Parenting

38 Names Dads Would Give Their Baby Boys If Their Partners Didn't Have a Say

ParentingPublished Apr 9, 2020
By Genny Glassman
toddler eating a popsicleiStock.com

There is so much riding on what parents name their children. It's the name that they will be called forever -- on job applications and school ID cards and someday when they run for president ... OK, maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves. But choosing a baby name is a big deal. It also comes with the challenge of both partners liking the same name, which is not always easy. In an effort to delve into the male psyche, we asked dads what they would name their sons if they didn't have to consider their partner's opinions.

It's an interesting thought experiment, right? Baby names are usually a source of debate until both people in a couple find something upon which they can agree. But when there's only person in charge? Well, that changes the game completely. Some of the names dads chose were surprising; some were ... not (I won't tell which character from Star Wars they favored). Most of them were classic, rugged, and completely all-American. No surprise there!

So take a look at these baby names that men would name their baby if they didn't have any one else to compromise with. They might just inspire a few "honest" conversations. Or maybe inspire some new names to be added to the baby name list!

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TREY
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TREY

Here's a more common baby name that dads love and moms just might be able to hop on board with. Trey comes from Middle English and means three, so it's often given to the third born child. If this is baby number three, it's a cool tradition to follow.

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SLADE
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SLADE

While Slade isn't a super popular baby name these days, a lot of dads are huge fans because it's a name that's often used in video games and superhero movies -- something that they may really love. It's original, too -- the baby will likely never meet someone who shares his name.

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JETER

Another one for the sports fans out there! This name has definitely been made popular thanks to the former New York Yankees player, Derek Jeter, and now, it's crossing over into baby name territory. This could end up being high on Dad's list if he's a big sports fan.

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ROCCO

As kids, we just couldn't stop watching the Nickelodeon series Rocco's Modern Life, so it's not surprising that some dads out there would want to name their child after the character that brought them so much joy when they were younger. But unsurprisingly, some moms just aren't on board.

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JAGGER

Much like Axel, a name like Jagger might appeal to dads who are into music and rock and roll -- duh, Mick Jagger is a legend. But this name has also seriously been increasing in popularity lately, so maybe, some moms out there are finally getting on board, too?

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REX
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REX

if Dad suggests the name Rex and Mom's mind immediately goes to the dinosaur from Toy Story, we're definitely not going to blame her -- that's what we instantly thought about, too! But this is actually a real name that some humans have ... and some dogs.

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STONE
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STONE

Is Dad a nature lover, or maybe he just wants a name that sounds super hardcore? Then Stone might end up being his favorite pick. It's definitely a little out there, but this baby wouldn't be the first (or the last) to have this as his name.

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CODY

This name is a pretty tame one -- it's been popular through the years, and we've probably all met a Cody or two in our time at this point. But it's definitely more popular with dads than moms. The name Cody comes from Irish and is thought to mean "wealthy." Not bad...

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MADDEN

If Dad just so happens to be video game obsessed, don't be surprised if the name Madden comes up while talking about potential names for a baby boy -- this is also the name of a popular sports game franchise. It's kind of cute, though, and definitely original.

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CHANCE

Yes, Chance makes us think of the dog from Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, which may end up being a bit of a turn off for some moms whose partners are insisting on this name. Even so, it's a pretty unusual one -- he'll probably be the only kid in his class with this name!

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ACE

OK, we'll admit it -- Ace is kind of cute, even if it does seem more like a nickname than anything else. But it also comes with the energy that baby boy is going to be good at everything he does ... which seems like a lot of pressure, even if it is a good omen. Hmm...

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GUNNER

The name Gunner is certainly an uncommon one, but it comes with a strong meaning, too. Gunner comes from the Old Norse word "Gunnarr," which means war, strife, and battle. A dad may choose to go with a name like this if he's hoping his little man turns out to be a fighter.

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AXEL

Here's another one of those hardcore baby names that might seem like a bit much to some moms (although we're sure there are plenty out there that love it!). Immediately, we think of Axl Rose from Guns 'N Roses, so this might be a popular pick if Dad just so happens to be a big music fan.

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DALLAS

This name can definitely be a popular one, but it seems like more dads than moms are rooting for this name for their baby boy! Whether he's named after the city in Texas or maybe even for its football team, regardless of where baby lives, this name is unusual and cute, even if Mom may not agree!

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CASH
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CASH

Cash has only recently entered favor for baby boy names, perhaps due to actress Jessica Alba's husband, Cash Warren. This is also a popular name with country and rock fans, thanks to musician Johnny Cash. Though the Old West comes to mind, we can see Cash just as easily on the back of a football jersey!

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JARED
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JARED

A real rough and tumble name! Jared, meaning "descent" in Hebrew, gives us all-American boy vibes. We can see little Jared playing soccer and scoring runs in Little League. Don't forget famous Jareds, Jared Padalecki and Jared Leto -- two Jared heartthrobs who are unforgettable!

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JAKOB
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JAKOB

A strong name with a strong history, Jakob has roots in ancient Hebrew. Though the more popular spelling is Jacob, the name is incredibly popular, staying within the top 5 baby names since 2008! Looking for fellow Jakob lovers? Take a look at Jakob Dylan (son of Bob Dylan) and Jakob Danger Armstrong (son of Green Day's Billie Joe Armstong). Rockin'!

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TYRUS
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TYRUS

This unusual name is a perfect compromise between Tyson and Cyrus. Tyrus might be more familiar to men due to the fact that there are several professional athletes with the name, including baseball players Tyrus Raymond Cobb and Tyrus Turner Barber, and basketball player Tyrus Wayne Thomas. Play ball!

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ALASKA
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ALASKA

From the breathtaking views, to state pastimes of hunting and fishing, it's easy to see why Alaska has a rugged and manly appeal. A good choice for an outdoorsy family that loves a good flannel, or maybe just wants to represent its favorite state! Alaska is also gender neutral, so it's good for a little girl, too!

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HUNTER
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HUNTER

Another manly name taken from the outdoors! Hunter, which has Middle English roots, has been in the top 100 baby names since the 1990s. It peaked at No. 36 in 2012, but no worries, this name is on track to be popular for many years to come!

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JUNIOR
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JUNIOR

The name Junior is a TBT trend! Originally popular in the early 1900s, Junior hit its peak popularity in the 1920s at No. 134. A good name for the affectionate father who wants the world to know that this is his pride and joy, Junior is one that many men consider to be a top choice!

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SHANE
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SHANE

A name with Irish origins, Shane is a good choice due to its popularity. Since the '70s, Shane has been a popular choice in America, peaking at No. 60. If that isn't convincing, take a look at '90s heart throb Shane West, and professional athletes Shane Battier, Shane Mosley, and Shane Victorino!

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BRYCE
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BRYCE

A name meaning "strength," Bryce sounds like quite the rough-and-tumble boy's name! It hit its peak popularity in 2007 at No. 111, and we can see why Bryce is a dad's top choice. Just think of Washington Nationals player Bryce Harper and hockey player Bryce Lampman. Two strong guys with one strong name!

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GERONIMO
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GERONIMO

Geronimo! Take a leap on this baby name. Originally the name of the prominent leader and medicine man of the Chiricahua tribe, Geronimo has an Old West vibe. It also gives one the sense of the outdoors and even airplanes, as "Geronimo!" became a popular saying for soldiers to yell as they parachuted from their planes in the 1940s.

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ISAAC
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ISAAC

Blame it on all of the falling apples, but this is a name for a funny little guy! Isaac means "laughter" in Hebrew and in the last five years has risen to the top 30 baby names. Don't forget famous Isaacs, Isaac Hayes, Isaac Newton, and '90s brother-band member, Isaac Hanson!

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STUART
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STUART

Hey there, Stuart Little! No, we aren't talking to the mouse protagonist from the beloved children's book series, we're talking about this baby name that men seem to adore! Stuart, from the French last name meaning "keeper of the animal enclosure" (steward), gives us the connotation of stability, structure, and protection.

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SEAMUS

Though we tend to think this baby name originated in Ireland, its roots are actually English! Seamus is a common Irish name, comparable to James or Sean in the US. And have no concerns about Seamus' burgeoning popularity -- young readers will always be familiar with the name due to the character Seamus Finnigan from Harry Potter.

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SAM
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SAM

This pet name is popular all on its own! Sam, meaning "name of God" in Hebrew, is also the name of musician Sam Smith, actor Sam Elliott, and a character in the classic Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham (Sam-I-am!). Stay cool, Sam!

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BROCK
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BROCK

A name for a true jock, here comes baby Brock! Despite its athletic reputation, the name has its roots in nature. In fact, in old English it means "badger," "a young deer," or a "brook, stream." Brock even has nerdier leanings. For instance, '90s babies will like this name due to the Pokemon gym leader Brock.

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XAVIER
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XAVIER

An incredibly popular Spanish name that American dads love! Xavier, meaning "the new house," most recently peaked in popularity in 2009 when it went to No. 68 on the American baby name charts! Not only that, but comic book fans will love this name due to the X-Men character Professor Charles Xavier. Super!

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MORTIMER

Surprisingly, men love this name! Mortimer sounds a little stuffy, but that's most likely because it had a strong trend in the late 1800s. Have no fear, a baby name with a little age denotes wisdom, security, and a quirky vintage style.

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OBI-WAN

The force may not be strong with this one. It's no surprise that men love Obi-Wan, but they may find it hard to convince their partners to choose this *Star Wars-*inspired name. If given a chance, the name could clearly lead to some great things: Obi-Wan was a legendary Jedi, Luke Skywalker's mentor, and displayed focus, patience, and, most importantly, the force!

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FELIX
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FELIX

Another name with nerdy roots! Felix, derived from the Latin word for "happy" or "lucky," was also the first name of Felix Gaeta on Battlestar Galactica. It also is the name of Felix Unger, half of the famous TV comedy duo The Odd Couple. Good nicknames include Flix, Fix, Flicks, Flicker, Lex, and Fox!

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JACKSON
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JACKSON

A name with political leanings! Jackson, which originated as an English name for "son of Jack," recently got into the top 20 most popular baby names, peaking at No. 16 in 2013. It also the name of former president Andrew Jackson (the guy on the $20 bill!).

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MAXWELL

Men love this baby name with Scottish origins! Maxwell is a compilation of the words for "great" and "spring, pool." The name has recently peaked in popularity at No. 107 in 2014 and gives one the sense of wealth, intellect, and strong character.

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JULIUS
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JULIUS

A manly name with a Latin origin! There are several prominent Juliuses for a young boy to look up to, including ruler of the Roman empire Julius Caesar, American basketball legend Julius Erving, and comedian Julius "Groucho" Marx. Though the name last appeared in the top 100 baby names in the 1800s, we think it's time for a comeback!

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ALEXANDER
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ALEXANDER

Such a strong and noble name for a little guy -- we can see why men love it. If the legacy of his name has any bearing, Alexander, from the Greek word meaning "defender of mankind," has a lot to live up to. It is also a popular name internationally, making the most popular baby name lists in Russia, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Australia, and Scotland (to name a few!). We have to say it -- this baby name is truly great!

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KING
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KING

A name for the future ruler of the household! (Just kidding.) King is an unusual choice that lets people know baby boy is No. 1. Popular variants are Kingston and Kingsley, which sweeten the name up a little bit. Sounds regal to us!

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