Modern Boy Names

Cute Modern Boy Names That Are Too Cool for the Playground (But Perfect for Your Little Trendsetter)

So, you’ve got a bun in the oven, and it’s time to play the name game.

But let’s be real – finding the perfect moniker for your little man is about as easy as getting through pregnancy without craving pickles and ice cream at 2 AM.

It’s a minefield of traditional classics that are so overdone and modern picks that sound like they were pulled from a sci-fi novel.

I get it—choosing a cute modern boy name that’s cool, unique, and not, well, weird can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don’t worry, I’ve been there, done that, and got the spit-up stained T-shirt to prove it.

Stick with me, and we’ll navigate the minefield of modern boy names together.

I promise by the end of this, you’ll have a list of names that’ll make both you and your future son proud. No “X Æ A-12″s here – just cool, contemporary names that still have a timeless feel that will make your heart sing and your friends say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Ready to dive into the world of baby names that are as awesome as your future little dude? 

What Are Modern Baby Boy Names?

So, where do we find these elusive monikers?

Well, everywhere from your local hipster coffee shop (hello, barista Jasper!) to the latest superhero blockbuster (Thor, anyone?).

But if you want the real scoop, let’s chat about what the U.S. Social Security Administration has to say.

According to their latest baby name data – which, by the way, is more addictive than scrolling through TikTok at 2 AM – the top modern boy names are a mix of classic-with-a-twist and straight-up cool.

We’re talking Liam, Noah, Oliver, James and Elijah topping the charts.

But here’s a fun fact that’ll make you spit out your cold brew: the name Maverick shot up 562 places in just a decade!

I guess Tom Cruise still has some sway, huh?

And get this: about 8% of boys are now getting a top 10 name, down from 32% in the 1950s.

Translation? We millennials and Gen Z’ers are all about that unique naming life.

Modern Boy Names List From A To Z

This modern baby boy names list is organized alphabetically to make the search a little easier to navigate.

They all include meanings and origins because sometimes its that special meaning or connection that pushes a name over the top!

A

Abel

Abel – if you want a name that’s straight out of a vintage vinyl record, Abel is your jam. It’s biblical (like, Old Testament vibes) and means “breath” or “son” 

Ace

Ace – in the mood for something short, cute, and badass? This cute name means “unity” or “one” and is of Latin origin 

Adriel

Adriel – this name sounds like it belongs to a mystical elf prince who lives in a sequoia tree. Adriel is Hebrew and means “flock of God”. Yep, your little guy is basically a celestial shepherd

Aiden

Aiden – Okay, so this one might be as common as avocado toast at a brunch spot, but it’s still cute AF! It means “little fire” and is of Irish origin

Aire

Aire – this cute and unique boy name means “lion of God” in Hebrew or “watch over” or “care for” in Gaelic 

Alaric

Alaric – sounds modern yet classic, it means “ruler of the people” and has German origins

Alistair

Alistair – if you love something unique and cool this is the one, it has Scottish origins and means “defender of the people” 

Anders

Anders – is a tough boy name meaning “manly” or “masculine” and is of Scandinavian origin

Ansel

Ansel – has an artsy vibe and means “God’s protection”. This one is of German origin

Asher

Asher – has tiny surfer dude vibes and means “happy” or “blessed”, and is  of Hebrew origin

Archer

Archer – This name has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. It means “bowman” and has a strong, adventurous vibe. It has roots in Latin and Old French

Archie

Archie – Yep, Archie is more than just a comic book character. It’s playful, cheeky, and ready to steal your heart. This name means “genuine” or “bold” and has German roots 

Arlen

Arlen – is a cute boy name you don’t hear much, it comes from Old Gaelic and means “pledge” or “oath” 

Arlo

Arlo – is rustic, down-to-earth, and perfect for a little adventurer. It means “fortified hill”, and is of Old English origin

Arrow

Arrow – it doesn’t get more modern than this one! It has that boho vibe and sounds cute and unique. 

Ashton

Ashton – is an English name meaning “ash tree town” – this one has a sleek modern vibe with old-school charm

Aston

Aston – sounds pretty badass, it means “noble stone”, “east town” or “ash tree settlement” and comes from Old English

Atlas

Atlas – this Greek mythological figure is known for holding up the heavens. It means “to endure”. It’s giving strong badass boy!

Atticus

Atticus – Calling all bookworms! Atticus is straight out of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s literary, intellectual, and makes you want to sip chamomile tea while discussing existentialism. This name means “man of Attica”

August

August – move over, summer! August is the new hotness. It’s sophisticated, artsy, and screams “I read poetry by candlelight.” This name means “majestic” or “venerable” and is of French and Latin origin 

Avery

Avery – sounds soft yet strong, this name is English and means “ruler of elves” – cute! 

Axel

Axel – this name has all the swagger, it means “father of peace” and is of Scandinavian origin

Axton

Axton – is a cool English boy name meaning “sword stone” 

Azariah

Azariah – this unique Biblical bo name means “helped by God” 

Azriel

Azriel – is a Biblical boy name with a modern vibe, it means “God is my help” 

B

Banks

Banks – don’t you love surnames that make cute boy names, this one means “one who lives on the hillside or riverbank” and is of English origin 

Bear

Bear – is a cute modern nature-inspired boy name for  your cuddly cub 

Beau

Beau – is the name of a kid who wears sunglasses indoors and owns a collection of artisanal pickles. It’s French for “handsome,” and honestly, your little Beau is basically a tiny model 

Beckett

Beckett – this English name sounds vintage yet modern and means “bee cottage”

Beckham

Beckham – isn’t just for football lovers, it’s posh and refined, it means “homestead by the stream” and is of English origin 

Bennett

Bennett – sounds sophisticated yet totally down-to-earth, it means “blessed” and is of Latin origin 

Benson

Benson – is cool and understated, it means “son of Ben” and is of English origin 

Blaine

Blaine – is a Scottish name meaning “bright” 

Blake

Blake – has a cozy and down-to-earth vibe, it means “fair-haired” or “dark” and is of Old English origin 

Blaze

Blaze – is bold and fiery which is perfect since it means “fire” and it is of Latin origin 

Bodhi

Bodhi – sounds modern and cute without being too out there, it’s a Sanskrit name meaning “enlightened” 

Boone

Boone – is simple and strong, it means “good” and is of French origin 

Bowen

Bowen – is beautiful and uncommon, it means “son of Owen” and is of Welsh origin 

Bowie

Bowie – is perfect for your little rockstar, it means “yellow-haired” and is of Scottish origin 

Brayden

Brayden – this name has a contemporary vibe and is growing in popularity! It means “wise” and “broad” and has Irish, Scottish and English roots 

Brady

Brady – is an English and Irish boy name meaning “large chested” and “spirited” 

Braxton

Braxton – sounds modern and edgy, it means “Brock’s town” and is of English origin 

Brecken

Brecken – is one you don’t hear much, it means “freckled” and is of Irish origin 

Bridger

Bridger – is perfect if you want something unique and cute, it means “dweller by the bridge” and is of English origin 

Brody

Brody – is playful and cheeky, it means “ditch” or “muddy place” and is of Scottish origin 

Brooks

Brooks – screams artsy and sophisticated, it means “small stream” and is of German and English origin

Bryce

Bryce – is a short and cute name of Scottish origin meaning “speckled” 

C

Cal

Cal – is short, sweet, and modern, it means “devotion” or “faithful” and comes from Hebrew 

Caleb

Caleb – is like the warm fuzzy blanket of baby names, it’s a Hebrew name meaning “faithful” or “devoted” 

Calvin

Calvin – this handsome boy name has French and Latin roots but its meaning is a little funny (though probably accurate for a baby) – “little bald one” 

Camden

Camden – is a classic but still sounds current, it means “winding valley” and is of Scottish descent

Carson

Carson – this cute name means “marsh-dwellers” and is of Scottish and Irish origin 

Carter

Carter – sounds strong, and confident, it means “cart driver” and is of English origin 

Cash

Cash – sounds like a badass cowboy, it’s an English name meaning “maker of chests” 

Channing

Channing – has this old-school charm but fits in perfectly as a modern boy name, it means “wolf cub” and has English and Irish origins 

Charlie

Charlie – this cute updated version of Charles is perfect for your little man, it means “free man” and comes from Old English 

Chase

Chase – this short and effortlessly cool boy name has French origins and means “to hunt” 

Christian

Christian – if you like something classic and strong but still modern then this could be it, it means “follower of Christ” and comes from Latin 

Cian

Cian (“KEE-an”) – is a cute Irish male name meaning “ancient”

Clay

Clay – short and sweet is all the rage, this one is an English name meaning “clay settlement”

Cohen

Cohen – is so cute! This Hebrew name means “priest” 

Cole

Cole – is chill yet badass, it means “swarthy, coal black or charcoal” and has English roots

Colt

Colt – has that rugged charm, it means “young horse” and has English origins with cowboy charm

Colton

Colton – is modern and unique, it means “coal town” and is of English origin 

Connor

Connor – is a cute classic Irish name meaning “lover of hounds” 

Crew

Crew – has a contemporary feel, it’s an English name that means “group of people” 

Cruz

Cruz – is a cute boy name of Portuguese and Spanish origin meaning “cross” 

Cullen

Cullen – comes from Ancient Gaelic and means “handsome” 

D

Dallas

Dallas – is an Irish name meaning “skilled” 

Damon

Damon – is of Greek origin, meaning “to tame, subdue”. Perfect for your little heartbreaker in training

Dane

Dane – this cool English name means “a person from Denmark”. For the future Viking in your life

Darren

Darren – is an English version of an Irish name meaning “oak tree” 

Dash

Dash – has a modern contemporary vibe, it means “to run quickly” and is an American name 

Dawson

Dawson – this cute English boy name means “son of David” 

Daxton

Daxton – you could use a cute nickname like Dax, this French name means “from the town of Dax” 

Dean

Dean – has a timeless charm, it’s an English name with Greek roots meaning “church official” or “valley” 

Decker

Decker – has a rugged masculine feel, it means “ditch maker”, “tiler” or “slater” and has English, German, and Dutch roots 

Declan

Declan – sounds like a vintage name with a modern twist, it is of  Irish origin and means “full of goodness”

Donovan

Donovan – sounds cool and uncommon, this Irish name means “dark” or “brown-haired chieftain”

Drake

Drake – is an English name meaning “dragon.” Because who wouldn’t want a little dragon warrior?

Duke

Duke – is such a vibe, its giving royal highness, this English name is literally a title of nobility

Dylan

Dylan – has that cute yet laid-back surfer feel, it’s a Welsh name meaning “son of the sea” 

E

Easton

Easton – is an English name meaning “east-facing place”, it’s perfect for your little sunbeam who lights up your mornings!

Edric

Edric – this cute name comes from Old English and means “noble and prosperous” 

Elias

Elias – is a Greek version of Elijah which means “Yahweh is God” 

Elijah

Elijah – is so handsome and timeless so of course it’s still trending today, this Biblical boy name means “The Lord is my God” 

Emeric

Emeric – sounds fresh and trendy, this German name means “ruler” or “king” 

Emerson

Emerson – this German name means “son of Emery”. Lit majors, rejoice! You’ve got your own little transcendentalist

Emmett

Emmett – for that little man who’s going to conquer the world, this name means “universal” and has multiple origins including English, German, Irish

Enzo

Enzo – is so short, cute, and spunky, this Italian boy name means “ruler of the house” 

Eric

Eric – short and cute, this name comes from Old Norse and means “forever ruler” 

Ethan

Ethan – is one of those names that never goes out of style, it’s like the denim jeans of boy names, it means “strong, firm” and is of Hebrew origin 

Evan

Evan – is classic yet cool, this Welsh name means “young warrior” 

Evander

Evander – is cute and unique, this Scottish and Greek name means “bow warrior, strong man” 

Everett

Everett – this strong English boy name is perfect for your fearless adventurer, it means “wild as a boar” 

Ezra

Ezra – is vintage cool with a modern edge, it’s a Hebrew name meaning “help” 

F

Farley

Farley – if you love nature-inspired names, this English boy  means “fern clearing”

Felix

Felix – short and cute, this Latin name means “happy or fortunate” 

Fenton

Fenton – is unique and oh-so-charming, it means “marsh town” and is of English origin

Finley

Finley – is a cute name of Scottish origin that means “fair warrior” 

Finn

Finn – is a perfectly modern and oh-so-cool choice this Irish boy name means “fair” 

Fisher

Fisher – has a rugged outdoorsy vibe, it means “fisherman” and is of English origin 

Fletcher

Fletcher – super cute and uncommon, this English name means “arrow maker”

Flynn

Flynn – has an effortlessly cool vibe, this Irish name means “son of the red-haired one” 

Ford

Ford – sounds strong and stoic, this English name means “river crossing” 

Forrest

Forrest – has that modern boho vibe, this English name means “dweller near the woods” 

Fox

Fox – is yet another modern nature-inspired name like wolf or bear

Franklin

Franklin (Frankie) – comes from Middle English and means “freeman” 

G

Gabriel

Gabriel – has that soft yet strong feel, this Biblical name means “God is my strength”

Garner

Garner – is the perfect blend of old-school charm and modern edge, its unique but not too out there, this English boy name means “granary” or “to gather grain” 

Garrett

Garrett – this charming boy name is Irish and means “spear strength” 

Garrison

Garrison – sounds strong and cool, this English name means “son of Gerard” 

Gavin

Gavin – is a handsome boy name of Welsh origin that means “white hawk” 

Geo

Geo – sounds edgy and modern, this boy name means “earth” and has Greek roots 

George

George – classic and rustic but totally approachable, this cute boy name comes from Greek and means “farmer” 

Gerard

Gerard – has an air of elegance about it, this German name means “spear ruler” 

Gibson

Gibson – is cute and unique without being weird, it has Old English roots and means “son of Gibb” 

Gideon

Gideon – this strong boy name has a bit of a heroic ring to it, perfect for the little guy who’s ready to make his mark on the world, this Hebrew name means “hewer”, “one who cuts trees” 

Grady

Grady – is short, cute, and modern, this Irish boy name means “noble, illustrious” 

Graham

Graham – feels classic and contemporary, this Scottish name means “gravelly homestead” 

Granger

Granger – this cute and uncommon boy name comes from Old French and means “granary” or “grain-dealer” 

Grant

Grant – is short and strong with old-world charm, it means “large, great” and has Scottish origins

Gregory

Gregory – is a handsome classic, this name is derived from Latin and means “watchful, alert”

Greyson

Greyson – is trendy and cool, with a strong, modern feel. It means “son of the grey-haired one” and is of English origin 

Griffin

Griffin – oozes coolness, this modern boy name has Welsh origins and means “strong in faith”

Gunner

Gunner – sounds modern and badass, kind of like a little warrior Viking. This Scandinavian boy name means “warrior” 

Gus

Gus – is short and cute, it means “staff” and is of English origin

H

Harlan

Harlan – is a strong and solid name with a bit of vintage appeal, this English name means “rocky land” 

Harris

Harris has this cool, buttoned-up vibe. It’s old school but not stuffy. This English name means “son of Harry” 

Harrison

Harrison – this English name means “son of Henry”, this name sounds strong, masculine, and contemporary

Harley

Harley – is the perfect mix of edgy and sweet with just the right amount of rebel, this Old English name means “hare’s meadow” 

Harvey

Harvey – feels classic and dapper but with a modern twist. This French name means “battle worthy” 

Hayden

Hayden – feels both trendy and timeless, this Old English boy name means “hay field” 

Hayes

Hayes – mixes modern trends with timeless style, this English name means “hedged area or enclosure” 

Hendrix

Hendrix – has major rockstar vibes, it’s bold and edgy, this German name means “ruler of the home” 

Henley

Henley – is a cute English boy name meaning “high meadow” 

Hero

Hero – Self-explanatory. Cape not included, but highly recommended. This name has Greek roots

Henry

Henry – is regal and timeless, this classic yet modern boy name means “ruler of the household” and has German origins 

Heston

Heston – is unique with a little old Hollywood vibe, this English name means “from the town of Hests” 

Holden

Holden – is a cute literary modern name of English origin meaning “hollow valley” 

Hollis

Hollis – is laid-back yet preppy, this nature-inspired name means “near the holly trees” and is of English origin 

Huck

Huck – is short, sweet, and playful, this name comes from Middle English and means “river bend” 

Hudson

Hudson – is trendy and cool but with a modern edge, this English name means “son of Hugh” 

Hugo

Hugo – sounds sleek and stylish with a dash of European flair, this German name means “mind, intellect” 

Hunter

Hunter – is strong and rugged yet charming, this English name means “one who hunts” 

Hutton

Hutton – has a rugged, adventurous feel to it, this Old English name means “settlement on the bluff” 

Huxley

Huxley – has that modern hipster vibe, it’s an English name meaning “Hugh’s meadow” 

Hyatt

Hyatt – sounds unique yet classic, this is an Old English name meaning “high gate” or “lofty gate”

I

Ian

Ian – is short, sweet, and timeless, this Scottish boy name means “God is gracious” 

Iker

Iker – is unique, fresh, and seriously trendy.  It means “visitation” and is of Basque origin

Irving

Irving – has a cute vintage charm while still feeling current, this Scottish boy name means “fresh water” 

Isaac

Isaac – is classic, cheerful, and oh-so-lovable, this Hebrew name means “laughter”

Isaiah

Isaiah – has that timeless elegance but still has a modern edge, this Biblical boy name means “Salvation of the Lord” 

Ivan

Ivan – sounds bold and sophisticated, this Slavic male name means “God is gracious”

J

Jace

Jace – is cool, short, and effortlessly modern, this Greek name means “healer” 

Jack

Jack – is a timeless classic that never goes out of style, this English boy name means “God is gracious” 

Jackson

Jackson – has become a popular modern choice, this English surname means “son of Jack” 

Jaden

Jaden – is both fresh and familiar, modern yet grounded, this Hebrew boy name means “thankful” or “God will judge” 

Jagger

Jagger – has rockstar vibes, it’s bold and effortlessly cool. This English name means “carter” 

James

James – is a true classic that never goes out of style, this Hebrew name means “supplanter”

Jameson

Jameson – sounds classic with a modern twist, this English name means “son of James’ 

Jaylon

Jaylon – has that smooth modern sound that feels effortlessly cool, it has Greek origins and means “calm”

Jax

Jax – has that sort of punchy cool factor, this English name means “God is gracious” 

Jensen

Jensen – is trendy and timeless, it means “son of Jens” and comes from Danish where Jens is a variant of John

Jesiah

Jesiah – oozes style and substance, this Hebrew name means “God gives” 

Jesse

Jesse – is classic with serious charm, this Hebrew name means “gift” 

Jett

Jett – is sleek and modern with a little mystery, this English name means “black gemstone” 

Jonah

Jonah – has a gentle and modern feel, this Hebrew name means “dove”

Jordan

Jordan – has that sporty cool vibe, this is actually a Hebrew name meaning “flowing down” (as in the River Jordan)

Judson

Judson – is unique with southern charm, this rugged English name means “son of Jordan”

K

Kade

Kade – is short and cute, this Scottish name means “round, lumpish” 

Kaden

Kaden – sounds unique and fresh, this Arabi name means “companion” 

Kai

Kai – is short, sweet, and oh-so-cool, this Hawaiian boy name means “sea” 

Kane

Kane – is powerful and simple, this Irish male name means “warrior” 

Keegan

Keegan – is cute and playful, this Irish boy name means “small flame” 

Kellan

Kellan – is sleek and stylish, this Irish name means “slender” 

Kendrick

Kendrick – has a regal vibe, this English name means “champion” or “royal ruler” 

Kian

Kian – has a bit of a mysterious old-world charm, this Irish boy name means “ancient” 

Kieran

Kieran – is mysterious and charming, this Irish name means “little dark one” 

Killian

Killian – is a cute one, this Irish name means “little warrior” or “church” 

Kingson

Kingson – sounds bold and royal, this English name means “king’s town” 

Kip

Kip – this short and cute name is of English origin and means “pointed hill” 

Kit

Kit – is a short and cute name meaning “bearing Christ” and has Greek roots

Knox

Knox – sounds strong and edgy, this Scottish name means “round hill” 

Kobe

Kobe –  is short and strong, this Hebrew name means “supplanter” 

Kylan

Kylan – is unique and cool, making it a great modern choice, this Gaelic name means “narrow” or “straight” 

Kyler

Kyler – is cute and different, this Dutch name means “bowman” or “archer” 

Kylo

Kylo – is a modern English-American name believed to have Latin roots meaning “sky” or “heaven” 

Kyro

Kyro – is short and strong, it has Arabic and Greek roots, and it means “victorious one” 

Kyson

Kyson – is unique and trendy, this English name means “son of Kyle”

L

Lachlan

Lachlan – is a Scottish name with rugged charm, it means “from the land of lakes” 

Landon

Landon – sounds smooth and sophisticated but with a touch of country charm, this is an English name meaning “long hill” 

Langston

Langston – is a cool English boy name meaning “long stone” 

Lawson

Lawson – feels fresh and unique without being too “out there”, this English name means “son of Lawrence” 

Legend

Legend – is bold and unforgettable, this English word name means “story, myth” 

Lennox

Lennox – is super cute, this Scottish name means “place of elms” 

Leo

Leo – is modern, short, and cute, this Latin boy name means “lion” 

Levi

Levi – is laid-back and effortlessly cool, this Hebrew name means “joined, attached” 

Liam

Liam – is a popular choice for its modern sound and classic meaning, this Irish name means “strong-willed warrior” and “protector” 

Lincoln

Lincoln – sounds strong and powerful, plus you get a cute nickname like Linc. This English boy name means “town by the pool” 

Logan

Logan – sounds rugged and edgy, this is a Scottish boy name meaning “little hollow” 

Louis

Louis – sounds refined and regal, this is a French name meaning “famous warrior” 

Luca

Luca – is stylish and cute, this is an Italian boy name meaning “bringer of light” 

Lucas

Lucas – comes from Latin and means “bringer of light”. It’s short, sweet and strong! 

Lucian

Lucian – comes from Latin and means “light” 

Luke

Luke – is cute and classic, it has Latin and Greek roots and means “light-giving” 

Lyle

Lyle – is unique and understated, this is a Scottish boy name meaning “the island”

M

Maddox

Maddox – has that edgy rockstar vibe, this is a Welsh name that means “son of Madoc”

Marius

Marius – is cute and uncommon, it has Latin roots and means “of Mars”, “bitterness”, “beloved” or “wished for child” 

Mason

Mason – sounds modern yet classic, this is an English name meaning “stone worker” 

Mateo

Mateo – this cute boy name is of Spanish origin and means “gift of God” 

Maverick

Maverick – is daring and full of swagger, this modern American boy name means “independent” or “nonconformist” 

Max

Max – is a short name that packs a punch, it has Latin roots and means “greatest”,  you could also opt for a full name like Maxwell 

Mercer

Mercer – this unique boy name is a French occupational name meaning “a merchant” 

Merrick

Merrick – has a strong distinguished ring to it, this Welsh name means “fame, power” 

Micah

Micah – is soft and sweet with a gentle side, this Hebrew name means “who is like God?”

Michael

Michael – this classic name means “who resembles God?” and is of Hebrew origin

Miles

Miles – is cool and timeless, this Latin name means “soldier” 

Miller

Miller – is a cute English occupational name that means “grinder of grain” 

Milo

Milo – is short and sweet, it has Latin and German roots and means “soldier” or “merciful” 

Monroe

Monroe – is something a little different that still sounds timeless, this Scottish name means “mouth of the Roe river” 

Morris

Morris – has old-school charm mixed with a little quirky coolness, this name has Latin origins and means “dark-skinned” or “moorish” 

Murphy

Murphy – is cute and playful, this Irish boy name means “sea warrior”

N

Nash

Nash – is modern, cool, and nature-inspired, this English boy name means “dweller by the ash tree”

Nate

Nate – is short, cute, and sleek, it’s an English name meaning “adventurer” 

Nathan

Nathan – is a timeless classic, this Biblical Hebrew boy name means “he gave” 

Neil

Neil – is short and cute, this Irish boy name means “cloud” 

Nelson

Nelson – sounds classic and distinguished, this English name means “son of Neil” 

Neo

Neo – sounds mysterious and futuristic, this Greek name means “new” or “gift’ 

Nevin

Nevin – is cute and uncommon, this Irish name means “holy” 

Nick

Nick – is short and sweet, this simple yet strong boy name comes from Greek and means “victory of the people” 

Nico

Nico – is cute and different, this name has Greek roots meaning “victory of the people” 

Nixon

Nixon – sounds strong and confident, this English name means “son of Nicholas” 

Noah

Noah – is classic and cool, this Hebrew boy name means “rest” or “comfort” 

Noel

Noel – is cute and a little festive, this French boy name means “Christmas” 

Nolan

Nolan – has strength and charm, this Irish boy name means “noble” or “champion” 

Norris

Norris – is cute and unique this French name means “northerner” 

O

Oak

Oak – is a cool and unique modern boy name with nature vibes.  It’s an English tree name 

Oakley

Oakley – has that modern nature vibe, it’s outdoorsy yet refined, this English name means “meadow of oak trees”

Ocean

Ocean – is another nature name, it’s cute and unique this one refers to the ocean

Oliver

Oliver – is classic yet modern, this name has Latin roots and means “olive tree” 

Omari

Omari – is unique and has a beautiful meaning: “God the highest”, it is a Swahili name 

Onyx

Onyx – is sleek and modern, this name has Greek origins and means “gemstone” 

Orion

Orion – is out of this world, this space inspired name has Greek roots and means “hunter” 

Oscar

Oscar – is playful and cute, this Irish name means “God spear” or “deer lover” 

Oslo

Oslo – is a cute and trendy place name, this Norwegian name means “meadow beneath the ridge”

Owen

Owen – sounds strong and timeless, this is a Welsh name meaning “young warrior” or “well born” 

Ozzy

Ozzy – has that modern rock and roll vibe, this English name means “divine power”

P 

Palmer

Palmer –  feels both modern and classic, this English name means “pilgrim” 

Parker

Parker – is the ultimate mix of cool yet laid-back, this English name means “park keeper” 

Pax

Pax – is unique and cute, this name has Latin roots and means “peace” 

Paxton

Paxton – is cute and different, this English boy name means “peace town” 

Percy

Percy – has vintage charm and is making a comeback, it’s cute and quirky. This French  boy name means “pierced valley” 

Peyton

Peyton – sounds like a strong modern choice, it’s an English name meaning “noble” or “warrior’s estate” 

Philip

Philip – is timeless and handsome, it has Greek roots and means “lover of horses” 

Phoenix

Phoenix – is cool and powerful, this Greek name means “dark red” and refers to the mythical bird

Pierce

Pierce – sounds sleek and edgy, this name has English & Irish roots and means “rock” 

Piers

Piers – has some serious style and old-world charm, this English name means “rock” 

Pip

Pip – is cute, playful, and quirky, this English name means “lover of horses” 

Poe

Poe – is cute and uncommon, this English name is derived from “peacock” 

Poet

Poet – is perfect for your little wordsmith, this English name has roots in Old French and means “one who writes verse” 

Porter

Porter – feels modern but with a vintage charm, this English name means “gatekeeper” 

Prescott

Prescott – is strong and elegant, this English name means “priest’s dwelling” 

Presley

Presley – is the ultimate rock and roll cool, this English name means “priest’s meadow” 

Preston

Preston – is effortlessly classy, this English boy name means “priest’s town” 

Prince

Prince – has a regal and modern vibe, this name comes from Latin and means “royal son” 

Psalm

Psalm – is unique, bold, and spiritual!  It’s modern yet rooted in something timeless and significant, this Hebrew name means “song” or “sacred hymn”

Q

Quentin

Quentin – is a cool French boy name meaning “fifth” 

Quill

Quill – is a unique and artistic English name meaning “feather” 

Quin

Quin – is short, punchy, and feels modern yet timeless, this Irish name means “wise” or “counsel”

R

Rafael

Rafael – is elegant and timeless, this Hebrew name means “God has healed” 

Ranger

Ranger – has a rugged and adventurous feel, this English name means “forest protector” 

Reggie

Reggie – has a laid-back charm to it, this name has English and Latin roots meaning “counsel power, ruler’s advisor”

Reid

Reid – is short and sweet but with a modern edge, this Scottish name means “red-haired” 

Remington

Remington – combines elegance with a modern twist, this Engish name means “Raven’s town” 

Remy

Remy – is short and cute, this French name means “oarsman” 

Ren

Ren – is effortlessly cool and unique, this Japanese name means “lotus” or “love” 

Reuben

Reuben – has a timeless appeal and a touch of biblical charm, this Hebrew name means “behold, a son” 

Rex

Rex – is short and strong, this name has Latin roots meaning “king” 

Rhett

Rhett – is handsome and charming, this English name means “advice” 

Rhodes

Rhodes – is so cool and distinctive, this unique Greek name means “where the roses grow” 

Rhys

Rhys – is the perfect blend of classic and modern, this Welsh name means “enthusiasm” or “passion”

River  

River – has that outdoorsy free-spirited vibe, this English name means ‘stream of water” 

Rocco

Rocco – is cute and uncommon, this Italian boy name means “rest” 

Roman

Roman – sounds strong and classic,  this Latin name means “from Rome” 

Ronan

Ronan – sounds fresh and modern, this Irish name means “little seal”  

Rowan

Rowan – is a nature-inspired Irish name meaning “little redhead” 

Ryan

Ryan – is timeless yet still feels contemporary, this Irish name means “little king” 

Ryder

Ryder – sounds adventurous and edgy, this English name means “mounted warrior” 

Ryker

Ryker – sounds edgy and modern, this Danish name means “becoming rich” 

Rylan

Rylan – has a cool trendy feel, this English name means “island meadow”

S

Sage

Sage – sounds serene and effortless, this name has Latin roots and means “wise one”

Sailor  

Sailor – is fresh and adventurous with nautical vibes, this English name means “one who navigates the sea” 

Saint

Saint – is bold, unique, and carries a sense of virtue, it has Latin roots and means “holy one” 

Sawyer

Sawyer – has a rugged charm about it, this English name means “woodcutter” 

Sayer

Sayer – is cute and unique, this occupational surname is of English origin and means “woodcutter” or “reciter” 

Saxon

Saxon – is cool and different, this English name means “from Saxony” 

Scott

Scott – is timeless yet totally fits a modern vibe, this English name means “from Scotland” 

Scout

Scout – sounds adventurous, cool, and free-spirited, this English name means “to listen” or “sent to discover” 

Sebastian

Sebastian – has an air of sophistication, this name has Greek origins and means “revered” 

Shane

Shane – feels modern and classic at the same time, this Irish name means “God is gracious”

Shepard

Shepard – has a wholesome outdoorsy vibe, this English name means “one who herds sheep”

Silas

Silas – is earthy and cool, this name has Latin roots and means “man of the forest” 

Slater

Slater – screams cool confident, and a little edgy, this English occupational name means “slate maker” or “roof tiler” 

Sloane

Sloane – is sleek and modern, this Irish name means “warrior” or “raider” 

Smith

Smith – is the ultimate modern twist on a classic name, this English boy name means “blacksmith” or “metal worker” 

Spencer

Spencer – is preppy and cute, this English name means “steward” 

Spruce

Spruce – has the outdoorsy nature vibe, this English name is a type of evergreen tree

Steele

Steele – is the ultimate powerhouse name, it’s sleek and modern, and this English name means “strong as steel” 

Stefan

Stefan – carries both elegance and coolness, this Greek name means “crowned” 

Stellen

Stellen – is unique and modern, this Swedish boy name means “calm” 

Steven

Steven – is one of those names that never goes out of style, its classic yet contemporary, this name has Greek roots and means “crown” or “garland” 

Stone

Stone – sounds tough, rugged, and bold, this English name means “dweller by the rocks”

Sullivan

Sullivan – this Irish name means “dark-eyed” and you can use a cute nickname like Sully!

T 

Tanner

Tanner – is a rugged modern boy name of English origin meaning “leather worker” 

Tate

Tate – is simple and sleek, this English name means “cheerful” 

Tatum

Tatum – is unique without being too out there, this English name means “cheerful bringer of joy”

Taylor

Taylor – is classic yet contemporary, this English occupational name means “tailor” 

Teagan

Teagan – is cute and unique, this Irish name means “little poet” 

Teddy

Teddy – is short and cute, this English name means “Gift of God” 

Thatcher

Thatcher – has a vintage yet modern feel, this English occupational name means “roof thatcher” 

Theo

Theo – is a modern take on a classic, this name has Greek roots meaning “God’s gift”

Toby  

Toby – is simple and sweet, this Hebrew baby name means “God is good” 

Topher

Topher – is a cool twist on a classic, this Greek name means “bearer of Christ” 

Townes

Townes – feels unique and modern with a touch of southern charm, this English name means “from the town” 

Travis

Travis – has timeless appeal and modern flair, this name comes from Old French and means “crossing”

Trey  

Trey – has a modern understated feel, this name has Latin roots meaning “three” 

Troy

Troy – sounds bold and strong, this Greek boy name means “foot soldier” 

Tripp

Tripp – is unique and cool, this English name means “traveler” 

Tristan

Tristan – is effortlessly cool, this Welsh name means “sorrowful” 

Truett

Truett – feels both fresh and rooted in tradition, this English boy name means “loyal” or “trustworthy” 

Tucker

Tucker – feels playful and cute, this English name means “fabric pleater” 

Turner

Turner – is the ultimate blend of classic charm and modern cool, it has English origins and means “one who works with a lathe”

Ty

Ty – is the ultimate minimalist name that’s effortlessly cool, this English name means “from the river” 

Tyler

Tyler – is cute and has a modern feel, this English occupational name means “tile maker”

U

Urban

Urban – feels fresh with a modern edge, this name comes from Latin and means “of the city” 

Upton

Upton – has a posh vibe, this English baby name means “upper town” 

Usher

Usher – has swagger thanks to the famous singer, but it’s got its own sweet charm too this English boy name means “happy, blessed”

V

Valen

Valen – is strong and unique, this Latin name means “strong, healthy” 

Valentino

Valentino – has a classic and romantic charm, this name has Latin roots meaning “healthy and strong” 

Valor

Valor – sounds powerful and strong, this name has Latin roots meaning “strong, healthy”

Van

Van – is short, cute, and modern, this English boy name means “marsh” 

Vance

Vance – is sleek and cool, this English name means “marshland” 

Vaughn

Vaughn – has a smooth cool vibe, it’s a Welsh name meaning “small” 

Vince

Vince – is classic yet sounds modern, it has Latin origins and means “conquering” 

Vinny

Vinny – is cute and laid-back, this Latin (short for Vincent) name means “conquering” 

W

Wade

Wade – is short, cute, and timeless, this name comes from Old English and means “to go” 

Walker

Walker – sounds modern and badass, this English occupational name means “cloth fuller” 

Warren

Warren – is classic and strong with old-school charm, this English name means “park keeper” 

Waylon

Waylon – has a strong rugged vibe with southern charm, this English name means “land by the road” 

Wells

Wells – is unique and sleek, this English name means “spring” 

Wes

Wes – is short, sweet, and oh-so-cool, this English name means “western meadow” 

Wesley

Wesley – is classic yet modern, this charming English boy name means “western meadow” 

Wesson

Wesson – is unique and modern, this English name means “son of Wescott” 

Weston

Weston – sounds modern with a touch of classic charm, this English name means “from the west town”

Wilder

Wilder – is cute and adventurous, this English boy name means “untamed” 

Will

Will – is a short cute modern take on a classic, this English boy name has German roots and means “resolute protector” 

Wolf

Wolf – is bold and contemporary, this nature-inspired name comes from German and means “wolf” 

Wren

Wren – sounds, short, sweet, and modern, this English name means “small bird” 

Wyatt

Wyatt – is cute and cool, this English name means “brave in war” 

Wylie

Wylie – is playful and cute, this English boy name means “crafty” 

X

Xavi

Xavi – is short, cute, and cool! This name comes from Catalan and means “bright” or “new house” 

Xavier

Xavier – is cool and uncommon, this name has Basque origins and means “new house” or “bright”

Xylas

Xylas – sounds modern and rare, this Greek name means “from the forest” 

Z

Zack

Zack – is short, cool, and laid-back, this Hebrew name means “the Lord has remembered” 

Zane

Zane – has a modern and stylish vibe, this Hebrew name means “God is gracious” 

Zayden

Zayden – is cool and contemporary, this modern American boy name means “increasing” or “growth” 

Zed

Zed – is simple but packs a punch, this Hebrew name (short for Zedekiah) means “God is righteous” 

Zeke

Zeke – is edgy and cute, it’s a short form of Ezekiel which is a Hebrew name meaning “God strengthens” 

Zeppelin

Zeppelin – has that iconic rockstar vibe, this German name means “airship” 

Ziggy

Ziggy – is cute, quirky and oh-so modern, this name comes from German and means “victorious protector” 

Zion

Zion – feels strong and fierce, this Biblical boy name comes from Hebrew and means “highest point” 

Zyler

Zyler – is a modern invented name that means “woodsman” or “dweller in the forest” 

More Baby Boy Name Lists To Explore

Vintage Timeless Baby Boy Names List

Handsome Southern Boy Names for Your Little Gentleman

Cool Greek Boy Names with Meanings

Beautiful Biblical Baby Boy Names List

Badass Country Boy Names with Meanings

Short 3 Letter Boy Names List

Cute Four Letter Boy Names and Meanings

Gentle Soft Boy Names List

Rare Beautiful Boy Names You Haven’t Heard

Handsome Boy Names with Cute Nicknames

Cutest First and Middle Names For Boys

Cool Brazilian Boy Names List

Japanese Boy Names and Meanings

Strong Baby Boy Names For Your Little Warrior

Cool Hawaiian Baby Boy Names and Meanings

Unisex Gender Neutral Baby Names List

Cute Hippie Boho Baby Names and Meanings

Nature Inspired Baby Names List

Out of This World Space Inspired Names

Wrapping Up Modern Names For Baby Boys

It’s time to wrap up this naming party!

We’ve journeyed through a treasure trove of modern names for boys, from the timeless charm of Ezra to the edgy coolness of Maverick.

Whether you’re drawn to names with deep meanings like Asher (happy or blessed) or those with a contemporary twist like Hudson (son of Hudde), there’s something here for every modern parent looking to give their little one a name that stands out.

Remember, choosing a name is more than just a label—it’s the first gift you give your child, a part of their identity they’ll carry forever.

So, take your time, have fun with it, and trust your instincts. And hey, if you’re still on the fence, why not try saying the names out loud?

Sometimes hearing it can make all the difference!

As long as you and your partner love it, that’s all that really matters.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out more name lists above and keep the party going!

Share your favorites in the comments or on the Pinterest pin that brought you here 🙂

Happy naming, and may you find the perfect moniker for your little bundle of joy! 🎉👶