Most Powerful Male Name in America' Revealed — Experts Say it 'Projects Authority and Tradition'

A new study of the 2025 Fortune 500 has revealed that the most powerful male name in America's boardrooms is Robert, with analysts noting the name 'projects authority and tradition'.

The research, conducted by marketing and analytics firm Profit Engine, reviewed the names of the country's top corporate leaders and found Robert to be the most common first name among chief executives.

The Study Behind the Findings

Profit Engine examined the latest Fortune 500 list, compiling and ranking the first names of all current CEOs. According to CPA Practice Advisor, Robert appeared 21 times, firmly placing it at the top. The study's authors explained that the name conveys credibility, stability, and a sense of generational weight in the boardroom.

'Robert has been a powerhouse name for decades,' the study noted. 'It projects authority and tradition, qualities that boards of directors clearly value.'

The findings highlight a clear pattern in corporate leadership: traditional names continue to dominate, reflecting generational norms among executives who currently run America's biggest companies.

Robert Leads America's CEOs

With 21 chief executives bearing the name, Robert emerged as the most powerful male name in corporate America, according to the New York Post. Notable leaders include:

• Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines
• Robert B. Ford, CEO of Abbott
• Robert G. Goldstein, CEO and Chairman of Las Vegas Sands, who will transition to an advisory role in 2026

The prevalence of Robert underscores its lasting influence in corporate circles, even as the name has declined in popularity among the general public.

Other Names of Power

While Robert tops the list, the name Michael follows closely with 19 CEOs, according to CEOWORLD Magazine. Other common names in leadership include James, John, and Christopher, with more traditional Anglo-American names like William, David, Mark, Timothy, Brian, Andrew, Thomas, and Scott also appearing prominently.

The dominance of these names suggests that boardroom culture is still shaped by older generational traditions, where names considered timeless and authoritative remain disproportionately represented.

Contrast with Baby Name Trends

The study stands in sharp contrast to modern naming trends. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the most popular boys' names in 2024 were Liam, Noah, Oliver, Theodore, James, Henry, Mateo, Elijah, Lucas, and William.

Robert, once a top choice, has slipped to around 90th place in baby name rankings. The absence of names like Aiden, Mason, or Ethan among Fortune 500 CEOs underscores a generational divide between corporate leaders and today's parents.

Cultural and Historical Context

Despite its strength in the corporate world, Robert has never made its mark in the White House. No U.S. President has carried the name, underscoring how certain names dominate in specific spheres of public life.

Still, within corporate America, Robert remains a symbol of tradition, authority, and stability, qualities that continue to resonate in the country's most powerful boardrooms.