You’re staring at a ultrasound photo and suddenly the name "Braxton" or "Jaxson" just feels a bit... flimsy. I get it. Sometimes you want a name that carries some actual weight. Something that sounds like it belongs on a heavy brass plaque or at the top of a decree. That’s usually when people start looking at royal male names.
But here’s the thing: most people think royal names are just a list of the same five guys from British history. Honestly, it’s a lot weirder and more varied than that. If you look at the family trees of Europe, the Middle East, and Scandinavia, you find names that are incredibly badass, but also some that have been basically "banned" by history because the original owner was such a disaster.
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The Names That Never Die
In the UK, the "Big Four" are George, William, Henry, and Charles. You’ve seen them. You know them. They’re the safest bets in the world.
Prince William and Kate Middleton basically followed the "Heir and a Spare" naming playbook to the letter. George Alexander Louis (the heir) hits three major historical notes. George is the ultimate British king name—there have been six of them. Interestingly, King George VI wasn't even born George; his name was Albert. He chose George as his "regnal name" to sound more stable after his brother Edward VIII quit the job to marry a socialite.
Then you have Louis Arthur Charles. Louis was a bit of a curveball for the Brits. It’s a name deeply tied to France—think 18 different King Louis—but it was included as a tribute to Lord Louis Mountbatten.
Why do they keep repeating names?
It isn’t just because they lack imagination. It’s about legitimacy. When a royal baby is born high up in the succession line, the name is a political statement. It says, "I am part of this unbroken chain."
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If you go further down the line of succession, the names get way more fun. This is where you find the Archies and the Augusts. Princess Eugenie named her son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank. August comes from Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert (whose middle name was Augustus). It’s vintage, it’s cool, and it’s currently exploding in popularity for non-royals too.
Beyond the British Bubble
If you’re tired of the English kings, look at Scandinavia. They have some of the coolest royal male names that actually sound modern in 2026.
Take Sweden. They love Carl and Gustaf. But look at the younger generation: Oscar, Alexander, Gabriel, and Julian. These names feel light and approachable, but they still have that "blue blood" pedigree. In Norway, you get names like Haakon and Sverre. Haakon is about as royal as it gets in the North, dating back to the Viking era.
Over in Spain, Felipe and Alfonso are the heavy hitters. Felipe is the Spanish version of Philip, meaning "lover of horses." It sounds elegant, almost like a name you’d find in a high-end fashion magazine, but it’s been worn by six Spanish kings.
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The "Banned" Royal Names
Ever wonder why there hasn't been another King John in England since the 1200s?
Basically, he was so bad at his job that the name became "cursed." He lost a bunch of land to France, fought with the Pope, and was forced to sign the Magna Carta because his own barons hated him. Since then, no British royal has dared to use John as a primary name for a future king. It's essentially been retired.
Stephen is another one. King Stephen reigned during a period literally called "The Anarchy." Not a great vibe for a baby name. While Stephen is a perfectly fine name for us regular people, in the world of royalty, it carries the scent of civil war and chaos.
The Rising Stars of 2026
If you’re looking for a name that feels "regal" but hasn't been overused by every kid in the neighborhood, there are a few "Goldilocks" names—classic but not too popular—that are trending right now.
- Arthur: This is the big one. It’s been a middle name for everyone from King George VI to Prince William, but it’s finally moving back to the first-name spot. It means "bear" in Celtic. It’s strong, short, and very hard to mess up.
- Leopold: Queen Victoria loved this name (it was her uncle’s name, the King of Belgium). It means "brave people." It’s got that "Leo" nickname potential but feels much more substantial.
- Felix: This is a royal name in Luxembourg and Denmark. It means "happy" or "fortunate." It’s one of those rare names that feels both ancient and incredibly modern.
- Frederick: Or Frederik, if you want the Danish vibe. King Frederik X of Denmark just took the throne in 2024, putting this name back in the global spotlight. It means "peaceful ruler."
How to Pick a Royal Name Without Being "Too Much"
You don't have to live in a palace to use these. But if you want to pull it off, there’s a bit of a trick to it.
Mix and Match.
Royals almost never have just one name. They have three or four. If you love a bold royal name like Leopold or Augustus, but you're worried it's too heavy, pair it with something short and punchy.
Think about the "Regal" Nicknames.
A lot of these names have great, casual "degreed" versions. Albert becomes Albie. Frederick becomes Freddie. Edward becomes Teddy. It gives the kid a choice: he can be the CEO (Edward) or the guy you want to grab a beer with (Teddy).
Honestly, the best royal names are the ones that have a story. Whether it’s a tribute to a grandfather or a nod to a medieval king who actually did something cool, the "weight" of the name comes from the history behind it.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the "Regnal" History: If you find a name you like, do a quick five-minute search to make sure the historical king with that name wasn't a total nightmare.
- Test the "Title" Sound: Say the full name out loud as if you're introducing a knight. If it sounds natural, you've found a winner.
- Look at Variations: If "Henry" feels too common, look at Henrik (Dutch/Scandinavian) or Enrique (Spanish). You get the royal history with a slightly different flavor.
Choosing a name is a big deal, but you can't really go wrong with something that’s survived a thousand years of history. Just maybe skip King John.