Baby Boy Names Inspired by States

They say you can’t go home again, but whether that’s entirely true is up for debate. What is true, though, is that even if you’re unable to move back to your hometown you can still honor your history by naming your baby after the place that has your heart.

Arizona

Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Meaning: Small spring
“The Grand Canyon State” is known for its stunning beauty and temperate weather. Whether you wish to name your baby after the state itself or characters from TV shows like Arizona Robbins on Grey’s Anatomy, or Nathan Arizona in the Nicolas Cage movie, Raising Arizona, this gender-neutral name is perfect for your little one.

Dakota

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #349
Meaning: Allies, friends
This unisex name means “allies” in the native language of the Dakota people, who are part of the Sioux tribe. Hey, maybe your little Dakota will grow up to be a diplomat. Or maybe they’ll forge their own path with this striking name.

Penn

Popularity rank in the U.S.: not ranked
Meaning: Enclosure
While the state of Pennsylvania was named after Quaker William Penn, the baby name Penn is of English origin and means “enclosure” or “hill.” Though the name isn’t ranked on the Social Security Administration website, naming your baby boy after the “Independent State” may set him up to be his own person with his own unique name.

Rhodes

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #922
Meaning: Where roses grow
Rhode Island being the smallest U.S. state in size aside, this moniker is anything but tiny. While it’s not one of the most popular baby names, it does still rank. And why not? The name Rhodes means “where roses grow,” which is a nod to the delight your baby boy will bring to those he encounters in life.

Capital cities are the epicenter of a state’s inner-workings. They’re essentially the most important city when it comes to government, and they all come with their own unique history. So, if the actual states names above don’t work for you, consider choosing one of these baby boy names by your favorite state’s capital instead.

Phoenix

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #261
Meaning: Dark red; crimson
Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States. This capital of Arizona — “The Valley of the Sun” — is known for its beauty and is one of the sunniest cities in the country, making it the perfect name for your baby boy and his sunny disposition.

Austin

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #111
Meaning: Magnificent, majestic
Because sunsets in Austin are said to be some of the most beautiful in the Southwest, this Central Texas city is known as the “City of the Violet Crown” and is derived from the Latin, “Augustus,” meaning “great.”

Jackson

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #23
Meaning: Favored by God
According to the SSA, the baby name Jackson has surpassed the names “John” and “Jack” in popularity in recent years. In fact, since the year 2000, it has remained one of the top 100 baby boy names. Jackson, Mississippi — a state capital named for no one’s favorite president, Andrew Jackson — was also the birthplace of Blues artist B.B. King.

Trenton

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #781
Meaning: Traveler
Named after eighteenth century soldier and politician William Trent, Trenton, New Jersey was the location where George Washington led American troops across the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. Today you can find famous Trents across several industries and professions.

From industrial rock band frontman Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, to former Philadelphia Eagles football player Trent Cole Jr. — if you name your little one Trent they’ll be in good company.

“For us, the name Trent was a combination of a book character — the magician Trent from Piers Anthony’s, Xanth novels — that my husband loved, and the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails, who I loved,” Charleston, SC author and mom of two, Tina Harvey told Mom.com.

Carson

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #110
Meaning: Marsh-dweller
Many people automatically assume that Las Vegas is the capital of Nevada, but Carson City has that distinction. Named for frontiersman Kit Carson and the original home of the indigenous Washoe, Carson City is home to just 58,000 people. The name Carson however, can likely be heard many times over in every playground across America.

Nash

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #251
Meaning: At the ash tree
Country music, Johnny Cash, and spicy chicken are just a few of the things that Nashville is known for. If “Music City” holds a place in your heart, the baby name Nash is a perfectly acceptable option.

Texas, North Dakota, California, North Carolina, and Oklahoma are also home to towns or counties called Nash, so you have a few sources of inspiration if this is the baby name you choose.

Juneau

Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Meaning: Young
The movie Juno introduced this title to the population, so be warned: you’re going to see your little Juneau’s name misspelled often. That hassle will be worthwhile if you love the rugged-sounding name of the Alaskan capital.

Choosing a name by state team preferences is another way to go if you’re stuck on which baby name to choose. Here are a few sources of inspiration if you’re one of the almost 80 million Americans who will tune in to watch live sports this year.

Larry

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #889
Meaning: Crowned with Laurel
Larry Island is a place in Alabama and also the first name of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird.

Bird was nicknamed “the hick from French Lick,” referring to a town in Southern Indiana. After remaining in the top 200 baby boy names, the name Larry began to dip in popularity shortly after Bird retired from basketball in 1992.

Boston

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #617
Meaning: Town by the woods
Yankees fans, look away — this isn’t the name for you. In 2022 the baby name Boston ranked as the 617th most popular name given to boys, which ironically is also the zip code for Greater Boston.

What makes this a great name for Boston sports-loving families, is that Boston professional teams have won 12 championships collectively and have made it to league finalist status an additional 12 times. In fact, Boston’s professional teams had arguably the most successful decade in sports history from 2000 to 2010. So, if you’re a Boston super fan and you don’t name your baby Boston, your other option is likely going to be Brady.

Angel

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #62
Meaning: Messenger
With over 30 national championships, Los Angeles also deserves a spot on the list of notable sports cities. Look to the “The City of Angels” as inspiration for a baby boy name if you love all things L.A. and want to bestow onto your little one, a baby name inspired by the cosmos.

Cooper

Popularity rank in the U.S.: #53
Meaning: Barrel maker
Sports fans will recognized Cooperstown, NY as the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. So if you’re seeking to choose a name by state attractions, this is the baby name for you. As the most selective sports Hall, the Baseball Hall of Fame recognizes just 1.7% of baseball players. The shortened version of Cooperstown, Cooper, was originally an occupational surname name from Middle English.

Choosing a baby name is a very personal decision, and one that can sometimes cause strife among families. If you are facing backlash from family members on your baby name choice, or you and your partners’ family are at odds over the decision, there are ways to respectfully tell others to back off.

“Make it clear that the two of you are united, so you can avoid inviting any further confusion over power dynamics,” clinical psychologist and author Chloe Carmichael told Newsweek. “For example, say: ‘We really appreciate your desire to share ideas for names. We’ll let you know once we’ve settled on our choice. Thanks again for offering your ideas.'”