most famous prince to an ancient king; it had some royalty to it. 
  • Jack. It’s a true English classic, just like George.
  • Leo. Leo, which comes from the Latin word for “lion,” is now one of the most fashionable English names in the past few years.
  • Muhammad. Muhammad is a word that signifies ‘to be praised.’ This is a  name that has recently gained a lot of traction in England.
  • Noah. In recent times, Noah made a strong comeback. The name comes from the Bible, so it’s not entirely English.
  • Oliver. For years, this has been the most common name in England & Wales. Despite the fact that it literally means “olive tree planter,” it is a lovely English male name.
  • Oscar. Oscar is an Irish name that means ‘deer friend.’ 
Other Popular English Boy Names UK

Here are some other popular British boy names: 

  • Jacob
  • Henry
  • Thomas
  • Freddie
  • Alfie
  • Theo
  • William
  • Theodore
  • Archie
  • Joshua
  • Alexander
  • James
  • Isaac
  • Edward
  • Lucas
  • Tommy
  • Finley
  • Max
  • Logan
  • Ethan
  • Mohammed
  • Teddy
  • Benjamin
  • Arlo
  • Joseph
  • Sebastian
  • Harrison
  • Elijah
  • Adam
  • Daniel
  • Samuel
  • Louie
  • Mason
  • Reuben
  • Albie
  • Rory
  • Jaxon
  • Hugo
  • Luca
  • Zachary
  • Reggie
  • Hunter
  • Louis
  • Dylan
  • Albert
  • David
  • Jude
  • Frankie
  • Roman
  • Ezra
  • Toby
  • Riley
  • Carter
  • Ronnie
  • Frederick
  • Gabriel
  • Stanley
  • Bobby
  • Jesse
  • Michael
  • Elliot
  • Grayson
  • Mohammad
  • Liam
  • Jenson
  • Ellis
  • Harley
  • Harvey
  • Jayden
  • Jake
  • Ralph
  • Rowan
  • Elliott
  • Jasper
  • Ollie
  • Charles
  • Finn
  • Felix
  • Caleb
  • Chester
  • Jackson
  • Hudson
  • Leon
  • Ibrahim
  • Ryan
  • Blake
  • Alfred
  • Oakley
  • Matthew
  • Luke

uk male names

Old English Boy Names

If you would like something more classic, then ancient or old English names would be a good fit. Here are some ancient English names for boys that have an Anglo Saxon origin:

  • Aethelred. This was one of Wessex’s most powerful rulers. His father’s name was Aethelwulf, his brother’s name was Aethelbert, and his sons’ names were Aethelwold and Aethelhelm. Although it is quite Ye Olde English, it does provide you with additional options to consider.
  • Cenric. It’s an older spelling of Kendrick that means ‘bold ruler.’ There isn’t a more traditional English name than this one.
  • Cuthbert. Cuthbert, which means ‘brilliant, dazzling, or distinguished,’ experienced a renaissance in the 19th century. It isn’t as common as it once was, but it ought to be.
  • Cynebald. This is another old English name that signifies ‘royal’ and ‘strong.’
  • Dunstan. This name merely means ‘stony hill,’ but it has a lovely ring to it.
  • Edgar. Although it has decreased in use in recent years, we believe it still has value!
  • Edmund. Edmund is a name that signifies ‘prosperity’ or ‘protector.’ A fantastic replacement for Edward.
  • Godric. A noble name coming from the Middle Ages means ‘good ruler.’
  • Godwin. The meaning of this word is ‘good friend.’
  • Osmund. A noble name with Scandinavian roots, merging the meanings ‘god’ and ‘protection.’
  • Oswald. It now serves as a surname and means ‘divine might.’ It has a lot of power, just like the other Old English names.
  • Wulfric. If natural names like Wolf and Bear aren’t your style, Wulfric is a more traditional English name.
  • Wynnstan. It literally means “joy stone” and is a variant spelling of Winston.

unique boy names uk

Victorian English Baby Boy Names 

Victorian names are from the 19th century. These names are more recent, but they still have a classic resonance. 

  • Absalom
  • Amos
  • Ansell
  • Archibald
  • Bartholomew
  • Clement
  • Cornelius
  • Crispin
  • Dennis
  • Ellis
  • Gideon
  • Horatio
  • Humphrey
  • Isaiah
  • Jeremiah
  • Jonas
  • Josiah
  • Lancelot
  • Lazarus
  • Marcus
  • Owen
  • Peregrine
  • Russell
  • Seth
  • Silvester
  • Theoderick
  • Tobias
  • Tristram

👶🏻  Find more related articles here: