Classic Baby Boy Name Crowned Most Popular Worldwide for 2025
A comprehensive new study has identified the most popular baby boy names set to dominate in 2025, with a particular traditional name experiencing a major comeback. Research conducted by NameKun.com, which analysed thousands of names across the globe, found that David is the most popular male name worldwide.
The study, released on 7 November 2025, determined that the name David is used in an impressive 113 countries and ranks within the top 10 names in 59 nations. This Hebrew name, meaning "beloved", has enduring appeal, often used as a term for an "uncle" in some cultures.
The Top 10 Global Baby Boy Names Revealed
Here is the complete list of the most popular baby boy names for 2025, according to the international study:
- David - Hebrew origin meaning "beloved"
- Daniel - Hebrew name meaning "God is my judge"
- Alex - Greek origin, short for Alexander, meaning "defender of humankind"
- Michael - From the Hebrew Mikha'el, meaning "Who is like God?"
- John - Derived from Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "graced by God"
- Kevin - Irish name signifying "handsome", "beloved" and "birth"
- Chris - Greek name meaning "Bearing Christ", often short for Christopher
- Paul - Meaning "small" or "humble", popularised by Saint Paul
- James - Hebrew name meaning "grabs the heel", representing a man who commands his destiny
- Peter - From Greek, meaning "rock", described as perfect for social and friendly babies
Why International Names Are Gaining Popularity
The researchers behind the study explained that the popularity of international names is significantly rising. They noted that globalisation, celebrity influence, and pop culture are key factors shaping baby name trends across borders.
According to the study's authors, "International names benefit children socially and professionally. They are relevant across different cultures and easy to pronounce in many languages." The research suggests that having an internationally recognised name can help avoid bias and racial profiling.
This finding is supported by a 2003 field study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, which discovered that people with international and local names received significantly more callbacks for job interviews than those with more exotic names. The NameKun.com researchers concluded: "Our study shows how interconnected naming trends have become."
This follows an earlier study by the same researchers which found that Maria is the most favoured female name selected by parents in more than 100 countries, further confirming the trend towards globally recognised names.
