Boy Names That Start with W

W names for boys are rooted firmly in English history. William is the defining name of the letter, built from Germanic words for will and helmet and carried to England by William the Conqueror. It has since produced a whole family of forms, including Will, Willie and the surname Wilson, meaning son of Will. Walter, from Germanic words meaning ruler of the army, is another name with a long history among English and Scottish families.

Most of the other W names began as English surnames, many tied to places or trades. Walker once described a worker who treated cloth, Wayne a maker of wagons, and Wade someone who lived near a river crossing. Weston and Winston come from English place names, and Warren has Norman roots. Wyatt comes from a medieval English name with a sturdy, rugged sound, and Wesley is a surname meaning western meadow. Wilder suggests untamed nature, and Waylon has a Southern American feel.

Many W names share a relaxed, outdoorsy style, so it is worth thinking about how formal you want your son's name to feel. William offers several nicknames, which gives flexibility, while Wade and Wyatt are short and steady. If your surname also starts with W, say the full name aloud to decide whether the alliteration suits you.