Choosing a baby name is no easy task! Perhaps parents already have an idea of what they’re looking for in a baby boy name, even though they don’t have any front-running contenders at the moment. Still, they likely have an idea of how they want it to sound or what style they're going for.

While traditional male names tend to be overtly masculine and strong sounding, a new trend is taking hold of baby names that has parents opting for softer names when it comes to their baby boys. There are tons of feminine-sounding names that are either unisex or more popular with boys that would make the perfect moniker for any little gentleman. From ones that have historical or biblical references to others that have been adapted from other popular names, parents might be surprised how many cool, soft sounding boy names there are floating around.

We’ve rounded up 20 of the most gorgeous feminine-inspired boy names that are sure to give moms some ideas for baby names. More and more celebrities are gravitating towards male names that come across as softer and lighter, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Hey, if the Kardashians can name one of their kids Saint, then everyone else can name the baby whatever they want!

15 Sparrow

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If you want your child to sound like a celebrity, then Sparrow might be the baby name choice for you. Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their son Sparrow back in 2009, which helped to up the popularity of this unique moniker.

According to Baby Name Wizard, many people associate the name Sparrow with freedom or spirituality. It’s also been associated with love, dedication, trust, and loyalty. The website explains, “A lot of people see the sparrow as representing freedom because if can come and go where ever it wants. Others see a more spiritual meaning like escorting the souls from this earthly realm to the heavenly realm.”

Sparrows are referenced heavily in the bible, so it’s the perfect choice if you want your child’s name to have biblical meaning.

14 Jules

Jules is often as a shortened nickname for male names like Julian or Julius, and of girl names like Julia or Juliana. But, there have been cases where people have used the name Jules on its own.

In Latin and French, Jules translate to ‘Youthful.’ But, according to the Greek understanding of the name, it translates to ‘downy’ or hairy.’ It is most famously associated with former Roman dictator Gaius Julius Caesar.

She Knows writes, “People with this name tend to be orderly and dedicated to building their lives on a solid foundation of order and service.” Give your kid this name if you want them to be a leader!

13 Asa

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Though you may have never heard of this unique moniker before, Asa has actually been a popular name in various parts of the world for years.

In Nepali, Punjabi, Indonesian, and Filipino, the name translates simply to ‘Hope.’ In Nigerian, it translate to ‘beautiful,’ in Japanese it means ‘morning,’ and in Portuguese it means ‘wing.’ Asa is also an ancient Norse name, and roughly translates to mean ‘goddess.’

Asa also has biblical connotations. The name appears in the Old Testament to describe the third Kind of Judah, who reigned for 40 years. It later became popular in the 17thcentury thanks to the influence of the Puritans.

12 Sterling

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This name sounds fit for royalty! Sterling has recently been adapted from being a descriptive word or uncommon surname to a first name that’s rising in popularity.

Though sterling is often used to describe previous metals and gems, its historically been used as a last name, and now as a first name. With origins in Europe, the name Sterling translates to mean ‘of high quality,’ ‘pure,’ or ‘excellent.’ The Old English meaning also translates to ‘little star. It was originally believed to be derived from the city of Stirling.

Actors with this unique name include actor Sterling Brown and former Sonny With a Chance star Sterling Knight.

11 Finian

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There have been multiple variations of the name Finian that have been popular throughout the years, including Finn and Finnegan. This name has its origins in Irish and Celtic, where it translates to mean ‘fair’ or ‘handsome,’ respectively.

Of the name, She Knows explains, “People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence. They would rather focus on large, important issues, and delegate the details.”

The site also adds, “People with this name are competent, practical, and often obtain great power and wealth. They tend to be successful in business and commercial affairs, and are able to achieve great material dreams.”

If you want your baby to be the next big business man, then this might be the name for him!

10 Oriol

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Oriol has historically been used as a Catalan surname, and was first given in honour of the Saint Joseph Oriol. It is pronounced ‘Uh-riol,’ with a soft ‘r’ and a strong ‘l.’

It was derived from the Latin word aureus, which translates to ‘golden.’ Currently, Oriol sits in the Top 100 baby name choices in Spain, though it is widely unpopular in other areas of the world.

There are many notable celebrities with Oriol as their first name, including Spanish football player Oriol Lozano, model Oriol Elchacho, and Spanish politician Oriol Junqueras. Would you dare to give your child such a golden name?

9 Sasha

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Though more commonly thought of as a female name, Sasha is a unisex name that originated in Eastern and Southern Europe. It’s a shortened version of the popular name Alexander. The name is often translated to mean “Defender or Mankind,” or “Avenger.”

According to SheKnows, many people who have this name show a natural capacity for leadership and bravery. “People with this name are excited by change, adventure, and excitement. They are dynamic, visionary and versatile, able to make constructive use of freedom,” the site explains.

Notable male celebrities with this moniker include comedian-actor Sacha Baron-Cohen and Canadian actor Sasha Roiz.

8 Lark

Lark is another bird-inspired name that is quickly gaining popularity amongst both girls and boys. The moniker, which has origins in Europe, was first recorded as a name in the 1830s.

Larks are meadow birds that have gained fame for their beautiful song. The word ‘lark’ has also been used to refer to an outing or adventure. As Baby Name Wizard explains, “It suggests a cheerful, outgoing, spontaneous and carefree approach to life.” Though it can be used as a first name, Lark has gained popularity more so as a middle and surname.

Your baby boy is sure to stand out thanks to this melodious name!

7 Beryl

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Historically, Beryl has been used as both a female and male name.

Many believe it is a variation of the French surname Burrell, which was inspired by the Old French word ‘Bovre’ that was once used to describe workers in the wool trade. Alternatively, Beryl has also been spelt as Berel, which has Judeo-Germanic roots.

This name first began being used in the late 19thcentury, and was inspired by the mineral of the same name. Historically, it has been more popular in the British Isles than in North America, though it has been declining in popularity in recent decades.

6 Gaelen

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Gaelen is a very whimsical-sounding name, and has deep, historical roots. Its ethnic origin is Gaelic, and translate to ‘tranquil.’ However, on the contrary, other translations suggest that it can also mean ‘fiery spirit.’

Of the name, Baby Name Wizard explains, “People with this name tend to be a powerful force to all whose lives they touch. They are capable, charismatic leaders who often undertake large endeavours with great success. They value truth, justice, and discipline, and may be quick-tempered.”

Celebrities with this moniker include actors Gaelan Connell and Galen Fering. Clearly, someone with this name is headed for success!

5 Ariel

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Though many now associate the name Ariel with the Disney princess of the same name, this unisex moniker actually has a long biblical history.

In Hebrew, the name directly translates into “Light” or “Lion of God,” and in the bible Ariel is the name of the Archangel of Healing and New Beginnings. But, in Arabic, the name also means “Fire Earth.” Male variations of the name can also include Ari and Arik.

There are tons of famous men with the first name Ariel, including Chilean-American writer Ariel Dorfman, Argentinian soccer players Ariel Nahuelpan and Ariel Ortega, and director Ariel Shulman.

4 Rory

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Many people consider the name Rory as a girl’s name thanks to the popularity of Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. However, this moniker is just as commonly used as a boy name!

The name comes from Gaelic, where it translates to mean ‘Red King’ or someone with rusty or red hair. It is often associated with smartness, bravery, and dependability. As of 2017, it was the 379thmost common boy name in the US, and the 565 most common female names given to girls.

Famous people with this moniker include golfer Rory Mcllroy, and actors Rory Culkin, Rory Kinnear, and Rory McCann.

3 Francis

Francis is a more popular feminine-sounding male name, with its feminized version being spelt as Frances.

The Latin meaning for Francis is ‘from the franciscus,’ meaning Frenchman. The name appeared in many Shakespearean plays and stories. In American, the name is largely understood to mean ‘free.’

She Knows writes, “People with this name are excellent at analyzing, understanding, and learning. They tend to be mystics, philosophers, scholars, and teachers. Because they live so much in the mind, they tend to be quiet and introspective, and are usually introverts.”

Famous uses of this name include philosophy Francis Bacon, explorer Francis Drake, and House of Cards character Francis Underwood.

2 Cal

Cal is often the shorthand for many names that start with those three letters, including Calvin, Callum, Callen, Calista, and Callie. However, it has been used as a first name on its own before.

According to She Knows, this moniker is often seen as very thoughtful, intuitive, and whimsical. “People with this name are excellent at analyzing, understanding, and learning. They tend to be mystics, philosophers, scholars, and teachers,” the site explained.

They add, “Because they live so much in the mind, they tend to be quiet and introspective, and are usually introverts.” Could you see yourself calling your baby boy Cal?

1 Brighton

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Brighton, which is spelt the same as the British city of the same name, is a Hebrew-originating name that translate to ‘the one who is loved.’ It is often associated with great compassion, empathy, and stability.

“People with this name have a deep inner desire for a stable, loving family or community, and a need to work with others and to be appreciated,” She Knows explains of this unique moniker. “People with this name tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely.”

Other variations of this name include Brigham and Bingham.

Sorrel

[caption id="attachment_442130" align="alignnone" width="1080"] via instagram.com[/caption] The name Sorrel has had many meanings in different language, though it is uncommonly used as a unisex first name. Sorrel most famously refers to a herbal plant, and has also been used to describe a reddish-tan colour, often said in reference to brand new pennies or copper-red chestnut horses. It is a variation of the Old French word ‘Saur’ (meaning ‘dried), the Germanic word ‘suazaz’ (meaning ‘dry’), and the Indo-European word ‘Saus’ (meaning ‘dry or parched’). Canadian boot company Sorrell also adopted the name for their wide-ranging collection of weather-resistant, high quality boots and shoes. Could you see yourself naming your baby boy this?

Cary

[caption id="attachment_442134" align="alignnone" width="1079"] via instagram.com[/caption] We’ve all heard of the name Carrie for a baby girl, but Cary is the masculine version of this popular name. The name has gained popularity in the 20thcentury thanks to actor Cary Grant, who’s birth name was actually Archibald Leach. Cary has been popular all over the world, and has taken on different meanings. In both American and Celtic, the name roughly translates to ‘From the Fortress.’ Yet, in English, it means ‘stream,’ in Irish it means ‘Of the dark ones,’ and in Welsh it translates to ‘from the castle’ or ‘loving.’ She Knows explains of this name, “People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence.”

Emerson

She Knows explains that people with this name may often be introverted, but have a strong sense of adventure and humility. “People with this name have a deep inner need for quiet, and a desire to understand and analyze the world they live in, and to learn the deeper truths,” the site writes. Other unisex variations of this name include Emery. Female variations include Emme, Em, and Emma.

Asher

[caption id="attachment_442132" align="alignnone" width="1080"] via instagram.com[/caption] Asher is a masculine variation of the popular female name Ashley, and can also be shortened to Ashe. In Hebrew, the name means ‘happy’ or ‘blessed.’ Asher was referenced in the bible multiple times as one of Jacob’s son, and Joseph’s half brother. Yet, in Old English, the name refers to someone ‘who lives near an Ash tree.’ Asher also refers to a place in Israel. Of the name, Baby Name Wizard explains, “Based on research, most people would imagine a person with the name Asher to be: A tall and fun-loving young chap. In one word, you might describe Asher as a ‘fun-loving’ person.”

Riley

It’s a Gaelic-originating word that is often translated to mean ‘valiant.’ According to some sources, it’s Old English translation means ‘wood clearing.’ As of 2017, it was the 25thmost popular girl’s name and the 253rdmost popular boy’s name. In the UK, however, Riley was the 40thmost popular boy’s name in 2016. Celebrities with this moniker include actor Riley Smith, musician Riley Puckett, football player Riley Ware, and basketball coach Riley Wallace.
References: Baby Name Wizard, She Knows