26. Ronald
Even Harry Potter’s BFF can’t give Ronald a new lease on life. The name, which means ruler’s counselor (an interesting name choice by J.K. Rowling), has fallen from its top 10 peak in 1930s and ’40s.
27. Timothy
With its nice meaning, honoring God, and its short-and-sweet Tim nickname, it’s no wonder this was a popular pick through most of the last century.
28. Jason
A Greek myth favorite, Jason still ranks in the top 100 and means healer.
29. Jeffrey
A top 20 name from the 1950s to the 1970s, Jeffrey has a lovely baby name meaning, pledge of peace.
30. Ryan
Another popular Irish pick, Ryan means little king—and it’s recently gained some traction for girls, as well.
31. Gary
Silver screen legend Gary Cooper drove this English name’s wave of popularity. The name means spearman.
32. Nicholas
Santa Claus’s origin story comes from this popular early Christian saint, and the name means victory.
33. Eric
A Scandinavian classic, Eric means eternal ruler.
34. Jacob
A long #1 run in the first decade of this century helped this Old Testament classic, which means supplanter, make the all-time most popular list.
35. Stephen
A popular saint and numerous luminaries make this classic, which means crown, a timeless pick.
36. Jonathan
A cool variant of John, Jonathan was a top 20 pick throughout the 1980s, but has fallen into the top 200 recently. It means gift of Jehovah.
37. Larry
This Lawrence nickname shares its meaning—person from Laurentium—and its heyday in the 20th century.
38. Frank
The shortened nickname for Francis outshone its origin in popularity. But thanks to the new pope, Francis, which means free man, may rise again.
39. Scott
Not surprisingly, Scott means Scotsman—and it was a popular pick throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
40. Justin
A popular pick in the 1980s and ’90s, Justin means fair and righteous.
41. Brandon
A top 10 pick throughout the 1990s, Brandon ranks a bit lower now. It’s an English name that means broom-covered hill.
42. Raymond
These days, not everyone loves Raymond—in fact, it’s fallen into the top 400 from its top 20 peak in the 1920s.
43. Gregory
This Greek name rose to its heights in the 1950s to 1970s, and means vigilance.
44. Samuel
This timeless Old Testament name means “told by God.”
45. Benjamin
Benjamin means son of the right hand, and has enjoyed a long stretch of popularity—it’s been in the top 50 since the 1970s.
46. Patrick
While Patrick is associated with the popular Irish saint (and his associated free-drinking holiday), the name comes from the Latin word for nobility, patrician.
47. Jack
This John nickname became a popular name in its own right, and means God is gracious.
48. Dennis
A Baby Boom era favorite, Dennis actually comes from the Greek name Dionysus.
49. Alexander
This timeless favorite—currently still in the top 10—means defender of men.
50. Jerry
This diminutive of Gerald shares its meaning—ruler with a spear—and Gerald’s current lack of popularity.
More on Baby Names:
- 30 Baby Names That Sound Beautiful in Both English & Spanish
- Baby Names from the 1980s That Nobody Names Their Kid Anymore
- 30 Baby Names You Should Never Give Your Kid
- 21 Strong Boy Names With Amazing Meanings
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