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
Cute Four Letter Boy Names and Meanings
Rare Beautiful Boy Names You Haven’t Heard
Handsome Boy Names with Cute Nicknames
Cutest First and Middle Names For Boys
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! 🎉👶