Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Tuesday 05 November |
Saint of the Day: Bl. María del Carmen Viel Ferrando
Aleteia logo
Lifestyle
separateurCreated with Sketch.

10 Baby names for boys with historical significance

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Wikipedia PD

Chloe Mooradian - published on 06/08/18

These timeless names still sound great today.

These great names are strong and masculine, and carry an air of honor for the famous men who bore them in times past. Check out the list — whose name would you add?

1. Finley

Finley has its origins in the Gaelic language, where the name meant “warrior” or “fair.” The name appears in Scottish mythology and evokes Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. Nicknames for Finley include Fin, Fyn or Finn.

2. August

August is derived from “Augustus,” which is a Latin word meaning “great,” “to increase,” and “venerable.” The most famous Augustus remains Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. Nicknames for August: Gus, Auggie, or Aug.

AUGUSTUS CAESAR
Jaime Pérez | Flickr CC by NC 2.0

3. Henry

Henry is from the German, meaning “ruler,” or specifically, “home ruler.” Beginning in the 10th century, Henry became a popular name among the French and English royal families. English monarchies in particular favored the name, with probably the most famous historical monarch being Henry VIII of England. Nicknames for Henry: Huck, Harry, Hal or Hank.

4. Raymond

Another name with German roots, Raymond means “protector” or “advisor.” The name became popular in Spain and is the name for many Spanish saints including St. Raymond Nonnatus, who is the patron of midwives and expecting mothers. Nicknames : Ray or Rey.

5. Arthur

The origins of the name Arthur are mostly unknown, but the name appears frequently in Celtic languages and is the name of the famous “Knights of the Roundtable” king. Nicknames for Arthur include Art, Ari, or Arte.

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
Wikipedia PD

6. Everett

A German name, Everett comes from the Germanic word meaning “brave” or “hardy,” and was a popular name during the medieval age period. More than 3,000 new Everetts entered the world just last year, so this name is poised to gain in popularity! Nicknames for Everett: Ev or Rhett.

7. Owen

Originally spelled “Eoghan” in Irish, the name is a form of “Eugene.” Owen means “born of the tree” and is a name found in much Irish mythology. St. Owen was a Benedictine monk and monastery builder. Nicknames: En or Lenny.

8. Anthony

Anthony traces its roots all the way back to the 1st century in Rome. In the 4th century, the name regained popularity due to St. Anthony the Great, one of the Desert Fathers. Nicknames for Anthony include Tony, Toni, or Nino.

SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT
Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. | Flickr CC by NC ND 2.0

9. Bernard

Bernard is a German name meaning “hardy,” “brave,” or “bear.” It entered into English history through the Normans, who traveled to England. A doctor of the Church, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, shares this name. Nicknames for Bernard: Bernie, Bern, Berny or Bear.

10. Richard

Another name brought to England by the Normans, Richard means “brave” or “power.”English King Richard I, also known as the Lionheart, led the crusades in the 12th century. In American history, the name was popular in the late 1920s. Nicknames for Richard include Rich or Rick.

RICHARD THE I
Wikipedia PD


NEWBORN,BABY,GIRL
Read more:
10 Timeless baby names for your baby girl

Tags:
ParentingPregnancy
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.