15 Common English Names for Boys: Their Meanings and Origins

When it comes to naming a baby boy, parents have a plethora of options to choose from. However, some names have remained popular throughout the years due to their timeless appeal and meaning. Here are 15 common English names for boys, along with their meanings and origins.

1. William

With Germanic roots, William means "resolute protector." It has been a popular name for several centuries, and notable bearers include William Shakespeare, William the Conqueror, and Prince William.

2. James

This name has Hebrew origins and means "supplanter." Its popularity can be attributed to its use by many kings and prominent figures in history, such as James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

3. Benjamin

Benjamin is a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand." It has been a popular name for boys in the United States since the 19th century and is associated with figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Disraeli.

4. Samuel

This name has Hebrew origins and means "heard by God." It has been a popular name among Jewish families for centuries and is associated with biblical figures such as Samuel the Prophet.

5. Christopher

With Greek roots, Christopher means "bearer of Christ" and was a popular name during the Middle Ages. Notable bearers of the name include Christopher Columbus and actor Christopher Walken.

6. Alexander

This name has Greek origins and means "defender of the people." It was the name of several ancient Greek kings, and notable bearers of the name include Alexander the Great and Alexander Hamilton.

7. Daniel

With Hebrew roots, Daniel means "God is my judge." It has been a popular name for Jewish families for centuries, and notable bearers of the name include biblical figure Daniel in the lion's den and scientist Daniel Bernoulli.

8. Matthew

This name has Hebrew origins and means "gift of God." It gained popularity during the Middle Ages and is associated with one of the twelve apostles in the Bible.

9. Jack

Jack is an English name that originally came from the name John. It is a popular name today and is associated with various famous figures such as Jack Nicholson and Jack London.

10. Joseph

With Hebrew roots, Joseph means "he will add." It is a popular name due to its connection to the biblical figure Joseph, who was the son of Jacob and sold into slavery by his brothers.

11. Thomas

This name has Aramaic roots and means "twin." It gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages and is associated with notable figures such as American inventor Thomas Edison and theologian Thomas Aquinas.

12. Edward

With English roots, Edward means "wealthy guardian." It has been used as a royal name in the UK for centuries, and notable bearers of the name include kings such as Edward I and Edward VII.

13. Henry

This name has Germanic roots and means "ruler of the household." It has been a popular name throughout history, with notable bearers such as King Henry VIII and American industrialist Henry Ford.

14. Andrew

With Greek roots, Andrew means "manly." It is a popular name among Christian families due to its association with the biblical figure Andrew, one of the twelve apostles.

15. Michael

This name has Hebrew roots and means "who is like God." It is a popular name among Christian families and is associated with the archangel Michael in the Bible.

In conclusion, choosing a name for a baby boy can be a daunting task, but these 15 common English names have stood the test of time. Each name has its own unique meaning and history, making it a thoughtful choice for parents who want to honor tradition while also giving their child a name with depth and character.