231 Timeless British Names for Boys to Love

Looking for the perfect name for your little guy? British boy names bring a lovely mix of tradition, charm, and timeless style.

From names of kings and knights to those from a cozy village, they possess a unique charm.

They manage to sound both classic and fresh, just the right balance.

British names provide many appealing options, even if you’re attracted to a royal link, a significant origin, or the sound of a name.

They’ve stood the test of time and still feel right at home in today’s world.

Traditional British Boy Names

Traditional_British_Boy_Names

These names have been used for generations and carry a sense of pride and tradition.

1. Arthur

Meaning – Signifies “noble and brave,” famously linked to King Arthur and the values of chivalry.

2. Edward

Meaning – Means “wealthy guardian”; a royal name worn by kings and symbols of prosperity.

3. George

Meaning – Derived from “earthworker” or “farmer,” representing a grounded and honest spirit.

4. Henry

Meaning – Means “ruler of the home,” denoting household leadership and strength.

5. Charles

Meaning – Translates to “free man,” expressing liberty and dependable character.

6. Albert

Meaning – Carries the meaning “noble and bright,” reflecting intelligence and noble lineage.

7. Francis

Meaning – Means “free-spirited” or “open-hearted,” symbolizing generosity and open-mindedness.

8. Walter

Meaning – Stands for “army ruler,” representing strategy and military leadership.

9. Stephen

Meaning – Means “crowned one,” denoting wisdom and calm authority.

10. Simon

Meaning – Translates to “listener,” showing empathy, understanding, and inner strength.

11. Edgar

Meaning – Means “brave and wealthy spearman,” a name combining courage with abundance.

12. Edmund

Meaning – Stands for “strong protector,” evoking images of guardianship and stability.

13. Alfred

Meaning – Means “wise counselor,” portraying thoughtful guidance and moral wisdom.

14. Victor

Meaning – Translates to “winner” or “conqueror,” symbolizing triumph and ambition.

15. Leonard

Meaning – Means “brave as a lion,” a fierce and courageous name.

16. Robin

Meaning – Interpreted as “bright fame,” expressing joy and a lively personality.

17. Reginald

Meaning – Means “mighty and royal,” reflecting noble strength and authority.

18. Percy

Meaning – Translates to “noble and graceful,” with refined and aristocratic undertones.

19. Bernard

Meaning – Means “bold like a bear,” combining strength with gentleness.

20. Cecil

Meaning – Signifies “blind” or “humble,” denoting modesty and wisdom from within.

Royal & Noble Names

Royal__Noble_Names

Princes and kings have worn these names; they sound strong, polished, and proud.

21. James

Meaning – A royal favorite meaning “supplanter,” representing strategic leadership and royal heritage.

22. William

Meaning – A timeless name meaning “strong protector,” embodying steadfast defense and reliability.

23. Louis

Meaning – Means “famous warrior,” combining military prowess with royal distinction.

24. Philip

Meaning – Means “lover of horses,” representing nobility, grace, and aristocratic pursuits.

25. Alexander

Meaning – A powerful name meaning “defender of men,” symbolizing protection and heroic leadership.

26. Richard

Meaning – Means “brave leader” or “firm ruler,” representing courageous and decisive governance.

27. Frederick

Meaning – Means “peaceful ruler,” blending authority with calm and diplomatic wisdom.

28. Harry

Meaning – A warm royal name meaning “home ruler,” signifying approachable leadership and household strength.

29. Alistair

Meaning – Scottish form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men,” with a smart and distinguished Celtic tone.

30. Malcolm

Meaning – Means “devotee of a saint,” combining spiritual reverence with Scottish nobility.

31. Duncan

Meaning – Means “brave warrior,” highlighting strength, courage, and a noble fighting spirit.

32. Archibald

Meaning – Means “truly brave,” emphasizing authentic courage and classic noble character.

33. Douglas

Meaning – A Scottish name meaning “dark stream,” symbolizing mystery, depth, and quiet strength.

34. Nigel

Meaning – Means “champion,” representing brightness, cleverness, and victorious spirit.

35. Fergus

Meaning – Means “strong and full of heart,” combining might with emotional richness.

36. Humphrey

Meaning – Means “peaceful giant,” evoking gentle strength and composed authority.

37. Graham

Meaning – Means “from gravelly homestead,” symbolizing groundedness and a calm, steady presence.

38. Rupert

Meaning – Means “bright and noble,” fusing intellectual sharpness with refined character.

39. Bertram

Meaning – Means “bright raven,” representing wisdom, intelligence, and poetic grandeur.

Trendy & Modern British Names

Trendy__Modern_British_Names

Fresh and stylish names that are popular with today’s parents.

40. Oliver

Meaning – Means “olive tree,” symbolizing peace, friendship, and gentle strength.

41. Noah

Meaning – Means “rest” or “comfort,” representing calm wisdom and modern appeal.

42. Theo

Meaning – Short for Theodore, meaning “gift of God,” blending divinity with contemporary charm.

43. Liam

Meaning – Means “strong-willed warrior,” highlighting determination and modern popularity.

44. Finley

Meaning – Means “fair-haired hero,” representing light beauty and brave spirit.

45. Logan

Meaning – A Scottish name meaning “little hollow,” evoking natural beauty and modern ease.

46. Jaxon

Meaning – A creative twist on Jackson, meaning “son of Jack,” showing modern energy and style.

47. Hudson

Meaning – Means “son of Hugh,” symbolizing legacy and sleek contemporary culture.

48. Beau

Meaning – Means “handsome,” representing simple charm and effortless appeal.

49. Albie

Meaning – A modern short form of Albert, meaning “noble and bright,” full of soft charisma.

50. Miles

Meaning – Means “soldier” or “strength,” merging heritage with cool sophistication.

51. Rowan

Meaning – Means “little redhead” or “rowan tree,” symbolizing nature and Celtic origin.

52. Callum

Meaning – Means “dove,” representing peace, gentleness, and pure nature.

53. Ellis

Meaning – Means “kind and gracious,” a modern name full of warmth and elegance.

54. Rhys

Meaning – A short Welsh name meaning “enthusiasm” or “passion,” sharp and powerful.

55. Elliot

Meaning – Means “the Lord is my God,” offering spiritual strength with a fresh twist.

56. Reuben

Meaning – An ancient name meaning “behold, a son,” symbolizing joy and familial pride.

57. Grayson

Meaning – Means “son of the steward,” reflecting service, nobility, and sleek modernity.

58. Jude

Meaning – Means “praised,” reflecting admiration and emotional intensity.

59. Luca

Meaning – Means “light” or “illumination,” symbolizing brilliance and modern global charm.

Literary & Historic Names

Literary__Historic_Names

Names inspired by legends, writers, and timeless stories.

60. Hamlet

Meaning – Named after Shakespeare’s tragic Danish prince, symbolizing emotional depth and literary brilliance.

61. Tristan

Meaning – A heroic name from Arthurian legend, representing romantic tragedy and noble spirit.

62. Hugo

Meaning – Means “mind” or “intellect,” reflecting sharp thinking and strong inner character.

63. Cedric

Meaning – Means “brave and noble,” popularized by Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe.

64. Julian

Meaning – Means “youthful and bright,” combining timeless optimism with a polished style.

65. Milton

Meaning – Means “mill town,” a tribute to poet John Milton and literary tradition.

66. Byron

Meaning – Honors Romantic poet Lord Byron, symbolizing artistic passion and rebellious genius.

67. Tennyson

Meaning – Means “bold and poetic,” in honor of poet laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson.

68. Keats

Meaning – Named after poet John Keats, symbolizing beauty, vulnerability, and lyrical grace.

69. Shakespeare

Meaning – Evokes the legacy of literary genius, drama, and timeless storytelling.

Nature-Inspired Names

Nature-Inspired_Names

Simple, outdoorsy, and peaceful names for boys who love the world around them.

70. Ash

Meaning – Refers to the ash tree, symbolizing strength, renewal, and resilience in nature.

71. River

Meaning – Means “flowing water,” representing life, movement, and peaceful freedom.

72. Bay

Meaning – Means “coastal inlet,” evoking calm, refuge, and oceanic tranquility.

73. Heath

Meaning – Refers to “wild, untamed land,” symbolizing natural independence and rugged beauty.

74. Stone

Meaning – Means “rock,” representing strength, durability, and unshakeable resolve.

75. Sky

Meaning – Refers to the open heavens above, symbolizing freedom, hope, and limitless potential.

76. Flint

Meaning – A hard stone that sparks fire, symbolizing resilience and the power to ignite change.

77. Oak

Meaning – Refers to the oak tree, a symbol of strength, endurance, and ancestral roots.

78. Briar

Meaning – A thorny shrub, representing natural defense, mystery, and wild beauty.

79. Forest

Meaning – Refers to woodland, symbolizing growth, mystery, and peaceful natural spaces.

Hidden Treasures of British Names

Hidden_Treasures_of_British_Names

These names are also popular, stylish, or wonderfully British.

80. Aiden

Meaning – Fiery one; energetic and full of life.

81. Archie

Meaning – Truly brave; charming and friendly in tone.

82. Ashton

Meaning – Ash tree town; natural and modern.

83. Bailey

Meaning – Bailiff or steward; dependable and structured.

84. Blake

Meaning – Fair or dark; bold and mysterious.

85. Brady

Meaning – Spirited; lively and confident.

86. Brodie

Meaning – Little ridge; Scottish and earthy.

87. Calvin

Meaning – Bald or hairless; sleek and intellectual.

88. Carter

Meaning – Transporter of goods; hardworking and cool.

89. Casper

Meaning – Treasurer; mystical and classic.

90. Chester

Meaning – Fortified place; warm and vintage.

91. Clark

Meaning – Scholar or cleric; smart and sophisticated.

92. Cody

Meaning – Helpful, gentle, and upbeat.

93. Cole

Meaning – Charcoal or dark; sleek and stylish.

94. Colin

Meaning – Young cub or pup; gentle and fresh.

95. Conor

Meaning – Lover of hounds; noble and loyal.

96. Cooper

Meaning – Barrel maker; practical and strong.

97. Dane

Meaning – From Denmark; clean and modern.

98. Darcy

Meaning – Dark one; refined and literary.

99. Dashiell

Meaning – Page boy; dashing and elegant.

100. Dean

Meaning – Valley; steady and grounded.

Stylish & Dapper Picks

Stylish__Dapper_Picks

These names are modern, fashionable, and growing in popularity.

101. Dexter

Meaning – Skillful or right-handed; clever and confident.

102. Dominic

Meaning – Belonging to the Lord; noble and spiritual.

103. Drew

Meaning – Wise; strong and steady.

104. Dylan

Meaning – Son of the sea; poetic and tranquil.

105. Easton

Meaning – East-facing place; sleek and stylish.

106. Ezra

Meaning – Helper; thoughtful and humble.

107. Felix

Meaning – Happy or fortunate; bright and spirited.

108. Finnegan

Meaning – Fair or white; lively and lyrical.

109. Fletcher

Meaning – Arrow maker; skilled and sharp.

110. Flynn

Meaning – Son of the red-haired one; quick and spirited.

111. Ford

Meaning – River crossing; strong and simple.

112. Frankie

Meaning – Free man; vintage and cheerful.

113. Fraser

Meaning – From the forest; refined and Scottish.

114. Gabe

Meaning – Short for Gabriel; God is my strength.

115. Gage

Meaning – Oath or pledge; bold and direct.

116. Gareth

Meaning – Gentle, noble, and graceful.

117. Gideon

Meaning – Powerful warrior; resilient and bold.

118. Grant

Meaning – Great or tall; dignified and strong.

119. Griffin

Meaning – Fierce mythical creature; heroic and dynamic.

120. Gus

Meaning – Short for Augustus; majestic and warm.

Playful & Popular Names

Playful__Popular_Names

These names balance fun, warmth, and contemporary appeal.

121. Hadley

Meaning – Heather field; gentle and cheerful.

122. Hank

Meaning – Home ruler; strong and classic.

123. Harley

Meaning – Hare’s meadow; free-spirited and lively.

124. Harris

Meaning – Son of Harry; dependable and warm.

125. Harvey

Meaning – Battle worthy; vintage and strong.

126. Hayden

Meaning – From the hay valley, modern and soft.

127. Holden

Meaning – Deep valley; thoughtful and fresh.

128. Ian

Meaning – God is gracious, short, and timeless.

129. Isaac

Meaning – He will laugh, joyful and grounded.

130. Jace

Meaning – The Lord is salvation; sleek and modern.

131. Jack

Meaning – God is gracious, classic, and strong.

132. Jackson

Meaning – Son of Jack; powerful and trendy.

133. Jake

Meaning – Supplanter; relaxed and popular.

134. Jamie

Meaning – Supplanter; warm and friendly.

135. Jared

Meaning – Descending; mysterious and poetic.

136. Jasper

Meaning – Treasurer; vintage and energetic.

137. Jay

Meaning – Joyful bird; short and spirited.

138. Jett

Meaning – Jet black; cool and bold.

139. Joel

Meaning – The Lord is God, strong and sincere.

140. Jonas

Meaning – Dove; peaceful and gentle.

Timeless Choices

Timeless_Choices

These names combine historical depth with current charm.

141. Joseph

Meaning – He will add, timeless and dependable.

142. Josh

Meaning – Short for Joshua; God is salvation.

143. Kellan

Meaning – Powerful, strong, and modern.

144. Kit

Meaning – Bearer of Christ; vintage and sweet.

145. Lachlan

Meaning – From the fjord-land; adventurous and bold.

146. Landon

Meaning – Long hill; soft yet strong.

147. Lee

Meaning – Meadow or clearing; simple and calm.

148. Leo

Meaning – Lion; regal and fearless.

149. Levi

Meaning – Joined or attached; classic and beloved.

150. Lewis

Meaning – Renowned warrior; dignified and traditional.

151. Lincoln

Meaning – Lake colony; modern and presidential.

152. Louie

Meaning – Famous warrior; charming and stylish.

153. Luke

Meaning – Light-giving; bright and classic.

154. Maddox

Meaning – Son of Madoc; strong and bold.

155. Marcus

Meaning – Warlike; timeless and powerful.

156. Marley

Meaning – Pleasant seaside meadow; laid-back and creative.

157. Mason

Meaning – Stone worker; solid and dependable.

158. Maxwell

Meaning – Great stream; refined and confident.

159. Micah

Meaning – Who is like God? spiritual and gentle.

160. Miller

Meaning – Grain grinder; occupational and grounded.

Gentle & Grounded Names

Gentle__Grounded_Names

Warm, earthy names that feel both modern and meaningful.

161. Milo

Meaning – Soldier or merciful; spirited and sweet.

162. Monty

Meaning – Mountain; bold and approachable.

163. Morgan

Meaning – Sea-born; strong and mysterious.

164. Nash

Meaning – By the ash tree, sleek and modern.

165. Nathan

Meaning – He gave, classic, and dependable.

166. Nate

Meaning – Short for Nathan; confident and straightforward.

167. Neil

Meaning – Champion; noble and understated.

168. Nelson

Meaning – Son of Neil; dignified and rare.

169. Nico

Meaning – Victory of the people; short and stylish.

170. Nolan

Meaning – Noble or renowned; warm and versatile.

171. Oakley

Meaning – Oak clearing; strong and outdoorsy.

172. Oscar

Meaning – Divine spear; vintage and powerful.

173. Owen

Meaning – Young warrior; brave and gentle.

174. Parker

Meaning – Park keeper; professional and polished.

175. Patrick

Meaning – Nobleman; steady and classic.

176. Perry

Meaning – Pear tree; sweet and distinctive.

177. Phoenix

Meaning – Mythical bird; bold and symbolic of rebirth.

178. Pierce

Meaning – Rock; strong and refined.

179. Preston

Meaning – Priest’s town; clean-cut and timeless.

180. Quentin

Meaning – Fifth; rare and intellectual.

Glowing & Bold Names

Glowing__Bold_Names

Names full of charisma, color, and individuality.

181. Quinn

Meaning – Wise or intelligent; sharp and vibrant.

182. Ralph

Meaning – Wolf counsel; vintage and strong.

183. Raymond

Meaning – Wise protector; thoughtful and classic.

184. Reece

Meaning – Enthusiasm; spirited and clean.

185. Reed

Meaning – Red-haired or reed plant; natural and straightforward.

186. Remy

Meaning – Oarsman; stylish and worldly.

187. Rex

Meaning – King; short and powerful.

188. Riley

Meaning – Courageous, playful, and bright.

189. Robbie

Meaning – Bright fame; sweet and cheerful.

190. Robert

Meaning – Bright fame; classic and strong.

191. Ronan

Meaning – Little seal; Irish and mythic.

192. Rory

Meaning – Red king; fiery and friendly.

193. Ross

Meaning – Headland or promontory; calm and natural.

194. Ryan

Meaning – Little king; confident and accessible.

195. Sam

Meaning – Short for Samuel; friendly and familiar.

196. Samuel

Meaning – Heard by God; timeless and sincere.

197. Sawyer

Meaning – Woodcutter; rustic and energetic.

198. Scott

Meaning – From Scotland; clean and classic.

199. Sean

Meaning – God is gracious; Irish and smooth.

200. Seth

Meaning – Appointed or placed; peaceful and wise.

Uplifting & Unique Names

Uplifting__Unique_Names

Names that carry a special rhythm and a distinctive touch.

201. Silas

Meaning – Man of the forest; poetic and serene.

202. Sonny

Meaning – Son or young boy; bright and casual.

203. Spencer

Meaning – Keeper of provisions; smart and steady.

204. Stanley

Meaning – Stone clearing; vintage and trustworthy.

205. Sterling

Meaning – Of high quality; polished and refined.

206. Sullivan

Meaning – Dark-eyed one; rich and lyrical.

207. Tate

Meaning – Cheerful; snappy and upbeat.

208. Thomas

Meaning – Twin; timeless and dependable.

209. Toby

Meaning – God is good, lighthearted, and charming.

210. Travis

Meaning – To cross; adventurous and rugged.

211. Trent

Meaning – Gushing waters; cool and strong.

212. Trevor

Meaning – Large settlement; proud and refined.

213. Troy

Meaning – Foot soldier; bold and mythic.

214. Tucker

Meaning – Softener for clothes; casual and warm.

215. Tyler

Meaning – Tile maker; versatile and modern.

216. Wade

Meaning – To cross; fluid and fearless.

217. Walker

Meaning – Fuller of cloth; classic and steady.

218. Wallace

Meaning – Welshman; vintage and firm.

219. Warren

Meaning – Park keeper; composed and traditional.

220. Waylon

Meaning – Land beside the road; country cool.

221. Wells

Meaning – Spring; charming and polished.

222. Wesley

Meaning – Western meadow; soft and serene.

223. Weston

Meaning – Western town; modern and confident.

224. Wilbur

Meaning – Bright will, quirky and endearing.

225. Will

Meaning – Resolute protector; short and purposeful.

226. Winston

Meaning – Joyful stone; noble and scholarly.

227. Wyatt

Meaning – Brave in war; rugged and stylish.

228. Xavier

Meaning – Bright or splendid; international and refined.

229. Zach

Meaning – The Lord has remembered; modern and sharp.

230. Zane

Meaning – God is gracious, slick, and edgy.

231. Zeke

Meaning – God strengthens; cool and energetic.

Final Thoughts

British boy names carry a timeless charm, blending dignity, strength, and cultural richness into each syllable.

Whether drawn from noble heritage, countryside roots, or literary brilliance, these names offer more than sound; they tell a story.

Picture your child growing into a name that reflects character, warmth, and tradition.

Each choice is a meaningful connection to history and identity.

Let your heart guide you as you explore names that feel classic yet fresh.

If this list sparked inspiration, don’t stop here, browse our other blogs for more name ideas, cultural gems, and thoughtful guides to help you name with confidence.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, a Yale University Linguistics graduate, has been a valuable contributor to our blog section since 2018. With over a decade of experience in onomastics, Tessa specializes in uncovering the origins and meanings behind names from various cultures. Her previous work includes collaborating with top websites and consulting for expectant parents. When she's not researching names, Tessa enjoys traveling and learning about different naming traditions worldwide.

https://www.mothersalwaysright.com

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