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150 American Boy Names With Meanings

The United States of America has always been an influential country, giving rise to many timeless American boy names that reflect its culture and history. From Hollywood to the serene landscapes of national parks and the technological marvels of Silicon Valley, there is plenty to marvel at. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if someone says that the USA has had an impact on their child’s name. Over the years, the USA has introduced many interesting names that no doubt encapsulate the essence of the nation and its wonderful meanders.

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Though some of these names have a Latin or English background, they are classic names from the United States. So, if you are looking for strong baby boy names in the U.S., this article is ideal. Go on; check out our handpicked list of cute, classic, interesting American male names.

American names are quite popular as they have unique meanings and sound wonderful to the ear. In this list, we have unique and popular American names for baby boys, along with their meanings.

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1. Adam

Adam is the oldest name in the world! In the year 1960, it became a famous cowboy name. Even today, the name is famous and used by millions of parents worldwide. The name means “man”.

2. Aiden

The name Aiden comes from Irish roots and means “little fire,” a symbol of warmth and vitality.

3. Andrew

The name Andrew is highly appealing and is a true classic. This is an English name which means “manly” or “brave”.

Andrew - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

4. Anthony

Anthony is a renowned American name. However, it was derived from “Antoni”, a Roman name. The name means “highly praiseworthy”.

5. Benjamin

For generations, parents have named their baby boys “Benjamin”. Maybe this is because the name carries so much significance in the Bible. This name translates to “a favourite son”.

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6. Carter

Carter is an English occupational name that means “transporter of goods by cart.” It symbolizes hard work, strength, and reliability.

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7. Charles

Do you wish your baby boy all the freedom in this world? Do you want him to experience all ups and downs through amazing experiences? If yes, name him Charles. This name means “free man”.

8. Daniel

Daniel is a much-used classic name in America. It means “God” or “judge”.

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9. David

The talk about classic names would be incomplete without “David”. The name translates to “beloved”.

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10. Elijah

Elijah is a Hebrew name meaning “my God is Yahweh,” carrying a strong spiritual and biblical essence.

11. Eric

If you are hunting for classic and cute names from America for your baby boy, the list will be incomplete without Eric. Eric translates to “everlasting ruler”.

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12. Finn

Finn is an Irish name that translates to “fair” or “white,” often connected to courage and the legendary hero Finn MacCool.

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13. Frank

Frank is a classic name of Germanic and Latin origin, meaning “free man” or “truthful.” It symbolizes honesty, independence, and strength.

14. Fred

Fred is a short form of the Germanic name Frederick, meaning “peaceful ruler.” It conveys leadership, calmness, and strength.

15. George

Just like Fred, the name George was also becoming famous. This is also a mighty name for your baby boy. George means “farmer” or “tiller of soil”.

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16. Grayson

Grayson is an English name that means “son of the steward” or “son of the gray-haired one,” linking it to tradition and heritage.

17. Henry

Henry is a repeated name in English and American history. Henry translates to “home ruler”.

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18. Harry

Another name that means “home ruler” would be Harry. It is a stylish name to choose for your little one.

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19. James

Sometimes, the classic names are always interesting and easy to choose from. Who could say no to “James”? This is an English name that translates to “supplanter”.

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20. Jonathan

You will find the name Jonathan in the Old Testament of the Bible. Till the late 1950s, the name was used by most American parents. The name means “to give”.

21. Jack

Do you want to give your baby boy a cute name? If yes, Jack is a great choice. Jack translates to “God is gracious”.

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22. Mike

For generations, people have named their baby boys Michael and then cut it short to Mike. Mike means “gift from God”.

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23. Max

When you want a short but cute name for your baby boy, “Max” is a perfect choice. Max translates to “greatest”.

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24. Oliver

There is so much significance behind this name, which is repeated in the Bible. The name Oliver means “the olive tree”, which indirectly means “dignity and beauty”.

Oliver - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

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25. Paul

Another Bible name for you to choose from would be “Paul”. This American name translates to “small”.

26. Patrick

For centuries, the name Patrick has been used by parents. This can be attributed to its noble meaning. Patrick means “nobleman”.

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27. Ryan

Isn’t your baby boy a small prince? Name him Ryan, which means “little king”.

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28. Robert

With so many Hollywood actors with this name, it means nothing but “bright fame”.

29. Richard

For generations, Richard was a name chosen for the kings. This means “rich, hardy, brave, powerful, and king”.

30. Sean

The talk about cute American names with a classic touch would be incomplete without Sean. This name means “God is gracious”.

31. Stephen

Looking for a name that would crown your son? If yes, pick Stephen, which means “crown”.

32. Thomas

Are you blessed with two baby boys? If yes, name one Thomas, which means “twin”.

33. William

William is a classic Germanic name meaning “resolute protector” or “strong-willed warrior,” symbolizing strength and determination.

34. Will

Some consider Will as the shorter version of William. Nevertheless, Will has a unique meaning. It means “desiring peace”.

35. Xavier

Xavier is widely used in the collection of native American Boy names. It translates to “new house or bright”.

Unique American Names for Boys

Looking something unique for baby name inspiration? A trending USA boys name could be the perfect all-American choice for your little prince.

1. Arthur

Anyone who is in awe of war and history would know that Arthur signifies the knights in a kingdom. This English name translates to “courageous and noble”.

2. Asher

Wouldn’t it be great to hold a baby boy in your arms? Asher would be the most suitable name for your little man, as it means “happy and blessed”.

3. Brandon

Indeed, this is one of the cutest names you can give your baby boy. Brandon means “broom or weed-covered hill”.

4. Brecken

The name Brecken comes from Irish and Scottish roots, meaning “freckled” or “spotted,” often linked to rugged landscapes and nature.

5. Casen

Casen is a modern American name, believed to mean “bringer of peace” or derived from “Case,” symbolizing strength and protection.

6. Christian

Another interesting yet popular name would be Christian. As suggested by the name, it means “follower of Christ”.

7. Daxton

Daxton is a French-inspired name that translates to “warrior’s town,” giving it a bold and powerful feel.

8. Ethan

Every parent would want their baby boy to be strong and blissful all the time. That is why you should choose a wise name for your son. Pick Ethan, which translates to “enduring and strong”.

9. Graham

The name means “gravelled homestead”. Well, if you are looking for an uncommon American name for your baby boy, Graham would be a perfect choice.

10. Isaiah

If you are looking for a powerful name from the Bible, Isaiah is what you need. Isaiah is a Biblical name that means “God is salvation”.

11. Issac

This name is spelled in multiple ways. One, it can be written as “Issac”. Two, it can also be written as “Isaac”. The choice is left to you! The name means “he will laugh”.

12. Jett

Jett is a sleek modern name that comes from the gemstone “jet,” symbolizing speed, strength, and sharpness.

13. Julian

Julian is quite a famous name in America. However, the name has a Greek origin. It means “downy bearded”.

14. Keith

Though this name hails from the woods of Scotland, it is famous in America. It is a cute name for any baby boy. The name means “wood”.

15. Ken

This is a rare name for boys. The name Ken means “healthy, strong and handsome”. Can you find a better name with a finer meaning for your baby?

16. Louis

Since Kate and William of English royalty named their third child Louis, the name became extremely famous. Louis means “famous warrior”.

17. Leo

Do you want to name your child after a star sign? The name translates to “lion” or “brave people”.

18. Olin

Olin is an uncommon but cute name for baby boys. There are so many meanings for this rare pick. However, the most common meanings would be “a quake”, “to inherit” or “movement”.

19. Nathan

If you have been watching “One Tree Hill”, you will be aware of this fancy name. This is a Native American boy name. Nathan means “He gave”.

20. Noah

Ready to rest your quest for Native American boy names? If yes, pick Noah. Noah is a renowned Biblical name which means “to rest”.

21. Que

Are you looking for another name for your baby boy? There are so many classic American names to look for. And Que is one such name. It means “rock or cliff”.

Que - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

22. Quinn

Quinn is a Native American name for baby boys. The name translates to “counsel”.

23. Shane

Looking for another name that means “God is gracious”? If yes, consider yourself lucky. Shane is a modern name that means the same thing.

24. Theodore

Theodore is a classic Greek name meaning “gift of God,” symbolizing blessing and divine favor. It is often shortened to Theo or Teddy, adding a warm and timeless charm.

25. Timothy

If you are giving thanks to God for your handsome baby boy, you should pick a name that reflects your mind. Choose Timothy, which means “honouring God”.

26. Ula

Indeed, having a baby boy is a blessing from God. This is why you should name him Ula, which means “wealthy”.

27. Uriel

Uriel means “God is my light”. This is a rare and lovely pick for your baby boy.

28. Valentino

Valentino is of Latin origin, meaning “strong” or “healthy,” and is often associated with charm and elegance.

29. Val

Val is a short and strong name of Latin origin, meaning “strength” or “valor.” It is often used as a standalone name or as a diminutive of names like Valentine or Valeria.

30. Xena

Xena is a Greek name meaning “guest” or “stranger,” often linked with strength and courage.

31. Yale

This is a beautiful name, probably a name for those who are keen on education! Yale means “fertile upland”.

32. Yoel

Once again, here is a name that shows your love and thanks to God. Yoel means “God prevails or Lord is God”.

33. Zak

The list of cute names will be incomplete without Zak. However, Zak has a deep meaning, which is “God remembers”.

34. Zaki

A classic name that is also unique is Zaki. This name translates to “bright and pure”.

35. Zayden

Zayden is a contemporary name with Arabic and American roots that means “growth,” “abundance,” or flourishing.

Classic and Common American Names for Boys

American BBQ, hot dogs, bagels, wildlife, classic diners, basketball, football, etc., is what comes to mind when we think of classic America, isn’t it? To treat you with something extraordinary, we have compiled a fascinating list of the most classic and common American names. Check it out and take your pick!

1. Brian

Brian is an Irish name that means “noble” or “high-minded,” often linked to leadership and strong character.

2. Christopher

Greek ancestry gives the name Christopher, “carrying Christ”, to boys. The Greek Cypriot title Christos, which alludes to Christ, is a component of the ancient name Christopher.

3. Donald

Scottish in origin, the name Donald for boys means “proud chief”. The Macdonald clan of Scotland, one of the oldest in the region, respects this ancient name.

4. John

The name John, which means “God is generous”, is of Hebrew origin for men. It is derived from the name “Yohannan”. Despite having biblical roots, it is still a well-liked choice for males worldwide.

5. Joseph

The male name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and frequently appears in the Christian Bible. The name Joseph, which means “Jehovah shall add” in Hebrew, is rooted in several cherished and upright characters.

6. Kenneth

Kenneth is a boy’s name of Scottish origin. It means “good-looking”, among other things. Equally appealing is the alternative, “fire born”.

Kenneth - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

7. Kevin

Kevin has Celtic roots and means “handsome” or “gentle,” a name that conveys warmth and charm.

8. Mark

For boys, the name Mark has Scottish roots. The phrase “committed to Mars” relates to the Roman god of war rather than planetary fervour.

9. Matthew

Matthew is a Hebrew name that translates to “Gift of God,” symbolizing kindness, grace, and divine blessing.

10. Michael

The name Michael comes from Hebrew and means “Who is like God?”, a timeless choice that reflects faith, strength, and humility

11. Scott

Scott began as a surname meaning “a person from Scotland,” representing heritage, pride, and cultural identity.

12. Steven

Steven is a British-born baby boy’s name. This name, a combination of the Dutch and English names Stefan and Stephen, means “crown” and “wreath”.

Cool American Baby Boy Names

Thanks to diversity and cool culture, there has evolved a plethora of cool names for children. Grab a soda and get down to name-picking business for your little one with this wonderful list of cool American baby boy names.

1. Axel

The name Axel means “father of peace” and has Scandinavian roots, symbolizing calm and strength.

2. Blaze

Blaze stands for “flame” or “fire,” representing energy, passion, and boldness.

3. Boston

Boston is a baby boy name of British origin, meaning “a town by the woods”. 

4. Branson

Branson is a boy’s name of English origin that means “son of the raven”. 

5. Dakota

Dakota is a unisex name of Native American origin, meaning “friend”.

6. Denver

Denver is a gender-neutral name of French and Old English origins, meaning “green valley” or “from Anvers”.

Denver - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

7. Edison

Edison is a male name of English origin, meaning “the son of Edward”.

8. Ford

Ford is a classy American boy name having English origin. It means “dweller at the ford”.

9. Grant

Grant is an English name derived from the French word grand, meaning “tall” or “large”.

10. Hendrix

Hendrix is originally a surname, stemming from the old Germanic name Henry and Heinrich. It means “ruler of the home”.

11. Houston

Houston is a boy’s name of Scottish, English, and Irish origins. It was traditionally used as a last name and means “from Hugh’s town”.

12. Hudson

Hudson is an English name having German roots. It was originally a last name meaning ‘son of Hudd”.

13. Jefferson

Jefferson is a boy’s name of Old English origin, meaning ‘son of Jeffrey”.

14. Jaxon

A modern spelling of Jackson, Jaxon means “son of Jack,” blending trendiness with tradition.

15. Knox

Knox is a Scottish name that means “round hill” or “from the small hill,” symbolizing strength, stability, and grounded character.

16. Lincoln

Lincoln is a surname and masculine given name of Old English origin that means “lake”.

17. Madden

Madden is often used as a surname and is a gender-neutral name coming from the Irish word Madra, which means “little dog”.

18. Maverick

Maverick is defined as “independent” or “nonconformist,” representing originality and free spirit.

19. Memphis

Memphis is a gender-neutral name with Egyptian, Greek, and Native American origins. It means “enduring” and “beautiful”.

20. Orlando

The name Orlando is a boy’s name having Italian origin, meaning “famous throughout the land”.

21. Phoenix

Phoenix is a gender-neutral name of Greek origin that means “purplish-red”.

22. Princeton

Princeton is a classy male name of English origin, meaning “princely town”.

23. Ryder

Ryder is an English name meaning “horseman” or “mounted warrior,” symbolizing strength and adventure.

24. Stetson

Stetson is a popular American name with an English origin, meaning ‘son of Stephen”.

Native American Names for Boys & Their Meanings

Native Americans are the heart of modern America. Thanks to the indigenous people, life evolved in the Western Hemisphere for millennia. To honour and preserve the rich culture, let’s take a look at some meaningful Native American baby boy names.

1. Ahuli

 Ahuli is a significantly native name for boys. It means “the holy drum”.

2. Atohi

The name Atohi is a name for boys and means “woods”. Atohi is rooted in the name Adahy, derived from the Cherokee language.

3. Diwali

This name is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which means “row of lights”. The festival generally symbolises the victory of good over evil.

4. Elan

Elan is of Native American origin and means “friendly” or “full of spirit,” symbolizing warmth and openness.

5. Hakan

Hakan comes from Native American roots and translates to “fire,” representing strength and energy.

6. Nokose

Nokose means “bear” in Native American tradition, often seen as a symbol of courage and protection.

7. Onacona

Onacona is a beautiful name for boys meaning “white owl”. As per popular folklore, owls are very significant to the culture of the Cherokee people. 

8. Sequoyah

Sequoyah is a gender-neutral name of Native American origin meaning ‘sparrow”. It is also believed to be derived from the Cherokee word siqua which means “hog”.

9. Takoda

Takoda carries the meaning “friend to all,” reflecting kindness and unity in Native American heritage.

10. Tawa

Tawa signifies “sun” in Native American culture, a name that conveys light, positivity, and life.

11. Tsiyi

Tsiyi is a unique Cherokee baby name that means “canoe”. As per folklore, it symbolises the indigenous peoples” sovereignty and resilience in their culture and history. 

12. Waya

Waya is a boy’s name that means “wolf”. Waya is a mythical character who pays homage to the wolf, the most respected creature in Native American culture.

Waya - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

Trendy American Boy Names

Parents nowadays love to keep up with the trends. This often comes into play even when it comes to naming their children. Here is a list of trendy American boy names that you can choose from:

1. Adonis

Adonis is a Greek-inspired baby boy’s name. Greek mythology enthusiasts will be familiar with the story of the mortal man who was completely enamoured with the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.

2. Apollo

Apollo is a Greek-inspired boy’s name that will undoubtedly highlight your child’s ferocious side. Despite the fact that this name signifies “destroyer”, Apollo refers to a legendary character from Greek and Roman mythology.

3. Archie

Archie is of German and English origin, meaning “genuine,” “bold,” or “brave.” It is often seen as a friendly and charming name that conveys strength with warmth.

4. Beckett

Beckett is an English name that means “bee cottage” or “dweller near the brook,” symbolizing nature and resilience.

5. Benicio

Benicio is a Latin baby boy name that means “blessed”. This name is a variation of Benedict, which derives from Benedictus.

6. Bode

Bode is an American-born boy’s name that means “order” or “command”.

7. Bowie

Scottish in origin, the gender-neutral name Bowie means “yellow-haired” or “blond”.

8. Bridger

Bridger is an English name that originates from the word “bridge,” meaning “one who lives near or works on a bridge.” It symbolizes connection, strength, and stability.

9. Creed

“Guiding principle”, “doctrine”, or “belief” are the meanings of the Latin and British-derived masculine name “creed”.

10. Eason

Eason, of Scottish origin, is a boy’s name that means ‘son of Adam”.

11. Easton

Easton comes from Old English and means “east-facing place,” often associated with new beginnings and direction.

12. Fox

The name Fox, primarily given to boys and is of British origin, derives from the bushy-tailed wild animal.

13. Franco

The boy’s name, Franco, comes from the Latin word Francis, which signifies “free man” or “Frenchman”.

14. Grey

Grey is an English name that means “the color gray,” often symbolizing balance, neutrality, and sophistication. It is also used as a modern, stylish given name with a calm and elegant feel.

15. Hakeem

Hakeem is an Arabic name meaning “wise” or “judicious,” often used to describe a person of deep knowledge and sound judgment. It is also one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam, symbolizing ultimate wisdom

16. Karim

Karim is an Arabic baby boy’s name. It is derived from the Arabic name Kareem, which means “generous” and “honourable” in the traditional sense.

17. Kai

Kai is a modern, multicultural name that means “sea” in Hawaiian and “forgiveness” in Japanese.

18. Kenji

Kenji is of Asian origin and means “intelligent ruler” or “strong and wise leader,” often symbolizing wisdom and strength.

19. Kingsley

Kingsley is a man name that has English ancestry. It has Anglo-Saxon origins and has been used for males since the 19th century; its meaning is “king’s meadow”.

20. Kobe

Kobe is a name of Japanese origin meaning “God’s door,” inspired by the city of Kobe in Japan. It is also widely recognized due to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, giving it a modern, strong appeal.

21. Kye 

Kye is a short and modern name of Welsh origin meaning “keeper of the keys” or “earth,” and in Hawaiian it also relates to the “ocean.” It carries a simple yet strong charm, making it a versatile choice for boys.

22. Kylo

Kylo is a name of Latin and American roots that is gender-neutral. The Latin word caelum means ‘sky” or “divine”, which is certain to fit a baby’s heavenly soul.

Kylo - American Names For Boys & Their Meanings

23. Mikael

A boy’s name with Scandinavian roots is Mikael. The Hebrew name Michael is shortened to this name, which means “who resembles God”.

24. Nyall

Niall is a manly name with Irish roots that will instil confidence in the baby. It is derived  from the Old Irish word “niadh”, which means “champion”.

25. Rio

Rio is a name that can be used for either gender and is of Spanish origin. This name, which was inspired by nature, might be ideal for the child who is about to enter your life.

26. Saint

Saint is a name with Latin roots that is gender-neutral. This name, which derives from the Latin word Sanctus and means “holy”, is used by Christians to identify individuals who are near to God.

27. Shepherd

Shepard is a British boy’s name that derives from the Old English sceaphierde, meaning ‘sheep herder”, and denotes a natural leader.

28. Silas

Silas is a Latin-derived name meaning “man of the forest,” reflecting wisdom and a peaceful spirit.

29. Stoker

“One who tends to the fire” is the meaning of the boy’s name Stoker, which is of Christian origin.

30. Weston

Weston is an Old English name that translates to “western town,” representing heritage and strong roots.

31. Zayn

Arabic in origin, the name Zayn is largely a gender-neutral name that means Beautiful and Ornamental.

32. Zyaire

The name Zyaire is of African origin for boys. It is a spelling variation of the word “river”, Zaire.

FAQs

1. How can you choose a perfect American baby boy name?

True American names have either originated from Native American names or were invented in the country. 

When choosing the perfect American baby boy name, consider your family’s heritage and values. Pay attention to the uniqueness, meaning and sound of the name, ensuring it complements your last name and flows well. Finally, test the chosen name to see how it feels and sounds in everyday use.

2. Are there any naming traditions associated with American boy names?

No, there are no such specific traditions involved in naming your boy with an American name. However, many families choose names based on the influence of celebrities, pop culture, or personal significance, like honouring their favourite person or relative.

Undeniably, you have so many beautiful, cute names to choose from. Some of these names are famous in the USA, but they have histories that spread across Roman, Greek and Latin kingdoms. Choosing a name for your baby boy is not an easy task. But, with the right meaning and desire in mind, a well-curated list male names in USA can help you make a great choice!

Infographic : American Boy Names With Meanings

Infographic - American Boy Names With Meanings

Also Read:

African Names for Boys
Colombian Boy Names
African American Names for Boys 
Jamaican Names for Boys with Meanings

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About the Author
Gauri Ratnam

Gauri Ratnam completed her Masters in English Literature from the University of Pune. She began her journey as a German translator soon after completing her graduation, but later moved on to pursue her passion for writing. Having written for both digital and print media in a varied range of industries, she has the ability to write relatable and well-researched content, benefical for anyone seeking advice or direction.

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