Timeless Treasures: 95 Traditional Boy Names to Honor Your Son

Choosing a name for your son can be a beautiful way to honor your family's heritage or cultural roots. These are beloved traditional boy names that have been passed on for generations.

Baby boy in long grass looking up at something.

Any one of these names will give your new boy a connection to the past as they create their own path to the future.

Now, let's explore these 95 traditional boy names, complete with their origins and meanings. Who knows? Your little one's name might be waiting for you right here!

100 Traditional Boy Names and Their Meanings

A - C

1.  Aaron (Hebrew): meaning "exalted" or "strong".

2.  Abel (Hebrew): meaning "a breath or vapour".

3.  Abraham (Hebrew): meaning "father of many nations” or “high father".

4.  Adam (Hebrew): meaning "man" or "earth".

5.  Adrian (Latin): meaning "from Hadria" (a town in northern Italy).

6.  Albert (German): meaning "noble" and "bright".

7.  Alexander (Greek): meaning “defender of men” or protector of men”.

8.  Alfred (Old English): meaning "wise counsellor".

9.  Andrew (Greek): meaning "manly" or "brave".

10. Anthony (Latin): meaning "priceless one".

11. Arthur (Celtic): meaning “bear" or “man”.

12. August (Latin): meaning "great" or "venerable".

13. Benjamin (Hebrew): meaning "son of the right hand".

14. Bernard (German): meaning "brave as a bear".

15. Brian (Irish): meaning "noble" or "strong".

16. Carl (German): meaning "free man".

17. Charles (German): meaning "free man".

18. Christopher (Greek): meaning "bearer of Christ".

Baby boy holding his feet.

D - I

19. Daniel (Hebrew): meaning "God is my judge".

20. David (Hebrew): meaning "beloved".

21. Donald (Scottish): meaning "world ruler".

22. Douglas (Scottish): meaning "dark water".

23. Edward (Old English): meaning "wealthy guardian".

24. Edwin (Old English): meaning "rich friend".

25. Elijah (Hebrew): a masculine name meaning "Yahweh is God".

26. Eric (Old Norse): meaning "eternal ruler".

27. Ernest (German): meaning “serious"or “vigor”.

28. Ethan (Hebrew): meaning "solid," "enduring," and "firm".

29. Eugene (Greek): meaning “well-born" or “noble”.

30. Francis (Latin): meaning "Frenchman" or "free man".

31. Frederick (German): meaning "peaceful ruler".

32. Gabriel (Hebrew): meaning "God is my strength".

33. George (Greek): meaning “farmer" or earthworks”..

34. Gerald (German): meaning “ bright spear” or "rule of the spear”.

35. Gregory (Greek): meaning "watchful" or "alert".

36. Harold (Old English): meaning "army ruler".

37. Henry (German): meaning “king of the house” or “estate ruler”.

38. Herbert (German): meaning "bright army” or illustrious warrior”.

39. Hugh (German): meaning "mind" or "spirit".

40. Ian (Scottish): meaning "God is gracious".

41. Isaac (Hebrew): meaning “laughter" or “he laughs”.

Baby boy sitting on lawn.

J - R

42. Jack (English): derived from John, meaning "God is gracious".

43. Jacob (Hebrew): meaning "supplanter".

44. James (Hebrew): meaning “supplanter" or “he who follows upon ones heels”.

45. Jeffrey (German): meaning “district"or “traveler”.

46. Jeremy (Hebrew): meaning "appointed by God".

47. John (Hebrew): meaning "God is gracious".

48. Jonathan (Hebrew): meaning "gift of God".

49. Joseph (Hebrew): meaning "God will increase".

50. Joshua (Hebrew): meaning "God is salvation".

51. Kenneth (Scottish): meaning “handsome" or “comely”.

52. Kevin (Irish): meaning “handsome" or “ beloved birth”.

53. Lawrence (Latin): meaning "from Laurentum".

54. Leonard (German): meaning "brave lion” or “lions strength”.

55. Levi (Hebrew): meaning "joined" or “attached".

56. Louis (French): meaning "famous warrior".

57. Luke (Greek): meaning “bringer of light” or "light-giving".

58. Mark (Latin): meaning "warlike".

59. Martin (Latin): meaning “warlike" or “of war”.

60. Matthew (Hebrew): meaning "gift of God".

61. Michael (Hebrew): meaning "who is like God?".

62. Nathan (Hebrew): meaning “gift of God” or “he gave".

63. Nicholas (Greek): meaning "victory of the people".

64. Noah (Hebrew): meaning "rest" or "comfort".

65. Oliver (Latin): meaning "olive tree” or “all true”.

66. Oscar (Irish): meaning "deer-lover" or "champion warrior".

67. Patrick (Latin): meaning “nobleman" or “patrician”.

68. Paul (Latin): meaning “small or humble".

69. Peter (Greek): it’s a masculine name meaning “rock or stone".

70. Philip (Greek): meaning "lover of horses".

Baby boy reaching for table.

traR - Z

71. Ralph (Old Norse): meaning "wolf counsel".

72. Raymond (German): meaning "wise protector".

73. Richard (German): meaning "powerful leader".

74. Robert (German): meaning "bright fame” or bright glory”.

75. Roger (German): meaning "famous spearman".

76. Ronald (Old Norse): meaning “mighty advisor” or “ruler’s counsellor”.

77. Roy (French): meaning "king".

78. Russell (French): meaning "red-haired".

79. Samuel (Hebrew): meaning "name of God" or "God has heard".

80. Scott (Scottish): meaning "from Scotland".

81. Sean (Irish): meaning "God is gracious".

82. Simon (Hebrew): meaning "he has heard".

83. Stephen (Greek): meaning “wreath” or "crown".

84. Steven (Greek): meaning “wreath” or "crown".

85. Theodore (Greek): meaning "gift of God".

86. Thomas (Aramaic): meaning "twin".

87. Timothy (Greek): meaning "honoring God".

88. Victor (Latin): meaning "conqueror".

89. Vincent (Latin): meaning "conquering".

90. Walter (German): meaning "ruler of the army".

91. Warren (German): meaning "guard".

92. Wayne (Old English): meaning "wagon maker".

93. Wesley (Old English): meaning "western meadow".

94. William (German): meaning "resolute protection".

95. Zachary (Hebrew): meaning "remembered by God".

Choosing the Perfect Name

I hope you've found some inspiration among these timeless traditional boy names. Remember, the perfect name is out there waiting for you and your little one.

Baby boy lying on tummy.

It could be a name that speaks to your heart or a family name that has be passed down for generations. What ever it may be, consider how the name will sound as your child grows.

Try saying it out loud, imagine calling it across a playground, or picturing it on a future resume. Above all else, be sure to choose a name that feels right for your little boy and family.

Don't be afraid to mix and match or even use one of these as a middle name paired with a more modern first name. The possibilities are endless!

Naming your child is one of the first gifts you'll give them. It's a big decision, but trust your instincts. You know your little one best, even before they arrive.

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