Romantic Boy Names (227 Male Name Ideas for Handsome, Suave, Strong, Dark, and Mysterious Guys)

Romantic boy names can be tricky to find. You’re likely looking for something a little rare, exotic, or flavorful to add a sense of mystery and sophistication. Or maybe you need a solidly handsome name for an equally gorgeous and strong person. Let’s dive in to a massive list of ideas!

Romantic Boy Names

Absolon

Absolon is a Hungarian form of Absalom. Absalom, Absalom! is also a novel by William Faulkner written in the late 1800s.

Acasius

The intriguing name Acasius comes from Greek and means maple. The C sound at the start makes it sound bold.

Adonis

Adonis is a unique, romantic male name. Due to its origin in Greek mythology, some consider it to symbolize male beauty.

Aitor

According to Basque legend, Aitor was one of their ancestors.

Alain

The soft sounding French name Alain is super romantic!

Alastor

No matter if you want to spell it Alastor, Alastair or Alistair, this name is perfect!

Albion

Romantic names like Albion tend to be uncommon, giving them an air of mystique.

Alejandro

And foreign names like Alejandro tend to sound exotic and romantic! Alessandro, and even the traditional version Alexander also sound romantic!

Algernon

The unique name Algernon comes from the short story and subsequent book, Flowers for Algernon.

Aloysius

Aloysius is actually a form of Louis. The most common English pronunciation is Al-oh-wish-us.

Alvaro

Alvaro became somewhat popular after Verdi used it in his 1862 opera, The Force of Destiny.

Amadeus

Amadeus means love of God. In medieval tales from Spain, Amadis was a heroic knight-errant. What’s more romantic than a knight?

Amandus

Similarly, Amandus means loveable.

Ambrose

While it starts with ‘am,’ Ambrose actually means immortal in Greek. It is unique, which can give it a romantic feel.

Amirani

The name Amirani comes from Georgian legend, where Amirani plays a similar role to Prometheus.

Amory

Amory can be both a first name or last name. It probably means home ruler, and actually is related to the name Henry. It sure sounds romantic- it reminds me of the word amore, which is Italian for love.

Anbu

Anbu means love in Tamil

Antony

Shakespeare’s play Antony and Cleopatra tells the tragic and romantic tale of these two lovers.

Aramis

Aramis comes from Alexandre Dumas’s Three Musketeers. This romantic and unique boy name is a perfect fit!

Arcadio

Does Arcadio sound like a name straight out of The Hunger Games? It comes from the Greek word for bear, and has a strong, romantic feel.

Archibald

Archibald can sound distinguished, classic, and noble to some. It means genuinely bold.

Ardor

While Ardor isn’t traditionally a name, it means passion or fervor. What do you think? Would you use it as a name?

Ariston

Ariston comes from the Greek word meaning the best. It sounds graceful and elegant, but could use something simple like Tony for a nickname.

Related post: Twin Names for Boys

Armani

Armani is an Italian fashion house. It certainly brings to mind a person who is smooth, suave, and fashionable.

Aroha

In the Maori language, Aroha is a unisex name meaning love. It shares a root and meaning with the Hawaiian word aloha

Astraeus

A unique name that means star. What’s more romantic than star-gazing with a lover?

Astrophel

Astrophel was invented by poet Sir Phillip Sidney for his collection of sonnets Astrophel and Stella. It means star lover.

Augustine

The name Augustus and related names like Augustine and August mean exalted or venerable.

Aureliano

Similarly, Aurelio and Aureliano come from the ancient Greek name Aurelius. I love the soft, flowing sounds of these names. The mean gilded, or the golden one.

Barnabas

Barnabas and Barnaby are ancient biblical names. Barnaby is not uncommon in England, giving it a distinguished feel.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew was very popular in the Middle Ages but is rare today. Do you think it sounds long and romantic?

Bashir

In Arabic, Bashir means bringer of good news.

Beauregard

The French name Beauregard means beautiful outlook. Don’t most French and Italian names just naturally sound romantic?

Bedivere

According to legend, Bedivere was one of King Arthur’s grosbeak original companions. Many names from the tales of King Arthur sound ethereal and romantic.

Bellamy

Bellamy means beautiful friend. It’s typically a male name or a surname.

Benedict

Benedict means blessed. And if it’s too long, you can go with the nicknames Ben, Benny, or Bennett

Benicio

Benicio is a Spanish form of Benedict. It has a softer, exotic feel.

Bram

This is a short form of Abraham. And Bram Stoker wrote Dracula.

Caratacus

Caratacus comes from the Celtic word for love.

Carlisle

This name is pronounced car-LYLE. It comes from the name of an ancient English city. Like many rare boy names, it has a romantic feel. It’s also occasionally used for girls now.

Carwyn

This name of Welsh origin means blessed love. If it is spelled Carwen, it becomes feminine.

Casimir

Casimir is a dark, dreamy name.

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Caspian

The romantic boy’s name Caspian comes from the Caspian Sea. CS Lewis used it for Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Cassander

I love how Cassander sounds familiar yet unique. As you probably guessed, it’s the male version of Cassandra.

Cassius

Would you pronounce this name cash-ius or cass-ius? While you may associate it with the boxer Cassius Clay or the abolitionist by the same name, it’s also been borne by several saints

Castiel

A 13th century grimoire calls out an angel named Castiel. Others think it’s a variation of Cassiel. Either way, it’s gorgeous!

Cecil

Cecil, and its variations like Cecily, Cecilio, and Cicily sound unique and dignified!

Ceri

Ceri is a unisex Welsh name meaning love. It’s pronounced Kerry.

Charlemagne

The Frankish king Charles the Great was known as Charlemagne. Do you think it’s exquisite or too much?

Chaucer

Author Geoffrey Chaucer is known for his work The Canterbury Tales.

Claudius

Claudius is Hamlet’s uncle in the aforementioned Shakespeare play. Do you prefer Claude, Claudio, or Claudius?

Constantine

As you might have guessed, this name means constant, steady. But it sounds royal, handsome, and mysterious!

Corbin

Corbin means raven and used to be given to people with black hair. It even sounds dark, to go with its dark meaning!

Corelli

This very unique name could be a form of coral.

Cornelius

Do you think Cornelius sounds strong and powerful? Or old-fashioned and stuffy?

Crispin

Crispin, and its Roman form Crispinus mean curly haired.

Cygnus

Cygnus, the swan constellation, gets its name from the Greek word for swan.

Cyprian

Cyprian and related names like Cyprus come from the name of the ancient city. It means grove of pine trees.

Cyrus

Cyrus sounds handsome and elegant. It’s very uncommon but has great nickname potential with Cy or Russ.

Dante

Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote The Divine Comedy. It means enduring.

Darcy

You have bewitched me body and soul. And I love, I love, I love you.
-Mr Darcy, Pride & Prejudice

In Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy is the aloof, romantic hero.

Darius

Darius means possessing goodness in Latin.

Dartanian

Does it get any more romantic than one of the Three Musketeers? This classic, formal name may be too much for a person- what do you think?

Daryl

Whether you spell it Daryl or Darrel, this name sounds classic without sounding old fashioned.

Dashiel

Author Dashiell Hammet took his name from his mother’s surname. It may come from France. Anyways, it sounds formal but has an awesome fun nickname- Dash!

Dastan

The name Dastan comes from Persia, where it means story or legend.

Declan

The handsome name Declan comes from Ireland and was the name of a saint.

Demetrius

This name comes from the Greek Demeter, goddess of agriculture. It sounds intelligent and powerful! Shakespeare used it as the name of a character in his play Titan Andronicus

Destin

Destin likely comes from the French word destin, meaning fortune, fate, destiny.

Deveraux

Deveraux comes from a last name meaning from Evreux, a town in France.

Diego

Diego is actually a Spanish form of James. It has an adventurous sound to it, doesn’t it?

Dimitri

Whether you choose to spell it Dimitri, Dmitri, or Dmitry, this name is a form of Demetrius! It’s quite common in Russia.

Dion

Dion is a short form of Dionysus and other similar Greek names. It’s very uncommon in the US.

Dominic

Traditionally, boys born on Sundays were named Dominic. It sounds like an attractive, romantic name belonging to a handsome man!

Donatello

Donatello means given. This famous Italian sculptor created the renowned statue of David.

Dorian

Oscar Wilde first used this name for his novel The Portrait of Dorian Gray. This name has a dark, poetic touch!

Dragoljub

Dragoljub means precious love in Slavic.

Edmond

This form of Edmund means rich protection. Edmond is a handsome, classic alternative to Edward.

Emerson

Emerson means son of Emery. Of course, you might know it from writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Emmanuel

The rare, powerful, and long name Emmanuel has great nicknames like Manuel and Manny.

Emrys

I’d never seen or heard the name Emrys before researching this post. It’s a Welsh form of Ambrose and sounds quite handsome.

Enzo

Does it get any more mysterious than Enzo? It could be a name in its own right, or short for equally exotic names like Vincenzo or Lorenzo.

Eowen

You may recognize the name Eowyn from Lord of the Rings. Eowen is the male version.

Erasmus

Erasmus means beloved. Do you think it sounds dark and mysteriously romantic? Or too much like the name of a character in a book? Or both?!

Ernest

If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life
Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

Ernest comes from the German word for serious. You’re probably familiar with this name from the likes of Ernest Hemingway and the Oscar Wilde work The Importance of Being Earnest

Eros

In Greek mythology, Eros is the god of love. His name actually comes from the Greek word for love!

Etienne

Etienne, pronounced eh-tyehn, is a French form of Steven. It’s very uncommon in the US.

Eugene

Looking for a rare romantic boy’s name that everyone is familiar with? Try Eugene. It means well born in Greek.

Related post: 503 R are Baby Boy Names

Eustorgio

Does it get more exotic and unusual than Eustorgio? This Italian name comes from the Greek word meaning to be content, to be loved

Evander

Evander, a hero of the Trojan War, makes a perfect alternative to Alexander. You can’t go wrong with nicknames like Evan, Van, or Vander.

Evelyn

Did you know that Evelyn used to be a male name? If you’re looking for a historical romantic boy’s name, give it a try. It worked for Evelyn Napier in Downton Abbey

Ezra

Easy to spell and pronounce? Check. Unique? Check. Classic and classy? Check and check! Ezra is a perfect choice, and it’s no wonder it’s starting to become more popular in the US.

Fabian

What do you think of the exotic, charming, and vintage name Fabian?

Faramond

Whether you pronounce this name as FAR-ah-mond or FAIR-ah-mond, it’s unique yet simple!

Ferdinand

Ferdinand means brave journey. If it isn’t your cup of tea, what about Fernando?

Finnegan

Finnegan comes from an Irish word meaning fair. In literature, you’ll find it in James Joyce’s 1939 novel Finnegan’s Wake

Fionn

Did you know Finnegan is derived from the name Fionn? It similarly means fine.

Fiorenzo

Fiorenzio has so many romantic variations. Florence, Florent, Florentino, Florentius.

Florian

Florian and Floriano are common in Europe, especially Germany. It’s no surprise since they are soft yet strong, noble, and respectable.

Francisco

If you don’t think Francis is romantic, what about Francisco?

Frost

Whille Frost is typically a last name, what do you think of it as a first name? Of course, the poet Robert Frost gives this name a historical and literary feel.

Fumnaya

Fumnaya is a unisex name that means love in the Igbo language spoken in Western Africa.

Gable

Whether this name brings architecture or Oscar-winning actor Clark Gable to mind, this surname also makes a winning first name!

Gabriel

Gabriel sounds unique yet is totally recognizable!

Garland

While Garland was originally a last name, it was pretty popular for boys in the US in the 1920s. What do you think- is it strong and masculine? Or would you pass on this one?

Gaspard

Gaspard is a French form of Jasper.

Gavin

Gavin is related to the equally romantic name Gawain. Do you think it’s strong and handsome?

Gawain

And Gawain comes from Scotland and means white hawk. It comes from Arthurian Romance, where he is Arthur’s closest companion and a key member of the Knights of the Round Table.

Geraint

Here we have Geraint, another Knight of the Round Table.

Gianni

Gianni, and its variation Giovanni give a strong, romantic Italian vibe. It’s often associated with the Italian designer Gianni Versace

Grey

Whether you associate Grey or Gray with the color, or The Portrait of Dorian Gray, it’s certainly unique!

Gurpreet

The Sikh Indian name Gurpreet means loving teacher.

Harpreet

This name comes from the combination of the Hindu god Hari, and preet, meaning love, joy, or pleasure.

Heathcliff

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same
– Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

Emily Bronte created the name Heathcliff for her 1800s novel Wuthering Heights. The main character is named Thrushcross Grange Heathcliff.

Hieronymus

I had no idea that Hieronymus is a form of Jerome that used to be common in Germany and the Netherlands.

Horatio

If Horace sounds too dated, try the sophisticated Horatio instead! In addition to Horatio in Hamlet, there’s also the namesake Horatio Nelson, who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Iago

Iago is a Welsh form of James. Do you remember Iago from the Shakespeare play Othello?

Ife

In the Yoruba language of West Africa, Ife is a unisex name meaning love.

Ignatius

While no one is certain of the origin of the name Ignatius, it reminds us of the Latin word ignis, meaning fire. With alternatives like Ignacio, and Ignas, you can choose your favorite!

Imran

The gorgeous Arabic name Imran is traditionally used as an alternative to the equally rare Hebrew name Aram.

Related post: The 463 Rarest Baby Girl Names

Inigo

Inigo can also be spelled Iñigo, and is a form of the name Eneko. A foreign and fun name!

Ishmael

Did you know Samuel is a form of Ishmael? This strong and solid name reminds us of Moby Dick. But I think the association isn’t strong enough to sway people from using the name today!

Isidor

Isidor, or as it’s sometimes spelled, Isidro or Isidore, is a male name meaning gift of Isis. It somehow sounds both strong and soft at the same time!

Jamison

Does Jamison or Jameson sound like a modern, trendy version of James? Or do you prefer not to use last names as first names?

Joao

Joao, also spelled João, is pronounced ZHWOW. It’s a Portuguese form of John.

Joaquin

Joaquin is pronounced hwah-KEEN, and it’s quite common in Spanish speaking countries. You may be familiar with actor Joaquin Phoenix.

Julian

The names Julius and Julian might have originated as an homage to the Roman god Jupiter. They are classic masculine names that aren’t overly common.

Karsten

Karsten is an Old German form of Christian.

Kashmir

The Kashmir region between India, Pakistan, and China inspired this name.

Kealoha

In Hawaiian, Kealoha is a unisex name that means the loved one.

Kenji

Kenji is a beautiful Japanese name that’s easy to pronounce and spell.

Kieran

The Irish name Kieran is traditionally spelled Ciaran. Pronounced KEY-ran, it’s a strong choice for a boy.

Lachlan

The handsome and smart sounding name Lachlan comes from Scotland. It used to be quite popular in Australia but is fairly unique today!

Laramie

The American West is a great inspiration for romantic boy names! Laramie comes from Laramie, Wyoming. There’s a beautiful city, river, mountain range, and fort that go by this name, in honor of French- Canadian explorer Jacques LaRamie.

Laurus

Laurus is a masculine form of Laura and comes from the laurel flower. Similar names include Loris, Laurentius, Lorenzo, and of course, Laurence.

Leander

Coming from ancient Greek legend, Leander shares a root with leo, or lion. Leander swam across the Hellespont River to meet his lover, Hero. Leandro is the Spanish, Italiann and Portuguese form.

Leao

Leao (also spelled Leão) is a Portuguese form of Leo or Leon.

Lemony

I will love you if I never see you again, and I will love you if I see you every Tuesday
– Lemony Snicket

American author Daniel Handler writes under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket. Since it’s an invented name, it’s one of a kind!

Leon

Leon and Leo mean lion in Greek. While they’re ancient names, they have a modern sound too!

Leonardo

The elegant name Leonardo is common in Spain and Portugal. It’s a more elaborate form of Leo and Leon.

Leopold

The distinguished Leopold is common in England, Wales, and Poland. It means brave people.

Lerato

Lerato means love in the Sotho language of southern Africa.

Lieber

Lieber means love in Yiddish.

Lionel

I had no idea Lionel is a French diminutive of Leon! It’s also the name of a knight in the Arthurian legend about Lancelot and the Holy Grail.

Lorenzo

Lorenzo is a form of Laurence. It has the gorgeous nickname Enzo!

Luca

If you’re looking for a more elegant form of Luke, consider Luca. You could also spell it Luka.

Lucius

Lucian and Lucius come from the Latin word lux meaning light. Despite this, I think Lucius sounds darkly romantic.

Lysander

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind. And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind
– Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lysander is Hermia’s love interest. It’s a unique alternative to Alexander.

Magnus

Magnus comes from the Latin word for great. Like its roots, this name has a strong and bold feel.

Marcelino

The names Marcel, Marcellus, and Marcelino have a romantic vibe due to the soft sounding letters in them.

Marinus

Marinus may come from the name Marius, which is also gorgeous. Or it may mean of the sea. It sounds strong and robust.

Other unique post: Names Similar to Martin

Matisse

French artist Henri Matisse inspired parents to use his last name as a first name. Matisse is a male name in France but can be unisex in other countries.

Matteo

Matteo is the Italian form of Matthew. It adds some spice to this classic name. Amd you could use the nickname Teo.

Medad

In Hebrew, Medad means love. It has an exotic yet strong feel.

Melquiades

Melquiades, also spelled Melchiades, means crimson. What do you think of this exotic name?

Mercutio

Mercutio comes from the name Mercury. In Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio is Romeo’s close friend.

Milan

The famous city of fashion, Milan, gets its name from Slavic words meaning gracious and dear. Do you find city-based names romantic?

Montgomery

Montgomery means king’s mountain. This formal name can have the fun nickname Monty.

Nathaniel

I just learned that Nathaniel is a biblical name, where it’s traditionally spelled Nathaneal! It’s a strong yet gentle, dignified name.

Nero

Does this name seem cool and mysterious? Or does the association with the Roman dictator make it a no-go?

Nico

Nico can be short for Nicholas or Nicodemus.

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Nikolai

Nikolai is a Russian version of Nicholas. This is a strong and masculine name!

Noel

Noel, sometimes spelled Noël, is a unisex name, but is used more often for boys. The typical feminine version is Noelle. I love how handsome and warm it sounds.

North

This obscure name gives the bearer a sense of mystery.

Novak

Novak comes from the Serbian word for new. It’s certainly unique in the US.

Oberon

The King of the Fae, Oberon, is known throughout English legend and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You may also see it spelled Auberon

Related post: Fairy Name Ideas

Octavio

Octavio, Octavius, and Octavian are Roman names meaning eighth. I love the nickname Tavi for this dignified and solid masculine name.

Oleander

This name originated in Greece and referred to an evergreen tree. It’s a bit softer but similar to Leander.

Olivier

It’s for good reason that Oliver is one of the most popular boy names in the US. Olivier (pronounced oh-live-ee-ay) is a French version.

Omari

Omari comes from the Eastern African Swahili language. It’s an intriguing alternative to Amari.

Orestes

This mythical Greek name means of the mountain.

Orlando

Fun fact: Orlando is an Italian form of Roland. Shakespeare’s play As You Like It has a character named Orlando. If this is too associated with the city in Florida, what about Rolando?

Othello

I am one that loved not wisely, but too well
–Shakespeare, Othello

No one knows the origin of the romantic boy name Othello, but it may be related to the name Otho. Many are familiar with the name from Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello.

Paris

While some consider the name Paris to be female due to celebrity Paris Hilton, Paris was a great (male) warrior in the Greek Illiad. Paris was also one of Juliet’s suitors in Romeo and Juliet.

Percival

We return to Arthurian romance to find Percival, Parsifal, Parzival, Perceval, and Percy. In most tales, he is a model of chivalry, and seeks to become one of King Arthur’s knights.

Peregrine

In Latin, Peregrine means traveler. And in Lord of the Rings, Pippin’s full name is Peregrine.

Perseus

In ancient Greek myth, Perseus destroyed Medusa and slayed a sea serpent. It’s starting to gain popularity in the US thanks to Rick Riordan’s series of books and the corresponding movie featuring Percy (Perseus) Jackson.

Phineas

Does the name Phineas sound great and respectable? Phin and Phinny make awesome nicknames.

Prem

Prem means love and affection in Sanskrit. Does it inspire a vision of someone who is brilliant and benevolent?

Rafael

This name is a twist on the English Raphael. It’s also the name of an angel.

Rahul

Although it sounds similar to Raul and Raoul, Rahul is actually a Sanskrit name from India. It’s pronounced rah-hool.

Rainier

You may think of the famous Mount Rainier in Washington State. This name has many interesting variations, like Rayner, Raniero, and Ragnar.

Raoul

If Raul is not romantic enough of a boy’s name for you, what about Raoul? It’s the French form of Ralph.

Ren

Ren is a unisex Japanese name that means love. It’s so elegant and simple!

Reynaldo

Whether you prefer Reynaldo, Reynard, Reinhold, or Renaud, you’re sure to find a form you like. It sounds professional and strong.

Rhett

You should be kissed and often and by someone who knows how
-Rhett Butler, Gone With the Wind

Rhett Butler comes from the novel Gone With the Wind, making it a romantic boy name in my book! You might also like Brett, Red, or West if you like this name!

Ricardo

Ricardo is a Spanish and Portuguese form of Richard.

Rochester

In Jane Eyre, Mr Rochester, or Edward Fairfax Rochester is the love interest. He is an archetypal Byronic hero- a passionate person with a dark and mysterious past.

Rodion

Rodion is a Russian name. It’s also the name of the intelligent and handsome protagonist of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice.

Rodrigo

Doesn’t Rodrigo sound more romantic than Rodrick? It means famous ruler.

Rohan

In Sanskrit, Rohan means ascending. And in The Lord of the Rings, it’s the name of a country. It’s also the name of a French city.

Roman

Whether you choose Roman, Romana, Romein, Romano, Romeu, or Romulus, these are all unique and mysterious ideas. It sounds like a bright and handsome name!

Romeo

Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn.
-Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Romeo means from Rome. Of course, this name is best known as Juliet’s lover in Romeo and Juliet. Can you find a more romantic male name?

Rudo

In the Shona language of Southern Africa, Rudo is a unisex name that means love.

Salvatore

Salvatore, the Italian form of Salvador, means savior.

Sasha

Sasha is a unisex name. It’s typically a Russian or Ukranian nickname for Aleksandr or Alexsandra. Doesn’t it sound classy?

Sebastian

Sebastian, Sebastiano, and Bastion mean venerable. While Sebastian is becoming popular, its other forms sound exotic.

Related post: Short, Exotic Boy Name Ideas

Silvius

This name comes from the Latin word for forest. If you like this name, what about Sylvius, Silvio, or Silviu?

Sirius

Sirius is also known as the “dog star” as it’s the brightest in the constellation Canis Major. It’s actually one of the brightest stars in the night sky and means burning.

Solomon

The gorgeous name Solomon means peace in Hebrew. It’s simultaneously handsome, quiet, and strong.

Sylvester

Sylvester is the most common spelling, but Silvester is a historical variation. It means of the forest, and is quite underused.

Taliesin

What a unique name! Taliesin is a masculine Welsh name that comes from a legendary Welsh poet of the 6th century. It’s pronounced tal-ee-ES-in.

Tariel

The Georgian poet Rustaveli created the name Tariel for his epic work The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, in the 1100s. It may come from the Persian words for king, or dark and obscure hero.

Tariq

The morning star is known as Tariq in Arabic. It means he who knocks at the door. It can also be spelled Tarik or Tarek.

Thaddeus

Thaddeus is a strong and handsome name that radiates power and confidence. It’s manly, yet refined, smart, yet rugged.

Thando

In several southern African languages like Xhosa, Zulu, and Nbedele, Thando means to love. This can be a unisex name.

Theodoric

Theodoric is an interesting twist on the classic Theodore. It means ruler of the people.

Tiago

Tiago is actually a Portuguese form of James- it comes from the name Santiago.

Tibalt

Tibalt or Tybalt is one of Juliet’s cousins in Romeo and Juliet. It has a powerful, fiery medieval vibe.

Tiberius

Tiberius dates back to ancient Rome. It sounds kingly and powerful.

Tobias

The biblical name Tobias comes to us from ancient Greece. In English, it’s usually pronounced tuh-BYE-es. However, in German, it’s to-BEE-as

Tristan

Tristan and Yvaine were happy together. Not forever-after, for Time, the thief, eventually takes all things into his dusty storehouse, but they were happy, as these things go, for a long while.
— Neil Gaiman

According to medieval tales, Tristan was sent to Ireland to fetch his uncle’s bride-to-be, Iseult. However, they fall in love during their journey back to England. Later, the tale of Tristan and Isolde was also incorporated with the stories of King Arthur and his knights.

Ulysses

Ulysses is a Latin version of Odysseus, and is also famous due to US general and president Ulysses S. Grant. Does it sound pompous and pretentious? Or classy yet modern?

Valentino

Valentino, Valentin, Valentine, and Valentinus are all forms of a Roman name that means strong, vigorous, and healthy. Today, it’s often associated with Valentine’s day, which makes it the perfect romantic name.

Vasco

Vasco is related to the names Velasco and Vasquez. It may mean crow, making it dark and mysterious.

Vernon

The name Vernon was originally French and came from a word meaning alder tree.

Vincenzo

Vincenzo is a form of Vincent, which means to conquer. It is common in southern Italy

Voltaire

The French philosopher Voltaire wrote during the Age of Enlightenment. His most famous works are Candide and the Philosophical Dictionary.

Willem

Willem is a Dutch form of William. It’s unique compared to William or Liam.

Winter

Does this inspire a cold, aloof, and distant romance? Of course, it inspires thoughts of a late night in January during a blizzard.

Wolfe

Wolfe and Wolf are typically last names, and are inspired by the animal. This association gives it a fierce, protective feeling.

Xavier

Can you come up with a more handsome, futuristic name than Xavier?

Yorick

In Hamlet, the jester’s name was Yorick. Does it sound medieval to you?

Yosef

Yoseph, which can also be spelled Yusef or Youzef, is a Hebrew form of Joseph.

Yvain

The name Yvain is a form of Owain or Owen. It was used in a French tale from the 1100s of King Arthur called Yvain, the Knight of the Lion.

Zephyr

Our final entry in the list of romantic boy names is Zephyr. It means west wind in Greek. It sounds light and breezy, like its namesake!

Long Romantic Boy Names

Absolon
Acasius
Adonis
Alastor
Albion
Alejandro
Algernon
Aloysius
Amadeus
Amandus
Ambrose
Amirani
Antony
Arcadio
Archibald
Astraeus
Astrophel
Augustine
Aureliano
Barnabas
Bartholomew
Beauregard
Bedivere
Benedict
Benicio
Caratacus
Carlisle
Casimir
Caspian
Cassander
Cassius
Charlemagne
Claudius
Constantine
Cornelius
Cyprian
Dartanian
Demetrius
Deveraux
Dominic
Donatello
Emerson
Emmanuel
Erasmus
Etienne
Eustorgio
Faramond
Ferdinand
Finnegan
Fiorenzo
Francisco
Gaspard
Heathcliff
Hieronymus
Horatio
Ignatius
Jamison
Leander
Leonardo
Leopold
Lorenzo
Lysander
Marcelino
Melquiades
Mercutio
Montgomery
Nikolai
Octavio
Oleander
Orestes
Percival
Peregrine
Reynaldo
Rochester
Salvatore
Sebastian
Solomon
Sylvester
Taliesin
Thaddeus
Theodoric
Tiberius
Valentino
Vincenzo
Voltaire

Short Romantic Boy Names

Ceri
Dante
Darcy
Daryl
Dion
Emrys
Enzo
Eros
Ezra
Fionn
Frost
Gable
Grey
Iago
Ife
Joao
Leao
Leon
Luca
Nero
Nico
Noel
North
Paris
Prem
Ren
Rhett
Rudo
Wolfe
Yvain

Dark Romantic Boy Names

Dante
Dorian
Erasmus
Gaspard
Gianni
Ignatius
Ishmael
Isidor
Karsten
Leander
Lucius
Marcelino
Melquiades
Nikolai
Octavio
Orestes
Rodion
Roman
Romeo
Sebastian
Sylvester
Thaddeus
Theodoric
Tibalt
Tiberius

Strong Romantic Boy Names

Acasius
Arcadio
Bedivere
Claudius
Joaquin
Karsten
Lachlan
Leon
Leonardo
Leopold
Lionel
Magnus
Marcelino
Matteo
Nikolai
Octavio
Percival
Rafael
Rhett
Rochester
Sebastian
Thaddeus
Tibalt
Tiberius
Ulysses
Wolfe
Xavier

Romantic Boy Names from Literature

Absolon
Algernon
Amadeus
Amirani
Antony
Aramis
Astrophel
Bedivere
Bram
Chaucer
Dante
Darcy
Dashiel
Dastan
Demetrius
Dorian
Emerson
Ernest
Frost
Grey
Horatio
Iago
Ishmael
Leander
Lionel
Lysander
Mercutio
Orlando
Othello
Rhett
Romeo
Tariel
Tibalt
Tristan
Ulysses
Yorick

Boy Names that mean Love

Amadeus
Amandus
Anbu
Aroha
Astrophel
Caratacus
Carwyn
Ceri
Dragoljub
Erasmus
Eros
Eustorgio
Fumnaya
Gurpreet
Harpreet
Ife
Kealoha
Lerato
Lieber
Medad
Prem
Ren
Rudo
Tariel
Thando

What makes a boy’s name romantic?

Several different types of characteristics tend to make boy names sound romantic. Try to tick one or more of the boxes from the list below.

However, this can be tricky to balance. Going too far, the name may just sound too unusual, made-up, or over the top.

Of course, what sounds romantic to one person may not to another person depending on their culture, familiarity with the name, and personal tastes. That’s why we’ve included so many ideas here- what may sound mediocre to one person may sound amazing to another!

Exotic

Unfamiliar names, especially those from other countries, tend to inspire romantic thoughts. Or make the person sound more mysterious. It works best if the name is pronounceable and not overly exotic. For example, it may sound similar to names you already are familiar with.

Examples: Raoul, Alejandro, Florian, Tariq, Karsten

Unusual

If the name is not common in your region, even if it is from your region, it can have a romantic feel.

Examples: Ambrose, Jamison, Bartholomew, Eugene, Cyrus

Has a history of romance

If people associate the name with love and romance, this may automatically give it the feeling you’d like. These are often from classic literature, but may come from other sources.

Examples: Romeo, Tristan, Antony, Rhett, Darcy

Is related to King Arthur

So these names check all of the items above in a way. Many of these names are uncommon today, yet not overly exotic. And what is more romantic and dreamy than the tales of princes, knights, kings, castles, chivalry, and romances?

Examples: Gawain, Percival, Yvain, Bedivere, Lionel

Wrap Up- Romantic Boy Names

We hope you’ve fallen in love with our romantic boy names! Which have you gone head over heels for? And which ones just aren’t right? Let us know your favorites- or any that we’ve missed- in the comments!

Resource: We use Behind the Name to research name meanings, history, and popularity.