Boy Names That Start With A
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Choosing a name for a new baby boy is an important and exciting task. If you’re searching for a unique and special name that begins with the letter A, there are many great options available.
Whether you want a name that is cool, cute, rare, or has biblical roots, there are many possibilities to explore.
Additionally, you’ll find names with influences from Italian, French, Greek, and Japanese cultures.
Below are some wonderful names starting with A that you might consider for your little one.
Popular Boy Names Starting With A
Alexander
Alexander is a name of Greek origin that translates to “defending men.” It features prominently in Greek mythology and the New Testament.
The most famous Alexander was Alexander the Great, the king of Macedon, who created a vast empire from Greece to India. In the U.S., this name became particularly popular in the 1990s and remains well-loved.
Aiden
Aiden, which can also be spelled Aidan, is the English form of the Irish name Aodhán, originating from Irish mythology. The name translates to “little fire,” a fitting description for a spirited young boy.
Asher
In Hebrew, Asher means “happy” or “blessed.” It appears in the Old Testament as one of Jacob’s sons. The name carries a sense of joy and prosperity.
Anthony
Anthony comes from the Roman family name Antonius. Historically, Marcus Antonius, or Mark Antony, is one of the most famous bearers, known for his relationship with Cleopatra.
The name gained popularity in Christian culture thanks to several saints named Anthony. It reached its peak in the U.S. during the 1980s.
Andrew
Andrew is a Greek name meaning “manly.” According to the New Testament, Andrew was the first disciple of Jesus.
This name became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages, boosted further by the veneration of St. Andrew.
Adrian
Adrian is a variant of Hadrian, meaning “from Hadria” in Latin. The name has been borne by numerous saints and six popes. Its popularity in the United States rose significantly in the mid-2000s.
Aaron
The name Aaron has Hebrew origins, with an uncertain meaning, though it is possibly Egyptian and may mean “exalted” or “high mountain.”
The Old Testament features Aaron as Moses’ brother. The name peaked in U.S. popularity during the 1980s.
Axel
Axel is the Danish version of the biblical name Absalom, which means “my father is peace” in Hebrew.
In the Bible, Absalom is one of King David’s sons, making the name rich in historical significance.
Angel
Angel is a unisex name derived from the Latin name Angelus, meaning “messenger” in Greek, in reference to divine messengers.
Though it’s a rare name, it possesses a unique charm. Another variation is the Italian spelling, Angelo.
Austin
Austin is a shortened form of Augustine. It is also a surname and the name of a city in Texas. The name carries a sense of both historical and contemporary relevance.
Adam
In the Bible, Adam is the name of the first man and literally means “man” in Hebrew. The name can also mean “to be red,” referring to the clay from which Adam was created by God.
Although the name Adam peaked in popularity in the U.S. during the 1980s, it remains a timeless choice. If looking for another biblical “A” name, Abel, one of Adam and Eve’s sons, is another option.
Amir
Amir holds different meanings in Hebrew and Arabic. In Hebrew, it translates to “treetop,” while in Arabic, it means “commander” or “prince.”
Rare and Unique Boy Names That Start With A
Altair
If you’re into astronomy, Altair could be an amazing name choice. It’s the name of a star in the constellation Aquila, which is symbolized by an eagle. In Arabic, Altair means “the flyer.”
Alvise
Alvise is the Venetian form of the name Louis. With Germanic roots, this name means “famous battle.”
Amand
Amand is the male form of Amanda, which translates to “worthy of love.” It carries a wonderful meaning.
Anand
This Sanskrit name means “happiness” or “bliss.” These are emotions you might feel upon your baby boy’s arrival.
Antares
Antares is the name of the brightest star in the scorpion-shaped constellation of Scorpio. If your baby boy is born between October 23 and November 21, this unique name could be a fitting choice.
Aravind
If you have an appreciation for Eastern religions and mysticism, Aravind might catch your interest. This Sanskrit name means “lotus.”
Archer
Archer is an English surname of French origin that refers to the art of archery. It makes for a cool first or middle name for a boy.
Arjuna
In Sanskrit, Arjuna means “white” or “clear.” In Hinduism, Arjuna is the son of the god Indra and the princess Kunti. There is also a variant of the name, Arjun.
Artair
Artair is the Scottish form of the name Arthur.
Artem
Artem is the Russian version of the Greek name Artemios, which refers to the Greek goddess Artemis. Both names derive from Greek words meaning “safe” or “butcher,” possibly linked to Artemis as the goddess of hunting.
Asim
In Sanskrit, Asim means “boundless” or “limitless.” In Arabic, it means “protector.”
Cool and Cute Boy Names That Start With A
Ace
Ace is often seen as a nickname, yet it’s worth considering as a full given name. Ace signifies “highest rank,” making it a fitting choice for your new baby boy.
Adi
Adi is a unisex name meaning “jewel” or “ornament” in Hebrew. In other regions, Adi can also be a nickname for Adrian.
Ajit
This Sanskrit name translates to “unconquered” or “invincible.” Ajit is also an epithet for the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu.
Akamu
Akamu is the Hawaiian version of the name Adam. It’s a unique name that keeps traditional roots while adding a distinctive twist.
Akim
This is the Russian form of the name Joachim. St. Joachim is traditionally thought to be the father of the Virgin Mary.
Akira
Akira is a Japanese name meaning “bright” or “clear.” It’s a beautiful choice for a boy.
Akiva
Akiva is the Aramaic version of the name Yaakov, which is Hebrew for Jacob. This name has classic roots but boasts a distinctive appearance.
Akram
This Arabic name means “most generous.” It’s a meaningful choice for a boy.
Albie
Albie is a diminutive of the German name Albert, which means “noble and bright.”
Alfie
Alfie is the diminutive of the name Alfred. Alfred translates to “elf counsel” in Old English, but Alfie adds a cute twist.
Algar
Unique and interesting, Algar means “elf spear” in Old English. It’s a rare choice but worth considering.
Almas
Almas is an Arabic name meaning “diamond” in Persian. It’s a unique option for a special baby.
Alon
In Hebrew, Alon means “oak tree.” In Tagalog, it means “wave.” Both meanings are cool and significant.
Amani
This unisex Arabic name means “wishes.” It’s a gentle yet unique choice for a boy.
Amon
Amon is an Egyptian name meaning “the hidden one.” Amon was also the Egyptian god of air, creativity, and fertility.
Amos
Amos is a name of Hebrew origin that means “load” or “burden.” He was one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament.
Anakoni
Anakoni is the Hawaiian form of Anthony. It’s a fresh take with traditional roots.
Ander
Ander is the Basque form of Andrew. It’s a simple yet strong name to consider.
Anri
Anri is the Georgian form of Henri, pronounced Ahn-Ree. The name means “home ruler” and has roots in the German name Heinrich.
Archie
Archie is the diminutive form of Archibald, a German name that means “genuine” and “bold.” Fans of the Archie comic series might find this name appealing.
Ari
Ari means “lion” in Hebrew, “eagle” in Old Norse, and “brave” in Armenian. Any of these meanings make it a great name for a boy.
Ariel
Ariel means “lion of God” in Hebrew. It was also a term for Jerusalem in the Old Testament and a character name in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Arlo
Poet Edmund Spenser supposedly created this name, which means “between two highlands” in Gaelic. It’s a unique and inspiring name.
Armas
Armas is a Finnish name meaning “beloved.” It’s a charming choice for your cherished baby boy.
Armin
Armin is a modern form of the Germanic name Arminius. It likely means “whole” or “universal.”
Arnie
Arnie is a cute short form for the name Arnold. It’s simple, familiar, and endearing.
Arno
Arno is a short form of the Dutch name Arnoud and the German name Arnold, both meaning “eagle power.”
Artie
Artie is the short form for Arthur, a name that probably has Celtic origins meaning “bear man.” Artie, however, adds a cheerful ring to it.
Ashanti
Ashanti is an African unisex name that means “warlike” in the Twi language.
Ashton
Ashton originally comes from an Old English surname meaning “ash tree town.” It’s also a great option for a middle name.
Ashwin
Ashwin is a Sanskrit name meaning “possessed of horses.” In Hinduism, the Ashvins are twin gods of sunrises and sunsets.
Aslan
Aslan means “lion” in Turkish and has been used by several medieval Turkish rulers.
It’s also the name of the lion in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Aston
Aston likely derived from an Old English surname meaning “east town.”
It’s a strong and appealing name.
Astor
Astor comes from a famous surname meaning “hawk,” associated with the prominent eighteenth-century family founded by John Jacob Astor.
Atem
Atem is an Egyptian name meaning “completion” or “totality.”
It’s a unique and powerful name for a boy.
Avrum
Avrum is the Yiddish form of Abraham.
It’s traditional yet unique.
Aziz
Aziz is an Arabic name that means “powerful,” “respected,” “beloved,” and “cherished.”
It’s perfect for a special baby boy.
Biblical Boy Names That Start With A
Abdiel
Meaning “servant of God” in Hebrew, Abdiel appears in the Old Testament.
It’s also the name of a character in John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost.
Abel
This name has Hebrew origins and means “breath.”
In the Bible, Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is killed by his brother, Cain.
Despite the tragic story, the name Abel became popular during the Middle Ages and Puritan times. It has been making a resurgence in modern times, peaking in 2015.
Abner
This name of Hebrew origin means “my father is light.”
Abner was a commander of an army in the Old Testament.
The name was once popular among Christians, especially Puritans, but has since become less common.
Abraham
In Hebrew, this name means “father of many,” referring to the biblical figure considered a patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The most famous bearer of this name was Abraham Lincoln.
Abram
In Hebrew, this name means “high father.”
As recounted in the Bible, Abram was originally the name of the biblical Abraham before it was changed by God.
Absalom
Meaning “my father is peace” in Hebrew, this name originated in the Old Testament.
Absalom was a son of King David.
Asa
It’s thought that this name means “healer” in Hebrew.
The name appears in the Old Testament.
Azariah
This name of Hebrew origin means “Yahweh (God) has helped.”
The name also appears in the Old Testament. It can also be spelled Azaria.
Azriel
This name of Hebrew origin means “my help is God.”
The name appears in the Old Testament.
Classic and Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start With A
Alan
Alan is a name originating from Brittany, a region in France.
It may mean “little rock” or “handsome.” There’s also a chance it has Iranian roots.
Variant spellings include Allen (English and Scottish), Alain (French), and Ailín (Irish).
Alastair
The Scottish version of Alexander, Alastair, is a more unique choice.
Alexander is much more common, but Alastair stands out.
Alberich
In German, Alberich means “elf ruler.”
According to German mythology, Alberich was the king of the elves. This unique name suits mythology lovers.
Alfred
In Old English, Alfred means “elf counsel.”
The name has become less popular over time, but it’s worth reviving.
Pairing Alfred with Alberich for twin boys could be fun, as both names have “elf” meanings. Nicknames like Alfie and Albie add charm.
Alvin
Alvin is a medieval form of the Old English name Ealdwine, meaning “old friend.”
It’s also linked to the Scandinavian name Alfvin.
Archibald
Archibald is a common Scottish name with Germanic roots, meaning “genuine” and “bold.”
A fitting nickname for Archibald is Archie.
Arnold
Arnold is a Germanic name meaning “eagle power.”
Several saints have had this name, and a famous modern bearer is Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor, and politician.
Arthur
Arthur is an English name with an uncertain meaning, likely derived from Celtic origins to mean “bear man” or “bear king.”
The King Arthur legend popularized the name. Artie makes a cute nickname.
Ashley
Originally an English surname that meant “ash tree clearing,” Ashley became well-known as a given name for boys.
By the 1960s, it gained popularity as a girl’s name.
Aubrey
Aubrey is the Norman French version of Alberich.
It was widely used for boys during the Middle Ages but shifted towards girls in the 1970s. Aubrey remains a unisex name today.
For boy and girl twins, consider pairing Aubrey with Audrey.
Avery
Avery started as a surname, derived from Alberich and Alfred.
It’s now a unisex name, peaking in popularity in the mid-2000s in the United States.
Italian, French, and Spanish Boy Names That Start With A
Alcide
This name, used in Italy and France, means “strength” in Greek.
It is the localized version of the name Alcides.
Aldo
A cute Italian name meaning “old” or “noble.”
It’s fitting for a child who seems older and wiser than their years.
Alessio
The Italian version of the name Alexis.
Its unique and melodic sound makes it stand out.
Alfonso
Both Spanish and Italian families use this name, which means “noble and ready.”
This name was borne by several monarchs in Spain and Portugal.
Anastacio
A version of the Greek name Anastasios, this Spanish and Italian name means “resurrection.”
It can also be spelled as Anastasio.
André
This variant of Andrew is common in French, Portuguese, German, Dutch, and English.
It can be spelled with or without an accent.
Anthelme
A rare French name that comes from the ancient German name Anthelm.
It means “wrath” or “zeal” and “helmet” or “protection.”
Antoine
The French form of the name Anthony, which is quite popular.
Variants include Antwan and Antonio.
Armand
This name is the French version of Herman, meaning “army man” in German.
Arsenio
A Spanish and Italian name derived from the ancient Greek name Arsenios, meaning “virile.”
Classical Latin and Greek Boy Names That Start With A
Achilles
This Greek name’s origin is uncertain, though it is believed to mean “pain.”
Achilles is known as a legendary Greek warrior. He famously died when an arrow struck his heel, his only vulnerable spot, giving rise to the term “Achilles’ heel.”
Aeneas
Aeneas is the Latin version of a Greek name that translates to “praise.”
In mythology, Aeneas is the son of the goddess Aphrodite. Additionally, in Virgil’s Aeneid, Aeneas is portrayed as the founder of Rome.
Aesop
Aesop is a Greek name linked to a writer famous for his fables, known as Aesop’s Fables.
Though little is known about his life, his stories have endured through centuries.
Agathon
Agathon is the male form of the Greek name Agatha, which means “good.”
It is a distinctive name with a straightforward meaning.
Albus
Albus is a Latin name meaning “white” or “bright.”
Fans of Harry Potter will likely recognize this name.
Alexis
In Greek, Alexis signifies “helper” or “defender.”
The name has been borne by various saints and a third-century Greek poet. Today, it is recognized as a unisex name.
Aloysius
Aloysius is the Latin form of Aloys, an Occitan version of the name Louis.
This name is rare and distinctive for a boy.
Ambrose
Ambrose is derived from Latin and Greek and means “immortal.”
The name gained popularity following a saint but later became less common. It remains a unique choice for a boy.
Apollo
Apollo, of Greek origin, implies “strength” or “father light.”
In Greek mythology, Apollo is the god of the sun and light, among other things. The name suggests brightness and power.
August
August originates from the Latin name Augustus, meaning “exalted” or “venerable.” Augustus was the name of the Roman emperor who followed Julius Caesar.
The name carries a dignified and venerable feel for a boy.