Favorite Baby Boy Names

Picking out a name for your baby boy can be a challenging feat. In many families, it is traditional for the eldest son to be named after his father. There are many ways to choose a baby boy name if that won't be the case for your child, or if he doesn't happen to be the first son. You can choose a name from the Bible that has significant meaning for your family. You can also choose from a baby book, other names you have heard, and from the internet. It is only natural that your friends and family are going to give you plenty of suggestions as well.

The top listing of boy names doesn't change too much. It is full of simple, basic names that are traditional in our culture. Jacob tops the list, and has since 1999. It was second from 1996 to 1998. Next is Michael who has been in second place since 1999. Michael was the number one boy name from 1996 to 1998.

Joshua is third on the list, fluctuating between third, fourth, and fifth from 1996 to 2006. Matthew holds steady at number four, a ranking it has held for the past four years. Fifth place is Ethan. This name has only gotten very popular in the past four years. It has held the rank of number five for the past three years. Prior to that, it was ranked forty second.

Andrew has been in the top ten for the past ten years, but has only ranked fifth and higher. The name ranks number six for 2006. Number seven is Daniel. This has always been a strong name in our culture. It is slowly becoming very popular again. It has jumped from number twenty two ten years ago.

Anthony has also increased in popularity over the past ten years, going from number nineteen up to number eight. Ranking 9th is Christopher. This is the one name on the top ten list that may soon be on its way out. Ten years ago it ranked number four. It has ranked ninth in two of the last four years with the other two years in that time frame being tenth and eighth. Joseph completes the top ten baby boy names. It remains a steady name, fluctuating in and out of the top ten with rankings from seven to twelve over the past ten years.

Some individuals choose to name their child something very original rather than going with the popular names. It may be a name you created on your own or a spin from another name you heard. Naming a baby boy based on the meaning of his name is something many people enjoy doing. They believe giving your son a strong name sake will ensure he is a strong person. Regardless of how you come up with the name for your baby boy, make sure it is something you are going to be happy with down the road. Remember your child has to live with that name for their entire life!