What’s in a name? You must have heard that line many times. Yes, it was uttered by Juliet Capulet to Romeo Montague in William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. The quote is very famous until now. So, it is not uncommon for people to use it as an answer when asked about his name. But, as the saying goes, is it true that names have no meaning? In fact, names are full of meaning. Helen Keller, a scholar with multiple disabilities, blind, deaf and speech impaired, said that how important and meaningful a name is. In “Everything Has a Name“, she wrote how her horizons opened when she realized that everything has a name.
As parents, we must be able to give good and meaningful names to our children. If you are a parent who is looking for references about boys’ names, you are in the right place. Here, we will share a list of English baby boy names along with their meanings that are unique and unusual.
Overview
Psychologically, a name is not only an identity for its owner but can also shape the personality and influence the emotional development and traits of its owner directly or indirectly. Based on research, the choice of a child’s name has a huge impact on his or her later life. For example, if a boy is named after a girl, or vice versa, it will trigger behavioral problems in his life.
Also, according to the research, girls who have boy-like names do become interested in fields that men usually like, such as math and science. Meanwhile, girls with feminine names tend to be interested in humanitarian fields and their appearance is more feminine.
In 1966, John McDavid and Herbert Harari studied the effect of names on children. They found that children whose names were not interesting were often ostracized by groups of children their age. Meanwhile, the child’s unpopularity will affect his ability to socialize with his peers. Likewise, names that have religious affinities, such as Daniel, Eleazar, Chrysanthemum, Rafael, and Noel, will certainly be better than those with non-religious names.
Psychological Meanings Behind Girls’ and Boys’ Names
A name is not just a nickname. It holds psychological values that can determine a child’s personality and future. Parents should think carefully about naming their children because it will affect them for the rest of their lives. As a parent, of course you want to name your child with a good meaning and reflect hope on your child. Some parents name their children based on the advice of their parents, some imitate the names of influential world figures, and some name their children after their favorite characters. And, there are also parents who name their children with unique, modern, and popular names right now. Lots of parents become obsessed with naming their child as unique as possible, and hope that their child is the only one with that name.
In May 2020, Elon Musk and Grimes made headlines for giving their son, X Æ A-12 Musk, a unique name. Not only is their son’s name unique and different, it is also difficult to pronounce. However, Elon Musk and Grimes seem to have a different pronunciation for their name. Explaining the meaning behind each part of their son’s name, Grimes wrote on Twitter that “X” symbolizes “an unknown variable”, while “Æ” is “an elven spelling for AI (love and/or artificial intelligence)”.
According to Laura Wattenberg, founder of the Baby Name Wizard website, ancient parents used to name their children with simple names, hoping that the child would easily blend in with their friends and neighborhood. But today’s parents tend to want their children to stand out from the others. They worry that with a common name, their child will also become a mediocre person. Laura Wattenberg then linked cultural changes to several factors, including the introduction of baby name statistics and the widespread use of social media so that access to information for name choices is more numerous and varied than before.
In United States, United Kingdom, or other countries there will be name trends. According to today’s parents, being authentic is a value that describes a person’s social status. So, it is not surprising that many parents today give their children names that are unique, different, and as rare as possible, to show their social status as information literate people in this modern world.
-
Names Can Give The Impression of Someone Being Soft or Hard
Based on a study from Columbia University, boys’ and girls’ names can be differentiated based on the way the name is pronounced. In this research, it was revealed that we judge gender impressions based on phonemes. For your information, a phoneme is the smallest unit of sound that can show contrasting meanings, for example the words ‘hat’ and ‘cat’, ‘pat’ and ‘bat’.
Among phonemes, there are several consonants which, when pronounced, produce vibrations in the vocal cords, which are called voiced consonants. And, there are consonants which when pronounced do not produce vibrations, which are called unvoiced consonants. From this research, it is explained that names with phonemes consisting of voiced consonants will give a harder impression, while names with phonemes consisting of unvoiced consonants will give a softer impression. For example, Fanny and Daniel or Sheila and Zack. F and S are unvoiced consonants, while D and Z are voiced consonants.
You definitely want your child’s image to match the characteristics of their gender, so try to follow the naming method based on the results of this study. You can name your baby boy with a name with phonemes consisting of voiced consonants to give a louder impression. Voiced consonants are: /b/ /d/ /g/ /j/ /l/ /m/ /n/ /r/ /v/ /w/ /y/ and /z/. For parents who want to name their baby girl, use a name with phonemes consisting of unvoiced consonants to give a softer impression. Unvoiced consonants are: /f/ /h/ /k/ /p/ /s/ /t/ and /x/ /qu/ /ch/ and /sh/.
-
The Name Can Reflect The Appearance of The Face
There is another study that examines the meaning of names, consisting of eight studies conducted in two countries; France and Israel. The aim of the study was to see if people could identify the name of someone, they had never met just by looking at their face. The results, each trial showed that the participants had guessed correctly in matching names with faces, with an accuracy rate of up to 40 percent. For example, people are more likely to imagine someone named Bob as having a rounder face than someone named Tim. We believe that these stereotypes over time can influence a person’s facial appearance.
Apart from that, certain characteristics in a letter can also create a certain impression on a person’s face. According to Ruth Mayo, the researcher of this study, this fact shows that a person’s facial appearance represents society’s expectations about how someone with a certain name should look. Ruth Mayo says that we are subject to social structures from birth, not only by gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, but by the simple choices others make in naming us.
-
Names Can Influence A Person’s Life Choices
According to American psychologist Dr. Brett Pelham, humans have a tendency to follow professions by their first names. For example, Laura will choose a job as a lawyer, and Dennis will choose a job as a dentist. These findings were published by Dr. Brett Pelham in a research journal entitled Why Susie Sells Seashells by the Seashore.
This journal illustrates how the letters in a person’s name can influence life choices, including work and where to live. For this research, American psychologist Dr. Brett Pelham collects archived census records from southeastern US states. When he researched marriage records, Dr. Brett Pelham also discovered that names can also influence who we choose to be our partner. For example, people with the same surname as Smith are more likely to marry another Smith than a Johnson.
According to Dr. Brett Pelham, this effect of the letters in the name is due to something called ‘implicit egoism’. In other words, we are all subconsciously attracted to things that remind us of ourselves, including the letters in our names.
So, in short, if you want to refer to the research conducted by Pelham, you can name your child with letters that sound the same as the profession or partner you hope to have in the future. For example, if you hope that your child will marry a member of the British royal family, then you can name your child with the last name Windsor.
Remember that a child’s name is a form of prayer from the parents. A name will definitely influence a child’s life for the rest of their life. Therefore, as a parent, you must be wise in choosing a name.
Parents’ Mistakes When Choosing Baby Names
Preparing a beautiful name for your little one is one of the exciting and exhilarating things that parents experience. But unfortunately, Sherri Suzanne, founder of ‘My Name for Life’ website, says that many parents make mistakes when choosing a name for their baby. In fact, choosing a baby’s name is one of the big decisions that parents should do as well as possible. As the saying goes, “a name is a prayer”, of course as a parent you want to give your little one the best and most meaningful name.
According to Sherri Suzanne, here are some mistakes that parents often make when choosing a name for their baby.
1. Not Adapting the Name to the Real World
A name often looks good on paper, but that does not mean it will be good in the real world and everyday life. This is especially true for names that are taken from traditional names or names that are not commonly heard.
Sherri Suzanne said that to find a distinctive name that brings positive influence from childhood to adulthood, parents need to be able to come up with a name that looks good on paper, and also sounds good when spoken. Be sure to choose a name that they can pronounce easily and confidently.
If parents cannot say the name easily, comfortably, and confidently, then chances are the child, other family, and their friends will not be able to say the name well either. This is one of the mistakes parents make when choosing a name for their child. To solve this problem, try to imagine your own name, and say it out loud. Then, matching it to the family name (if any), play with these words several times. Eventually you will find a name match that works for your child.
2. Using Strange Spellings Just to Look Different and Unique
Nowadays, many parents are competing to choose unique names for their children. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to choose names with strange alternative spellings so that their child’s name sounds different from the others. For example, the name Emily. Typically, Emily’s name is written as Emily, Emili, or Emilie. However, some parents give it strange and rare spellings like Emalee or Emmarly. This is also one of mistakes that parents often make when selecting a name for their baby. Not only is the connection to the real name lost, but there is also the worry of unexpected mistakes. The name Emily, which means hardworking, brave, diligent, and successful, will also change its meaning because of a spelling mistake.
3. Not Knowing What Names Are Currently Popular
It seems that there are still many parents who miss the current name trends. They do not learn much and find out about popular names. They may have chosen a good and beautiful name for their child, but they do not realize that the name they chose is the same as many other children. For this problem, parents should find out about popular children’s names, either from the internet or other sources. On the other hand, if you happen to really like a market name because it has a good meaning, then you can use the name as part of the full name. As a nickname, you can choose another name.
4. Not Checking the Chosen Name With the Character’s Name and Track Record
After choosing a name that they like, that they feel is suitable for a little one, parents sometimes forget to look for the meaning and check the name with the name of the character and his track record. For this problem, parents must really look for the meaning of the name. Use the internet and other sources to search for the possibility of whether there are famous figures who have the same name. As a parent, you definitely don’t want your child to have the same name as a robber, murderer, or other criminal.
5. Choosing a Name Under Pressure
One of mistakes that parents often make when choosing a name for their baby is choosing a name when they are stressed or under pressure. Postpartum is certainly a very busy time. It is also a time that really tests patience and emotions. Most parents regret that they chose a name at the last minute. Sherri Suzanne advises parents to decide on 1-2 names that they like best until the baby is born. Unless they have a better name. So, choose a name for your little one ahead of time so you do not regret it later.
6. Being Overly Influenced by Baby Name Poll Results
Parents are often distracted by the results of baby name polls, such as names from their parents, friends, or relatives. As a result, parents become confused about choosing a name for their little one. And, in the end, they end up giving the wrong name for their child because they do not follow their heart. For this problem, parents must be firm in their choice. Respect the opinions of parents, friends, or relatives on naming your child. But the decision is still yours. It is only called a poll. You are surely free to take it or not.
80 English Baby Boy Names and Their Meanings, Unique, and Unusual
After we learn about name itself psychologically, psychological meanings behind girls’ and boys’ names, and some parents’ mistakes when choosing baby names, now, time is for you to find out a list of English baby boy.
Here is a list of English baby boy names along with their meanings that are unique and unusual:
-
- Adelard Zeroun: A boy who is brave and wise.
- Aditya Gavin Trisutono: A boy who continues to shine, clean, and worthy of praise.
- Ahza Stoddart Lewin: A boy who was born lucky, lively, and has many friends.
- Aidan Trustin: A boy full of spirit and worthy of praise.
- Aksa Adhlino: A clear-thinking baby boy, famous and respected by all.
- Aldrich Godfrey Charles: A valiant king who brought peace to all his people.
- Alfred Dario Garfield: A very wise, wealthy, and tough boy.
- Allard Edbert Edric: A brave man who lives a life of good fortune and leadership.
- Alvaro Rayburn: The first man who is kind, wise, and the protector of the family.
- Andrian Edmund: A valiant boy who would one day become everyone’s protector.
- Aric Marson Edbert: A boy capable of being a leader who is handsome and full of joy.
- Arvind Alden Jourell: A boy who is tough, wise, and smart-minded.
- Bartram Jacksen: A great man who is always faithful to his God.
- Beall Ravindra: A handsome boy who possesses extraordinary strength.
- Benton Sterne: A boy who was born a diligent and kind worker.
- Bobby Albern: A boy who was brilliant, handsome, and of noble birth.
- Boy Rashad: A boy born with a good and just nature.
- Bryan Sylas Pratama: A man who is very strong, has good will, and is the first child.
- Burchard Juvenal Halbur: A sturdy boy who always looks young and has an intelligent mind.
- Carlos Rionard Ransom: A male soldier with a great spirit and a kind heart.
- Carlson Leaman: A free-spirited baby boy who managed to grow up well.
- Casey Diamond Harold: A boy with a sweet face, courage, and leadership.
- Casey Labhrainn Reynard: A sweet son, kind and capable of being wise in all things.
- Cedric Ksatria Shaquille: A baby boy who is chivalrous, tough, and on the right path.
- Chaiden Barnard: A very manly and tough baby boy.
- Cody Ayhner: A petite, handsome man with a lot of glory in him.
- Cony Shaquille Shamus: A strong baby boy who is wise, handsome, and trustworthy.
- Cyrill Marvin: A kind and compassionate leader.
- Dail Channing: A handsome, wise, and authoritative boy.
- Dallin Hardy Aylward: A boy who can be the pride of everyone, strong, and highly virtuous.
- Dalton Brylee Nicso: A boy who managed to grow up well, noble, and live in victory.
- Damian Ryman Kenneth: A boy who can be a good friend, handsome, and wise.
- Daran Prasaja Andromeda: A great man full of authority, modesty, and the spirit of a ruler.
- Darius Manley Nathanael: A human hero who lived a prosperous and pious life.
- Denzel Salamon: A kind-hearted boy who lives in peace and tranquility.
- Dino Foster Prentice: A tough, unique, and high-ranking baby boy.
- Dion Prasojo: A man who was given a simple, but happy life.
- Dizon Damarion: A God-given baby boy who succeeded in becoming a human leader.
- Erlan Dallin Harrison: A proud, strong, and noble boy.
- Faiz Arieli Jourdain: A man who is victorious, manly, and always honest.
- Galen Ashraf Austin: A calm boy who lives an honorable and noble life.
- Garvin Reviano Agler: A man who has many friends, perfect capable, and has a noble heart.
- Geoff Hamlet: A noble man who lives in the peace of God.
- Hadwin Maverick: A son who has many friends and is an independent person.
- Halil Ockford: A beloved son with a strong personality.
- Haven Kenric: A very wise leader who always protects his family.
- Heafen Prospera Avram: A boy who is handsome, lucky, and has a noble nature.
- Hendy Carlson: A boy who is friendly, kind, and full of freedom.
- Iram Danny Addison: A smart baby boy who is capable of being fair and wise.
- Ivory Bahuwirya: a man who is white and has a lot of power.
- Jamin Uinseann Herwit: A man who is trustworthy, a winner at heart, and very clever.
- Jeff Truman Chevalier: A boy who was given eternal life, has an honest nature, and is tough.
- Jevera Kedrick: A boy who is handsome, loving, and lives a happy life.
- Kayana Alvaro Sadler: A generous man, handsome, and has a perfect job.
- Kelvin Stewart: An insightful baby boy who loves to help people.
- Kesha Marson: A son who was born to earth and given a good life by his God.
- Kyson Ditri Wasim: A man who is virtuous, tall, and good-looking.
- Light Leaman: A bright boy who has a charming and calm face.
- Lucky Maverick Ramiro: A lucky baby boy who has an independent and wise nature.
- Melvin Joseph Stefanus: A boy with a beautiful crown and many friends.
- Osbert Darius: A noble boy whose life is filled with prosperity.
- Parkin Soenser: A little baby boy who has a good nature in him.
- Patrick Dempster: A noble man who is fair and wise.
- Rery Geffrey Benson: A king who lives in peace and always does good with his own hands.
- Rikkard Carrington: A man who would later become a rich and handsome leader.
- Robert Delwyn: A son who is famous, intelligent and lives a life of success.
- Ron Abraham: A man who can lead well.
- Ronald Sean Anderson: A boy gifted by God who has the spirit of a good leader, strong, and full of courage in him.
- Ruben Scirloc Wibowo: A man of good character, blond hair, and an honorable life.
- Sean Armstrong: A graceful boy who managed to become a crusader for the truth.
- Stefon Diven: A man of high position and very tough.
- Theodor Wycliff: A baby boy gifted by God who has a brilliant mind.
- Toland Adrian Langdon: A man of many possessions, majestic, and knowledgeable.
- Tyler Valentino Scott: a masculine, strong, healthy man who is very attractive, optimistic, and honest.
- Vigor Abraham: A son who is energetic, strong, and kind.
- Vince Reviano: A world conqueror who has special abilities.
- Waldi Brayan: A manly boy with a noble personality.
- Young Faine Austin: A young man who lives a carefree life and has a big heart.
- Yuan Hackman: A pious and handsome son.
- Zevan Akalanka Sidik: A man with a clean, pure heart and an honest nature.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
