What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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1423 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With B

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Benjamin	Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Brooklyn	Girl	Broken land; Marsh; One who lives near a brook
Brooks	Boy	Stream; One who lived near a brook or stream
Beau	Boy	Beautiful; Handsome
Brielle	Girl	God is my strength
Bryson	Boy	Freckled; Son of Brice; Speckled man's son
Brayden	Boy	Broad valley; Wise; Brave; Descendant of Bradán; Salmon
Braxton	Boy	Bracca's settlement
Bryce	Boy	Freckled; Strength; Swift; Speckled
Blakely	Girl	Black; Dark; Woodland clearing

Brantley	Boy	Fire; Steep meadow
Brandon	Boy	Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom
Brianna	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Bradley	Boy	A broad clearing or field
Beckett	Boy	Beehive; Stream
Beckham	Boy	Becca's homestead
Brady	Boy	Spirited; Descendant of Brádach
Bryan	Boy	Strong; Noble; High; Hill
Brian	Boy	High; Power; Hill
Brooklynn	Girl	Broken land; Marsh; One who lives near a brook

Briella	Girl	God is my strength
Briggs	Boy	Bridge
Braylen	Boy	Broad valley; Salmon; Marsh
Braelynn	Girl	Primrose; Hill
Braylon	Boy	Broad valley; Hill; Salmon
Bonnie	Girl	Beautiful; Good
Bodie	Boy	Awakening; Enlightenment; Large-bodied
Baylee	Girl	Bailiff; Administrator
Bruce	Boy	From the woods; The willowlands
Brixton	Boy	A district in South London; Stone of the Saxon lord Brixi

Beatrice	Girl	Voyager; Blessed one
Boone	Boy	One who grows beans; Good
Benson	Boy	Son of Benedict; Blessed
Braylee	Girl	Brier clearing; Meadow clearing
Briana	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Blaire	Girl	Field; Plain; Battlefield
Bethany	Girl	House of figs
Brycen	Boy	Son of Brice; Speckled man's son
Baylor	Boy	One who delivers goods; Measuring stick
Bridger	Boy	Someone living or working near a bridge

Bridget	Girl	The exalted one; Power; Strength; Virtue
Braelyn	Girl	Primrose; Hill
Byron	Boy	Barn; From the barn; Place of the cow sheds
Bexley	Girl	Wood land clearing surrounded by box trees
Brendan	Boy	Fiery hill; Prince; King
Ben	Boy	Son
Brock	Boy	Badger; Badger-like
Bria	Girl	Hill; Power; High; God is my strong man
Bryant	Boy	High; Hill; Might; Power; Honorable; Virtuous
Bear	Boy	Produce; To give birth; Brown; Bear

Boden	Boy	Messenger; Bottom; Small hut; Descendant of Buadan; One who takes shelter
Bronson	Boy	Son of Brown; Son of the dark-skinned
Brennan	Boy	Rain; Moisture; Drop
Brynleigh	Girl	Hill; Mound; Burnt meadow
Braden	Boy	Broad valley; Brave; Salmon
Barbara	Girl	Stranger; Foreigner
Brecken	Boy	Freckled; Speckled
Branson	Boy	Burning sword; Son of Brandr
Brittany	Girl	From Britain; From the land of Britons
Benedict	Boy	Blessed

Bishop	Boy	Overseer
Belle	Girl	Beautiful; God is my oath
Brett	Boy	A Breton or a person from Brittany
Braydon	Boy	A wide hillside; From Bradden
Beatrix	Girl	Voyager; Blessed
Blake	Girl	Pale
Betty	Girl	Oath of God
Bernadette	Girl	Brave bear
Brice	Boy	Freckled; Speckled
Booker	Boy	One who makes books

Brent	Boy	Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
Benton	Boy	Settlement in a grassy place; Bent grass enclosure; One who is from the place where the bent grass grows
Brentley	Boy	A hilltop; Steep hill
Blessing	Girl	Consecration
Brayson	Boy	Hill; Son of Bray
Beverly	Girl	Beaver stream
Bernard	Boy	Brave bear; Strong
Brynley	Unisex	Burned clearing; Hill; Mound
Bryn	Girl	Hill; Mound; Meadow bridge
Brexton	Boy	Bracca's town

Bowie	Boy	Yellow; Fair-haired
Bryton	Unisex	Of or relating to the region of Brittany or Breton
Barron	Boy	A title of nobility; Son of strength; Servant; Warrior
Bayleigh	Girl	Bailiff; Administrator
Braiden	Unisex	Salmon; Thief
Beck	Boy	Stream; To tie
Blythe	Girl	Happy
Brenna	Girl	Raven-haired; Sword
Belinda	Girl	Beautiful Serpent; Soft and flexible
Brysen	Boy	Freckled; Son of Brice; Speckled man's son

Baron	Boy	Man; Warrior; Wealthy male landowner; Son of strength
Breanna	Girl	Hill; Might; Noble
Brayleigh	Unisex	Briar clearing; Hill clearing
Braven	Unisex	Show-off; Fine; Courageous; Raven
Bennett	Girl	Blessed
Blakelyn	Girl	Black; Pale
Boyd	Boy	Yellow; Fair
Bryanna	Girl	Exalted one; Eminence; Might; Strength; Power
Brenden	Boy	Prince; King; Outstanding
Brigham	Boy	Bridge settlement

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Infographic: Meaningful English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With B

If you are ready to embark on the journey to find a meaningful name for your child, check out our infographic below. It shares a list of English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With B that are elegant and distinct. These options are selected from diverse cultures and languages, offering you the best baby name options worldwide. Scroll through the list to find a suitable name based on your preference and liking.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With B(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.