When naming a baby boy, the Victorian era provides a wealth of unique and meaningful options that extend far beyond traditional names like Henry, William, Charles, George, and James. During this time, names were significant and often chosen based on religious, literary, historical, mythological, royal, and military themes.
Biblical names for boys, inspired by classic literature, were especially popular during the Victorian era. Many parents also named their children after important historical figures, such as kings, queens, and military heroes.
In This Article
100 Victorian Boy Names and Meanings
Our list of Victorian names for boys offers a refreshing departure from the traditional and mundane. With many unique and stylish options, there’s no need to settle for an outdated or stuffy name.
Albert
Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, was a great supporter of the arts and sciences, and played a key role in the development of the Great Exhibition in 1851. He was also instrumental in founding the Royal Albert Hall and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Alfred
Alfred is a classic English name with a rich history. Alfred Hitchcock is a British film director known for his suspenseful and thrilling movies.
Algernon
Algernon is a unique name with a French origin. Algernon Charles Swinburne is an English poet and critic who was known for his controversial writings on social and political issues.
Ambrose
Ambrose is a Greek name that means "immortal." St. Ambrose, a fourth-century theologian and bishop, is considered one of the four original doctors of the Church.
Archibald
Archibald is a Germanic name that means "truly bold." Archibald Wavell is a British field marshal who served in both World War I and World War II.
Arthur
Arthur was a popular name in Victorian times due to its association with the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The name was also popularized by Prince Arthur, the son of Queen Victoria.
Augustus
Augustus was a popular name during the Victorian era, as it was associated with the powerful and influential Roman Emperor Augustus.
Benjamin
Benjamin was a popular name in Victorian times, as it was associated with the Biblical figure of Benjamin, one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Bertram
Bertram was associated with the Germanic elements of "beraht", meaning bright, and "hramn", meaning raven.
Charles
Charles was associated with the royal family, particularly King Charles II. The name has also been used in literature, such as in Emily Bronte's novel "Wuthering Heights", which features a character named Charles Hindley Earnshaw.
Clarence
Clarence is a classic name with Latin roots meaning bright or shining. It was popularized by the English King Edward VII, who named his son and heir, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, Clarence.
Clement
Clement is a Latin name meaning merciful or gentle. It has been a popular name for many centuries, with famous bearers including British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and author Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Cyril
Cyril is a Greek name meaning lordly or masterful. It was popularized by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, a prominent theologian and Church Father in the 4th and 5th centuries.
Daniel
Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning God is my judge.
David
David is a Hebrew name meaning beloved. The name has also been used in various religious contexts, with King David of Israel being a prominent figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means world ruler. It has been a popular name among Scottish kings.
Dudley
Dudley is an English name that means "from the people's meadow." It was a popular name among the aristocracy in medieval England.
Edgar
Edgar is an English name that means "fortunate spearman." It was a popular name among Anglo-Saxon kings.
Edmund
Edmund is an English name that means "fortunate protector." It has been a popular name among English royalty.
Edward
Edward is an English name that means "wealthy guardian." It has been a popular name among English royalty.
Edwin
Edwin was a popular name in the Victorian era and is derived from an Old English name meaning "wealthy friend".
Egbert
Egbert is an Old English name meaning "bright edge." It was the name of the first king to unite all of England under one ruler, Egbert of Wessex.
Ernest
Ernest is a Germanic name that means "serious" or "determined."
Eugene
Eugene is a Greek name that means "well-born" or "noble."
Evan
Evan is a Welsh name that means "youth." It was a popular name in the Victorian era and has continued to be popular to this day.
Felix
Felix was a popular name in the Victorian era and has been used by many notable figures throughout history. The name's meaning of "happy" or "fortunate" is fitting for its positive connotation.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a strong and classic name that was favored by many in the Victorian era. The name's meaning of "bold voyager" makes it a fitting choice if you want your child to be adventurous and courageous.
Francis
Francis is a timeless name that has been used for centuries. The name's meaning of "Frenchman" or "free man" is significant in history and gives it a sense of nobility and independence.
Frank
Frank is a simple yet strong name. The name's meaning of "free man" gives it a sense of independence and individuality.
Frederick
Frederick is a classic and regal name. The name's meaning of "peaceful ruler" is fitting for its distinguished and authoritative connotation.
George
The name George was very popular in Victorian times, thanks in part to the popularity of George III who reigned for 60 years. George has been the name of six British kings, including the current one, and also has religious significance due to St. George, the patron saint of England.
Gerald
Gerald is a Germanic name that means "ruler with a spear." It was a popular name in the Victorian era and has been used by many famous people throughout history, including Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States.
Gilbert
Gilbert is a Germanic name that means "bright pledge". The name has also been used in literature, with characters named Gilbert appearing in works by authors such as Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery.
Godfrey
Godfrey is a Germanic name that means "God's peace". The name has also been used in literature, with characters named Godfrey appearing in works by authors such as Charles Dickens and George Eliot.
Gordon
Gordon is a Scottish name that means "great hill".
Graham
Graham is a surname-turned-first name that originated from the Old English words for "gray" and "homestead." The name is commonly found in English and Scottish families and gained popularity as a first name in the 19th century.
Harold
Harold is an English name that means "ruler of an army." One of the most famous Harolds is Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England who died in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Harry
Harry is a diminutive of the name Harold, which means "ruler of an army."
Harvey
Harvey is an English name that means "eager for battle" or "strong and worthy." It was a popular name in the 19th century and has been used in several works of fiction, such as the character Harvey Specter from the TV series "Suits."
Hector
Hector is a Greek name that means "steadfast" or "holding fast." In Greek mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince who was considered a hero for defending his city against the Greeks.
Henry
The name Henry has been used by eight English kings, including the famous King Henry VIII, and was also a popular name among American presidents.
Herbert
Herbert was a common name among British and American families during the Victorian era. The name's meaning, "bright army," has martial connotations, which may have appealed to parents in a period marked by colonialism and warfare.
Horace
The name Horace comes from the Latin word "hora," meaning "hour" or "time," and it was a common name among ancient Romans. It was adopted by English and American families during the Victorian era, possibly due to the popularity of the Roman poet Horace, whose works were widely read at the time.
Hubert
Hubert is a Germanic name meaning "bright mind." It was a common name among European nobility during the Middle Ages and was later adopted by English and American families. The name's popularity peaked in the early 20th century.
Hugh
Hugh is a Germanic name that means "mind" or "intellect." It was a common name among European royalty during the Middle Ages and was later adopted by English and American families. The name's popularity has remained relatively steady over the past century.
Isaac
The name Isaac comes from the Hebrew word "yitzchak," which means "he will laugh." In the Old Testament, Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, and he was known for his obedience to God.
Isaiah
Isaiah is a name of Hebrew origin that means "salvation of the Lord." In the Bible, Isaiah was a prophet who was known for his visions and prophecies of the coming of the Messiah.
Ivan
Ivan is a name of Slavic origin that means "God is gracious."
Jack
Jack is a classic English name that means "God is gracious." Jack is a simple and timeless name that is sure to stand the test of time.
James
James is a name of Hebrew origin that means "supplanter."
Jasper
Jasper is a name with Persian roots that means "treasurer".
Jeremiah
Jeremiah is a biblical name of Hebrew origin that means "exalted by God".
Jesse
Jesse is a name of Hebrew origin that means "gift". While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, it remains a popular choice for baby boys.
John
John is a biblical name of Hebrew origin that means "God is gracious". It has been a a consistently popular name for centuries.
Jonas
Jonas is a name of Hebrew origin that means "dove". It has been used as a first name since the Victorian era.
Joseph
Joseph is a biblical name that is most famously associated with the Old Testament story of Joseph and the coat of many colors.
Joshua
Joshua is a biblical name that is most famously associated with the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.
Julian
Julian was most popular in ancient Rome, where it was borne by several emperors. The name has been associated with youth and beauty, and it has been used as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Kenneth
Kenneth is a name with roots in Gaelic and has been popular in Scotland for centuries.
Lawrence
Lawrence is a name of Latin origin meaning "from the place of the laurel leaves". The name was borne by numerous saints and martyrs, and became popular in medieval Europe.
Leonard
Leonard is a Germanic name that means "brave lion".
Lionel
Lionel is a Latin name that means "young lion".
Louis
Louis is a Germanic name that means "famous warrior".
Malcolm
Malcolm is a Scottish name that means "disciple of Saint Columba".
Marcus
Marcus is a Latin name that means "warlike".
Martin
Martin Luther King Jr., an influential civil rights leader, played a significant role in the advancement of equality and justice in the United States.
Matthew
Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus in the Bible and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
Maxwell
The name Maxwell comes from a Scottish surname meaning "Mack's stream".
Melville
Herman Melville was an American author who wrote the iconic novel "Moby-Dick," which is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. His contributions to literature continue to be celebrated for their depth and exploration of human nature.
Michael
Michael is an archangel in the Bible and is considered the patron saint of soldiers.
Miles
Miles is a strong and classic name that has been popular for centuries. It was first used as a variation of the name Michael, but later became a name in its own right.
Montague
Montague is a French name that was popular in the Victorian era. It is derived from the Latin word "mons", meaning "hill", and "acutus", meaning "pointed". The name is associated with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, as Romeo's last name was Montague.
Morgan
Morgan is a Welsh name that means "circling sea". It has been used as both a boy's and girl's name, but is more commonly used for boys.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel is a Hebrew name that means "gift of God".
Neville
Neville is a French name that means "new town". The name is associated with Neville Chamberlain, who was the British Prime Minister at the start of World War II.
Nicholas
Nicholas is a Greek name that means "victory of the people".
Nigel
Nigel is an Irish name that means "dark-haired champion".
Noel
Noel is a French name that means "Christmas". It is often associated with the holiday season and has been used as both a given name and a surname.
Norman
Norman is a Germanic name that means "northman". It was popularized by the Vikings and has a strong and masculine feel.
Oscar
Oscar is an Irish name that means "deer lover".
Oswald
Oswald is an Old English name meaning "divine power". One of its most famous namesakes is Oswald Mosley, a British politician who founded the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s.
Owen
Owen is a Welsh name meaning "youthful warrior".
Patrick
Patrick is an Irish name meaning "nobleman". It is a popular name in many English-speaking countries and is often associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Percy
Percy is an English name meaning "pierced valley".
Peter
Peter is a Greek name meaning "rock". It is a common name in many countries and is often associated with Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Philip
Philip is a classic name of Greek origin that means "lover of horses." It was a popular name among royalty throughout history, including King Philip II of Macedon, who was the father of Alexander the Great.
Ralph
Ralph is an Old Norse name meaning "wolf counsel." It was introduced to England by the Vikings and became popular during the Middle Ages.
Raymond
Raymond is a German name meaning "wise protector."
Reginald
Reginald is an Old German name meaning "counsel power." It was popularized in England by the Normans and became a common name during the Middle Ages.
Richard
Richard is an Old German name meaning "brave ruler."
Robert
Robert is a classic and timeless name that has been used for centuries. It has been borne by numerous kings, saints
Roger
Roger is an old Germanic name that was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century.
Ronald
Ronald is an Old Norse name that was brought to England by the Vikings.
Trevelyan
Trevelyan is a unique name that originated in Cornwall, a county in southwestern England. It is a combination of the Cornish word "tre" meaning "settlement" and the name "Elian".
Uriah
Uriah is a biblical name that was borne by several characters in the Old Testament. It has been used as a given name in England since the Middle Ages, and was popularized by the character Uriah Heep in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield".
Vernon
Vernon is a name with English origins that was derived from a surname. It was popularized by the character Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
Wallace
Wallace is a Scottish name that was originally derived from a surname. It has been used by many notable people throughout history, including William Wallace, a Scottish hero who fought for independence from England.
Walter
Walter is a Germanic name that was popular in the Victorian era. It has been used by many notable people throughout history, including Walter Scott, a Scottish author who wrote many historical novels, and Walter Cronkite, a famous American journalist.
Zachariah
Zachariah is a biblical name with Hebrew origins. It has been used by many notable people throughout history, including Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States.
Zadoc
Zadoc is a Hebrew name meaning "righteousness".