Extra Unusual Boys Names
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A list of unusual boy names I found throughout the web and various name books.
- Altair
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"falcon"Description:
The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline.
- Cielo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"sky"Description:
Expansive, sunny Italian word name.
- Abbott
Origin:
English, Hebrew, AramaicMeaning:
"priest; father"Description:
Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones, used to describe the head of a monastery or a prominent church figure, such as a priest. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be seen as a slight drawback, that's hardly stopped Abner or Abraham rising up the charts, and besides, there's nothing wrong with a gentler boy name.
- Amory
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"industrious"Description:
Amory is the kind of executive-sounding surname name that became popular in the 1990s. Amory Blaine is the protagonist of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, This Side of Paradise.
- Aegis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young goat"Description:
Often found as a brand name in the hi-tech and industrial worlds.
- Arlington
Origin:
English habitational surname, place nameMeaning:
"the noble's town"Description:
Similar in sound to Arlo, Remington, and Arthur, this surname style and place name could make a patriotic choice in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 7 girls and 22 boys in a recent year, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.
- Carmichael
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"fort of Michael"Description:
Most parents would prefer to leave the car part parked in the garage.
- Adlai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is just"Description:
Adlai is an Old Testament name long associated with 1950's liberal presidential candidate Stevenson, who was named after his grandfather, who was Grover Cleveland's vice president in the nineteenth century. Now it's an unusual Biblical choice ripe for rediscovery.
- Arliss
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledge"Description:
Best remembered as one of the boys in "Old Yeller" and the title of a late 1990s HBO sitcom, "Arliss," featuring sports agent Arliss Michaels. Also sometimes heard as a girl's name and a surname (as in early film star George Arliss).
- Carden
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"wool carder"Description:
Highly unusual but stylish-sounding occupational name, with a pleasant association with gardens.
- Chaucer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"maker of breeches"Description:
One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
- Adley
Origin:
Variation of Adlai or HadleyDescription:
Adley is one of those rare unisex names that probably developed via different paths on the girls' and boys' sides, with the male Adley a phonetic spelling of the Hebrew Adlai, while the girls' version, which briefly made the Top 1000 in 2012, is an abbreviation of the trendy Hadley, an English place name and surname.
- Colyer
Description:
Colyer is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an occupational surname that historically referred to someone who made or sold charcoal (from the Middle English 'col' meaning coal). As a first name, Colyer is extremely rare, representing the modern trend of adopting traditional surnames as given names. This practice often honors family heritage or creates a distinctive identity. The name carries a strong, professional tone with its hard consonants and historical connection to craftsmanship. Colyer might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and a subtle connection to industrial traditions. Its rarity ensures individuality, though the unusual spelling may require regular clarification.
- Audon
Description:
Audon is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Auden, which has Old English roots meaning 'old friend' or 'old hill.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Norse name Audun, meaning 'rich friend' or 'wealthy friend.' The name might also draw connections to geographical locations, such as Audun-le-Tiche in France. Audon possesses a strong, distinctive sound that combines traditional masculine qualities with an uncommon flair. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name that stands out while still being pronounceable and having historical connections. While not widely used in any country, Audon offers the advantage of being recognized as masculine across different cultures while remaining distinctive and memorable.
- Buchanan
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"place of the cannon"Description:
A lesser-used presidential choice, with a charming, buccaneering sound. Fictional bearers include the Marvel Comics character James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, as well as the heroine of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan.
- Beric
Description:
Beric is a masculine name with medieval Anglo-Saxon origins, possibly derived from an Old English term meaning 'barley ruler' or 'grain farmer.' The name gained some recognition through George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and its television adaptation 'Game of Thrones,' where Beric Dondarrion is a recurring character known for his resilience. Despite this cultural reference, Beric remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still sounding familiar enough to be easily pronounced. The name has a strong, compact sound with its two syllables and crisp ending consonant. For parents seeking a name with historical depth that remains relatively unique, Beric offers a compelling option with its blend of ancient roots and modern recognition.
- Baden
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"son of Bade"Description:
If Braden and Caden, why not Baden?
- Arbor
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"tree"Description:
Arbor is a quirky nature name with holiday vibes.
- Bale
Description:
Bale is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Old English where it referred to a rounded bundle or package, or from Welsh origins where it relates to a hillside or incline. The name has gained some recognition through association with notable figures like actor Christian Bale. Its simple, strong structure with one syllable gives it a bold, straightforward quality. In some Nordic traditions, similar names have connections to bravery or strength. While never extremely common as a first name, Bale has seen occasional usage across English-speaking countries. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds contribute to its masculine feel, making it attractive to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and impactful.
- Cagney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"tribute"Description:
Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey.
