Choosing a baby name is the biggest deal. I came into marriage with a giant list of names I loved (definitely more girl than boy). But when it actually came time to use them, a lot of them were eliminated (some by me, more by Nick). I wanted a baby name that was a little more unique (not crazy), but cool and also just so cute (is that too much to ask?). Nick wanted a more traditional name that had a strong meaning. So finding a combination of the two has served to be quite the complicated order. Here is a list of baby boy names that we’ve officially eliminated (for a variety of reasons), in hopes they can inspire you when picking your baby boy name!
Crew
Crew means to grow (The Bump). It also means “a group of people,” according to ancestry.com (Ancestry). This just feels like a cool kids name. I would definitely want to be friends with him. I just feel like he’d be a seven on the Enneagram. It actually satisfies both of our requirements – good meaning and unique(ish)! Sadly, Nick’s cousin named her baby Crew AND some of our good friends just named their baby Crew, so it’s officially out.
Ryder
Ryder means horseman or rider (The Bump). The meaning is definitely fitting with the name. I haven’t heard this name very often so it satisfied my “unique” requirement. I also just love it. It’s strong but also so sweet. I’m obsessed with the nickname Ry. Ry is a nickname that would be cute as a baby and an adult, which is very important. Nick’s cousin named her other baby Ryder (I don’t even know this cousin). I do feel like we would be friends since we clearly have the same taste in baby names, but unfortunately that means this name is also out.
Asher
Asher means “blessed, happy, and ash tree” (which The Bump considers earthy) (The Bump). An amazing meaning – I would definitely want to speak that over my baby. I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone with this name but I think it’s so endearing. It’s unique, but not too out there. He feels like a very cool person. But a sweetheart at the same time. I love the nickname Ash! I may be partial to the name because my sister’s name is Ashlyn and my cousin’s name is Ashton. This is also why we can’t use the name. That would be way too many Ash’s for one family. But it’s a great name.
Wild
Wild can be translated to hunter, according to The Bump (The Bump). But we all know the word. Crazy, untamed, unrestrained. I know it’s unique, but I just think it’s so fun. I was inspired by Pastors Rich and Dawnchere Wilkerson from Vous church who named their son Wild. But I just don’t have the guts to name my baby this. I also don’t know if I want to speak that over my baby haha. I will definitely think you’re cool though if you do.
Parker
Parker means “park keeper” (Ancestry). This is the cutest name. Parker is easy to spell, rolls off the tongue, but still feels unique. It’s a little spunky, but also strong. He just feels fun to be around. I would definitely call him Park, which I didn’t love at first but I think he would make cool. The meaning is not super impressive, unfortunately. Unless he’s an outdoorsy guy and then it would be perfect!! Parker Bontrager is kind of a mouthful though, so it’s a no for us.
Tucker
Tucker means “softener of cloth” (Ancestry). I just love this name. It’s endearing and feels like someone who would be friends with everyone. I haven’t heard of many Tucker’s, so I love that it’s unique but still a solid name. Unfortunately my childhood dog’s name was Tucker and I don’t think I (or my family) could get over that. Also, the meaning isn’t ideal for Nick. So please use it for me.
Gabe
Gabe means “hero of God” or “God is my strength,” according to The Bump (The Bump). Okay so yes to the meaning. Also it‘s such a strong name. Gabe feels like the homecoming king. The teachers love him, the kids love him. Everyone wants to be his friend. He’s easy to talk to, so kind, but also cool. I genuinely love this name. I cannot get Nick behind it, unfortunately, so the search continues.
Nick
Nick means victory of the people. A strong name. Also my husband’s name. This has been on my baby list for so long! It’s such a solid, classic name. Definitely not as unique as some of my other names, but it just feels like someone very likable. Probably why I married one. I know we could do a Nick Jr., but that sounds complicated. It also reminds me of the television channel. If you didn’t marry a Nick and are looking for a strong name, here you go!
Dax
Dax means leader (Ancestry). I’m starting to only add names with good meanings to my notes list on my phone because otherwise they’ll be ruled out anyways. I love that Dax means leader. Dax is for sure a cool kid’s name. I love nicknames and this kind of feels like naming your baby a nickname. Dax sounds manly, strong, and athletic. Nick is not a fan of the name. And my dad and grandpa don’t like it because they don’t like Dak Prescott from the Dallas Cowboys and it’s too similar. Sigh.
Abraham
Abraham means father of nations (The Bump). Okay so very fertile which we love. It also makes me think of Abraham in the Bible who was an amazing leader and servant of the Lord. It would be a powerful name to speak over your baby. I’m actually drawn to this name for the nickname, Abe. Abe sounds like a very well rounded person – smart, funny, kind. It’s just so cute. Abraham Bontrager is a mouthful, I do suppose I could just name him Abe. It’s a no for now, but who knows how I’ll feel about it when I’m pregnant again.
Final Thoughts
Okay that’s 10 yay! I genuinely love all of these names so much and I hope they offered you some inspiration when thinking of your own boy baby names! Comment below your thoughts on these names, and some of your favorite names!! I’m here for all the inspo. Check out my blog post on some other things you can focus on when preparing for birth here!
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