There's something deeply appealing about a royal name. Not just because of the crowns and the pageantry, but because of what royalty has historically represented: leadership, strength, and the weight of responsibility. When you give a child a name meaning king or queen, you're not raising them to be arrogant — you're raising them to know their own worth. Here are the names that carry that legacy.
The Royal Name Trend
Royal names have surged alongside the global interest in the British Royal Family, but they're far older than any Windsor. Henry has been a top 10 name for several years running. Frederick is climbing back. Ryan — which derives from an Irish word for king — sits at #87. These names resonate because they combine gravitas with genuine wearability. Check the current rankings to see which royal names are performing best.
The Most Popular Royal Names for Boys
Henry (Germanic, rank #6)
Henry comes from the Germanic Heimrich — from heim (home) and ric (ruler, power) — meaning ruler of the home or powerful ruler. Eight kings of England bore this name, including Henry VIII, the most famous and arguably the most consequential. Today Henry sits at #6, making it one of the most popular baby names in America. It's formal without being stuffy, classic without being dusty. The current Prince Henry (Prince Harry) has only added to its relevance.
Ryan (Irish, rank #87)
Ryan anglicizes the Irish Ó Riain — from the Old Irish rí, meaning king. The name was originally a royal Irish surname before becoming one of the most popular first names in the US during the 1970s and 80s. At #87, it's still firmly mainstream. Ryan carries its royal meaning quietly — most people don't know it's a king name, which gives it a kind of incognito royalty. Ryan Reynolds has kept it feeling cool and contemporary.
Eric (Old Norse, rank #251)
Eric comes from the Old Norse Eiríkr — from ei (ever, always) and ríkr (ruler, power) — meaning eternal ruler. Norse kings bore this name: Eric the Red discovered Greenland; his son Leif Ericson reached North America. The name has been in the US top 100 for over fifty years and, at rank #251, is still firmly in the top 300. Eric is the understated royal name — widely used enough to feel familiar, old enough to have genuine Viking authenticity.
Cyrus (Old Persian, rank #254)
Cyrus the Great was one of history's most remarkable rulers — the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the liberator of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, and a pioneer of human rights. His name likely derives from Old Persian kūruš, possibly meaning sun or throne. Cyrus Miley helped the name gain pop culture traction, and it's been climbing steadily. At rank #254, it's distinctive and historically rich in a way few names can match.
Frederick (Germanic, rank #423)
Frederick comes from the Old German Friduric — from friidu (peace) and ric (ruler, power) — meaning peaceful ruler. Frederick the Great of Prussia was one of the most celebrated military and cultural leaders of the 18th century. The name fell deeply out of fashion in the 20th century but is currently in the midst of a real revival, rising steadily as parents rediscover Victorian grandeur. At #423, it's uncommon enough to feel fresh again.
Malik (Arabic, rank #429)
Malik means king in Arabic, and it's one of the 99 names of God in Islam (al-Malik, the King). It's been used across North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia for centuries, and has been one of the great cross-cultural success stories in American baby naming — embraced across communities for its strong, clear meaning. At rank #429, it's established and rising, with a directness that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The Most Popular Royal Names for Girls
Freya (Old Norse, rank #159)
Freya — or Freyja — was the Norse goddess of love, fertility, war, and death. Half of those who die in battle go to her hall, Fólkvangr; the other half go to Odin's Valhalla. She is often described as the most powerful of the Norse goddesses. The day Friday is named after her (Frigg's day / Freyja's day). At rank #159 in the US and far higher in the UK, Freya has become one of the defining names of this generation. Royal without being stuffy, mythological without being obscure.
Aubrey (Old French/Germanic, rank #130 girls)
Aubrey derives from the Germanic Alberich — from alb (elf) and ric (ruler, power) — meaning elf ruler. It was originally a men's name (Auberon, King of the Fairies in medieval legend), then crossed to women, and is now firmly feminine in the US. At #130 for girls, Aubrey has the right balance of familiar and distinctive. Aubrey Plaza has given it a cool, wry energy that feels very now.
Rgeina (Latin, rank #340)
Regina is literally queen in Latin. There's no metaphor here, no root to trace — it IS the word for queen. It was a traditional name in European royal families for centuries. Regina George (Mean Girls) turned it into a cultural touchstone. At rank #340, it's not common but not obscure. For parents who want a royal name that means exactly what it says, there is no more direct choice than Regina.
Rory (Irish, rank #226 girls / #226 boys)
Rory comes from the Irish Ruaidhri — from ruadh (red) and rí (king) — meaning red king. It was a royal Irish name: Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair was the last High King of Ireland. In the US, Rory is now genuinely gender-neutral, appearing in similar ranks for both boys and girls. Gilmore Girls' Rory Gilmore made it feel literary and smart. A royal name that wears its meaning lightly.
The Rare Royal Names Worth Considering
Prince (Latin, rank #404)
Prince is from the Latin princeps, meaning first citizen or ruler. As a name it's bold — you can't wear Prince quietly. The musician Prince Rogers Nelson made it synonymous with artistic genius and royal confidence. At rank #404, it's used but distinctive. A name that requires its wearer to grow into it in the best possible way.
Solomon (Hebrew, rank #417)
Solomon was the king of Israel — perhaps the most famous king in all of biblical literature. His name comes from the Hebrew shalom (peace), and his reign was the golden age of ancient Israel. At rank #417 and rising, Solomon is one of the great rediscovered Old Testament names. Royal, wise, and deeply rooted in Abrahamic tradition across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures.
Our Favorite Royal Name Combinations
- Henry James
- Freya Rose
- Cyrus Eliot
- Regina Mae
- Malik Solomon
- Frederick Hugh
Keep Exploring
Royal names pair naturally with classic, grounded middle names. You might also love our names meaning angel and divine, or explore Norse and Viking names for more powerful mythological options. Browse by Germanic origin for the Henry and Frederick style, or Latin origin for Regina and Prince. Use our comparison tool to weigh your favorites, and check the full rankings for current popularity data.
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Analysis by NamesPop.