What's old is new again. Check out the most popular baby boy names in Canada for 2017. Did your babe's name make the list?
Photo: Stocksy
Last year’s rank: 4
Call him Ben, Benny or Benji, this Hebrew name has biblical roots and means “son of the right hand.” Famous men with this name include Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin McKenzie and Ben Affleck.
Read more: Top 25 most popular baby girl names in Canada for 2017
Last year’s rank: 2
A very regal name meaning “brilliant,” famous Williams include William Shakespeare and Kate Middleton’s husband, otherwise known as Prince William.
Read more: Top baby names in Canada for 2017
Last year’s rank: 6
In the world of X-Men, Wolverine’s name is Logan. It comes from Gaelic and means “from the hollow.”
Read more: Top baby names by province for 2017
Last year’s rank: 10
This name continues to rise in popularity. It’s the moniker of Hollywood heartthrob Ethan Hawke and appears in the Bible no less than eight times. In Hebrew, it means “strong and firm.”
Last year’s rank: 8
Please, sir, we’d like to see more Olivers in the world. The English name means “peaceful,” or “the olive tree.” And, of course, it’s the name of a young orphan in Charles Dickins’ Oliver Twist.
Last year’s rank: 5
A biblical name, Jacob was the son of Isaac in the Old Testament. It’s also the name of Twilight’s vampire-hating werewolf and young Canadian actor, Jacob Tremblay. It can be shortened to Jake and means “supplanter” in Hebrew.
Last year’s rank: 17
Jack used to be a nickname for John, but lately, it’s been standing strong on its own. Funny girl Maya Rudolph named her son Jack in 2011. And who can forget the charming Jack Dawson in Titanic?
Last year’s rank: 1
A sound Irish name, Liam has dropped from the number one spot, but still made it in the top 25. It can be a short form of William and means “resolute protector.” Liam Hemsworth is a popular bearer of the name.
Last year’s rank: 3
Rooted in the Old Testament, Noah has been coming in hot the last few years. In Hebrew, it means “to comfort.” Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, has a son with the moniker.
Last year’s rank: 27
Daniel is a brave name for a small tot. In Hebrew, the name means “God is my judge.” We fancy it on Daniel Radcliffe a.k.a. Harry Potter.
Last year’s rank: 23
A variation of the Irish name Aidan, it originates from Aodh, the Celtic god of sun and fire. No wonder it means “fiery one.” Since the new millennium, this name has been topping charts.
Last year’s rank: 21
If you’re British, this name has strong roots within the monarchy (it’s Prince Harry’s full name) and is a strong, traditional name. Across the pond it’s got more of an old-timey ring. In German, it means “ruler of the household.” Who’s the boss? Henry, clearly.
Last year’s rank: 9
Hey, Luke! When you break it down from Gaelic, English and French, Lucas always means “light.”
Last year’s rank: 41
You might think about US president Abraham Lincoln when you hear this name, but you might be surprised to learn that it has roots in England. It’s the name of an early roman settlement there.
Last year’s rank: 12
A trades’ name, Mason means “stoneworker.” Alternative spellings include Macin, Masyn and Maysen. Kourtney Kardashian named her first son Mason in 2009.
Last year’s rank: 18
In Celtic, Owen means “young warrior.” We think it sounds like a gentle name. It’s the name of funnyman Owen Wilson, too.
Last year’s rank: 13
You probably know the shortened version of this name as Jamie or Jim/Jimmy, but did you know it’s actually derived from Jacob? In Hebrew, it means “supplanter” or “heel-grabber.” Which, as toddlerhood sets in, might seem rather fitting. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have a son named James.
Last year’s rank: 61
Making a major climb up the ranks from last year, this moniker is often a traditional family name that gets passed down. Think of all the Joes and Joeys you know. We’re big fans of two Josephs in particular, former VP Joe Biden and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Last year’s rank: 48
In the Old Testament Joshua led the Israelites to the Promised Land. Fittingly, the Hebrew name means “The Lord is my salvation.” Shorten the name to Josh, like actor Josh Duhamel, or even Joshy, if you’re feeling cute.
Last year’s rank: 22
Let’s break it down, the name Jackson means “son of Jack or John.” The Scottish meaning holds a bit more sentiment, though, meaning “God has been gracious.” It’s the name of biker Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy and rocker Patti Smith has a son named Jackson, so it must be cool.
Last year’s rank: N/A
Spell it Jayce or Jase, it’s a Greek name that means “healing.” It can also be a short form of Jason.
Last year’s rank: 56
The name Eli has been around the block. It can be a shortened from Elijah, but stands strong on its own, too. In the Old Testament, Eli was a high priest in Israel. In Hebrew, it means “ascended” or “uplifted.” Football superstar Eli Manning is a famous bearer of the name.
Last year’s rank: 35
We’re sorry to tell you this, but Caleb comes from the word dog. But what’s more loyal and loving than a pup? It’s a name rooted in the Bible and was very popular in the 1800s. It got a boost in popularity again in ‘60s.
Last year’s rank: 20
Short for Leonardo, Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and a perfect title for a baby born between July 23 and August 22. This celestial name means “lion.” Notable Leos include DiCaprio and Da Vinci.
Last year’s rank: N/A
A strong biblical name, Ezra is the name of an Old Testament prophet and means “helper.” Remember that when you make that chore chart down the road. Fun fact: It’s also the name of Pretty Little Liar’s hunky English teacher, Ezra Fitz.
Read more: Top 25 most popular baby girl names in Canada for 2017 Top baby names in Canada for 2017 Top baby names by province for 2017
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.