Boys Names

Ancient name, near obsolete now, but could make a good alternative to Owen for the adventurous baby namer.

This Welsh river name has possibilities as a place name and nature name that is rare and uncommon.

Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.

Make that bird name, and while it does work for both genders, it's far more popular for girls, via Raven Symone.

Elson is a masculine name with Germanic and English origins, traditionally functioning as a surname meaning 'son of Ellis' or 'son of Elias.' As a first name, Elson gained modest usage in the early 20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. It combines the familiar element 'El' (found in popular names like Elijah and Elliott) with the common suffix 'son,' creating a name that feels both recognizable and distinctive. Elson has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various cultural contexts including English-speaking countries and parts of Latin America. The name carries a dignified, somewhat traditional quality while avoiding overuse, making it appealing to parents seeking a masculine name with subtle uniqueness.

An unusual name related to the willow family.

Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.

Ossian, or Osian, from the Old Irish name Oisin, was the son of Finn in Irish legend that was transformed into a Scottish hero in the Ossianic poems of James Macpherson in the eighteenth century--which also popularlized Oscar, Fingal, Selma and Malvina.

Rarely used surname, associated with humorous poet Ogden Nash.

Has a harmonic feel.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, for both boys and girls, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. But interestingly, Garnet means pomegranate, the fruit who shares a deep red color with the jewel.

Dashing surname for the Basque kingdom.

Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.

This strong sounding choice is associated with a type of tanned leather that takes its name from the city of Cordoba in Spain, the region in which it was originally made. Cordoba itself is sometimes said to mean "good town".

Keatyn is a modern invented name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of Keaton (meaning 'place of hawks' from Old English), a combination of Keith and a trendy '-yn' ending, or inspired by actress Diane Keaton. The name has a contemporary, distinctive sound that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Keatyn has gained modest popularity since the early 2000s, especially in North America. Though traditionally used for boys, it has characteristics of unisex names that have become increasingly popular and carries a strong, modern feel.

There are lots of grandpa Daves and Davids out there, and Dawes can make an original honor name. It's right in step with the current craze for surname names that end in S: Brooks, Wells, Rhodes etc. Given to just 31 boys since it first appeared in the US stats back in 1924, it is a very rare choice, perhaps owing to the fact it sounds like doors.

Rainhardt is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Reinhardt or Reinhard. The name combines the Germanic elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' creating a name that essentially means 'strong in counsel' or 'brave decision-maker.' Most common in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, this spelling variation adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name. Rainhardt carries associations of strength, wisdom, and nobility from medieval Germanic traditions. Though not widely used internationally, it offers a robust historical option for parents seeking a name with authentic Germanic roots and powerful meaning while being recognizable enough for international use.

The full name of recurring Game of Thrones character Dolorous Edd, who was appointed head of the Night's Watch late in the series. While we like Edison, the extra "d" is probably going to cause more confusion than it's worth for all but the most diehard fans.

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

Kelwyn is a distinctive masculine name with Celtic influences, potentially derived from elements meaning 'slender' and 'white' or 'fair.' It combines the modern feel of names beginning with 'Kel' with the traditional Welsh suffix '-wyn' meaning 'blessed' or 'white.' This name remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it a unique appeal for parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Kelwyn has a melodic quality while maintaining masculine strength. The name evokes images of Celtic landscapes and carries a certain poetic elegance. Its rarity means that bearers of this name often find it becomes a defining aspect of their identity.