Boy Names That Start With G

By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024

Popular Boy Names That Start With G

Gabriel

Gabriel comes from the Hebrew name Gavri’el, meaning “God is my strong man.” This biblical name appears in the Old and New Testaments and in the Quran as Jibreel.

Notable people named Gabriel include Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez and Irish actor Gabriel Byrne.

Gavin

Gavin might seem like a modern name, but it’s actually the medieval form of Gawain from Arthurian mythology.

It vanished in England for a time but later gained popularity in Scotland. Noteworthy Gavins include California Governor Gavin Newsom and British musician Gavin Rossdale from the band Bush.

George

George, a name with royal connections, comes from the Greek word georgos, meaning “farmer” or “earth worker.”

Saint George is a well-known figure in medieval legend. George I brought the name to fame in the English-speaking world in the eighteenth century. Famous figures named George include George Washington, George Orwell, and George Clooney.

Gideon

Gideon originates from a Hebrew word meaning “feller” or “hewer.”

In the Old Testament, he was a hero and judge. The Protestant Reformation and Puritanism boosted its popularity. The name appears in popular culture and is also associated with the Gideons, a group known for distributing free Bibles.

Giovanni

Giovanni is the Italian form of John and has been used in Italy since the Middle Ages.

Many notable Italian historical figures bear this name, including Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini and writer Giovanni Boccaccio.

Graham

Graham started as a Scottish surname from the English place Grantham, meaning “gravelly homestead.” The name spread to Scotland in the twelfth century.

Famous Grahams include the inventor Alexander Graham Bell and the British author Graham Greene.

Grant

Grant originates from an English and Scottish surname, derived from the Norman French word grand, meaning “great” or “large.”

Grayson

Grayson likely started as an English surname meaning “son of the steward.” It became a popular given name in the mid-twentieth century, similar to names like Jason or Graham.

Grayson Allen, an American professional basketball player, is a notable example.

Griffin

Griffin might come from Gruffudd, an Old Welsh name rooted in words meaning “lord” or “prince” and “strong.”

Another theory is that it is derived from the mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

Gunner

Gunner is a variation of the Scandinavian name Gunnar, which means “war” and “warrior.”

Unique Boy Names That Start With G

Galen

Galen comes from the Greek name Galenos, which means “calm.” This name is notable for belonging to a Greco-Roman physician who made significant contributions to anatomy and medicine in the second century B.C.E.

Gallagher

Gallagher is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Gallachobhair. It originates from the Old Irish words gall, meaning “stranger,” and cobar, meaning “desiring.”

This name is also recognized due to Liam and Noel Gallagher from the band Oasis.

Garland

Although Garland might bring to mind floral images, it actually comes from an Old English surname meaning “triangle land.”

This name was historically associated with a person owning a triangular piece of land.

Gavrel

Gavrel is a Yiddish variant of Gabriel. This makes it an appealing choice for families with Yiddish-speaking backgrounds who are searching for a unique name with a familiar feel.

Gervase

Gervase is derived from the Latinized form of the Germanic ger, meaning “spear.”

This name was brought to England during the Middle Ages by the Normans, though it has become rare over time.

Gilroy

Gilroy has roots in an Irish surname. It can mean either “son of the red-haired servant” or “son of the king’s servant” in Old Irish.

Additionally, there’s a California city named Gilroy, known for its garlic festival.

Glanville

Glanville originates from an English surname that likely referred to the domain of a person named Gland in Old French.

This name has a rich historical lineage, tied to Norman place names.

Goddard

Goddard is an English and French surname derived from the Germanic name Godehard, meaning “god” and “hardy” or “brave.”

It’s well-known through filmmaker Jean-Luc Goddard, adding a cinematic touch to the name.

Goyathlay

Goyathlay means “one who yawns” in the Apache language. This was the name of the Apache leader known as Geronimo, who resisted American and Mexican expansion in the nineteenth century.

Gutierre

Gutierre is the Spanish variant of the name Walter, which comes from a Germanic name meaning “ruler of the army.”

This name offers a strong, classic choice with a Hispanic twist.

Classic G Boy Names

Gael

Gael likely originates from the term referring to Gaelic language speakers. This name isn’t limited to English-speaking regions; it’s also found in Brittany and Spain.

A well-known bearer is Mexican actor Gael García Bernal.

Gareth

Gareth is a name commonly used in Wales and England. Although its meaning is uncertain, it has connections to Arthurian legends, including Thomas Mallory’s Le Morte d’Arthur.

It may derive from Welsh words meaning “valor” or “hay lord.” This name is popular among Welsh and English athletes.

Garfield

The name Garfield brings to mind the famous cartoon cat, but it actually stems from an Old English surname meaning “triangle field.”

James A. Garfield, an American president, is a notable bearer of this name.

Garnet

Garnet is a unisex name that initially came from an English surname denoting a hinge-maker.

It also associates with the January birthstone, making it a suitable name for a child born in that month.

Gene

Gene, a shortened form of Eugene, comes from a Greek word meaning “well born.”

Notable Genes include actors like Gene Kelly, Gene Wilder, and Gene Hackman.

Gilbert

Gilbert means “bright pledge” and comes from Germanic roots. This name was brought to England by the Normans and was widespread in the Middle Ages.

Famous people named Gilbert include writer G.K. Chesterton and comedian Gilbert Gottfried.

Godfrey

Godfrey derives from the Germanic name Godafrid, meaning “peace of God.” The Normans introduced it to England during the Middle Ages.

Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade, is a prominent historical figure with this name.

Gottschalk

Gottschalk originates from Germanic elements meaning “god” and “servant.”

Prince Gottschalk of the Wends, from the eleventh century, is an historical figure with this name.

Grover

Grover comes from an Old English word meaning “grove of trees.”

Initially a surname, it gained popularity as a given name in the late nineteenth century, partly due to President Grover Cleveland. It’s also the name of a character on Sesame Street.

Gunther

Gunther is a Germanic name with elements meaning “war” and “army” or “warrior.”

It appears in the Nibelungenlied saga as a fifth-century Burgundian King. The name also features in Wagner’s opera Götterdämmerung, part of The Ring Cycle.

Cool Boy Names That Start With G

Gage

Gage comes from an Old French word meaning either “measure” or “pledge.”

Originally an English surname, it became a given name, gaining popularity through the character in Stephen King’s Pet Sematary.

Garrick

Garrick was an English surname from French Huguenot origin. It is derived from the Occitan word garric, meaning “oak tree grove.”

Geir

Geir is a Scandinavian name with roots in Old Norse. It means “spear,” coming from the element geirr.

Glyn

Glyn is a Welsh name that translates to “valley” in Welsh.

It is short and straightforward, with a natural touch.

Graeme

Graeme, a variant of Graham, is popular in Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia.

Scottish footballer Graeme Souness and comedian Graeme Garden OBE are well-known examples.

Gray

Gray is derived from an English surname meaning “gray.”

It was originally used to describe someone with gray hair or clothing.

Greer

Greer comes from a Scottish surname that originated from the name Gregor.

It has a crisp, strong sound.

Gregor

Gregor is rooted in the name Gregorius, coming from the Greek word for “watchful” and “alert.”

It is widely used in Scotland, Slovakia, Germany, and Slovenia. Gregor Mendel, a Czech monk and scientist, is a notable bearer.

Gresham

Gresham means “grazing homestead” in Old English. It was originally a surname from a place name.

Griffith

Griffith is an Anglicized form of the Welsh name Gruffudd, similar to Griffin.

It has a historical and strong presence.

International Boy Names That Start With G

Gabor

This is the Hungarian form of Gabriel. A well-known figure with this name is Hungarian-Canadian physician and author, Gabor Maté.

Gadisa

Gadisa is a name from East Africa meaning “shade” in the Oromo language.

Ganesh

Ganesh is a popular Indian name. It derives from Ganesha, which means “lord of hordes” from the Sanskrit words gana (horde) and isha (lord).

Ganesh, the Hindu god of wisdom and good luck, is depicted as a man with an elephant’s head.

Gani

Gani is a Tagalog name that’s short for Isagani.

It likely originates from the phrase masaganang ani, meaning “bountiful harvest.”

Gaston

Gaston is a French boys’ name, familiar from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. It possibly comes from a Germanic name with roots in the words gast, meaning “stranger” or “guest.”

In France, Saint Vedastus bore this name, as did several counts of Foix-Béarn during the thirteenth century. An example of a famous person with this name is Gaston Leroux, the author of Phantom of the Opera.

Ghassan

This Arabic name means “youth” and was the name of an Arabian tribe that lasted until the sixth century.

Giannis

Giannis is the modern Greek form of John, evolving from the ancient Greek name Ioannes. This name comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.”

Gonzalo

This Spanish name comes from the medieval Gundisalvus, with potential roots in the Germanic word meaning “war” and the Latin “safe.”

Saint Gonzalo was a bishop in Mondoñedo in northern Spain. The name is common among soccer players, like Argentine player Gonzalo Abán, Spanish players Gonzalo Colsa and Gonzalo de la Fuente, and Uruguayan Gonzalo “Chory” Castro Irizábal.

Goro

Goro comes from the Japanese words meaning “five” and “son.” This name was likely used for the fifth son in Japan.

Giuseppe

Giuseppe is the Italian form of Joseph. Notable individuals with this name include Giuseppe Garibaldi, a military leader who played a significant role in unifying Italy in the nineteenth century, and composer Giuseppe Verdi.

Cute Boy Names That Start With G

Gabino

Gabino is a charming Spanish form of Gabinus, a Late Latin name that possibly referred to the city of Gabii in central Italy.

Geordie

Geordie is an endearing diminutive of George, making it a sweet choice for a baby boy.

Germain

Germain is the French version of Germanus, which comes from the Latin word for “brother.”

There were several early saints with this name, and there’s also a fashionable district in Paris called Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Gyuri

Gyuri is a Hungarian diminutive of the name György, which is the Hungarian form of George. It’s a cute option with a unique flair.

Gili

In Hebrew, Gili means “my joy,” making it a perfect name for a little boy who brings happiness to his family.

Goodwin

This name comes from an English surname derived from the given name Godwine, meaning “friend of god” in Old English.

Gordie

Gordie is a sweet diminutive of Gordon. One famous person with this name is Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe.

Gotzon

Gotzon is a name from northern Spain and means “angel” in Basque, giving it a special and meaningful touch.

Guda

Guda is derived from Arabic, meaning “goodness” or “excellence.” It sometimes gets transcribed as Juda, originating from the Arabic word jada, which means “to be excellent.”

Gus

Gus is often a short form of Augustus or Angus, but it can also be a diminutive of Constantine in the Greek expatriate community. This name has a friendly and familiar ring to it.

Short Boy Names That Start With G

Gabe

This is a short form of the popular name Gabriel.

Gal

Gal is a short name with two different origins. It can either be the unisex Hebrew name meaning “wave,” or the Slovene form of Gallus, which comes from the Latin word for “rooster.”

Gaz

Gazi is often used as a diminutive for Gary or Gareth.

Gib

Gib is a medieval diminutive for Gilbert.

Gigi

In Italy, Gigi is a diminutive of Luigi or any other names ending with gi. It can be used for both boys and girls, like the model Gigi Hadid for girls.

Gil

Gil has a few different origin stories. It could be short for Gilbert in an English-speaking country, the Portuguese or Spanish form of Giles, or a Hebrew name meaning “joy” or “happiness.” It’s a truly cosmopolitan name!

Gino

Gino is the Italian short form for all boys’ names that end with gino.

Gio

This is a Georgian name that’s a short form of Giorgi, which is the Georgian form of George.

Glen

This is a variant of the Glenn.

Grier

This name comes from a Scottish surname that has its roots in the name Gregor.

Strong and Powerful Boy Names That Start With G

Gandalf

Gandalf is a name many recognize from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The name has roots in Norse mythology, where it means “wand elf” in Old Norse. Gandalf is also the name of a dwarf in the thirteenth-century Scandinavian manuscript, Poetic Edda.

Gebhard

The name Gebhard is of Germanic origin, composed of elements meaning “gift” and “brave” or “hardy.”

Saint Gebhard, a tenth-century bishop of Constance, is a prominent historical figure with this name.

Gerfried

Gerfried comes from Germanic elements that stand for “spear” and “peace.” It’s a unique name that carries the strength of a warrior and the calm of peace.

Gervais

Gervais is a French form of Gervasius, a Latinized version of a Germanic name meaning “spear.” It is also a surname, famously borne by British comedian Ricky Gervais.

Giovi

Giovi is the Sicilian form of Jupiter, who was the supreme god in Roman mythology. This name conveys a sense of power and divinity.

Godwine

Godwine is derived from Old English elements meaning “god” and “friend.” The name signifies “friend of God” and was borne by an influential eleventh-century Earl of Wessex, whose son became King Harold II of England.

Govad

Govad means “wind” in Persian and is the name of an angel associated with the wind in the Zoroastrian religion. This name brings to mind both natural forces and spiritual elements.

Gudmund

Gudmund originates from an Old Norse name composed of words meaning “god” and “protection.” It suggests divine protection and strength.

Gunne

Gunne is a short form of Old Norse names that start with gunnr, meaning “war.” It’s a straightforward, strong name reflecting warrior qualities.

Gwil

Gwil is the Welsh short form of Gwilym, which corresponds to William in English. The name carries the strength and familiarity of William, but with a distinct Welsh twist.

Even More Boy Names That Start With G

Gabi

Gabi is a short and sweet name often used as a nickname for Gabriel.

Gabir

Gabir, a unique name, often signifies strength and resilience.

Gaeve

Gaeve has a melodic sound and is relatively rare.

Gamal

Gamal is of Arabic origin and means “beauty.”

Garnett

Garnett can be linked to the gemstone, garnet, symbolizing deep red hues.

Garrett

Garrett is a classic and strong name, derived from the old German name Gerard.

Garry

Garry is a friendly and approachable name.

Garth

Garth brings to mind images of fields and gardens, reflecting its meaning.

Gawdat

Gawdat is a distinct name with roots in various cultures.

Gavril

Gavril is a Slavic version of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.”

Genadi

Genadi is a name that carries cultural significance in Eastern Europe.

Genya

Genya is a short and appealing name, often used in Slavic regions.

Geoff

Geoff is a familiar and friendly abbreviation of Geoffrey.

Georgie

Georgie is a charming and playful variation of George.

Geralt

Geralt may bring to mind fantasy heroes and strong characters.

Gero

Gero is a concise name with ancient origins.

German

German is a unique name with rich historical roots.

Gerrard

Gerrard sounds strong and carries a sense of valor.

Ghislain

Ghislain is a name of French origin with a distinct flair.

Gilchrist

Gilchrist is a traditional name that combines “servant” and “Christ.”

Gjon

Gjon is an Albanian variation of John.

Gladwyn

Gladwyn is an old English name, meaning “happy friend.”

Glenn

Glenn is a simple, yet timeless name often linked to nature.

Glynn

Glynn is similar to Glenn and carries the same nature-inspired feel.

Golshan

Golshan means “rose garden” and has Persian roots.

Golzar

Golzar is another name with Persian origins, meaning “garden of flowers.”

Gopal

Gopal is a traditional Indian name meaning “protector of cows.”

Gordon

Gordon is a sturdy name, historically meaning “spacious fort.”

Gordy

Gordy is a more casual and friendly version of Gordon.

Gorka

Gorka is a Basque name, often seen as a form of George.

Govind

Govind is a revered name in Indian culture, meaning “cowherd.”

Goyo

Goyo has Spanish roots and is often a short form of Gregorio.

Grahame

Grahame is an alternative spelling of Graham.

Graf

Graf is a name rooted in nobility, meaning “count.”

Greg

Greg is a familiar and strong name, short for Gregory.

György

György is the Hungarian form of George.

Greig

Greig is a variation of Craig, often found in Scotland.

Grenville

Grenville is a name of French origin, meaning “village of the sun.”

Grey

Grey is a modern and stylish name, often linked to the color.

Greyson

Greyson is a powerful name, indicating a son of Grey.

Grigol

Grigol is the Georgian variation of George.

Grisham

Grisham is a name that may bring to mind accomplished authors.

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a name with religious and cultural significance, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

Guilio

Guilio is an Italian name, often related to Julius.

Guistino

Guistino is an older Italian name, meaning “just.”

Gurpreet

Gurpreet is a Punjabi name, meaning “beloved of the guru.”

Gustavo

Gustavo is a strong and energetic name, common in Spanish-speaking regions.

Guto

Guto is a Welsh name. It is often a nickname for Griffith.

Gwendal

Gwendal has Celtic roots and exudes a mystical aura.

Gwere

Gwere is a very unique name with a sense of mystery.