The Name Game - Boys – arounddustyroads

Baby Names: Then and Now

Unless you’re expecting a baby—or like to name your furry dependents as if they were human—you probably don’t spend much time thinking about baby names. Or maybe you’re one of those folks who’ve always disliked the name your parents lovingly (or randomly) chose for you, and you’re considering a change.

Whatever the reason, I found myself curious about how names have evolved over the years.

I was born in the 1950s (yes, I know, I’m vintage!), and back then, many names had strong biblical inspiration. Think James, John, David, and Deborah. Mary and Ruth were staples too—names that carried tradition, meaning, and a sense of timelessness.

So what’s trending today? Spoiler alert: Deborah didn’t even crack the top 20. But James is still holding strong at #5.

👶 Top Ten Baby Names for Boys

If any of my readers are currently wrestling with baby name decisions—for a child, a pet, or even a character in a story—let me help. According to the latest data from the U.S. government, here are the top 10 baby boy names, fresh off the press:

Liam – A short form of William, Liam hails from Ireland and may owe its popularity to stars like Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth.
Noah – Straight out of the Bible, Noah built the ark and saved mankind (and a whole lot of animals) from the great flood.
Oliver – A classic name popular in the U.S., UK, and Australia. It always makes me think of “Oliver Twist.”
Theodore – With ancient Greek roots meaning “gift of God,” Theodore offers charming nicknames like Theo, Ted, and Teddy.
James – Another biblical favorite, James has stood the test of time as a strong, traditional name.
Henry – Derived from the Germanic name Heimirich, Henry means “home ruler.” Nicknames include Hal, Hank, and Harry.
Mateo – A nod to Spanish heritage, Mateo also means “gift of God” and is the Spanish version of Matthew.
Elijah – Another biblical powerhouse, Elijah was a prophet and miracle worker in the Old Testament.
Lucas – From the Greek “Lucania,” this name is also linked to the Latin word lucerne, meaning “to shine.” Lucas is the “bringer of light,” with nicknames like Luke and Lucky.
William – A perennial favorite, William has never left the top 20 in America since 1880. You just can’t go wrong with Bill.