Boy Names That Start With B

Choosing a name for a baby boy can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Names that start with the letter B offer a range of options, from charming nicknames to names with unique meanings and origins from around the world.

With such a wide selection, deciding on just one can be challenging.

This guide breaks down boy names starting with B into different themes to help with the decision-making process.

Whether you’re looking for popular names, unique options, cute and funny choices, or old-fashioned names, there’s something here for every preference.

Popular Boy Names That Start With B

Barrett

This boy name comes from Middle English and means “strife.”

Originally given to someone who was quarrelsome, it has now evolved into a popular first name for boys.

Beau

Though often used on its own, Beau is also a short form of Beauregard. In French, it means “beautiful” and has been used as a unisex name since the mid-20th century.

Benjamin

Found in many languages and cultures, including Hawaiian, Arabic, and various European languages, Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.”

Often shortened to Ben, Benny, Benji, or Benj, it has been the most popular boy name starting with B since 2005.

Bennett

Rising in popularity since the early 2000s, Bennett is the medieval form of Benedict, which means “blessed” in Latin. Like Benjamin, it can be shortened to Ben or Benny.

Bentley

With meanings like “bent grass” and “woodland clearing,” this name was historically used for people from the town of Bentley in England.

Today, it also nods to the luxury car brand, making it a popular baby name for both boys and girls.

Brandon

A variation of Brendan, Brandon was a common last name in England and Wales before becoming a favorite in the U.S. in the 1990s. It means “hill covered with broom” in Old English.

Brayden

Among boy names starting with the letter B, Brayden is one of the oldest.

It comes from the Ancient Irish last name Bradán (Ó Bradáin), which means “salmon.”

Braxton

Another Old English name, Braxton means “Bracca’s town.”

It first gained popularity in the U.S. in 1885, then returned with a peak in 2017 after a resurgence in the mid-1980s.

Brooks

Originally describing someone who lived near a brook, this Old English name was commonly used for boys in the U.S. until 1980.

At that point, “Brook” became more popular for girls, while “Brooks” took over for boys.

Brody

Derived from old Gaelic, Brody means “ditch” or “mire.”

Initially a last name, it became popular as a first name in the 1990s and 2000s, peaking in 2008. It remains one of the top boy names starting with B.

Bryson

This name means “son of Brice” or “Brice’s son.” Brice (or Bryce) in Latin is Bricius, which translates to “speckled.” Bryson sounds much like its meaning when spoken aloud.

Timeless Boy Names Starting with B

Bartholomew

Bartholomew has unique origins, being the English version of the Greek name Bartholomaios, originated from an Aramaic name that means “son of Talmai.”

It gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages.

Baxter

Baxter is derived from an Old English last name meaning “baker,” specifically a female baker.

Its popularity peaked in the late 1880s. Today, it’s known for its sense of strength and sophistication.

Benedict

Benedict is a classic name that means “blessed.”

It’s the old-fashioned form of Bennet. Historically significant, it shares associations with Saint Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order, and 16 popes.

Bernard

Bernard is a name that means “brave” and “hardy.”

Originating from the German word bern meaning “bear,” it’s a name held by many notable figures in European and Catholic history, and appears in various languages and cultures.

Blaine

Blaine comes from the Gaelic name Bláán, which translates to “yellow.”

It appeared in the United States in the late 19th century and has remained a consistent favorite among baby names starting with a B.

Blythe

Blythe, pronounced “Blīth,” means “cheerful” in Old English.

Known for its rarity, it carries a refined and sophisticated feel. The name is also notable in literature, appearing in the classic novel Anne of Green Gables.

Boswell

Boswell traces its origins back to a small French village in Normandy.

Sieure de Boseville, who arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066, is a common ancestor to many bearing this name.

Briscoe

Briscoe is a rare name that comes from Old Norse, meaning a place with “birch wood.” It’s also commonly used as a last name.

Bruno

Bruno, revitalized in the United States by pop star Bruno Mars, has roots in German and means “armor,” “protection,” and “brown.”

Historically, it’s associated with the eleventh-century monk who founded the Carthusian Order.

Byrne

Byrne, often seen as a last name, comes from the Irish Ó Broin, which means “son of Bran.”

Bran translates to “raven.” Recently, the name gained traction with a character in Game of Thrones. In Irish folklore, Bran was an adventurous mariner.

Byron

Byron originates from Old English and means “place of the cow sheds.”

The name is historically prominent due to the Romantic poet, Lord Byron, whose literary works have left a lasting legacy.

Unique Boy Names That Start With B

Baldwin

Baldwin, meaning “bold friend,” comes from the German words bald and win.

Though more common as a last name in the United States and Europe, it sees rare use as a first name. This makes Baldwin a distinctive choice.

Balfour

Balfour is derived from a Scottish surname meaning “village pasture.”

While often seen as a place name or a last name, it’s rarely used as a given name. This makes Balfour unique and charming.

Banner

With roots in the Old French word baniere, meaning “banner,” this name fits perfectly among unique boy names.

Historically, it was an occupational title for those who carried flags. Its rarity makes it a standout.

Barak

Barak is a biblical name meaning “lightning” in Hebrew.

Notably borne by President Barack Obama, it signifies strength and maturity. It also translates to “blessing” in Arabic, enriching its cultural significance.

Basil

Basil, from the Greek Basileios meaning “king,” has variations in many European languages, such as Basile in French and Basilio in Spanish.

While it saw some use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it’s uncommon today.

Baylor

Baylor is an emerging unique name among boy names starting with B.

With occupational roots tied to the legal term bailor and the German occupation beiler (maker of measuring sticks), it shares a playful rhyme with Taylor, making it a fun choice.

Beauregard

Beauregard, meaning “beautiful,” is a more elaborate version of Beau.

This name finds a balance between being unique and trendy, and every parent would agree that their baby boy is beautiful.

Bellamy

Bellamy combines the French words bel and ami, meaning “beautiful friend.”

Commonly regarded as unisex, Bellamy stands out as a unique boy name with a pleasant meaning.

Bishop

Bishop implies prestige, referring to an important religious position commonly used in the British Isles.

It was more frequent in the United States during the 19th century but has since remained rare.

Bodhi

Although considered a modern English name, Bodhi comes from Sanskrit and signifies “enlightenment” in Buddhism.

It appeared in the U.S. baby name lists in 2010 but remains uncommon, making it a unique and meaningful choice.

Braith

Braith is a name with uncertain origins. Some believe it comes from a Welsh word meaning “speckled.” Its ambiguity adds to its unique appeal.

Bram

Commonly a short form of Abraham, Bram stands on its own as a distinct name.

Its most famous bearer is Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This literary connection adds an extra layer of interest.

Briar

Briar, a unisex name meaning “thorny plant” in English, has only recently appeared.

It first emerged in 2017 and is primarily found in the United States. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking something unique.

Briggs

Briggs is a variant of the more familiar last name Bridges.

Originating from early medieval English and Flemish, it describes someone related to bridges, adding a historical twist to a modern name.

Broderick

Broderick is more often seen as a last name.

It comes from Welsh, meaning “famous ruler,” and an Irish name derived from Old Norse for “brother.” Its multiple origins make it both unique and intriguing.

Bronte

Bronte is rarely found in the U.S. but has a rich history.

The Brontë sisters, famous novelists, changed their surname from Brunty to Brontë to embody the Greek mythology meaning “thunder.” Additionally, it means “bestower” in Gaelic. Opt for the umlaut on the e for a differentiating touch.

Funny and Cute Boy Names That Start With B

Baker

In Old English, Baker means “baker,” and it’s often a last name in English-speaking countries. As a first name, Baker is cute and unique.

Bala

Bala is a Sanskrit name that means “young.” It’s a perfect choice for a youthful and delightful baby boy.

Barnaby

Barnaby has historic roots. It comes from the Ancient Greek and Aramaic name Barnabas, meaning “son of the prophet” or “son of encouragement.” This name is often seen in modern Britain.

Barney

Barney is a sweet and cute name that might remind you of a certain purple dinosaur. It’s related to Bernard, Barnabas, and Barnaby.

Baz

Baz is a fun name and a variation of Basil and Barry. It shares the meanings “king” and “fair hair.”

Bear

Bear is one of the cutest boy names starting with B.

While it’s from an animal, it also has historic Germanic roots, meaning “the brown one.”

Benny

Benny is a cute nickname for Benjamin or Benedict.

Benjamin means “son of the right hand” and Benedict means “blessed.”

Bernie

Bernie is a unisex nickname for Bernard, Bernadette, and Bernice. It carries various meanings including “bear,” “brave,” “hardy,” and “bringing victory.”

Biff

Biff is a cute yet funny name. Though its origins mean “punch,” “hit,” and “strike,” it has a charming sound.

Billy

Billy is a popular nickname for William, which means “will, desire” and “helm, protection.”

It’s common in many English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Blaze

Blaze is the English variant of the Roman name Blasius. Though it originally means “lisping,” today it has a strong and energetic feel.

Boone

Boone is a variant of Boon or Bone. It comes from Old French and means “good.”

It’s also connected to the town of Bohon or the Dutch word for “bean grower.”

Brady

Brady is an Irish name that comes from the last name Ó Brádaigh. It means “large-chested” in Gaelic and is a strong yet cute option for a baby boy.

Brawley

Brawley is a rare yet sweet name. Originating from Old English, it means “meadow at the slope of a hill,” making it both unique and charming.

Brennan

Brennan comes from the Irish last name Ó Braonáin. Its charm comes from its meaning, which is “rain, moisture, drop.”

Buck

Buck was popular in the nineteenth century. From Old English, it means “buck,” like a male deer.

It’s a cute name that has an old-timey feel.

Bud

Bud, short for Buddy, means “friend” and possibly “brother.” It was especially popular in the United States during the 1930s.

Buster

Buster peaked in popularity in 1909, inspired by silent film actor and comedian Buster Keaton. The name carries a fun and historical vibe.

Timeless Boy Names That Start With B

Bailey

The unisex name Bailey started as a name for boys but has become more common for girls over time. It originates from the Middle English word “baili,” meaning “bailiff.”

Bailey has seen various spellings such as Bailee and Baylee. The name resurfaced in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak in 1998.

Blake

Blake has its roots in Old English from the word “blæc,” which means “black.”

This name had its moment in the spotlight, peaking in 2012. A notable individual with this name is the eighteenth-century poet William Blake.

Bobby

Bobby is a familiar and endearing name, short for Robert. It comes from the Germanic name Hrodebert, meaning “bright fame.”

Bobby has been a common name since the thirteenth century and remains popular today.

Brad

Brad is often used as a variant for Bradley or Bradford, meaning “broad clearing” or “broad ford.”

This name has been a classic choice in the United States, with peaks in different decades—Bradford in the 1950s and Bradley in the 1980s.

Brett

Although Brett emerged in the 1940s in the United States, it can be considered timeless. The name originates from a Middle English surname meaning “a Breton,” referring to someone from Brittany in France.

Brian

Brian is a name that many people know, thanks to its popularity. It comes from Ancient Irish and possibly Old Celtic, meaning “hill,” “high,” or “noble.”

It became widely used in the eleventh century and was a top 10 name for boys in the United States in the 1970s. The modern Spanish spelling is Brayan.

Bruce

Bruce finds its origins in a Scottish surname, referring to someone from Brix in France.

The name has been used in the United States for many years, reaching its peak in 1952.

Bryce

Bryce is a classic form of the name Bryson, and it means “speckled.” Although more common in France, Bryce has seen rises in popularity in the United States throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It can also be spelled Brice.