When it comes to the sound of modern boyhood, British and American parents just don't agree. American boys' names are getting more and more formal. US parents even invent new "formal" extensions for full names they consider too short. As for diminutives, you doubtless know families that correct any attempt in that direction: "It's Thomas, not Tommy." Even classic male names that end in a -y may be seen as too cutesy or feminine.
Meanwhile in Britain, it's a cute nickname carnival. The given name Charlie is five times as popular as Charles; Frankie five times as popular as Frank. And the -y ending is so hot, it's sending names as stylistically diverse as Oakley and Barnaby soaring up the charts.
If you're an American parent, "cute" may not cut it for you. But other British name trends point to fashion opportunities your friends and neighbors haven't discovered yet. Read on for fresh ideas from the England & Wales top 100. (And be sure to check out the girls' list, too!)
Sturdy Gents
These names are solid, sturdy, unmistakably masculine … and completely overlooked by most American parents:
Albert (99)
Arthur (43)
Frederick (82)
Lewis (46; Louis ranks #77)
Leon (75)
Atta Boy
While American parents get ever more formal with male names, British parents are embracing fun, boyish nicknames:
Alfie (11)
Archie (16)
Bobby (59)
Frankie (62)
Freddie (35)
Harry (3)
Jamie (68)
Louie (71)
Ollie (80)
Ronnie (90)
Teddy (86)
Tommy (52)
Quirky Gents
These names beg for a bow tie and suspenders (that's braces to you UK parents):
Dexter (63)
Felix (91)
Hugo (74)
Reuben (54)
Theo (41)
"Y" Not?
A -y ending is increasingly feminine in the US, but plenty of masculine standbys remain:
Finley (34; Finlay ranks #87)
Harvey (48)
Rory (96)
Stanley (70)
Toby (44)
Would you use one of the British boys' names for your son?
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