Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the United States

Picking a name for your new son can be quite an undertaking! Will you name him after a relative? A best friend from elementary school? A popular sports figure? How about after the city where he was conceived on your vacation nine months ago? Any of these might be a good option, depending on your family traditions and the personalities of you and your spouse.

Most often parents want to pick a name that is meaningful to them. Often biblical names are chosen, in the hope that a son will live a Godly life. If a son is the namesake of a famous movie star or sports figure, your hope could be that your son will grow up to be an athlete, an actor or other public figure. Choosing a unique or unusual name for your son will ensure he stands out, but also could make him the object of teasing in elementary school and potentially sidetrack some of his career plans it his name is too outlandish!

The U.S. Government's Social Security Administration reported Jacob was the most popular boy's name in 2004 and has been since 1999. The oldest publicly available social security records dating back to 1880 indicates Jacob ranks as 39th most popular name on record.

Jacob, a Hebrew name originally spelled Ya'aqob, means "holder of the heel". The Latin translation is "Supplanter." In the Old Testament, Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and became the patriarch of the 12 tribes of Israel. He was born holding the heel of his twin brother Esau.

The second most popular boys name is Michael. Michael is also of Hebrew origin and is translated, "Who is like God?" or "Gift from God." St. Michael was the biblical conqueror of Satan and is the modern day patron saint of soldiers. Michelangelo and Mikhail Gorbachev both bear variants of the name. Michael actually has over 40 variations.

Another Hebrew name, Joshua translates as "Jehovah is generous" or "Jehovah saves." In the Bible Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses as leader of the Israelites. He is the one who lead the journey to the Promised Land.

The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name for "Gift of the Lord." Matthew was one of Jesus' apostles and wrote the first gospel in the New Testament. Matthew has 33 variations and famous bearers of the name include the actors Matthew Modine, Matthew Perry, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Leblanc, Matt Damon.

Ethan is the fifth most popular name recorded by the Social Security Administration in 2004. Ethan is Hebrew for "Strong" or "Constancy." In the Bible Ethan was a man noted for his wisdom. Ethan Allen was a famous soldier in the Revolutionary War. The Actor Ethan Hawke is another famous bearer of the name.

Andrew is of Greek origin and means "Manly; brave." Andrew was the first of the apostles to be chosen by Jesus. Andrew is the patron saint of both Scotland and Russia. Variations include Jedrick and Kendrick and about 50 others.. St Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland.

Daniel was a biblical prophet and wrote the Book of Daniel. The Hebrew translation of Daniel means "God is my Judge." Daniel is the biblical figure who survived the death sentence in the Lion's Den. A Gaelic variation of Daniel, Domhnall, means "Attractive."

Anthony, after a Roman clan, Antonius, means "Highly praiseworthy.". In the 1600's the spelling of the name Anthony was associated with the Greek word anthos, meaning flower. The Basque translation means "He adds" or "priceless." Actors Anthony Quinn, Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Perkins, Tony Curtis, Anthony Banderas and singer Marc Anthony are all famous bearers of this name.

Christopher Plummer and Christopher Walken are two famous "Christopher" actors. Christopher Columbus is perhaps the most famous namesake. Christopher is of Greek origin and means "Christ bearer" or "He who holds Christ in his heart." Christopher has 32 variant forms

Joseph is of Hebrew origin, meaning "May Jehovah add/give increase." St Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus and gave him his own burial place. In the bible Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery and later became a powerful leader in Egypt. Also Jesus' legal father was Joseph. Joseph has 44 variations, including the Spanish, Joseì.