Inspiring Baby Boy Names That Start With W

Classic and Timeless Boy Names That Start with W

Warren

Warren has its roots in the Old French word "warrene," which means "park keeper" or "game preserve.” This has seen timeless popularity in the U.S.

Wade

Wade originates from Old English words wadan, meaning “to go” or “to proceed.” The name was originally used to describe someone who lived near a river crossing or ford.

Winston

Winston is an English name with Old English roots. It combines wine (friend or joy) and stan (stone), meaning “joyful stone” or “friend of stone.” It symbolizes reliability, loyalty, and strength.

Wallace

Wallace is a Scottish name with Old English roots, meaning “foreigner” or “Welshman.” It became popular in the 19th century and is associated with strength, courage, and leadership, inspired by the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace.

Wilfred

Wilfred is an Old English name meaning “desiring peace” or “peaceful will.” It is a classic name that reflects a person who values harmony and calm.

Wilbur

Wilbur is an Old English name meaning “strong-willed protector” or “resolute fortress.” It represents strength, determination, and protection.

Willis

Willis is an English name, a form of William, meaning “resolute protector” or “determined guardian.” It became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Wilbert

Wilbert is a Germanic name meaning “bright will” or “famous desire.” It gained popularity particularly during the Middle Ages in Western Europe as it represents strength, determination, and ambition.

Wilmer

Wilmer has Germanic roots, combining wil ("will" or "desire") and mer ("famous" or "renowned"). Together, it means “determined and famous” or “resolute and renowned.” It became popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ward

Ward is an English name with Old English roots, meaning “guardian” or “protector.” It can also come from “weardian,” meaning “to watch,” or be a short form of Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian.”

Warrick

Warrick has Old English roots, combining wær (guard, protector) and wic (dwelling, settlement). It means “guardian of the settlement” and symbolizes strength, reliability, and responsibility.

Willard

Willard is an English name with Germanic roots, meaning “strong-willed” or “brave desire.” It shows determination, strength, and resilience.

Wilkes

Wilkes is an English name, meaning “resolute protector” or “strong-willed warrior.” It originally identified descendants of someone named William and suggests strength, determination, and protection.

Wilton

Wilton has Old English roots, meaning “willful settlement.” It presents determination, ambition, and purpose.

Modern and Unique Boy Names That Start with W

Wyatt

Wyatt is an Old English name that means “brave in war” or “little warrior.” It began as a surname and has become a popular given name with an adventurous feel.

Waylon

Waylon has Old English origins, meaning “land by the road.” It has a strong, country‑inspired vibe and has been popularized in American music culture.

Wesley

Wesley is an Old English name, meaning “western meadow,” referring to a field or pasture to the west. It is also associated with historical figures like John Wesley.

Weston

Weston is a British name meaning “from the western town” or settlement. It began as a place name before becoming a modern first name with a geographic feel.

Westin

A modern variant spelling of Weston with the same meaning (“western town”). Parents choose this form for its trendy feel while preserving the root meaning.

Waylen

Waylen is an Old English name meaning “land beside the road.” This is a modern variation influenced by names like Waylon and Jaylen.

Westley

Westley is an English name meaning “western meadow,” similar to Wesley but with a slightly different form. It also appears in the film The Princess Bride (1987).

Wylder

Wylder is a British name from Old English, meaning “wild animal.” It suggests someone free-spirited, adventurous, and connected to nature.

Wynn

Wynn has Welsh origins, meaning “fair,” “white,” or “blessed.” It’s usually picked in modern times due to its short and sweet sound.

Westyn

Westyn is a modern version of Weston, meaning “western town” or “from the western settlement.”

Watson

Watson is an English name meaning “son of Wat” or “son of Walter.” It gains recognition through Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes' companion.

Wesson

Wesson is an English name meaning “from the western town.” It has a modern, strong sound and entered the U.S. Top 1000 names in 2016.

Wylie

Wylie has Scottish and Old English origins, meaning “from Wylye” or “willow woodland.” It can also suggest cleverness, quick wits, or cunning.

Boy Names That Start with W from Around the World

Wolfgang

Wolfgang is a traditional German name formed from the Old High German elements wulf (“wolf”) and gang (“path” or “way”). It literally means “wolf path” and has been used in Central Europe for centuries, including by saints and composers.

Walid

Walid is an Arabic name that has several meanings. It originates from the Arabic word wālid, which means "newborn" or "one who is born." It can also mean "one who is born with strength" or "one who is born with power." In Islamic culture, it is linked to leadership, strength, and determination.

Waleed

Waleed roots from the Arabic word wali, meaning “friend” or “protector.” It suggests someone loyal, trustworthy, kind, and responsible.

Waris

Waris has an Arabic origin meaning “heir” or “successor.” It carries the idea of someone who inherits or continues a family legacy and is used in various Muslim and South Asian communities.

Wilfredo

Wilfredo has Spanish and Italian origins derived from the Germanic Wilfrid, meaning “desiring peace” or “peaceful will.” It suggests determination and harmony.

Willem

Willem (variant of William) has Dutch and German origins, combining wil (“will” or “desire”) and helm (“helmet” or “protection”). Together, it means “vehement protector,” suggesting strong-willed protection.

Boy Names That Start with W, Inspired by Nature and Literature

Wolf

Wolf is a Germanic name meaning “wolf.” It symbolizes strength, courage, loyalty, and independence, representing someone fierce and protective.

Wyler

Wyler has German roots that mean “will” or “desire.” It represents someone determined, strong-willed, and driven to pursue one’s goals.

Wren

Wren is an English name derived from wrenna, meaning "wren bird." It represents liveliness, agility, creativity, and a free-spirited love of nature.

Willow

Willow is an English name taken from the willow tree itself. It stands for grace, resilience, flexibility, and a calm spirit.

Winter

Winter is an English name from the season. It represents calmness and purity of the cold while embracing beauty, resilience, and new beginnings.

Woods

Woods is an English name from the word “wood” or “forest.” It connects with nature and symbolizes strength, resilience, and harmony with the outdoors.

Woodson

Woodson is an English name that comes from wudu (wood) and tun (enclosure or settlement). Together, it means "one who lives near or in a wooded settlement."

Woodley

Woodley is an English name meaning “wood clearing” or “meadow in the woods.”

Woody

Woody comes from the English word “wood.” It symbolizes strength, stability, resilience, and a grounded nature.

Wake

Wake is an English name with multiple meanings. It originates from the Old English word wacu, meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." It is the variant of Wacca, meaning "watchman" or "guardian." Moreover, the name refers to a pre-funeral gathering where loved ones honor and remember the deceased.

The Meaning Behind Popular Boy Names That Start with W

William

William is a Germanic name meaning “strong-willed protector.” It represents strength, determination, and responsibility.

Wyatt

Wyatt has Old English roots that come from the medieval given name Wyot, meaning "brave in war" or "hardy warrior." It represents strength, courage, and resilience.

Wesley

Wesley comes from Old English origins, combining west and leah to mean “western meadow” or “western clearing.” It indicates someone connected to nature and suggests independence, determination, and a spirit of adventure.

Weston

Weston is an English name that means “western town” or “town in the west,” from the Old English words west and tun. It is linked to qualities like strength, resilience, and a pioneering spirit.

Walter

Walter combines Germanic words wald (ruler) and heri (army). Together, it means “army ruler” or “mighty warrior.” It is a popular name symbolizing leadership, courage, and strength.

Wrangler

The name Wrangler usually refers to a person who works with horses or manages livestock, usually in the role of a cowboy or rancher. It describes someone who handles or controls animals in outdoor or rugged settings.

Willy

Willy (nickname for William) comes from the Germanic words “wil” (will, desire) and “helm” (helmet, protection). Willy shares the same meaning, representing someone determined, strong-willed, and protective.

Top Baby Boy Names That Start With W