Baby Names
The strong vibes of Noah are still on this list.
Now that everyone knows you're expecting a boy — thanks to the blue balloon or cake or explosion at your gender reveal — it's time to get serious about what to call your little guy. And as much as you love Noah, you're not going with it. So you need alternative baby names to Noah that sound just as good, but stand out from the crowd a bit more.
A couple of generations ago, the only time you were likely to hear the name Noah was in Sunday school. Your teacher told the story about the ark and the animals going in two-by-two, and you colored a picture of a rainbow to take home to Mom. But the boys in your class were more likely to be named Michael, Christopher, Jason, or Matthew; Noah wasn't what you'd consider a trendy name. Boy, have times changed. Now, Noah is the most popular boy's name of the 2010s, according to the records of the Social Security Administration. On the respected baby name site Nameberry, Noah is currently #2 in popularity, second only to Liam, which is also a really popular option — actually, from 2017 to 2019, Liam was the top boy’s name, while Noah was in second place.
How did that happen? With the new millennium came a newfound interest in reviving names that would have sounded positively antique when we were kids. Although some Biblical boys' names have stood the test of time (John, James, and Joseph have ranked at or near the top of the list since the 1880s), we've been seeing a steady resurgence of the more archaic Old Testament boys' names in the last 20 years. And why not? Their namesakes were respected figures back in the day — patriarchs, prophets, kings, warriors. There's a certain air of dignity and seriousness to these names, too. Just on the name alone, wouldn't you trust the management of your 401(k) to a banker named Noah? The defense rests.
If you're taking Noah off your short list, there are lots of other similar names which aren't quite as overused. Try these on for size, and you might just find a winner.
1
Aaron
From the Hebrew meaning "high mountain," Aaron is a nice alternative to Noah if you're partial to the heroes of the Old Testament. Plus, your son will be in the company of such famous names as Aaron Carter, Aaron Burr, Aaron Rogers, and Aaron Paul.
2
Isaac
For a boy who will bring joy to your family's life forever, how about this name? As The Bump explained, it means "laughter," and it's been gaining steam as a favorite boy's name over the last decade.
3
Luke
Another short, sweet, and historical name, Luke (from the Latin for "light", per Baby Name Wizard) not only has the traditional vibe going for it, but also the geek-chic factor. Come on — how could you resist dressing up your little guy as a Jedi on Halloween?
4
Jonah
Though it means "dove," Jonah is more commonly associated with a much bigger creature: If you recall your Sunday school lessons, Jonah was the guy who got swallowed by a whale for three days. Nameberry explained that it's becoming popular among parents who want a strong but not too weird choice.
5
Paul
A small name (it literally means "small") that has a big impact. If you're musically minded, or hope your son will be, consider how many musical giants have had this name: Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Paul Stanley of KISS, Paul Williams, Paul Rodgers (of Bad Company, and currently with Queen), Paul Shaffer, Paul Anka, and Noel Paul Stookey, the Paul of Peter, Paul and Mary.
6
Asher
Another cheerful choice, Asher means "happy" in Hebrew, explained The Bump. It's been steadily climbing up the hipness scale for a few years, thanks to its use as a character name on Gossip Girl. Celebs Embeth Davidtz and Campbell Brown named their sons Asher, as did former Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock.
7
Silas
Perfect for nature-loving parents (it means "forest"), Silas is cited by Nameberry as a "hot fave" that's getting a second look by families who want a distinctive but classic name.
8
Eitan
If you're also on the fence about the name Ethan because of the popularity factor, consider the original Hebrew version. Rhyming with "PAY-tahn," it means "strength" or "firmness," per Baby Name Wizard, and you can be sure your son will be the only one in the neighborhood who can claim the name.
9
Noam
If you adore the name Noah but not its trendiness, try this similar-sounding name meaning "pleasantness" or "charm." Pronounced "NO-ahm," it's easy to say and spell, and your son will stand apart from the Noahs in his class.
10
Eli
This Hebrew name meaning "high" will resonate with football fans who have hopes their son might one day become as skilled on the gridiron as Mr. Manning.
11
Gideon
From the Hebrew for "he who cuts down," Gideon has been ignored for a while in the old-as-new name category, but hopefully, that will change in the years to come. Counting On star Joy-Anna Duggar named her first son Gideon. It's also the name of one of Neil Patrick Harris's twins, and NPH is a rock star in my book.
12
Gabriel
For a baby boy who's a perfect angel, why not go with the name of a famous archangel? Gabriel is said to have delivered the news to Mary of the birth of Jesus, and his name means "hero of God," according to The Bump.
13
Nathan
Zooming up the popularity charts both here and in Europe, according to Nameberry, is this name meaning "given." Nathan has the N initial that appeals to parents who have vetoed Noah, and it can be shortened to the snappy-sounding Nate and Nat.
14
Peter
Meaning "rock," Peter is both classic and friendly, which isn't always the case with older names, explained Nameberry. The friendliness factor rises if you call your son Pete for short. And let's not forget, Peter Parker is the secret identity of Spider-Man. Spider-Man, people. 'Nuff said.
15
Zebulon
If you're not afraid to go with a more attention-getting choice, think about naming your baby after one of the lesser-known of Jacob's 12 sons. Zebulon means "exaltation" or "little dwelling," and it lends itself to the very cool nickname Zeb.
16
Caleb
A popular option that isn’t quite as trendy as Noah is Caleb, which also has a Hebrew origin. It means “devotion to God,” and is a biblical choice that makes it great for parents with strong religious ties. It’s also a bit different without being too unique.
17
Levi
Sure, you might think of Levi jeans when you hear this name, but it has a much deeper meaning behind it. Levi was the son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament of the Bible, and the name has Hebrew origin and means “joined in harmony.” It’s cute, short, and fun.
18
Nolan
Nolan is a great choice if you want something that sounds similar to Noah, but, well, isn’t Noah. Originating in Ireland, the name Nolan means “descendant of the famous one,” which is actually really interesting. And while it’s fairly popular, it still manages to be unique.
19
Jordan
Like Noah, Jordan is a unisex choice that still has some biblical meaning behind it. Of Hebrew origin, it means “flowing down.” It was once one of the most popular names starting with “J,” thanks in part to Michael Jordan.
20
Micah
Micah is a good choice if you like names like Noah or Michael, but you’re trying to think a little outside the box. A variation on the name Michael, Micah means “who is like God?” in Hebrew. It’s an interesting choice with a special meaning behind it.
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