One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

Raido is the rune that corresponds with the Latin letter R in the Elder Furthark runic alphabet. In Old English, it was translated at Rad.

Nowadays it makes an interesting baby name for linguists and language-enthusiasts.

Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this name.

A new one for the ever-growing collection of royal baby names.

The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.

A perfectly fine Anglo surname, though we'd prefer Keaton. Oscar-winning writer-director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street, The Country Girl) was actually born George Stenius. 

Arcadia was a region of Ancient Greece that is now associated with a simple rustic life (way before Cottagecore was a thing). That means this name is not just long and lyrical, but also has a warm pastoral charm.

Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.

One of the simplest, most down-to-earth yet evocative of the word names, which could work — especially as a middle.

Padgett is a last name turned first name, from the occupational term for a page or attendant. No babies of either sex were given the name in the US last year.

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

Feodor is a masculine name of Russian origin, serving as a Slavic variant of Theodore, which comes from Greek roots meaning 'gift of God.' The name carries deep historical significance in Russian culture, having been borne by several tsars including Feodor I, son of Ivan the Terrible. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains popularity in Russia and Eastern European regions. The name's rich cultural heritage connects it to significant literary figures, most notably Fyodor Dostoevsky, though the spelling varies. Feodor has a distinguished, classical quality that conveys dignity and gravitas. Its distinctive pronunciation and spelling give it an exotic appeal in Western contexts while maintaining authentic cultural connections to Slavic heritage.

The name Parson might have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago, but when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their son Deacon, they opened up a whole new field of ecclesiastical cool. Bishop, Priest, and Pastor are other possibilities.

Jadson is a name with uniquely Brazilian origins. It is linked to soccer star Jádson Rodrigues da Silva as well as profession surfer Jadson Andre.

Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.

One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John Singer Sargent.

Mostly heard on girls, but we've met boys wearing the name, too.

A cross-cultural possibility, but a bit heavy and somber.

Bristow is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname and place name meaning 'place by the bridge.' With its strong consonant sounds and crisp ending, Bristow conveys a sense of strength and classic British heritage. The name has historical connections to several locations in England, most notably Bristol, which developed from similar linguistic roots. As a first name, Bristow remains quite rare, appealing to parents drawn to uncommon surname-as-first-name options with genuine historical roots. Its rarity combines with its straightforward pronunciation to create a name that's both distinctive and accessible.

A Hollywood agent created the name Tab Hunter and poof -- the former Arthur Gelien became a fifties teen idol. We don't advise trying this at home.

Lugh is the Irish god of the harvest, who also rules over truth, the law, and the arts. His magic includes a fiery spear and a boat that sails itself (dubbed the "wave sweeper") and his inventions include horse racing.