Top Baby Boy Names That Start With B

There are numerous baby boy names that start with the letter B, with several offering fun nicknames, unique meanings, and global origins. With so many choices, it might be difficult to settle on the perfect name. To make it easier, we’ll help you narrow down your options by theme: Choose from popular, unique, cute, funny, old-fashioned, and more baby names that start with a B for a boy.

Popular Boy Names That Start With B

Sometimes, you just want to go with what’s on trend! A popular baby boy name will fit into your baby’s generation with ease. In 2020 in the United States, these 11 names were the most popular boy names that start with the letter B:

1. Barrett. This boy name originates from a Middle English surname meaning "strife.” Originally, someone who was quarrelsome received this name, but it has evolved into a now-popular first name.

2. Beau. Although more commonly used on its own, Beau is short for Beauregard. In French, it means “beautiful” and has been used as a unisex name since the mid-twentieth century.

3. Benjamin. You’ll find a version of Benjamin (often shortened to Ben, Benny, Benji, or Benj) in numerous languages and cultures, including Hawaiian, Arabic, and various European languages. The name comes from Hebrew and means "son of the south" or "son of the right hand." Benjamin has been the most popular boy name that starts with B since 2005!

4. Bennett. For popular boy names starting with B, Bennett has been on the upward swing since the early 2000s. It’s the medieval form of the common name Benedict, which means “blessed” in Latin. Bennett and Benjamin can be shortened to Ben or Benny.

5. Bentley. Meaning “bent grass” and “woodland clearing,” this name is found in many towns and last names in England. Historically, if you were from Bentley, then that was your name. Today, it’s a nod to the luxury car brand and one of the top baby names that start with a B for a boy or a girl.

6. Brandon. A variation of Brendan, Brandon was a common last name in England and Wales, eventually making its way into the hearts of Americans in the 1990s. It means “hill covered with broom” in Old English.

7. Brayden. Among baby names that start with the letter B, Brayden is one of the oldest. It comes from the Ancient Irish last name Bradán (Ó Bradáin), which means “salmon.”

8. Braxton. Another historical last name from Old English, Braxton comes from a physical place meaning “Bracca’s town.” In the United States, the name had a short-lived moment in 1885, then returned exactly 100 years later with a popularity peak in 2017.

9. Brooks. Originally, this Old English name literally described someone who lived near a brook. In the U.S., “Brook” was one of the most popular boy names up until 1980. At that point, it became a favorite for girls, and, today, “Brooks” has taken over for the boys.

10. Brody. This baby name originates from old Gaelic and means “ditch” or “mire.” It was originally a last name but grew in first-name popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, peaking in 2008. Although it’s currently on the downward slope, it’s still one of the most popular boy names that start with B.

11. Bryson. If you say this name out loud, you’ll notice that it sounds a lot like its meaning: the “son of Brice,” or “Brice’s son.” Brice (or Bryce) in its Latin form is Bricius, which means “speckled.”

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Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start With B

Old-fashioned boy names can be a lot of fun, with many being classic monikers that offer an air of old-time sophistication. Choose from old-fashioned boy names that start with B if you want to pay homage to the past, name your baby after a family member , or give your baby a classic namesake.

12. Bartholomew. As an old-fashioned boy name, Bartholomew has unique origins. It’s the English variant of the Greek name Bartholomaios, which came from an Aramaic name meaning "son of Talmai." The name became popular in England in the Middle Ages.

13. Baxter. Baxter comes from a last name that means “baker” in Old English, specifically a female baker. You won’t find many Baxters these days; the name peaked in popularity in the late 1880s. It’s often associated with strength and sophistication.

14. Benedict. Benedict is the old-fashioned version of Bennet (one of the most popular boy names that start with B) and, likewise, means “blessed.” Thanks to Saint Benedict, an Italian monk who founded the Benedictine order in the sixth century, your baby would share a name with 16 popes.

15. Bernard. Meaning “brave” and “hardy,” Bernard comes from the German word bern, which means “bear.” There are many famous Bernards throughout European and Catholic history, and you’ll find a version of the name in several languages and cultures.

16. Blaine. From the Gaelic name Bláán, which means "yellow,” Blaine is an old-fashioned staple in the United States. It first entered the scene in the late nineteenth century and has maintained a steady existence in lists of favorite baby names that start with a B for boys.

17. Blythe (pronounced “Blīth”) is an old-fashioned name meaning “cheerful” in Old English. It’s rare and is considered a refined name with a sophisticated feel for both boys and girls. You may recognize it from the classic novel Anne of Green Gables.

18. Boswell. From a small French village in Normandy, a man named Sieure de Boseville landed in England with William the Conqueror in 1066. The name became more common as a last name, and almost every Boswell out there can be traced back to Sieure’s family.

19. Briscoe. Another rare and old-fashioned boy name, Briscoe originates from Old Norse language. It refers to a place with “birch wood.” It’s typically used as a last name.

20. Bruno. Although Bruno Mars has resurrected this name in the United States, you can find Brunos in numerous languages and cultures. The name comes from German and has three meanings: “armor,” “protection,” and “brown.” Its most historic bearer is the eleventh-century monk who found the Carthusian Order.

21. Byrne. As a last name, Byrne comes from the Irish Ó Broin, which means “son of Bran.” Bran means “raven,” and the name recently made its way into pop culture with the character from Game of Thrones. In Irish folklore, Bran was an adventurous mariner.

22. Byron. Another long-term staple in baby boy names that start with B, Byron comes from Old English and means "place of the cow sheds.” You may recall one or two works by the Romantic poet Lord Byron.

Unique Boy Names That Start With B

If you’re on the hunt for unusual or unique boy names that start with B, you can have a little fun, get creative, or dig into some other categories. Old-fashioned names tend to cycle back into popularity, but many remain unique.

Consider some of these rare, one-of-a-kind names:

23. Baldwin. Meaning “bold friend” from the German words bald and win, Baldwin appears as a last name in the United States and throughout Europe. But as a first name, it only made a slight appearance in the past, making this a unique boy name that starts with B.

24. Balfour. Balfour comes from the Scottish last name meaning “village pasture.” You may find small towns with the name Balfour or see it used occasionally as a last name, but rarely does it show up as a first name, so you're assured of a unique name choice.

25. Banner. Banner has no known association with names, so it fits into the category of unique boy names that start with B. It was an occupational title for those who carried flags. And although it has Germanic roots, it comes from the Old French word baniere meaning “banner.”

26. Barak. Barak is a biblical and Hebrew name meaning “lightening,” and the name of President Barack Obama. In the Old Testament, Barak was an important military commander, and the name is often associated with strength and maturity. It also means “blessing” in Arabic.

27. Basil. Coming from the Greek name Basileios, Basil means “king,” and you’ll find variations in many European countries. For example, in French, the name is spelled Basile, and in Spanish, it’s Basilio. Other European languages use a variation of Vasil. Although the name was sometimes used in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, you won’t find many bearing the name Basil these days!

28. Baylor. Among boy names that start with B, unique names are on the rise, and Baylor is one of the many that come from occupational language (much like Banner). Although it has literal meanings—the legal term bailor means “one who delivers goods” and the German occupation beiler means “one who makes measuring sticks”—Baylor is fun and different. It mimics the name Taylor, and Baylor and Taylor make a perfect rhyming duo for twin names !

29. Beauregard. The longer version of Beau from above, Beauregard strikes a good balance between unique and trendy. Plus, it means “beautiful” and every baby boy is beautiful!

30. Bellamy. As a literal combination of the French words bel and ami, this name means “beautiful friend.” This unisex name fits perfectly into the unique boy names that start with B theme.

31. Bishop. If you want a unique name with some prestige, Bishop is a great option. It refers to an important religious position and was often used in the British Isles. In the United States, it was more common in the nineteenth century but has never made a true comeback.

32. Bodhi. Although considered a modern English name, Bodhi (pronounced BO-dee) has Sanskrit roots and is a Buddhist term meaning “enlightenment.” It made its way to the U.S. baby naming scene in 2010 and is still quite rare.

33. Braith. There’s a bit of uncertainty surrounding the origins of this unique name. Some believe it comes from the Welsh word of the same spelling meaning “speckled.”

34. Bram. The name has been used as a shortened version of Abraham, a very popular name around the globe and a favorite among boy names that start with A . One famous bearer was Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.

35. Briar. As a unisex name, Briar is a great option for unique boy names that start with B. It just recently hit the scene in 2017, and you’ll really only find it in the United States. Briar means “thorny plant” in English.

36. Briggs. As a variant of the more common last name Bridges, Briggs is a unique twist on a classic. It was used in early medieval English and Flemish, describing someone or a place related to bridges.

37. Broderick. More often used as a last name, Broderick is rarely a first name. It originates from two sources, a Welsh name that means “famous ruler” in German and an Irish name that comes from the Old Norse word for “brother.”

38. Bronte. You really won’t find a Bronte in the United States, although the name does have an interesting backstory. The famous novelists the Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne) went from Brunty to Brontë to match the Greek mythological meaning of “thunder.” Bronte also means “bestower” in Gaelic. If you like, you can also add the umlaut to the e.

39. Brooks. Brooks is a common last name in the United States, but is fairly unusual for a first name, especially for boys. It had a few moments in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, but hasn’t risen again in popularity. Historically, the name had a literal meaning, referring to someone who lived near a brook.

Choosing a baby name can be fun yet also overwhelming. Watch this video for some exciting facts that could help you find the perfect baby name!

Funny and Cute Boy Names That Start With B

If you’re having a hard time deciding on a name, you can wait until after your baby is born, though that may mean more paperwork later on. You may find that to suit your baby’s personality you want to choose a popular or classic name, or perhaps one that’s fun or cute. Luckily, there are numerous funny and cute boy names that start with B.

40. Baker. In Old English, this name literally means “baker,” and you’ll find it as a last name in many English-speaking countries. But as a first name, Baker falls perfectly into the group of cute boy names that start with B.

41. Bala. A Sanskrit name meaning “young,” Bala is a wonderful option among cute, youthful baby boy names that start with the letter B. When used as a girl’s name, it pays homage to a young Hindu goddess.

42. Barnaby. Not only is Barnaby is cute, it’s also historic. The name comes from the Ancient Greek and Aramaic name Barnabas, which you may recognize as a biblical name. It means “son of the prophet” or “son of encouragement.” Although Barnabas is quite rare (though, typically found in Hungary), you can find Barnaby in modern Britain.

43. Barney. This name might give purple dinosaur vibes, but Barney can be a very sweet and cute baby boy name! It’s related to Bernard, Barnabas, and Barnaby, and you’ll find variations around the world.

44. Baz. As far as funny boy names that start with B, Baz is a front runner! It’s a variation of both Basil and Barry, and, therefore, shares the meanings of “king” and “fair hair.”

45. Bear. Bear is one of the cutest boy names that start with B. Of course, it comes from an animal, but it also has historic roots with a Germanic meaning of “the brown one.”

46. Benny. If you like the name Benjamin or Benedict but want a cute nickname, Benny is a great option that stands on its own. You may remember that Benjamin means “son of the right hand” and Benedict means “blessed.”

47. Bernie. As Bernie is a unisex nickname for Bernard, Bernadette, and Bernice, Bernies are found in English-speaking countries and throughout Europe. Bernie can take on many meanings, including “bear,” “brave,” “hardy,” and “bringing victory.”

48. Biff. In the group of cute and funny boy names that start with B, Biff can go either way. It sounds cute on its own, but it does come from the classic English words meaning “punch,” “hit,” and “strike.”

49. Billy. A sweet nickname for William, Billy shares meanings of “will, desire” and “helm, protection.” It’s popular around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

50. Blaze. Blaze is the English variant of the Roman name Blasius, and you might see it spelled as Blaise. Although it comes from the Latin word blaesus, meaning "lisping," today it gives off strong or energetic vibes.

51. Boone. A variant of Boon or Bone, Boone comes from the Old French word bon, meaning "good." It also indicates someone from the French town Bohon, or originates from the Dutch word bohn, which means “bean grower.”

52. Brady. The Irish name Brady balances comes from the last name Ó Brádaigh, “descendant of Brádach,” and means “large-chested” in Gaelic. So, although it’s a name indicating strength, it still makes the list as one of the cute baby boy names starting with B.

53. Brawley. Cute but also very rare as a given name, Brawley comes from the last name meaning “meadow at the slope of a hill.” It has Old English origins and would make a sweet and unique baby name.

54. Brennan. From the Irish last name Ó Braonáin (meaning “descendant of Braonán”), the cuteness of Brennan comes from its meaning. Braonáin means “rain, moisture, drop.”

55. Buck. Buck was quite popular in the nineteenth century, so you may know of some ancestors or family members of friends with that name. Today, it’s uncommon, but it follows the trend of cute boy names that start with B. From the Old English bucc, it simply means “buck,” as in a male deer.

56. Bud. Bud, short for Buddy, comes from the English word that means “friend,” but some believe it could also refer to “brother.” In the United States, the name peaked in popularity during the 1930s.

57. Buster. Another name from previous generations, Buster hit its peak in 1909. It pays homage to the famous silent film actor and comedian Joseph “Buster” Keaton, who earned his nickname from the magician Harry Houdini.

Timeless Boy Names That Start With B

We couldn’t create a list of baby boy names that start with B and not include some of the classics that have withstood the test of time. They’re not exactly old-fashioned, but they are reliable staples that seem to pop up year after year.

58. Bailey. The unisex name Bailey originated as a boy’s name but has now become more popular for girls. It comes from the Middle English word baili, an occupational title meaning "bailiff." You can choose other spellings, such as Bailee and Baylee. Although used since the nineteenth century, Bailey made a significant comeback in the 1980s and 1990s, peaking in 1998.

59. Blake. Among baby boy names that start with B, Blake has made a few waves throughout the years. It hit its peak in 2012 but originated in Old English from the word blæc meaning “black.” One well-known bearer is the eighteenth-century poet William Blake.

60. Bobby. Short for Robert, Bobby is an endearing Germanic name meaning “bright fame.” It comes from the name Hrodebert and has been one of the most common names from the thirteenth century to today.

61. Brad. Used as a variant for Bradley or Bradford, Brad means “broad clearing” or “broad ford.” It’s been a timeless staple in the United States, peaking in the 1950s (Bradford) and 1980s (Bradley).

62. Brett. Although relatively new to the scene, Brett can be considered timeless. The name cropped up in the 1940s in the United States and has yet to lose its steam. It originates from the Middle English last name meaning “a Breton,” referring to someone from the area of Brittany in France.

63. Brian. You probably know a Brian or two, as it’s one of the most common names in the English-speaking world. Deriving from Ancient Irish, the name may come from Old Celtic, meaning “hill,” “high,” or “noble.” It debuted in the eleventh century and was one of the top 10 boy names in the United States throughout the 1970s. You can opt for the modern Spanish spelling of Brayan for a twist!

64. Bruce. Among boy names that start with the letter B, Bruce is a true classic. It comes from a Scottish last name referring to someone from Brix in France. In the United States, it’s been around for a long time, peaking in 1952.

65. Bryce. Bryce is the classic version of the trendy name Bryson, meaning “speckled.” Although more popular in France, Bryce (also spelled Brice) has risen in popularity several times throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in the United States.

City and Neighborhood Boy Names That Start With B

Perhaps you want to pay homage to your favorite city or a neighborhood you once visited and loved. Baby names can be anything you want, which means you can get creative and sentimental. Here are some ideas for baby boy names that start with B and honor world hubs.

66. Ballard. Ballard (pronounced BAL-ard) is a trendy neighborhood in Seattle, WA, but once housed many working-class and Nordic families. You might hear “uff da!” while walking down the side streets.

67. Bareilly. As a city in Northern India, Bareilly (pronounced Bah-RAY-lee) was founded in the sixteenth century and is known for its beautiful mosques. It also sits near the Ramganga River, a tributary to the Ganges.

68. Beira. A port city in Mozambique, Beira (pronounced BYE-ra) sits near the mouths of the Púngoè and Búzi rivers. It’s an important global shipping center.

69. Belém. You’ll find Belém (pronounced Bay-LEM) situated in the Amazon River Delta in northern Brazil. With French and Portuguese influences, the city is known for its beautiful architecture, universities, and theaters.

70. Bergen. A colorful harbor town in Norway known for its scenic fjords, Bergen (pronounced BER-gen) was the country’s historic capital in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It houses the picturesque Bryggen Wharf and an important fishing economy.

71. Berlin. As the capital of Germany, Berlin (pronounced Ber-LIN) is known for the Berlin Wall, which divided the city after WWII. Today, it’s a hip hub with varied architecture, industry, and history.

72. Boston. Famous for baked beans, lobster rolls, and the Red Sox, Boston is renowned for its blend of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers. It's the capital of Massachusetts and is home to Paul Revere’s house and the historic Freedom Trail.

73. Bremen. Tucked away in northern Germany, Bremen (pronounced BRAY-men) is one of the largest ports in the country. It’s known for its idyllic architecture and riverside cityscape.

74. Brighton. A resort town in southern England, Brighton (pronounced BRY-tin) is home to an artsy community and the iconic Royal Pavilion.

75. Bristol. Another city in southern England, Bristol is a medieval town historically important for its trade route to the Americas.

76. Brixton. A neighborhood in northern London, Brixton became a multicultural hub in the booming 1950s and 1960s.

77. Brooklyn. Associated with the name Brook or Brooks, Brooklyn rose to popularity in the 2010s, thanks to a few celebrity baby names. For the A-listers, the name refers to the borough in New York City, which was named after the Dutch town of Breukelen. In Dutch, breuk means "broken land” and broek means “marsh land.”

78. Bronx. Like Brooklyn above, the Bronx is one of New York City’s five boroughs. After the land was sold to the Dutch West India Company in the seventeenth century, a Scandinavian by the name of Bronck purchased and developed the area, prompting the title Bronx.

Non-English Boy Names That Start With B

It can be fun and meaningful to give your baby a name from your heritage. We already have quite a few international names that come from non-English origins on our list, and many that span several cultures and languages, but here are a few more boy names that start with B from global cultures.

79. Baishan. Meaning “knife” in the Apache language, this was the name of the Chiricahua Apache chief in the nineteenth century. Baishan is pronounced BYE-shaun.

80. Baran. Although this name means “rain” in Persian, it’s more common for boy names in Turkish and Kurdish.

81. Bence. As the Hungarian version of Vincent, and sometimes used as short form for Benedek (Hungary’s Benedict), Bence (pronounced BEN-tseh) comes from the Latin vincentius and vincere, meaning “to conquer.”

82. Benito. Benito is the Italian and Spanish version of Benedict, which means “blessed.” It’s one of the more popular baby boy names that start with B around the world.

83. Beren. A unisex name, Beren means “strong, smart” in Turkish. If you’re a fan of the author J.R.R. Tolkien, you may recognize the name from the fictional Sindarin language, where it means “brave.”

84. Berk. Another Turkish name, Berk is rare and unique and means "solid, firm, strong."

85. Bertil. As the Scandinavian form of Bertilo or Berthold, you’ll find Bertil in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish. Bertilo means “bright, famous” and Berthold means “bright ruler.”

86. Berto. You’ll find Berto in Italian and Spanish as the short form of Roberto or Alberto. These names follow other Bert varieties and mean “bright.”

87. Bevan. As a Welsh name, Bevan means “son of Evan,” and Evan is the Welsh form of John. John is one of the most classic boy names and means “to be gracious” in Hebrew.

88. Bo. If you like the name Beau or Beauregard but want to add a Chinese element, you can go with the simplest spelling, Bo. (In Wu Chinese, Bo is pronounced bow (as in the bow of a ship) and means “wave.”)

89. Bogdan. Bogdan is a common name in most Slavic languages, as well as Romanian. It means “given by God.”

90. Boris. Although Boris is popular in many European countries (especially in Germany), it originates from the Turkic name Bogoris. There are few potential meanings, including “short,” “wolf,” and “snow leopard.”

91. Borja. A Spanish last name, Borja (pronounced BOR-kha) means “tower” in Arabic. As a given name, it honors the sixteenth-century priest Saint Francis Borja, who was born in Valencia, Spain.

92. Bryn. Meaning “hill or mound” in Welsh, Bryn is a unisex name that’s rare and unique.

Celebrity Boy Names That Start With B

Lastly, you can consider some celebrity names or names of people who changed the world! Not only do these names stand on their own, but they also pay respects to famous artists, athletes, composers, engineers, and others.

93. Banksy. This famous and anonymous British graffiti artist is now a household name around the world. He’s known for antiauthoritarian pieces with his work displayed in prestigious museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and Tate Britain in London.

94. Beckham. Although it’s an English last name that means “Becca’s homestead,” Beckham is also the name of the famous soccer player David Beckham.

95. Beckett. Deriving from the Middle English words beke or bekke, Beckett means “beak, stream, or brook." You may recognize the name from the famous Irish author, Samuel Beckett.

96. Beethoven. The name Beethoven combines the words beethe and hoven, which together mean “beetroot farms.” But, of course, it’s better known as the name of the world-famous German composer, Ludwig van Beethoven.

97. Bing. If you want boy names that start with B that honor famous singers, songwriters, and actors, consider Bing, as in Bing Crosby. You may know him best by his iconic renditions of “White Christmas” and “Silent Night.”

98. Booker. Booker T. Washington was born into slavery, yet also solidified himself as one of the most important voices for Black Americans in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. He was an historic educator and educational reformer. Booker can also be an occupational name meaning “maker of books.”

99. Bowie. It feels wrong to make a list of celebrity boy names that start with B and not include the one-and-only David Bowie! Bowie was a famous singer, songwriter, and actor from England, best known for his fluidity in persona and music genres. Bowie is the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Gille Bhuid meaning “yellow-haired lad.”

100. Buzz. The American astronaut Buzz Aldrin was the second person to ever set foot on the moon, following the steps of Neil Armstrong. He was a talented engineer and scientist and made huge strides for NASA.

The Bottom Line

We hope this list helps you find some wonderful boy names that start with the letter B. But if you’re still undecided or want to go in a different direction, check out some of our other baby name articles. You can explore our top 1,000 baby boy names or middle names for boys for endless ideas.

And if you want some more guidance, our Baby Name Generator will help you find the perfect moniker for your new. With its help, you can search thousands of names using filters like letters, themes, and more.