50 Middle Names for Boys You’re Sure to Love

1. Lennox

Traditionally a surname of Scottish and Gaelic origin, this badass moniker has strong ties to nature and refers to the elm tree groves found in a (namesake) region of Scotland.

2. Adrian

This name of Greek and Latin origin is derived from Hadrian, the name of a famed Roman emperor, and has multiple meanings including “dark one,” “sea” (as in the Adriatic) and “rich.”

3. Alijah

This name of Hebrew origin is an alternate spelling of the more common ‘Elijah,’ and has a religious meaning of “the Lord is my God.”

4. Knox

Here, another Scottish surname—Knox dates back to the 13th century and roughly translates (from Old English) to “round-top hill.”

5. Ozzy

This one is a modern take on quite a few traditional names—Oswald, Osborn, Oscar and Osmand, to name a few—and we’re fans of the rockstar connection (Ozzy Osbourne, duh) and super cute, somewhat diminutive sound.

6. Rocky

In addition to having obvious ties to a killer movie franchise (hello, Sylvester Stalone), this name has English origins and a pleasant meaning of “rest.” (Not that you can bank on getting much of that.)

7. Archer

This moniker of Latin and English origin was traditionally used as a surname in the Middle Ages, which explains its Robin Hood vibes and fairly obvious meaning of “bowman.”

8. Asher

This gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin boasts a meaning that’s certain to correspond with what you’ll feel when you finally meet the bun in your oven: “Blessed and happy.”

9. Arrow

This middle name has heartthrob vibes (didn’t Cupid use those?) and a meaning that we probably don’t need to explain.

10. Cruz

This name of Portuguese origin is derived from the Latin word crux, meaning “cross.” Needless to say, there’s some religious significance here.

11. Ewan

There are multiple spellings of this moniker, but all of them have Welsh and Scottish roots and a Gaelic meaning of “youth” and “God is gracious.” (There’s also some celebrity clout, thanks to a certain actor of Star Wars fame.)

12. Jax

This modernized version of John or Jacques is a little rough around the edges and way too cool for school. Plus, the meaning—“God has shown favor”—is pretty auspicious, too.

13. Rhys

Here, a storied name with Welsh roots that has belonged to many a king and nobleman and boasts a pretty swoon-worthy meaning of “ardent fire.”

14. David

This classic boy's name has deep roots in the Hebrew tradition as the biblical name of the Second King of Israel. It also has a tender meaning of “beloved” and “uncle.”

15. Alan

Alan is a historic masculine name of Celtic origin that can be traced back to the Middle Ages and enjoyed a 19th century revival. It means “harmony,” “stone” and “noble.” (All of which are winning traits, right?)

16. Cale

This moniker is derived from the Hebrew word Kelev, which means “dog,” but it connotes related virtues of loyalty and love.

17. Levi

Levi is a Hebrew boy's name that means "joined" and has religious significance as the name of the father of the Levites tribe in the Old Testament.

18. Liam

This Irish name is a variant on the English name William and has a formidable meaning of “strong-willed warrior.”

19. Ash

A shortened version of the Hebrew name Asher with the same meaning (“happy”), this one syllable moniker is a fine choice for nature lovers, being that it’s also the name of a tree.

20. Emery

Emery is a gender-neutral name of British origin with an undeniably appealing meaning: “industrious and powerful.”

21. Forest

Forest is a nature-inspired name that hails from France and has a (fairly obvious) meaning of “woodsman.”

22. Flynn

This energetic-sounding name is traditionally an Irish surname that’s caught on as a given name, thanks to its fresh but timeless vibe. It means “red complexion.”

23. Nico

Nico, a gender-neutral name with Italian roots and ties to the Greek name Nicholas, means "victory of the people."

24. Hunter

Traditionally used as a British occupational surname for (you guessed it) hunters, this gender-neutral given name peaked in popularity in the early ‘90s.

25. Spencer

Spencer is a gender-neutral name with British origins, a sophisticated vibe and a meaning of “steward” or “administrator.”

26. Bodhi

This unique name meaning “awakening” and “enlightenment” has Sanskrit origins and deep ties to Buddhism.

27. Axel

Aside from being the stage name of a rockstar (Axel Rose, anyone?), Axel is also a given name with Icelandic, Scandinavian and German roots. It has ties to the biblical name Absalom and has a corresponding meaning of “father of peace.”

28. Aaron

A solid and timeless choice that has enjoyed enduring popularity, Aaron is a Hebrew boy’s name that means “mountain of strength, exalted, strong.”

29. Ollie

Derived from the Latin word for the olive tree, a well-known symbol of peace, Ollie is commonly used as a nickname for Oliver, but has plenty of appeal as a cute standalone name with a particularly friendly feel.

30. Elliott

Elliott is a modernized version of the biblical name Elijah and has the same meaning of “the Lord is my God.” There are also a couple accepted spellings, so feel free to drop an ‘l’ or ‘t’ as you see fit.

31. Declan

This sophisticated Irish boy’s name has a meaning that’s especially well-suited to a newborn bundle of joy: “full of goodness.”

32. Cole

This sturdy-sounding moniker of English origin is derived from the name Nicholas and shares the same triumphant meaning of “victory of the people.”

33. Damon

Damon is a masculine name of Greek origin with a meaning that matches its strong sound: “one who tames, subdues.”

34. Henry

Many powerful people have been given this name of German origin (more than one king comes to mind), so it’s safe to say it lives up to its meaning of “house ruler.”

35. Victor

This timeless classic of Latin origin has Christian ties and a straightforward meaning of “conqueror.”

36. Cyrus

Both gentle and enchanting, this masculine name of Persian origin means “sun.”

37. Louis

Louis, or Lou for short, is a classic name of French and German origin with a strong meaning of “famous warrior.”

38. James

This traditional boy’s name has timeless appeal, biblical ties and a close connection to the name Jacob, both of which mean “supplanter” or “substitute.”

39. Anthony

Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, this given name has Latin roots and a fitting meaning of “priceless one.”

40. Cairo

This capital city of Egypt is also a given name of Arabic origin that means “the vanquisher” and “the conqueror.”

41. Xavier

This boy’s name of Spanish, Basque and Arabic origins has a fierce sound that belies its friendly meaning of “new house.”

42. Hildebrando

A Spanish form of the Old German name, Hildebrand, this commanding moniker means “battle sword.”

43. Noah

This gentle-sounding name of Hebrew origin has a curious dual meaning of “rest” and “motion,” plus obvious ties to a certain biblical character with an ark.

44. Leroy

This too-cool-for-school name has Old French roots and means “the king.” (Though you may associate it more with the Jim Croce song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.”)

45. Carter

Traditionally an English occupational surname meaning “transporter of goods,” Carter caught on as a given name in the ‘70s thanks to US President Jimmy Carter.

46. Wayland

This name of British origin has Southern vibes and a meaning of “land by the road.”

47. Shepherd

This name of Old English origin has a simple meaning of “sheep herder,” but rich religious and cultural symbolism.

48. Wilder

“Untamed” and “wild” is the meaning of this hip name, which has German roots and a long history as a surname that dates back to the 10th century.

49. Enzo

The shortened form of the Italian name Lorenzo, this spunky and cute moniker means “home ruler.”

50. Arthur

Arthur, or Art for short is a Celtic moniker that boasts old school vibes, plenty of charm and a meaning of “bear.”