Baby Names That Start With B: 36 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
B names have a bright, bouncy opening: Bella, Beau, Benjamin, Beckett. This list gathers 36 names that start with B, with meanings, origins and a short note on each, from classic choices to distinctive picks.
Reviewed
Where an origin is disputed we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (15)
- BeatriceLatinshe who brings happinessRegal and vintage; nickname Bea.
- BeatrixLatinvoyager or blessed (debated)Beatrix Potter gives it a storybook charm.
- BellaItalianbeautifulA short form of Isabella that works on its own.
- BethanyHebrewhouse of figs (a village near Jerusalem)A gentle biblical place name.
- BiancaItalianwhiteA Shakespeare favourite with a Latin grace.
- BlairScottish Gaelicfield, plainA surname-name that feels polished.
- BlytheEnglishjoyful, carefreeRare and cheerful.
- BonnieScottishpretty, goodSweet and old-fashioned.
- BridgetIrishexalted oneA Celtic saint's name with the nickname Birdie.
- BelleFrenchbeautifulA fairytale name that is short and sweet.
- BereniceGreekbringer of victoryAncient and elegant; nickname Bernie or Berry.
- BlossomEnglisha flower or flowering treeCheerful and spring-like.
- BriarEnglisha thorny shrubA fairytale nature name.
- BrookeEnglishsmall streamFresh and nature-inspired.
- BrynWelshhillShort and strong, from Wales.
Boy names (19)
- BarnabyAramaicson of encouragementPlayful and British.
- BarrettGermanicbear-strengthA strong surname-name.
- BasilGreekroyal, kinglyA vintage, herby name that is rare and charming.
- BeauFrenchhandsomeCharming and Southern.
- BeckettEnglishbeehive (a surname)Literary, thanks to Samuel Beckett.
- BenedictLatinblessedA saint's name with the nickname Ben.
- BenjaminHebrewson of the right handA classic that is always in the top 20.
- BennettLatin / Englishblessed (from Benedict)A smart surname-name.
- BastianGreek / Germanvenerable (short form of Sebastian)A short, bookish form of Sebastian.
- BoazHebrewin him is strengthA biblical name, borne by Ruth's husband.
- BrandonEnglishbeacon hillA familiar surname-name.
- BernardGermanicbrave as a bearVintage, with the nickname Bernie.
- BodhiSanskritawakening, enlightenmentA spiritual name with a surfer feel.
- BowenWelshson of OwenStrong and sleek.
- BradleyEnglishbroad meadowA friendly mid-century favourite.
- BrodyScottishditch or ridgeCasual and sporty.
- BrooksEnglishdweller by the brookA relaxed surname-name.
- BrunoGermanicbrownWarm and cuddly, popular in Europe.
- ByronEnglishcowshed or barnPoetic, thanks to Lord Byron.
Unisex names (2)
- BaileyEnglishbailiff, stewardFriendly and flexible.
- BlakeEnglishuncertain; either 'pale' or 'dark'A rare name that means both light and dark.
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How to choose
B names are punchy and friendly
The plosive B at the start makes names like Ben, Beau and Bea feel quick and approachable. They are easy to call across a playground and easy for toddlers to say.
Mind the surname-names
Many B boys' names are surnames: Beckett, Bennett, Brooks, Barrett, Bowen. They suit parents who want something tailored but not formal, and they pair well with a classic middle name.
Nicknames to expect
Benjamin gives you Ben and Benny, Beatrice gives you Bea and Trixie, and Barnaby gives you Barney. Pick a full form you like and enjoy the short forms it brings.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with B?
Bella, Brooke and Beatrice are popular for girls, while Benjamin, Beau and Bennett are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with B?
Blythe, Briar, Beatrix, Barnaby and Bodhi are distinctive but easy to say.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with B?
Blake, Bailey and Bryn are all used for any gender.
What are vintage baby names that start with B?
Beatrice, Bonnie, Basil, Bernard and Barnaby are all vintage names worth a second look.
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