Boy Names Ending with S: Handsome Hayes, Popular Brooks

Baby boy names ending with S are enjoying a moment.

It’s easy to credit Miles, or maybe Brooks for the rise. But don’t forget that enduring classic James remains a Top Ten favorite in the US. 

There’s something to be said for the sound.

Of course, it’s not just surname names catching on. The ancients are back in a big way. Think Atticus and Maximus. 

Imports, too, like Anders and Niels, feel more wearable than ever before.

While some of these are trending for girls, too, this is one of those styles and sounds that’s mostly for the boys. For every Iris for a daughter, there are a dozen options for our sons.

And even familiar choices, like Louis, might get a boost from our love of boys’ names ending with S. 

ADONIS (#174)

A handsome shepherd in Greek myth, Adonis has been boosted by the character Adonis Creed in the Rocky franchises. He’s the son of former Rocky rival Apollo Creed, now heir to both men’s legacy.

ALEXIS (#472 for boys; #449 for girls)

Like Alexander, Alexis means defender. It’s unisex, and was very popular for girls in the English-speaking world, especially in the 1980s and 90s. Today, though, Alexis feels more comfortably gender neutral.

AMES; EAMES (unranked)

Drop the J from James and you’ll have surname-style Ames. It comes from the Latin amicus, meaning friend. That’s an upbeat meaning to pair with a bright and energetic sound. Add an E to the front, and you’ll have Eames, pronounced with a long E sound, but sometimes a cousin to Ames. Eames brings to mind midcentury modern furniture designers, Charles and Ray Eames. Ames leans Americana in a different way, maybe thanks to Ames, Iowa – named for US Congressman Oakes Ames, influential in building the transcontinental railroad.

AMOS (#659)

An Old Testament name revived by the Puritans, Amos feels old school. It’s one of the rare boy names ending with S declining in use now. The fame of Famous Amos cookies, named for founder Wally Amos, lends a playful note to the name.

ANDERS (#844)

Andrew is a classic. The French Andre had a good run in the second half of the twentieth century. Surname Anderson is popular now, too, following Jackson and Harrison. Now the Scandinavian import Anders is also on the rise, fueled by our love of S ending names.

ARIES; ARES (#786; #412)

In Latin, Aries means ram. It’s the first astrological sign, associated with spring. In Greek mythology, Ares is the god of war, the equivalent of Mars. There’s also Aerys, a name from Game of Thrones, but so far, it’s not trending.

ATLAS (#112)

In Greek mythology, Atlas holds the heavens on his shoulders. Once quite rare, this name is now mainstream. Besides the appealing image of strength, Atlas has a great meaning: enduring. The name’s association with books of maps lends Atlas an adventurous spirit, too.

ATTICUS (#284)

One of several names boosted by beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus comes from the Greek place name Attica, as in Athens. In the story, he’s a principled, admirable man known for doing the right thing at great cost.

AUGUSTUS (#488)

A grand name, Augustus means venerable and brings to mind ancient emperors. Sunny, warm August is more popular now, but the S ending of Augustus lends this longer version plenty of style.

BANKS (#348)

A few high-profile parents have recently chosen Banks for girls, but this name is typically masculine. It brings to mind the Banks family from the Mary Poppins movies, but also the financial institution. As a surname, it most often referred to someone who lived alongside a river bank. Banks mixes a touch of the natural world with a sort of affluence. But if we can name babies Cash, why not Banks?

BATES (unranked)

If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, this name probably makes you think of the honorable John Bates, servant to the Crawley family. The name descended from Bartholomew, once nicknamed Bate, rhymes with Nate. Beatty is another descendant. While Bartholomew has become very rare these days, it’s still just slightly more popular than Bates. But with so many Brooks-name rising, that could change.

BRIGGS (#339)

Originally a surname related to bridges, the first Briggs lived near one, or maybe worked as bridge-keeper. There’s something rugged about the sound. It’s fresh and adventurous – just like Brooks. Briggs Cunningham raced yachts and automobiles. Some credit him with inventing the racing stripe for his car in 1951’s LeMans Grand Prix. Something about that feels exactly right for this name.

BROOKS (#73)

Brooke had a long run for our daughters, fueled by socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor and supermodel Brooke Shields. Brooks is different, though. While both names suggest a small river, Brooks’ image is split between the blue blazers of classic men’s tailor Brooks Brothers and the country twang of Garth Brooks, as well as duo Brooks & Dunn.

CAIUS (unranked)

Another ancient name, Caius likely comes from the Latin gaudere, meaning “to rejoice.” There’s a New Testament bishop by the name. Caius nods to the very popular Kai, a name with separate roots but the same appealing sound.

CASSIUS (#576)

If Caius owes something to Kai, then Cassius is about Cash. At least one old world St. Cassius is known, but this name’s fame is due to the boxer Cassius Clay – who later changed his name to Muhmmad Ali.

CHARLES, CARLOS (#54; #139)

Classic, enduring Charles offers a great meaning: free man. Karl is the Germanic original; Carlo the Italian form; and Carlos, the Spanish and Portuguese equivalent.

CURTIS (#904)

Originally a surname related to the word courteous, Curtis – and Curt, Kurt, and Kurtis – had a good run from the 1940s into the early 1990s. Today they’ve faded, but the -s ending gives Curtis a current feel.

CYRUS (#297)

The name of a Persian emperor in the Old Testament, Cyrus simply means lord. It’s grand and dramatic, but also friendly and approachable, in part thanks to short form Cy.

DAVIS (#616)

David appears on nearly any list of classic boy names. Not only is it borrowed from an Old Testament hero, but it has a great meaning, too: beloved. Surname form Davis shares that meaning. Plus it picks up a stylish ‘s’ ending. Some might argue that Jefferson Davis blights the name. I say that jazz great Miles Davis restores it, and then some. If James is too traditional, Davis might be just different enough.

DEMETRIUS (#889)

An ancient name associated with earth goddess Demeter.

DOUGLAS (#743)

Scottish surname and place name Douglas is quite dashing, if you avoid shortening it to midcentury nickname Doug, which is solidly in grandpa territory now.

ELIAS (#35)

A European equivalent to Old Testament staple Elijah.

ELLIS (#273 for boys, #757 for girls)

Another surname from a Biblical favorite, Ellis comes from Elijah. It also serves as the English form of a Welsh name meaning kind. Unlike many of boy names ending with s, it’s a perennial favorite, appearing in the US Top 1000 every year since the rankings were established in 1880. There’s designer Perry Ellis, actor Tom Ellis, and musician Ellis Marsalis, Jr.

ERMIAS (#931)

The late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s real name? Ermais, an Amharic form of Jeremiah. It sounds a little like Hermes, the Greek messenger god associated with a French luxury brand.

ESAIS, ISAIS (unranked; #440)

Isaiah is a Top 100 staples; these spellings are both older and international forms of the name.

FRANCIS (#458)

A saintly classic, Francis is heard across nearly every European language in some form. It does, indeed, suggest a love of France, though it’s actually Francois – pronounced more like fran-swahz – in French.

GATES (unranked)

Gates might scream Bill, as in Microsoft. But it has history as a first. Gates McFadden played Dr. Beverly Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel Prep features a female Gates, too. It’s a fresh take on James with a hint of the rich meaning that’s taken Journey and River straight up the popularity charts.

GIBBS (unranked)

If you’re into disco, this name is all Bees Gees. Though, Maurice, Barry, and Robin were the brothers Gibb – hold the s. But let’s face it, 1977 is the distant past. Gibbs might also bring to mind Mark Harmon’s long-running character on NCIS. (First name Jethro, but nearly always referred dto as Gibbs.) But I think this surname derived from Gilbert feels like a blank slate, ready for a daring parent to discover.

GILES (unranked)

Unlike many of the boy names ending with s, Giles started out as a given name, not a surname. Aegidius in Latin, it became Giles in French. A seventh century hermit saint made it popular. The Normans brought it to England. Many a church in the UK is now known as Saint Giles, including one in London. It saw some use in the US through the middle of the twentieth century, but is rare today.

GUS (unranked)

An affectionate short form for any of the August names, also sometimes associated with Constantine in Greek, Gus is friendly and down-to-earth.

HARRIS (unranked)

Harrison sits just outside the current US Top 100. And we’re wild about Henry. But American parents haven’t quite embraced Harris … yet. It’s a Top Ten choice in Scotland, along with Jack, Oliver, and Leo. That suggests we’re just one high profile Harris away from the name catching on here, too. Fun fact: Harris sounds a lot like Sarah backwards, making it a wildly different way to honor a Sarah.

HAYES (#209)

Among the hottest of the boy names ending with s, Hayes has lots to recommend it. It’s cousin to former chart-topper Aidan, both derived from the Irish Aodh – fiery. It’s presidential. (Though I don’t know much about Rutherford B.) And it sounds like haze, as in girls’ favorite Hazel, and the weather phenomenon, too. It feels edgy and upscale at the same time.

HOBBES (unranked)

Yes, it’s the name of Calvin’s anthropomorphic tiger, in a long-running comic strip. But that character was named for 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes, known for his work on social contract theory. That lends this name a sort of intellectual vibe, a brother for Simon as easily as Brooks. It’s also a great way to honor a Robert, as the surname derived from Hob and Hobbe, both medieval nicknames.

HOLLIS (#1000)

Holly is a nature name staple for girls, one that peaked in the 1970s. Hollis takes this into boy names ending with s territory – and makes it feel like a fresh, new possibility. It could be a great choice for a child born around the winter holidays, but it doesn’t scream Christmas, either. If you’d like a nature name with a preppy spin, Hollis could be a promising option.

IDRIS (#788)

With separate Arabic and Welsh roots, Idris was already an international, culture-spanning choice. And then along came actor Idris Elba – born in London to parents originally from Sierra Leone and Ghana. Now this name truly shines.

INNES (unranked)

In Irish mythology, Aonghus was the god of love and youth. We know it as the thoroughly Scottish Angus, but it’s sometimes Anglicized as Innes, too. It’s also a Gaelic word for island; sometimes spelled Ennis – which is the name of actor Kirsten Dunst’s son, born in 2018. I like the mythological tie-in, but both meanings appeal.

JAMES (#4)

Among the most popular boy names across time and place, James benefits from the boy names ending with S trend in two ways. First, the name is back in the Top Ten, while fellow evergreen favorites like Joseph aren’t quite as popular. Second, a boy born today is likely to be James in full, rather than Jimmy, Jim, or Jamie for short.

JESUS (#172)

As a given name, this powerfully religious choice is nearly always used by native Spanish speakers. It’s actually a cousin to Joshua.

JOHANNES (unranked)

John was the long-time top name for boys in the US. Johannes is the Latin form of the Biblical Greek Ioannes. (Ioannis is the modern Greek.) While plenty of forms of the name now in use are shorter – John, but also Jack and Jan and Ian and more – Johannes is still heard in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as Scandinvia.

JONAS (#532)

As in The Brothers, but also a form of Jonah with plenty of history and a history of use in several European languages.

JONES (#960)

Like Smith, Jones makes an almost anonymous surname. But as a given name, it’s energetic, unexpected and downright fun to say. It most often evolved from the oh-so-common given name John. Any Jones would share his name – if not with other kids’ firsts, then with artisanal soda, a boot company, and a handful of places, too.

JOSS (unranked)

It might be short for Joseph, Joshua, Josiah, or another Jos- name. It’s unisex, a name that shares qualities with girls’ names like Jo and Tess, but also boys’ names like Russ and Josh.

JULES (unranked)

Masculine in French, sometimes considered feminine and a nickname for Julia/Juliana in English. Figures like author Jules Verne keep it familiar-ish.

JULIUS (#400)

Another Julia/Julian name, this one relatively uncommon and nicely distinctive.

KEATS (unranked)

Surname name Keats brings to mind the English Romantic poet. But it probably comes from kite, the bird of prey. So that makes the name literary and dangerous, a nature name at home in the library. And while Keats has never ranked in the US Top 1000, Keaton has charted since Family Times aired on NBC in the 1980s.

LEONIDAS (unranked)

The name of a fearless fifth century BC king, a lion of a man – and a lion of a name, too.

LEWIS; LOUIS (#469 and #237)

Like James and Francis, Louis is an impeccable classic, associated with a long line of historic figures. Lewis is more typically a surname spelling. But while Louis is sometimes pronounced the French way – Louie, hold the S – there’s no ambiguity with Lewis.

LINUS (unranked)

An old school name borrowed from Apollo’s golden-haired sun and made famous by an early pope, most of us now think of the blanket-toting member of the Peanuts gang.

LUCAS (#9)

Another traditional heavy-hitter with that sylish S ending. It still outranks the related – and equally appealing – Luca and Luke, at least for now.

LUCIUS (unranked)

Feminine form Lucia is on the rise, as are several Luc- choices on the list of boy names, including Lucian. Lucius also comes from the Latin lux, meaning light, but for now? This name remains in the shadows.

MAGNUS (#767)

A Late Latin name meaning great, Magnus is saintly, regal, and still nicely wearable in the US now. (Compared to Legend or Ace, it’s almost understated.)

MARCOS; MARCUS (#475; #249)

Mark is absolutely a dad name – or even a grandad name – now. But Marcus and Marcos benefit from their S ending to sound a little more ancient and interesting.

MATHIAS; MATTHIAS; MATIAS (#371; #483; #164)

Matthew is an enduring classic, Mateo the romance language choice that’s most popular now. Mat- names Mathias, Matthias, and Matias are enjoying some popularity, boosted by our love of all those ending S sounds.

MATS (unranked)

Northern Europeans tend to shorten Matt names to Mats instead, and there’s some appeal to this brief choice.

MEMPHIS (#489)

A place name, by way of both ancient Egypt and modern Tennessee.

MILES, MYLES (#43; #106)

Myles Standish came to the New World with the Pilgrims. Miles had crossed another ocean centuries earlier, coming to England with the Norman invaders. Miles Davis lends it a hint of creativity and daring; but it also suggests travel and distance, making it great name for a runner or an adventurer of any kind.

MILLS (unranked)

Mills feels less expected than Miles. It sidesteps the beer references of Miller. Liam Neeson and Brad Pitt have both worn the surname in movies; Henry Daniel Mills was a pivotal character in ABC’s fairy tale drama Once Upon a Time. But it’s the s-ending that makes Mills compelling today. 

MORRIS (unranked)

In medieval English, the French Maurice became Morris. We tend to think of it as a surname now. During the 1970s and 80s, 9Lives was represented by a spokescat called Morris. Today it’s rare for anyone – feline or human – but with cozy nickname Mo, it could wear well.

MOSES (#557)

Strongly associated with the Old Testament prophet, but freshly fashionable thanks to the S ending.

MOSS (unranked)

A gentle nature name possibility, tinted green.

NELS, NIELS (unranked)

It looks like Neil, but these names are typically associated with Nicholas. Physicist Niels Bohr is probably the best known.

NICHOLAS; NIKOLAS (#109; #650)

A Top Ten favorite in the 1990s and early 2000s, Nicholas was so popular it’s easy to forget that it’s also an evergreen classic. Many meny by the name shorten it to Nick or even Nico. But use it in full at it belongs with boy names ending in S.

OAKES; OAKS (unranked)

Oakley is a white hot unisex name. Oakes isn’t quite as fashionable, but it could be.

OSIRIS (#946)

The meaning of the name Osiris is either “mighty” or “eye,” or possibly something else altogether that we’ve forgotten. But we tend to know Osiris as the Egyptian god of the dead, as well as resurrection. That makes this a little Goth, but it’s an appealing sound.

OTIS (#652)

Originally a surname name related to the Germanic Otto, Otis is gentle and romantic. It brings to mind legendary singer Otis Redding, as well as the children’s movie Milo and Otis.

PARKS (unranked)

Parker ranks in the boys’ Top 100, so how about Parks?

PERSEUS (unranked)

The name of a hero in Greek mythology, and also pop culture now. Percy Jackson is actually Perseus, the demigod son of Poseidon whose adventures unfold over a successful series of novels by author Rick Riordan.

PIERS (unranked)

Piers is tough to identify. It looks a little bit like Niels, maybe. But it’s actually an earlier form of Pierce, ultimately related to Peter. Fourteenth century poem “Piers Plowman” cements this in our collective imagination. While it’s seldom heard in use, it’s not forgotten. Science fiction author Piers Anthony is one person keeping the name familiar.

REECE, REESE, RHYS (#449; #630 for boys and #174 for girls; #353)

Reese Witherspoon – born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon – makes this surname name feel unisex. But the original Welsh Rhys remains almost exclusively masculine, as does Reece-with-a-C. It’s got a great meaning: enthusiasm.

REEVES (unranked)

The late actor Christopher Reeve made his name as Superman, decades before we became Marvel-obsessed. But while Reeve is an occupational surname for a sheriff, Reeves often has a different backstory: it can come from the Middle English phrase “atter eves” – for someone who lives at the edge of the woods. It’s rather romantic.

RHODES (#707)

Rhodes feels ancient and smart. The towering Colossus statue stood on the Greek island of Rhodes until it collapsed in an earthquake, 226 BC. It’s a common surname, too. Marvel hero War Machine is James Rhodes. (He’s a frequent ally of Iron Man, who calls him Rhodey.) Rhodes Scholars add an intelluctual patina to this stylish choice.

RIGGS (#733)

Riggs has the same rugged, can-do feeling as Briggs. Originally a sailing term, “rig” can also refer to a truck – a big rig – or a swindle. But I’d say Riggs takes the best of the possible meanings.

RIVERS (unranked)

With River so popular, why bother adding an s? One answer: Rivers Cuomo, musician and songwriter, frontman of Weezer and solo artist, too. It feels like a twist on that familiar nature name, something just slightly different – maybe even a little more polished.

ROLLINS (unranked)

We recognize Peter, John, and Elijah, even if the connection to Parks, Jones, and Ellis feels slippery. But Rollins comes from Rollo, Rudolf, Roland, or maybe Rolf – far more obscure. Still, it fits the general style. Plus, it brings to mind musician-activist Henry Rollins, Florida’s Rollins College, and a handful of other uses of the surname.

RUFUS (unranked)

It’s a New Testament name worn by several early saints. But there’s something almost shaggy about Rufus, a comfortable name that feels lived in. It means “red-haired” and might make you think of England. That’s because William Rufus – also known as William II – reigned in the late eleventh century, red hair and all.

SILAS; SYLAS (#81; #463)

A stylish choice, Silas refers to the forest, from the Latin silva – woods. The Sylas spelling might be an attempt to rationalize nickname Sy.

THOMAS; TOMAS (#41; #726)

Another classic, slightly increased in use in recent years. Like James, more boys are Thomas, not Tommy or Tom. A New Testament name, Thomas means twin.

THADDEUS (#903)

Likely an Aramaic name originally, Thaddeus appears in the New Testament. It seems like the best possible combination of Theodore and Augustus.

ULISES; ULYSSES (#994; unranked)

Ulises is the Spanish form of the name, made famous by the adventuer immortalized by Homer.

WELLS (#445)

A relative newcomer to the popularity charts, Wells offers layers of meaning. It’s a nature name, of course. Wellspring implies wholeness and plenty. There’s something about Wells that feels healthy, vibrant, and calm. It’s a polished name with plenty of depth. (Excuse the pun.)

WES (#798)

If we can name our boys just Max and just Gus, then why not just Wes? It’s typically shorten for Wesley or Weston, but stands on its own, too.

WILLIS (unranked)

An English surname related to William, and a traditional choice that’s surprisingly rare.

WOODS (unranked)

It’s a familiar surname – think Tiger and Elle. But Woods is also a nature name, one that fits the same category as Rivers and maybe Wells. Plus there’s Forrest and Rowan and lots of names that feel like they’re akin to Woods. While it remains rare, it has a homespun, folksy feel that might appeal to plenty of parents. Woodrow, Elwood, and other wood names come to mind, too.

YATES (unranked)

Keats is one of the great romantic poets. William Butler Yeats is another literary giant; this time, a leader in the Irish Literary Revival and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923. Keats rhymes with beats, but Yeats with Gates.

What are your favorite boy names ending with S? 

First published on February 10, 2020, this post was updated on September 5, 2020; August 3, 2021; August 26, 2022; and January 15, 2025.