21 Graceful And Classy Royal Boy Names For You Baby [2024]

A newborn baby with a crown on his head

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, we have rounded up a list of some of the most wonderful royal boy names here. From the classic to contemporary, we’ve included everything. Peep on!

In This Article

Royal Names For Boys, With Meanings

Royal baby names for boys are associated with centuries of history. They also carry the notions of leadership, strength, and nobility, all of which are qualities parents wish to see in their children. So read on to discover some royal names that have retained their aura across time.

1. Archie

Archie is the latest name to enter the royalty as the 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 throughout 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’.

protip_icon Trivia
According to news reports, in 2015, a couple in France was banned from naming their child ‘Prince William’ as Judges in Perpignan wanted to save the child from a ‘lifetime of mockery.’

4. Ernest

Ernest, royal names for boys

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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. Associated with nobility, Augustus is the perfect choice for those looking for elegant baby names.

6. Philip

Philip is 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 name 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 is one of those old-fashioned baby boy names that has been carried by monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Prussia, Norway, and Saxony.

8. Lionel

Lionel, royal names for boys

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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, this royal baby name for boys had a cult following. 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.

protip_icon Did you know?
The name George is a derivative of the Greek name ‘Geōrgios.’ Its feminine variants are Georgia, Georgiana, and Georgina.

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

Arthur was inspired by the name of the seventh son of Queen Victoria

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Arthur was a top royal name for boys 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. It is one of the classic English baby boy names, with Prince Charles, the current heir to the throne of England, being a prominent bearer. The meaning of Charles is ‘free man’.

16. David

David, Royal names for boys

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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 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

Richard means 'a dominant ruler'

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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. This royal name, connected to the Biblical name Jacob, continues to be one of the popular baby boy names.

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 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.

royal names for your little prince (infographic)

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.

Illustration: Graceful And Classy Royal Boy Names For You Baby

royal names for boys_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Arshi Ahmed
Arshi AhmedMA (English)
Arshi Ahmed did her graduation from Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata, and post graduation in English from Lovely Professional University. With nearly four years of experience, she specializes in writing baby names articles as she loves to help new parents find a name for their child.

Read full bio of Arshi Ahmed
Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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