| Name |
Meaning |
Origin |
Popularity |
Other Gender |
|
Aaron
|
High mountain
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Adam
|
Man
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Adrian
|
From Hadria
|
Latin
|
|
|
|
Aiden
|
Little fire
|
Irish
|
|
|
|
Alan
|
Little rock
|
English
|
|
|
|
Alexander
|
Defender of man
|
Greek
|
|
|
|
Andrew
|
Manly and powerful
|
Greek
|
|
|
|
Anthony
|
Unknown meaning
|
Latin
|
|
|
|
Antonio
|
Unknown meaning
|
Italian
|
|
|
|
Benjamin
|
A favorite son
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Bobby
|
Bright fame
|
German
|
|
|
|
Brandon
|
Broom hill
|
English
|
|
|
|
Brett
|
From Britanny or Britain
|
Latin
|
|
|
|
Brian
|
High and noble
|
English
|
|
|
|
David
|
Beloved
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Derrick
|
Power of the tribe
|
German
|
|
|
|
Donald
|
Great chief; world mighty
|
Scottish
|
|
|
|
Douglas
|
Black river
|
Scottish
|
|
|
|
Dylan
|
Great tide
|
Welsh
|
|
|
|
Edward
|
Wealthy guard
|
English
|
|
|
|
Eric
|
Everlasting ruler
|
Scandinavian
|
|
|
|
Ethan
|
Enduring and strong
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Francis
|
Frenchman; free man
|
Latin
|
|
|
|
Frank
|
Frenchman
|
English
|
|
|
|
Gabriel
|
God is my strength
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Gary
|
Spear
|
English
|
|
|
|
George
|
Farmer
|
Greek
|
|
|
|
Harry
|
Home ruler
|
German
|
|
|
|
Henry
|
Home ruler
|
English
|
|
|
|
Jorge
|
Farmer
|
Spanish
|
|
|
|
Joseph
|
Jehovah will increase
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Joshua
|
God is salvation
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Juan
|
God is gracious
|
Spanish
|
|
|
|
Justin
|
Just and fair
|
English
|
|
|
|
Keith
|
Woodland, forest
|
Scottish
|
|
|
|
Kenneth
|
Handsome
|
Scottish
|
|
|
|
Kevin
|
Handsome
|
Irish
|
|
|
|
Kyle
|
Narrow strait
|
Scottish
|
|
|
|
Lance
|
Lancet
|
French
|
|
|
|
Landon
|
Long hill
|
English
|
|
|
|
Lee
|
Pasture or meadow
|
English
|
|
|
|
Levi
|
Joined together
|
Hebrew
|
|
|
|
Liam
|
Helmet of will
|
Irish
|
|
|
|
Logan
|
Small hollow
|
Scottish
|
|
|
Basic boy names may be well-known, but that doesn’t mean they’re not special. In fact, these monikers are incredible enough to be so loved throughout time that they form the backbone of modern American naming. This gives the names a built-in closeness you can’t help but trust. Think of them like a pair of great blue jeans. Are they common? Sure. But they’re also forever in style and pair well with other names, making them top-notch choices as first or middle names. Let’s get to know some basic name choices for boys together, including classic cuties, vintage finds, and modern marvels.
The foundation of basic boy names in the U.S. is the classic category. These names feel forever timeless, and you likely know or know of a person in every age group with them. John is an obvious member of this group, as he’s been a long-time favorite for parents. James is another. Meaning “supplanter,” his variant Jacob also falls into this category. Anthony is another excellent choice, along with his variant Antonio. Check out Charles, Daniel, and David for more timeless basics.
Another realm of basic boy names is vintage finds. Sure, these picks have had their fans throughout the years, but they still lean “old-school” on the ear. This isn’t bad, either, as retro is totally in on today’s charts. Robert once ruled in the Top 10, giving him a more old-fashioned feel. Meaning “bright fame,” he’s a German gentleman. Fellow German Richard also falls into the vintage territory. His meaning of “brave ruler” is mighty, too. You likely know George as well, a Greek great meaning “farmer.” See Edward, Frank, and Donald for more basics with old-fashioned styling.
Modern basic boy names have built up quite the following in quick succession. Aiden is a clear standout. Meaning “little fire,” he and his many spelling variants have taken today’s charts by storm. Jackson is another. A surname sweetheart, he’s spawned several respellings like Jaxon and Jaxson, plus spinoffs like Jaxtyn. Other modern names in the basic zone include Landon, Carson, and Logan.
Get to know more basic boy names on our complete list.
