25 Uplifting Baby Names for Boys with Positive Meanings

When the going gets tough, new parents gravitate to baby names for boys with uplifting, great meanings. These names help embody the hope for a child’s future and the promise that the future holds. Since the start of the pandemic, new parents have been drawn to baby names that inspire, uplift, and delight. We are very into this trend as the meaning behind a moniker brings so much to it.

We decided to take a deep dive into classic baby names for boys and also looked at some newer possibilities to discover which baby names have the best meanings. We were pleasantly surprised to find a great many appellations with rewarding meanings behind them that have origins in Greek, Latin, and many more popular names in a variety of naming traditions. Are you ready to see some baby names that will bring a smile to your face? Check out these 25 baby names for boys with positive meanings intended to uplift and encourage!

25. Evander

Evander is somewhat of a throwback as it has only appeared in the US top 1000 most popular baby names way back in 1895. We love this charming Scottish and Norse name that can mean “strong man” to the Scots and “bow warrior” to the Vikings. We love the idea of imparting a little boy with a name that connotes strength. Evander would be an excellent moniker with the nickname, Evan or Van.

24. Amado

Amado is another vintage classic that has been out of top 1000 for nearly a century! Amado has Spanish origins with a lyrical sound that means “loved.” We all want that for our children, right? We consider this baby name a beautiful option for new parents.

23. Amal

Amal is a gorgeous name that can be found in a couple of different naming traditions. In Hebrew, the name means “laborer,” which is fine, but if you look at its Arabic roots, the name is used for both boys and girls and means “hope” or “inspiration.” That’s what you came here for!

22. Phoenix

Phoenix is a sensational name with Greek origins that means “dark red.” The name debuted in the top 1000 in 2003 and has been rising ever since. The figure is considered a symbol of rebirth or immortality. We could use some rebirth right about now!

21. Bodhi

Bodhi is a Sanskrit name translated as “enlightenment” or “awakening” which relates to a Buddhist concept, wherein Bodhi is synonymous with the state of nirvana, being freed from hate, greed, and ego. This name has really taken off in the US in the last decade and you will now find it in the US top 500 names for boys.

20. Zohar

Zohar is a glorious gender-neutral baby name that we love especially for boys. The name has Hebrew origins and it is quite common in Israel. The name means “light” or “brilliance” and we are very much into both of those things.

19. Ansel

Derived from the same root as Anselm, Ansel is a medieval Germanic name that still feels fresh and stylish today. Ansel means “with divine protection” and you better believe we all could use a bit of that. This attractive name has not seen broad favor from US parents since the 1920s. Let’s bring it back.

18. Lazaro

Lazaro is a stylish Italian name for boys particularly loved by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal who chose it for his son. Lazaro is a variation of Lazarus and Eleazar and thus, means “God is my helper.” This name appeared in the top 1000 a few times from the 1960s to the 1990s but has since declined in popularity. It’s ripe for the taking.

17. Patrick

Patrick, long tied to a hyper-Irish image, is enjoying something of a renaissance as a stylish classic, as it has long been considered in England. The name has been in the top US 1000 since record keeping began way back in 1880. Unlike others in its class like Charles and George, Patrick has not been as widespread. Patrick has Latin origins and means “noble” or “patrician.”

16. Drew

Drew is the diminutive form of Andrew that currently has captured new parents attention as opposed to the older favorite, Andy. Drew works for both boys and girls although it has never ranked too highly for girls. The name has Greek origins and means “strong” or “manly.” Drew, as a standalone name, has ranked highly ever since 1880.

15. Alfred

Alfred is a boy’s name of English origin meaning “wise counselor.” Alfred. Alfred is quite popular in several European countries, especially England and Wales, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. This name is nowhere near its height of popularity in the US which peaked in the late 19th and early 20th century. But, the name is currently on the rise.

14. Zeke

If you are looking for a strong Z-name, Zeke might be the perfect option for you as it means “God is my strength.” Zeke, of course, is a diminutive of Ezekiel. The name is more popular today in the US than ever before but pales in comparison to its widespread use across the UK. If you are looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Zach, search no further.

13. Conrad

“We love you, Conrad, oh yes we do!” are lyrics from the iconic musical Bye, Bye, Birdie. Conrad has a storied past with German origins meaning “brave counsel.” The name has been born by Saints and royals and we think it totally rocks. The name has ranked in the top 1000 in the US since records began.

12. Dilan

Dilan is not as popular as the spelling Dylan, but it does have the added benefit of having Turkish origins and meaning “love.” There’s nothing better than that! Dilan first debuted on the US top 1000 in 2008 and has remained a mildly popular option ever since. Go for it!

11. Shai

This simple and attractive name is sometimes confused with or anglicized as Shay or even the Irish Shea. But, Shai is a traditional Hebrew name that means “gift.” The name is pronounced like the word shy which could account for it not fully taking off in English-speaking tradition. We would love to see its fortunes change as this name truly is a gift.

10. Felix

Felix was originally a Roman surname but was adopted as a nickname by the ancient Roman Sulla, who believed that he was especially blessed with luck by the gods. Four popes and sixty-seven saints have borne the name so, we think the meaning behind this name, “happy, fortunate,” is most appropriate. This name is still popular today, just shy of the height of its popularity in the late 19th century.

9. Callum

Callum made its way to commonplace as a Scottish form of the Latin name Columba which means “dove.” This name was extremely popular among early Christians as the name’s meaning is a popular symbol of purity and peace. It’s experiencing a renaissance today and is now more popular than ever before.

8. Samson

Samson is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin meaning “sun.” Surprisingly, this vintage name is more popular today in the US than ever before. Samson was, of course, the supernaturally strong champion of the Israelites against the Philistines who was betrayed by Delilah. Do not dwell on that and, instead, just think of that sunny meaning.

7. Arman

The only year Arman has ranked in the top 1000 was 1999. We find this curious as this beautiful name has a ton going for it and is similar to the more popular name, Roman. This name is a multicultural hit as you will find it in Persian, Kazakh, Russian, and Israeli naming tradition. The name means “wish” or “hope.” And, we hope new parents discover this name once more.

6. Jamal

Jamal has been a popular name for baby boys since the 1960s but has slipped in popularity over the last decade. That’s a shame because this name with Arabic origins means “beauty.” Impart an entire aesthetic on your baby boy with this charming name.

RELATED: 25 Classic Yet Unusual Baby Names for Boys

5. Oberon

If you have a deep desire to call your son Obi, this would be a vehicle to get you there. Oberon is a majestic name with English origins meaning “noble” or “bearlike.” The Shakespearean character Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is King of the Fairies. This name has never debuted in the top 1000, but we foresee that changing in coming years.

4. Sage

Sage is a marvelous gender-neutral name that has Latin origins and means “wise” or “knowing.” We could all start our journeys with a little wisdom, right? Sage also names a delicious herb making it a cherished nature name as well. Sage has ranked highly for boys since 1991 and we only see this name getting even more popular in coming years.

3. Liev

Liev is a gorgeous Yiddish take on the classic Lev. If you are looking for a lovely name, look no further as this charmer means “heart.” Unfortunately, the name has not taken off even though actor Liev Schreiber highlights this amazing moniker.

2. Benedict

Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes, including a contemporary one. The name has Latin origins and means “blessed.” We feel a little boy would feel that way with this appellation.

RELATED: 25 Uplifting Baby Names for Girls with Amazing Meanings to Impart Positivity

1. Zayn

Zayn zoomed up the popularity charts thanks to former One Direction member Zayn Malik; it was one of the fastest-rising names of 2016. Unlike the more well-known, Zane, Zayn has Arabic origins and means “beauty” or “grace.” The name is more popular today than ever before in the US. It sits in the top 500. We are definitely not mad about that.

There you go! 25 uplifting baby names for boys with positive meanings that radiate sunshine and happiness. These remarkable names are especially attractive as their meanings are just as beautiful as their sounds. We hope you feel inspired by these options and will consider one for your baby on the way.