Image: Shutterstock
Royal names for boys are so regal, no pun intended! Such names have been rather popular with royalty, and there’s nothing disputing the power, majesty and tradition of these names.
So, now that you are thinking of a name for your bundle of joy, why not give him a regal and glorious name? Royal names have an aura of majesty and power, the traits that every mommy wants her son to have! So, MomJunction has rounded up a list of 21 wonderful royal boy names here. From the classic to contemporary, we’ve included everything. Peep on!
Royal Names For Boys, With Meanings
1. Archie
Archie is the latest name to enter the royalty as Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, have named their baby Archie. The name doesn’t have any royal connotations but has been one of the most popular names in England. Archie means “genuine”, “bold” or “brave”.
2. Edward
The name Edward appears through the royal history. It was the name of eight English kings, including the name of the youngest son of the current queen. The name Edward means ‘happy guardian.’ Unlike most of the royal baby boy names, Edward is truly classic. It keeps moving in and out of fashion.
3. William
William has been a noble name in the United Kingdom for nearly a thousand year. Prince William, the son Prince Charles is the most famous bearer of this name. The meaning of William is ‘resolute protector’.
Trivia4. Ernest
Image: Shutterstock
Ernest is a funky and clunky Germanic imported name with a literary and adventurous flair. Ernest, the derivative of the Latin word Ernis, was brought over by the Normans. The name was not much used by the British royal family and was more popular in Germany. The name kicked off when George III named his fifth son Ernest in 1771.
5. Augustus
Augustus is an ancient, awe-inspiring name of the kings and emperors. Derived from the Latin word meaning ‘majestic, venerable, and noble,’ Augustus was originally a religious term derived from the word ‘augur.’ It became a name when it was bestowed upon Caius Octavius, an honorary cognomen by the Roman Senate.
6. Philip
Philip is a decidedly royal and traditional. It is perfectly familiar but is little used today. Phillippos, a variation of the name Philip was well used in antiquity, especially among the elites. The name later evolved into the short name Philip. The most famous bearer of this name is Philip II of Macedon, Alexander, the Great’s father.
7. Frederick
Frederick is a distinguished royal baby names for boys with a flair and panache. The Normans brought the Old Germanic name ‘Frithuric’ to Britain, where it merged with the Old English name Friðuric. Frederick has been borne by monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Prussia, Norway, and Saxony.
8. Lionel
Image: IStock
Lionel is a symbolically majestic name with a cozy and crusty vibe. The name has now got a new lease, all thanks to Lionel Messi, the superstar footballer. You can trace the name Lionel to the Arthurian legend. Sir Lionel was the second of King Bors of Gaul and the cousin of Lancelot. The name was rarely used until Edward III bestowed it upon his son.
9. Christopher
If you want a name that’s regal and traditional, but in a friendly way, then Christopher is worth a second chance. The use of Christopher as a royal name can be traced back to the 13th century. And in the 14th century, the cult of this royal baby names for boys was at its peak. The name continued to flourish for three centuries. Even though Christopher has been a perennial favorite for centuries, it is currently underused.
10. George
Do we need to mention its current famous bearer? Well, it’s Prince George of Cambridge, the son of Charlotte and Prince William.
Did you know?11. Adrian
Well used in English in the 20th century and the moniker of several saints and one Pope, Adrian would be a winning choice. This royal baby boy name was neglected in the past because of its similarity to the female name Adrienne but is now being reconsidered. If not Adrian, then you can consider Hadrian, the Roman Emperor version. The meaning of Adrian is ‘man of Adria’.
12. Arthur
Image: IStock
Arthur was a top royal name for boy in the 17th and 18th century. Even Queen Victoria named her seventh son Arthur. After being neglected for several years, the name is being polished and revived by traditional parents.
13. Alfred
Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, is a notable royal bearer of this name. He was a compassionate, wise and learned king of Old England in the 10th century. The name Alfred reached the height of its popularity from the late 18th to the early 20th century. Fred and Alfie would make perfect nicknames for this one.
14. Henry
Henry is truly a timeless royal name. To date, there have been eight King Henrys, the last one, Henry VIII being the most famous. Prince Charles’ second son is also named Henry but is affectionately known as Prince Harry.
Beth Grace Moore, a mother of two, reveals a few timeless and unique names for boys she loves but will not be using for her baby. Regarding the name Henry, she says, “I like it spelled with an ‘i,’ so almost like the French version… but I wouldn’t pronounce it like that, I would still pronounce it as Henry, just spell it with an ‘i’… But I just think that Henry is such a beautiful name, it’s so classic it just sounds so strong to me. I also obviously love the French version and spelling… but we decided that we’re not gonna pigeonhole ourselves into the French theme… We’re just gonna stick with classic, really timeless names and I think that’s how all of the names of our kids will tie together. So Henry has been taken off the list for now but I will live vicariously through whoever chooses to name their baby boy this in my place (i).”
15. Charles
Popularized by Charles the Great, this name and its variations have been used royally in several countries. Prince Charles, the present heir to the throne of England and its dominions, is the most popular holder of this name. The meaning of Charles is ‘free man’.
16. David
Image: IStock
David is another favorite with the Royals. It witnessed a surge in popularity in the 18th century. It is also believed that King Edward VIII was the informally known as David, the last of his seven names.
17. Brice
Brice is the family name of the famous Scottish King Robert, who led his country to Independence in the year 1320. Don’t you think Brice is an uncommon royal boy names? At least, your kid won’t fear of bumping into another Brice in school.
18. Indulf
Indulf is the English version of the medieval Gaelic name ‘Ildulb’. Indulf Mac Causantin, the king of the Scots, is a famous possessor of this name.
19. Alexander
Alexander, meaning defender of humankind goes back to the 4th century. After Alexander the Great, eight popes, three emperors, and numerous kings and saints were named Alexander. The other variation of Alexander includes Xander, Alex, and Alessandro.
20. Richard
Image: Shutterstock
Richard, meaning ‘dominant ruler’ was favored by the kings and rulers in the 15th and 16th century. The most famous king was King Richard, fondly dubbed as “Richard the Lionheart”. Richard has vast possibilities for nicknames like Ricky and Richie.
21. James
Six Scottish Kings were named James, including James I who ascended to the British throne after the death of Elizabeth. The royal name for baby boy, James also shares its roots with the Biblical name Jacob.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have royal names for boys changed over the years?
Royal names for boys have changed over the years. Traditional names, such as George, Edward, and Henry, were common among royal families. However, more modern and unique names, such as William, Harry, and Charles, have been used recently.
2. Do different cultures have varied traditions for naming their royal boys?
Yes, different cultures have varied traditions for naming their royal boys. Naming traditions for royal boys vary across cultures and are often influenced by religious and historical factors.
3. How do royal families choose names for their newborn boys?
Royal families typically choose names for their newborn boys that reflect tradition, family history, and sometimes current events or popular culture. The names are often chosen after careful consideration and consultation with family members and advisors.
Whether you are a king or not, your son is your prince. And therefore, you may want to give him a royal name. These names can add a class, grit, and regality to your child’s personality. William, Philip, Henry, and Arthur are some of the many royal names for baby boys. Pick one of these interesting names for your baby from this well-curated list of royal names and their meanings. You can consider checking how these names go with their middle name and last name to get the sound of the name right.
Infographic: Baby Boy Names That Reflect Royalty
For ages, kings and queens were the highest officials to rule. Even now, you can find many royal families around the world. They are the perfect example of graciousness and mannerisms. So, if you want to give your baby a royal name, look at the infographic below for suggestions. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Royal baby boy names are elegant and timeless.
- Royal baby names range from classic names like Henry and Arthur to modern ones like Adrian and Archie.
- Augustus and Alexander are popular royal names with powerful meanings.
- Brice and Ingulf are unique royal baby names that will make your baby stand out.
- Make sure the name you choose matches the middle name and the surname.
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Find inspiration in these 20 regal and majestic names for your little prince. From timeless classics to modern inspirations, explore these names and take your pick.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Baby boy names I love but won’t be using! | timeless + unique;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io7sfkAZAa8&t=244s
Read full bio of Arshi Ahmed
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Angela Alex
