Looking for a name for your baby boy? Why not start at the beginning? Of the alphabet, that is. Check out this select list of great boy names that start with the letter A. There are a wealth of possibilities, from traditional to trendy, popular to unique, and everything in-between. Imagine how the following names feel on your tongue, and see if any are the perfect fit!
Best baby boy names that start with A
Aaron
This Old Testament name means “high mountain,” “exalted,” and “enlightened.” Aaron has been holding steady in the top 100 since 1968, and is currently sitting at number 63. There are many varieties on spelling, including Aron, Arun, and Aren.
Adlai
Looking for a name your child won’t have to share with others? Adlai didn’t make the top 1000 names in 2020. In fact, it peaked at 481 in the year 1892. Adlai is Hebrew in origin, meaning “God is just”. The best-known Adlais were both named Stevenson — a grandfather and grandson pair who pursued political careers.
Andrew
From the Greek, Andrew means “strong and manly” and he is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece. The name has been in the top 100 for over a century, peaking at number five in 2003. Foreign variations include Andre (French), Andrés (Spanish), Andrei (Russian), and Anders (Norwegian and Swedish). Andy and Drew are possible nicknames.
Aurelius
Give your little one a name with gravitas. Marcus Aurelius was an emperor of ancient Rome and one of the Stoic philosophers. This Latin name means “the golden one.” Aurelius jumped in popularity from 2020 (number 986) to 2021 (number 78), and is the name supermodel Elle Macpherson gave to one of her sons.
Arlo
Thought to derive from the Celtic word Aherlow, meaning “between two highlands,” this name has seen a steep rise in popularity, going from number 918 in 2011 to number 220 in 2020. Recently, it has taken off as a girl’s name, being used by celebrity couple Leighton Meester and Adam Brody.
Atticus
This name comes from the Greek and Roman and means “from Attica,” which is the region of Ancient Greece containing Athens. Atticus Finch, the father-lawyer in Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird, is probably the best known Atticus. In the top 1000 for more than a century, Atticus has gone from number 933 in 2004 to number 300 in 2020.
Austin
This name sits at the top of the list for city-inspired names. Austin peaked at number nine in 1996 but is holding steady in the top one hundred. It is of English origin, meaning “great” or “magnificent,” and is gaining in popularity as a girl’s name, too.
Adam
It doesn’t get more basic than naming your son after the first man. Adam means “son of the red earth” in Hebrew, and peaked in popularity at number 18 in 1983 and 1984, holding steady in the top 100 since 1970.
Adrian
Adrian is of Latin origin, meaning “man of Adria,” or “Hadria,” which was the name of two towns in Northern and Central Italy. Adrian has ranked in the top 100 since 1989, and also enjoys popularity in Spain, Norway, and Sweden.
Aiden
Think your baby might have that spark? This Irish name means “little and fiery,” and was made more widely known by actor Aidan Quinn and a reoccurring love interest on the show Sex and the City. Aidan peaked at number 39 in 2003 and was number 261 in 2020.
Ade
A popular Nigerian name that means “crown” in Yoruba, Ade is not ranked in the United States, making it a unique option for American parents.
Amari
With possible roots in Hebrew, Thai, or Yoruba, Amari is truly a name with international appeal. One meaning is “eternal.” Amari has been slowly on the rise, reaching number 217 in 2020, and is also used as a girl’s name.
Alan
Alan is a name of Irish origin meaning “handsome” or “cheerful.” Alternate spellings include Allan and Allen. Alun is a Welsh spelling. Alan peaked in popularity at number 40 in 1951 but has remained in the top 200 ever since.
Alexander
Alexander is of Greek origin, meaning “defending men.” In Greek, it’s Alexandos, in Italian, Alessandro, and in Spanish, Alejandro. Nicknames are plentiful as well: Alex, Zander, Xan, and Zan. Alexander has been in the top 100 since 1977, peaking at number four in 2009.
Angel
Pronounced as an English or Spanish word, Angel has the same meaning in both languages. It became a more common Anglo male name after the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer character appeared and has been in the top 100 since 1997. As a name for girls, it peaked in popularity at number 104 in 2001 and has been slowly declining since.
Adriel
A Hebrew name meaning “God is my master,” Adriel has been on a steady rise over the past twenty years, reaching number 140 in 2020.
August
Aside from being a calendar month, August is the German form of the Latin Augustus, meaning “great” or “magnificent.” August has seen a sharp rise in the past decade, peaking in 2020 at number 155. But with Mandy Moore and Princess Eugenie claiming the name in 2021, its popularity is sure to continue increasing.
Ali
Ali is an Arabic name meaning “supreme” or “exalted,” most closely associated with boxing great Muhammad Ali. It peaked at number 309 in 2018.
Amir
Amir is a name of Arabic or Hebrew origin meaning “prince,” “ruler,” or “treetop.” The name is common in the Middle East and rose to number 117 in the United States in 2020.
Adonis
This Greek name meaning “lord” (think of the Hebrew word Adonai) is most closely associated with young, male beauty. Adonis hasn’t yet made the top 100 yet, but it rose from number 242 to number 222 between 2019 and 2020.
Whatever name speaks to you is sure to be the perfect moniker for your new little one.
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