The Best Autumn Boy Names: Popular Rowan to Classic Adam

Autumn boy names embody the spirit of the season. They’re outdoorsy and adventurous. And while the forests and the trees aren’t exclusive to autumn, there’s something about hiking or camping in the fall woods that feels especially right.

For boy names that strike a cozy, capable note, you might be looking for a homespun boy name like Arlo or Emmett.

These names are more on the nose, specifically suggesting all things fall. They’re word names, many of them borrowed from the natural world and the colors that define the months of September, October, and November.

Strictly speaking, the season begins with the autumnal equinox on or about September 22nd. But in the US, we tend to break out the pumpkin spice as soon as Labor Day weekend approaches. 

There’s no hard-and-fast rule. If your late August due date has you skimming through baby name lists inspired by fall, that works. After all, naming a baby after your favorite season is always a good idea. 

ADAM (#101)

Traditional Adam doesn’t immediately give fall vibes. But one of several possible origins for the name is “red earth.” That feels quite appropriate for the season. If you like your autumn boy names subtle and traditional, Adam works.

ALDER (unranked)

One of many tree names on this list, Alder’s leaves are spectacular in the autumn.

ARCHER (#98)

The astrological sign of Sagittarius begins in November. And Sagittarius means archer in Latin. That makes this a subtle, mainstream choice for a late fall baby. 

AUBURN (unranked)

A color name, as well as a football powerhouse, Auburn sounds like boy names Austin and Ashton and maybe a little like Adam, too.

AURELIO, AURELIUS (#681, #991)

Golden Aurelia has became a favorite for a baby girl. Other names taking inspiration from the Latin aureus include these two masculine options: romance language Aurelio and antique Aurelius. 

BIRCH (unranked)

A tree name, known for its white bark as well as the colors of its leaves in the fall.

BLAZE (#781)

A fiery name that could signal the summer heat, or the campfires of fall.

BRUNO (#740)

A traditional boy name with a seasonally appropriate color meaning: brown. Thanks to animated musical hit Encanto, Bruno even has a built-in song.

CRISPIN (unranked)

Crispin comes from a Roman name meaning curly. But the sound evokes the crisp air of the autumn months.

DEMETRIUS (unranked)

The Greek name Demetrius is the masculine form of the goddess Demeter, charged with agriculture and the harvest. She’s mother to Persephone and sister to Zeus. That makes Demetrius a name quietly connected to the season via mythology. 

FORREST, FOREST (#374; #750)

A surname name long heard as a first, Forrest sounds outdoorsy and rugged – but still just polished enough.

FOX (unranked)

Fox makes the list of autumn baby names for two reasons. The rich red-orange color of their fur strikes the right note. But it’s also true that we tend to see more foxes in the fall. That’s because red fox cubs are fully grown by then, ranging about their own – and a little easier for us all to spot. 

GARNER (unranked)

To garner is to gather. That sounds just right for the season of the harvest and Thanksgiving.

GOLDEN (unranked)

A glowing color name that brings to mind the colors of the season.

GRANGER (unranked)

This surname name refers to a farm steward, one who oversaw a granary or storehouse.

HARVEST (unranked)

A word name specifically associated with the autumn.

HAWTHORN (unranked)

Hawthorn shrubs are known for their red berries, a color that feels at-home in the season. Surname spelling Hawthorne works, too, but might feel a bit more literary.

HAYDEN (#161)

Hayden brings to mind hay bales, and indeed, that’s almost what it means: hay hill. While Jayden and Aiden are fading, Hayden seems to have more staying power. 

JORA, JORAH (unranked)

A name briefly mentioned in the Old Testament, Jora means “autumn rain.” It’s also a Game of Thrones character name.

MAPLE (unranked)

Maybe because Maple sounds like Mabel, we tend to list this name alongside Sienna, Marigold, Hazel, and more autumn names for girls. But just like Rowan, it seems like Maple ought to be considered unisex. 

NASH (#255)

Nash means “at the ash tree,” a quiet nature name that feels right at home on this list.

OAK (unranked)

A strong and might name, in just three letters.

OAKS, OAKES (unranked)

Oak with the stylish -S ending of surnames like Brooks.

OAKLEY (#454)

This surname with a sporty edge is even more popular for girls.

OCTAVIAN (unranked)

Octavian means eight, but it brings to mind the month of October.

OCTOBER (unranked)

Speaking of the month, October might be on the right side of wearable. One reason: built-in nickname Toby/Tobey.

RADLEY (unranked)

This surname name means “red clearing,” which sounds just right for autumn.

RORY (#199)

An Irish name meaning red king, Rory’s colors evoke autumn. Then again, lots of names meaning red could work for the same reason.

ROWAN (#59)

An upbeat Irish surname with a colorful meaning: red.

RUSSET (unranked)

Sure, it’s a potato. But it’s also a reddish-brown color.

RUSTY (unranked)

Rusty comes from the reddish-brown color of rust, and while it’s uncommon now, Rusty ranked in the US Top 1000 for half of the twentieth century.

RYE (unranked)

Rye grass is a cousin to wheat, which makes it sound seasonal. And since we name our sons Ryan and Kai, why not Rye?

SCORPIO, SCORPIUS (unranked)

Wildly rare, this night sky name brings to mind the constellation and the star sign for children born from late October through much of November – peak autumn.

SORRELL (unranked)

A French surname name meaning reddish brown, often associated with horses.

WOODROW (unranked)

A surname that means row of houses by the woods, Woodrow is the given name of actor Woody Harrelson.

What are your favorite autumn boy names?

Originally published on October 13, 2020, this post was updated and re-published on September 4, 2021; July 25, 2022; September 18, 2024; and September 9, 2026.