Cool and Unusual Gents

Clancy

Irish

"red-haired warrior"

Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever — full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed…

Dodge

English, diminutive of Roger, German

"famous warrior"

This old short form might be seen as a little dubious by some, though it could make for a fun pet name, honor name, on update on the still-stodgy Roger. In a recent film, Seeking a Friend for the End…

Eamon

Irish variation of Edmund

"wealthy protector"

Eamon is one of the traditional Irish names that has not yet emigrated to the US. This Irish name pronounced ay-mon was popularized by early president of the independent republic Eamon de Valera…

Edric

English

"wealthy ruler"

Formerly in style limbo, Edric has recently started to see more use by parents. It could be because it sounds medieval yet accessible - which George R. R. Martin took advantage of for several…

Forrester

Surname name

"woodsman"

A slight elaboration on Forrest, with the same woodsy charm.

Ibsen

Danish

"son of Ib"

Ibsen is a literary hero name possibility, after the great Norwegian dramatist, Henrik I. The name Ib is a short form of Jacob, so you might consider Ibsen as an honorific for or a twin of a Jacob.

Macsen

Welsh variation of Maximus, Latin

"greatest"

Macsen may sound like a modern invention, cousin to Jackson and Maxon, but it's a longtime Welsh variation of Maximus with evocative roots in legend. Macsen Wledig is another name for the Roman…

Maddock

Maddock is a masculine name of Welsh origin derived from the Welsh name 'Madoc,' meaning 'fortunate' or 'beneficent.' Historically, it was more common as a surname but has recently gained some…

Meade

Meade is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'meadow' or referring to someone who lived near a meadow. Alternatively, it may have evolved from the…

Raines

English

"from Rayne or Rennes"

The final s turns a nature name into a Waspy surname.

Rennon

English surname, meaning unknown

Unusual surname occasionally used as a first.

Roarke

Roarke is a strong masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins, derived from the name Ruarc or O'Ruairc, meaning 'champion' or 'famous ruler.' This powerful name carries connotations of strength,…

Thane

Scottish

"clan chieftain"

This early Scottish title -- known to us via Shakespeare's Macbeth -- has recently surfaced as a baby name possibility, familiar sounding through its similarity to names like Zane and Wayne.

Torben

Danish and German

"thunder bear"

A familiar name in the Nordic countries that hasn't yet gained popularity in the English speaking world. But it could, now that Old Norse names like Thor and Odin are on the rise. It derives from…