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Bewitching Names for Boys

  1. Jemuel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "day of God"

    • Description:

      The undiscovered Biblical Jemuel -- he was a son of Simeon -- was used for just a handful of boys last year but could be prime for rediscovery now that Old Testament names like Noah and Ethan dominate the Top Ten. And it comes with user-friendly modern nickname Jem.
  2. Lazuli

    • Origin:

      Persian place name

    • Description:

      Now deeply associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, Lazuli is derived from one of the places where the stone was first mined. The word Lazuli is the root for words like azure. Lapis Lazuli is a deep and rich blue color and was used for pigments and jewellery.
  3. Sinbad

    • Origin:

      Persian literary name

    • Description:

      When comedian David Atkins adopted this Arabian Nights-type name, it became almost feasible, but could lead to tough times in the schoolyard.
  4. Horatius

    • Description:

      Horatius is a venerable masculine name with ancient Roman origins, the Latin form of the more familiar Horace. The name carries significant historical weight, being associated with several notable Romans including the poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus (known as Horace) and the legendary hero Horatius Cocles who defended Rome against Etruscan invaders. The name likely derives from the Latin word "hora" meaning "hour" or "time," or possibly from an Etruscan origin. Horatius exemplifies classical Roman naming traditions with its distinctive "-us" ending. While uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and classical roots. The name projects strength, education, and cultural refinement. Though formal-sounding to modern ears, it offers the friendly nickname options of Horace or possibly Ace.

  5. Puck

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell.
  6. Eliyahu

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      Eliyahu is the Hebrew form of the increasingly popular Biblical prophet name Elijah, also found in forms Elias and Eli. There were 100 boys given the name Eliyahu in the U.S. in 2012. Its upside is that it's one of the most distinctive forms of the name, but that final yahoo may prove difficult.
  7. Bashir

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "the one who brings good news"

    • Description:

      Used both as a given name and as a surname, Bashir is a familiar but still unusual choice in the USA and UK, even among Muslim families. In 2014, only 25 boys were named Bashir in the US. One reason for its low usage could be a connection to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, including genocide, in Darfur.
  8. Aurelien

    • Description:

      Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
  9. Oceanus

    • Origin:

      Mythological name

    • Meaning:

      "ocean"

    • Description:

      Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.
  10. Tamerlane

    • Origin:

      Turkic, Mongol

    • Meaning:

      "iron"

    • Description:

      This Westernized form of the name of an ancient Mongol warrior, remembered primarily today through the works of Christopher Marlowe and Edgar Allan Poe, runs the risk of sounding pompous and pretentious.
  11. Bayard

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "russet-haired"

    • Description:

      An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
  12. Nicandro

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "man of victory"

    • Description:

      Nicandro might be of interest as a blend of two Anglo favorites -- Nicholas and Andrew.
  13. Waldemar

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
  14. Crispus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "curly-haired"

    • Description:

      A potential hero name: Crispus Attucks, an African and Native American man, was the first colonist to die for independence in the Boston Massacre.
  15. Balliol

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "fortification"

    • Description:

      An old French surname derived from baille, meaning "fortification" – the same root as the English word bailey. The surname was borne by an aristocratic English family descended from French nobility.
  16. Desiderio

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "desired one"

    • Description:

      Desiderio was the full name of the Cuban bandleader who famously Loved Lucy. There was also a Saint Desiderio. Major attraction: the great nickname Desi.
  17. Prospero

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper

    • Meaning:

      "succeed, prosper"

    • Description:

      Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.
  18. Zadornin

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "Saturn"

    • Description:

      If you want something truly different that also has an interesting origin and meaning, this is a far-out -- if not unlikely -- possibility.
  19. Pelagios

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from the sea"

    • Description:

      Pelagios is one of the more outre of the sea-related names. But Pel could work as a short form -- or Gus.
  20. Rasalas

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "the northern (star) of the lion's head"

    • Description:

      The dramatic-sounding name of a star in the constellation Leo that can be adapted as a unique Arabic name for boys. The similar-sounding Rasselas is the name of an allegorical fable by Samuel Johnson and its lead character.