New Names Showdown 2025: Boys Final

How can it already be the very last days of July? Summer is going by in a flash.

That means we’re ready for the very last vote in this year’s New Names Showdown for the boys!

Where do the new names come from? Every year, typically in May, the US Social Security Administration updates the Top 1000 Baby Names. (Actually, make that Top 2000 – one list for girls, one list for boys.) Inevitably, some names fall off the list, making way for new choices, or for former favorites to return.

I choose the eight most intriguing names for boys and girls alike, then your votes select a single winner.

The name you choose will join quite the stylish list.

PAST NEW NAMES SHOWDOWN CHAMPIONS

• Hollis (2024)
• Rhodes (2023)
• Benedict (2022)
• Leif (2021)
• Callahan (2020)
• Archie (2019)
• Wells (2018)
• Shepherd (2017)
• Wilder (2016)

BOYS SEMIFINALS RESULTS

Heath swept past Carlo with just over 70% of the total. Nature name Heath has had a good run, easily winning both matches to advance to the final.

Bryer earned more than 54% of the votes against Ozias. The surname-meets-nature name feels like an obvious choice, fresher than Bryce, more masculine than unisex Briar.

BOYS FINAL MATCH

And that sets up our final match in the New Names Showdown 2025!

HEATH versus BRYER

Voting remains open for just a few days. As always, thank you for playing along with our summer contest and be sure to check back soon to see the results!