I know I'm not alone in thinking that coming up with good boys' names is way harder than coming up with good girls' names. I can list dozens of my favorite girls' names at the drop of a hat, but when it comes to the boys, my list is a lot smaller. As in, it only has three consistent contenders. What makes boys' names so hard, anyway? I think it has something to do with the tendency of parents to want something more conservative and classic for their son...even if they have a daughter named Juniper or Neveah. And not only do they want something more conservative, they want something that will still stand out. Michael? Matthew? James? Lovely names, but they're just so popular. So how do you choose a name that's handsome, strong, classy, and yet underused? It's tricky, but I hope the following list of names I've come up with will help out some future parents out there!
Alistair/Alastair/Alasdair- This elegant English classic is a form of the super-popular Alexander. It's easy to say, has a familiar rhythm, and sounds dignified. Plus, you get the choice of three different spellings. Alastair was the pseudonym of a famous artist (artwork pictured below).
Calvin- Forget Calvin Klein. Think Calvin and Hobbes--pure boyish cuteness and spunk. This vintage classic comes complete with the adorable nickname Cal (or even Vin) and has a long, solid history as a given name. It's not difficult to spell or pronounce. A real winner.
Frederick- I mean, do I even need to defend Frederick? It's kingly, it's vintage, it's familiar, it's distinguished, it's got the adorable nickname Fred or Freddie. And for some reason, no one's using it...I'm baffled. Do the world a favor and pick Frederick.
Matthias- Matthew is ultra-popular, but his cousin Matthias is strangely neglected. Pronounced Ma-TEE-is or Ma-THIGH-us, it's attractive either way and puts a historical, yet updated spin on overused Matthew. A great choice, it was also the name of a character in the Redwall series.
Ewan/Euan- You probably know of Ians and Owens, but unless you're a Brit, I doubt you've met any Euans...and that's a tragedy. It's short, sweet, uncommon, and has that ever-popular "en, an, in" ending. (Think Aiden, Jaiden, Brayden, etc. etc.) Actor Ewan McGregor gives the name a handsome image.
Lionel- Lionel deserves a lot more usage. It shares the same sounds as the stalwart classics Samuel, Daniel, and Nathaniel, and it has a cool meaning ("lion"). A very handsome name with a soccer star (Lionel Messi) namesake.
Arlo- If happiness could be embodied in a name, I think it would be Arlo. It's jovial like Milo, without the popularity. Arlo Guthrie is a famous bearer.
Ronan- Another great Irish boys' name that has yet to catch on in the States. Love the meaning, "little seal." Ronan Farrow is the son of famous actress Mia Farrow, pictured below.
Raphael/Rafael- It's the name of an angel and an attractive tennis star...it could be a great name for your little boy, too.
