The Personality Traits Associated With the Top Boys’ Names of 2025

We've always been intrigued by baby names and the history and meanings behind them. Recent trends have piqued our curiosity even further.

Over the past few years, it seems parents have gravitated toward classic names, looking back to history for inspiration and taking names from religion, mythology and even royalty. This is particularly true for boys, with the most popular names being strong titles with striking connotations. We've come to associate specific traits with certain names, and if you're eager to learn more, below are the 15 most popular names for boys girls in the United States in 2025, and the stories behind each one.

15. Ezra

Ezra feels like a more old-fashioned name that's only recently come back into common usage. It's a name of Hebrew origin meaning "helper," and also belonged to the biblical figure Ezra the Scribe, credited with writing The Book of Ezra.

Personality-wise, we see Ezras as boys who are pretty introverted with people until they finally open upon and reveal their true personalities. They stand out, even when they don't mean to, because of their cleverness and great sense of humor. They're also focused on success and are willing to put in the work to hone their talents, so they usually have impressive skills.

 

14. Jack

Jack is just one of many classic names on this list that seems to never get old. The name Jack actually began its life as a nickname for John, with Hebrew origins and essentially meaning "God is gracious." Today, however, we consider Jack a full name in its own right.

Guys named Jack generally have a reputation for being a good friend. While they can be mischievous, as well as adventurous, they tend to be reliable, and someone you can confide in and trust when it matters most. They're also good listeners and love giving out advice, even when you haven't asked for it.

 

13. Sebastian

The name Sebastian was relatively uncommon until the year 2000, and his since seen an explosion in popularity. It's based on the  Greek name Sebastianos, meaning "from Sebastia," referring to a city in what's now central Turkey and suggesting a state of vulnerability. It's been in use since Ancient Greek times.

Today, we view Sebastians as men who work hard and display powerful perseverance, despite a tendency to underestimate themselves. They can be a bit idiosyncratic, but in a way that's endearing and makes them beloved by the people in their lives. You have to get to know them well to truly understand them, but it's completely worth the effort.

(via Shutterstock)

 

12. Levi

Levi is yet another name that's skyrocketed in popularity in the last couple of decades. It's name of Hebrew origin, roughly meaning "joiner." In the bible, Levi was one of the sons of Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites.

In the modern day, we see Levis as guys who are caring, loving and consistently loyal. They have a strong work ethic and are known for being best friends who'll go out of their way for the people they care about. They care a lot about their reputations, but will still change course at the drop of a hat when it matters most.

 

11. Benjamin

Benjamin feels like a truly timeless name—especially with all of its abbreviations, including Ben, Benny and Benji—so it's no surprise to us that it also goes back thousands of years. It's a name of Hebrew origin coming from Binyāmīn, meaning "son of the right hand." In the bible, Benjamin was another one of the songs of Jacob.

We typically view Benjamins as kind and giving, first and foremost. They tend to be creative, with a dreamy and idealistic quality about them. They have big goals and ambitions, and the potential to achieve pretty much anything if they apply themselves.

 

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10. William

We really can't go anywhere without running into a William or two, whether they go by Will, Bill or any other variation of the name. It's a name of Germanic origin that effectively means "guardian," and it became widespread among English speakers following the Norman invasion of England in the 11th century.

Williams are often the life of the party. They're charming and take a keen interest in bringing joy to others by making them laugh and keeping them entertained. As the origin of the name suggests, they're also deeply protective of their close family and friends. They're not people you want to mess with.

 

9. Lucas

The popularity of the name Lucas took off in the '70s and hasn't slowed down since. It comes from the Latin "lucere" which means "to shine," and dates all the way back to Ancient Rome.

Boys with the name Lucas tend to be quite fiery and passionate, as their name implies. They're very considerate and caring of others, while not letting anyone else's opinions hold them back. They're innovators who pave their own path and march to the beat of their own drum.

 

8. Henry

At the moment, Henry is one of those names we associate with older men, younger boys and few people in between. The name went through a few changes from the original Old High German Haimarīks, or ruler, to become the name "Henry" we know today, and appropriately, it's belonged to many kings, emperors, nobles and more around the globe since the 15th century.

Despite the connotations of the name, we find that Henrys are anything but dictators. In fact, they're quite sweet and understanding, as well as very perceptive. They understand difficult situations better than most, and know how to rise to the occasion to solve problems when needed. They can also be fiercely protective.

 

7. Theodore

Theodore (and its popular nicknames Theo, Ted and Teddy) is a name that's always been popular, but gotten even more common in recent years. It comes from an Ancient Greek name Theódoros, which means "gift from the gods," and it's been widely in use from the ancient world all the way to today.

We view Theodores as men who are playful and fun-loving yet highly intelligent. They tend to be a bit unusual, standing out from the crowd, but in a way that actually makes them magnetically charming and popular. They're not afraid to push boundaries and live life to the fullest.

 

6. Mateo

Mateo is a Spanish name derived from the biblical name Matthew. It means "gift of God," and in fact, Matthew and Levi (already mentioned on this list) are widely considered to be the same person under two different names. This variation has been used as far back as the 12th century.

These days, Mateos have a reputation for being very capable and highly athletic. They're quite intense when it comes to their passions, but are easygoing and friendly in their social lives. Still, they tend to keep their emotions guarded, and it can be tough to know how they really feel about any given situation.

 

Also read about: Here's What Your Sibling Order Might Reveal About You

 

5. Elijah

For a while, Elijah was a generally unusual baby name, though it's become more and more common since the '90s to become one of the biggest baby names of all. It's yet another name derived from the Hebrew phrase translating to "Jehovah is my God." In the bible, Elijah was a prophet who served as a vessel for performing God's miracles.

We've noticed that Elijahs tend to be highly intelligent and very observant, thinking and planning before they act. They can be introverted and reserved, but are ready to upon up to the right person and form bonds that can last a lifetime. They also have big hearts, and can surprise people with their caring and protective ways.

(via Shutterstock)

 

4. James

When it comes to names that feel truly timeless, James is probably at the top of the list. It's actually a variant of the biblical name Jacob, who we've mentioned above as the head of the Israelites. The name James goes all the way back to the 13th century in England, and went on to be the name of a line of Scottish kings.

We associate the name with charismatic figures who attract others with their good looks and talent. They have big, bold personalities that command attention, and they typically don't mind the spotlight in the slightest. They love to be adored, and aren't afraid to play up their best traits for their admirers.

 

3. Oliver

The name Oliver comes from the Latin for "olive tree," suggesting peace and prosperity. The name was famously used in Song of Roland, an 11th century epic poem detailing the conquests of a military leader named Roland. Oliver was a popular name in medieval England and remains just as beloved today, with its usage consistently increasing since the '90s.

Olivers have a reputation for being effortlessly witty and cool, yet very humble. They don't think too highly of themselves and are usually surrounded by caring friends. They're also highly creative and inventive, as well as wise beyond their years.

 

2. Noah

The story of Noah is one of the most famous in the bible, so we're not at all surprised that it's been popular since the '70s. It's believed to come from the Hebrew word "nuach" meaning rest, and in the bible, Noah built an ark and rounded up all of the animals in pairs to save them and mankind from extinction during a great flood.

Modern-day Noahs are also known for their selflessness. They're caring as well as protective, and they'll often put others before themselves. Noahs are dedicated to their craft and hard-working, and while many may see them as gifted, they've earned those talents by putting the time in.

 

1. Liam

Liam is an Irish name that's actually a shortened form of William, which, as we explained above, effectively means "guardian." It was used almost exclusively in Ireland until the 1850s, when many Irish migrants left the country due to famine and the name spread to surrounding England, Wales and beyond.

Liams tend to be artists, through and through. They're deep thinkers who see the universe from a unique perspective, and while they can be a bit unpredictable, you can always expect greatness from them. Liams are perpetually eager to learn and grow and share their contributions with the world at large.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Curious about the top girls' names, too? Click HERE to learn all about those origins and associations as well.