This list includes 89 American boy names that start with A, from “Aaron” to “Azrael”. They span classic, biblical, modern, and uncommon choices, and help parents, writers, and researchers find names.
American boy names that start with A are masculine given names used in the United States beginning with A. Many have biblical or English roots, and “Aaron” remains a long-standing American favorite.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Origin/Meaning, and Source.
Name: The given name as used in the U.S., shown to help you scan and pick favorites quickly.
Pronunciation: A concise phonetic cue that lets you say each name correctly when discussing or testing choices aloud.
Origin/Meaning: One-line origin and meaning to give you cultural context and a basic definition for each name.
Source: A brief citation indicating where the origin or meaning was recorded, so you can follow up if desired.
American boy names that start with A
| Name | Pronunciation | Origin/Meaning | Popularity (SSA or source) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron | AIR-uhn | Hebrew: “high mountain; exalted” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Abel | AY-buhl | Hebrew: “breath, vapor” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Abner | AB-nuhr | Hebrew: “father of light” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Abram | AY-brum | Hebrew: “exalted father” (BehindTheName) | Documented (BehindTheName) |
| Abraham | AY-bruh-ham | Hebrew: “father of many” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Ace | AYS | English nickname from “ace” meaning expert (Nameberry) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Adam | AD-uhm | Hebrew: “man; earth” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Addison | AD-ih-suhn | English: “son of Adam” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Adrian | AY-dree-uhn | Latin: “from Hadria” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aedan | AY-dahn | Gaelic: “little fire” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Aiden | AY-den | Irish: “little fire” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aidan | AY-dahn | Irish: “little fire” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alan | AL-uhn | Celtic: possibly “handsome, cheerful” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Albert | AL-burt | Germanic: “noble, bright” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alden | ALL-dən | Old English: “old friend” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Alec | AH-lek | Greek form of Alexander, “defender” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alejandro | ah-leh-HAHN-droh | Spanish form of Alexander (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alex | AL-ex | Short form of Alexander (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alexander | AL-ex-AN-dur | Greek: “defender of men” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alexis | ah-LEK-sis | Greek: “helper, defender” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alfonso | al-FON-soh | Spanish/Italian: “ready for battle” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Alfred | AL-fred | Old English: “elf counsel” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Alonzo | uh-LON-zo | Spanish/Italian form of Alfonso (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Alphonse | al-FONZ | Germanic: “noble and ready” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Alvin | AL-vin | Old English: “elf friend” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Ambrose | AM-brohz | Greek via Latin: “immortal” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Amos | AY-mohs | Hebrew: “carried by God” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Anders | AN-durz | Scandinavian form of Andrew (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Andre | ahn-DRAY | French/Portuguese form of Andrew (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Andres | AHN-dres | Spanish form of Andrew (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Andrew | AN-droo | Greek: “manly, brave” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Andy | AN-dee | Short form of Andrew (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Angel | AN-hhel / AN-jel | Spanish: “angel, messenger” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Anthony | AN-thuh-nee | Latin from Antonius (origin uncertain) (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Antonio | an-TOH-nee-oh | Latin/Spanish form of Anthony (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Archer | AR-chur | English occupational: “bowman” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Archie | AR-chee | Diminutive of Archibald; “genuine, bold” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Ari | AH-ree | Hebrew: “lion” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Ariel | AIR-ee-el | Hebrew: “lion of God”; unisex (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Arlo | AR-loh | Possibly Old English, meaning uncertain (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Armando | ar-MAHN-doh | Spanish/Italian form of Herman, “army man” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Armand | ar-MAHND | French form of Herman, “army man” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arnold | AR-nuld | Germanic: “eagle power” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Arthur | AR-thur | Celtic/Latin: “bear” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Artemis* | AR-teh-mis | Greek: “safe”; historically goddess name (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Artemio | ar-TAY-mee-oh | Greek/Spanish variant related to Artemis (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arturo | ar-TOO-roh | Spanish/Italian form of Arthur (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Asa | AY-suh | Hebrew: “physician, made” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Asher | ASH-uhr | Hebrew: “happy, blessed” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Ash | ASH | English from ash tree; short form (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Ashton | ASH-tuhn | Old English: “ash tree town” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| August | AW-guhst / AW-guhst | Latin: “great, venerable” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Augustin | aw-GUS-tin | Latin: “venerable” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Augustus | aw-GUS-tuhs | Latin: “majestic, venerable” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Aurelio | aw-REH-lee-oh | Latin: “golden” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Austin | AW-stin | Old English: variant of Augustine (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Austen | AW-stin | Variant spelling of Austin (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Avery | AY-vree / AV-er-ee | Old English: “elf ruler” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Axel | AK-sel | Scandinavian form of Absalom/axis; “father is peace” debated (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Azariah | ah-ZAR-ee-uh | Hebrew: “Yah has helped” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Aziz | ah-ZEEZ | Arabic: “powerful, beloved” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Atticus | AT-ih-kus | Greek: “man from Attica” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aldo | AL-doh | Germanic/Italian: “old; noble” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Ariano | ah-ree-AH-noh | Italian/Spanish form related to Ariel/Ario (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arsenio | ar-SEN-ee-oh | Greek: “virile” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Aron | AIR-on | Variant of Aaron (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aryeh | AH-ryeh | Hebrew: “lion” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Azrael | AZ-ray-el | Hebrew/Angel name: “help of God” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Amen | AH-men | Hebrew: “so be it” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Amari | ah-MAH-ree / uh-MAR-ee | African/Italian origins; “strength” variant (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Amos | AY-mohs | Hebrew: “carried by God” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Anderson | AN-der-suhn | English surname meaning “son of Andrew” (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aldric | AL-drik | Germanic: “old ruler” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Amanuel | ah-mah-NYEL | Variant of Emmanuel, “God is with us” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Abdul | ab-DUL | Arabic: “servant of (God)” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Abdiel | ab-dee-EL | Hebrew/Spanish: “servant of God” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Absalom | ab-SAL-um | Hebrew: “father of peace” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Abe | AYB | Short form of Abraham (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Aleph | AH-lef | Hebrew: “first letter” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Ansel | AN-sel | Germanic: “godly, protected” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Anselmo | an-SEL-moh | Spanish/Italian form of Ansel (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Anson | AN-suhn | English: “son of Ann / Hans” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arian | AH-ree-an | Used in multiple languages; meaning varies (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Ariel | AIR-ee-el | (Duplicate avoided) See earlier entry for Ariel (BehindTheName) | Documented (SSA 2023) |
| Aric | AH-rik | Variant of Eric, “ever ruler” (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arkin | AR-kin | Modern surname/given name; potentially “forest” associations (Nameberry) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arley | AR-lee | English place-name or variant of Harley (Nameberry) | Documented (Nameberry) |
| Arno | AR-noh | Germanic short form of Arnold (BehindTheName) | Documented (Nameberry) |
Descriptions
Aaron
Classic biblical name long used in U.S.; worn by actors, athletes, and musicians (SSA, BehindTheName).
Abel
Biblical son of Adam and Eve; a quiet but increasingly used revival name in the U.S. (BehindTheName).
Abner
Old-fashioned biblical name with historic U.S. usage; appears in 19th-century records (Nameberry).
Abram
Variant of Abraham used in U.S.; literary and religious associations (BehindTheName).
Abraham
Biblical patriarch; steady U.S. usage and strong cultural recognition (SSA).
Ace
Short, cool one-syllable name; used on birth certificates and by celebrities (Nameberry).
Adam
Timeless biblical name widely used in America across generations (SSA).
Addison
Originally a surname-turned-given name; used for boys historically and still documented for males (Nameberry, SSA).
Adrian
Classic continental name popular in U.S.; used across communities and pop culture (SSA).
Aedan
Alternate Irish spelling of Aidan used in U.S.; modern Celtic revival name (Nameberry).
Aiden
Extremely popular modern name in U.S. spellings vary (Aidan, Aiden); trendy since early 2000s (SSA).
Aidan
Traditional Gaelic form that led the Aiden/Aidan craze in the U.S. (BehindTheName).
Alan
Established, mid-century favorite in U.S.; many notable Alberts and Alans (BehindTheName).
Albert
Classic Victorian name, still used in the U.S.; tied to Albert Einstein cultural image (BehindTheName).
Alden
Gentle surname-to-first-name trend; used in American naming, often for a vintage vibe (Nameberry).
Alec
Friendly short form of Alexander used as a formal name in U.S.; common in pop culture (BehindTheName).
Alejandro
Widely used among Hispanic communities in the U.S.; strong cultural presence (SSA).
Alex
Universal, informal form of Alexander used independently in U.S. (BehindTheName).
Alexander
Enduring classic and perennial top pick in the U.S.; many famous bearers (SSA).
Alexis
Historically unisex; used for boys and girls in the U.S., more female today but male usage documented (SSA).
Alfonso
Common in Hispanic-American communities; long-established given name (Nameberry).
Alfred
Vintage English name seen in U.S. records; literary and historical resonance (Nameberry).
Alonzo
Widely used historically in U.S., especially in African American communities (BehindTheName).
Alphonse
Old-fashioned variant with documented U.S. usage; found in early immigration records (Nameberry).
Alvin
Popular early- to mid-20th-century American name with nostalgic feel (SSA).
Ambrose
Rare but used in U.S.; literary and saintly associations (Nameberry).
Amos
Biblical prophet name with steady, modest use in American religious communities (BehindTheName).
Anders
Modern-sounding Nordic choice; used in U.S. as distinctive variation (Nameberry).
Andre
Common in African-American and Hispanic communities; notable entertainers (BehindTheName).
Andres
Frequent Hispanic-American choice; strong cultural presence in the U.S. (SSA).
Andrew
Classic Anglo name, long popular across the U.S.; many nicknames (Andy, Drew) (SSA).
Andy
Casual, friendly form used independently in America; seen across generations (Nameberry).
Angel
Common male name in Hispanic communities; widely used as a given name in U.S. (SSA).
Anthony
One of the most common U.S. names; religious and historical saints (SSA).
Antonio
Prominent in Hispanic-American usage; long-standing presence in U.S. (SSA).
Archer
Modern surname-turned-first-name with rising popularity in the U.S. (Nameberry, SSA).
Archie
Vintage nickname seeing revival as a standalone boy’s name in America (Nameberry).
Ari
Short, international name used among Jewish and secular families; clean modern feel (BehindTheName).
Ariel
Biblical and literary usage; male usage documented though also common for girls (BehindTheName).
Arlo
Trendy vintage revival in U.S.; hip, literary associations (Nameberry).
Armando
Used in Hispanic-American communities; familiar and melodic (Nameberry).
Armand
Classic continental alternative to Raymond or Raymond-style names in U.S. (Nameberry).
Arnold
Mid-20th-century popularity; memorable thanks to public figures (BehindTheName).
Arthur
Royal, literary name with enduring use in America (BehindTheName).
Artemis*
Rare male usage documented in U.S., sometimes adopted for boys; primarily known as goddess name (Nameberry).
Artemio
Less common Hispanic-American variant seen in U.S. records (Nameberry).
Arturo
Used in Hispanic communities; warm, classic sound (Nameberry).
Asa
Old Testament king; short biblical choice with growing American appeal (BehindTheName).
Asher
Popular modern biblical name in the U.S.; growing steadily (SSA).
Ash
Used as a nickname and standalone name in U.S.; modern nature-inspired choice (Nameberry).
Ashton
Surname-to-first-name trend; popular in U.S. since the 1990s (SSA).
August
Vintage revival; stylish, formal option shortened to Gus (Nameberry).
Augustin
Less common variant of Augustine/August, seen in U.S. records (Nameberry).
Augustus
Historic Roman name occasionally used in America for a grand, classical vibe (Nameberry).
Aurelio
Used in Hispanic-American contexts; warm classical resonance (Nameberry).
Austin
Extremely popular late-20th-century name in U.S.; city-name connection (SSA).
Austen
Literary association (Austen) and alternative spelling used in America (Nameberry).
Avery
Originally masculine surname-name; now widely unisex but still used for boys (BehindTheName).
Axel
Edgy, Nordic-sounding name with rising U.S. popularity (SSA).
Azariah
Biblical variant used in America; formal and distinctive (Nameberry).
Aziz
Used by Muslim-American families and others in the U.S.; strong single-syllable name (Nameberry).
Atticus
Literary boost from To Kill a Mockingbird; stylish Southern/Americana appeal (Nameberry, SSA).
Aldo
Short Italianate name seen among U.S. immigrant and modern families (Nameberry).
Ariano
Less common but recorded in U.S. registries; melodic three-syllable option (Nameberry).
Arsenio
Recognizable from entertainers; used in Hispanic and Latino communities (Nameberry).
Aron
Alternate spelling of Aaron used in the U.S.; simpler orthography (BehindTheName).
Aryeh
Used in American Jewish communities; strong biblical-literal meaning (Nameberry).
Azrael
Rare but documented male angelic name in U.S. sources (Nameberry).
Amen
Very rare usage as a given name in the U.S.; spiritual connotations (Nameberry).
Amari
Popular modern multicultural name in U.S., notable among African-American families (SSA).
Amos
(Duplicate avoided) Biblical, steady usage—see earlier (BehindTheName).
Anderson
Common U.S. surname used as a given name; modern trend (SSA).
Aldric
Rare medieval-flavored choice appearing in U.S. name resources (Nameberry).
Amanuel
Used within Ethiopian and immigrant communities in U.S.; culturally specific usage (Nameberry).
Abdul
Common in Muslim-American communities; many compound forms (Nameberry).
Abdiel
Biblical-style name with use in U.S. among religious families (Nameberry).
Absalom
Rare biblical name occasionally used in the U.S.; historic and literary resonance (Nameberry).
Abe
Informal, warm nickname used as a given name in America (Nameberry).
Aleph
Uncommon but recorded as a creative given name in U.S. name sources (Nameberry).
Ansel
Vintage-surname feel; used in U.S. as an artsy choice (Nameberry).
Anselmo
Used in Hispanic-American families; classic resonance (Nameberry).
Anson
Surname-turned-first-name used in American naming patterns (Nameberry).
Arian
Multicultural name found in U.S.; used by diverse families (Nameberry).
Ariel
(Duplicate avoided) Male usage documented—see Ariel listing (BehindTheName).
Aric
Short variant recorded in U.S. name databases as masculine form (Nameberry).
Arkin
Less common modern American choice often from surname use (Nameberry).
Arley
Used for boys in U.S.; friendly two-syllable option (Nameberry).
Arno
European-flavored short name with occasional U.S. usage (Nameberry).