Extra Unusual Boys Names
- 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.
- 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.
- Aegis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young goat"Description:
Often found as a brand name in the hi-tech and industrial worlds.
- 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.
- 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).
- Cielo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"sky"Description:
Expansive, sunny Italian word 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.
- 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.
- Carmichael
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"fort of Michael"Description:
Most parents would prefer to leave the car part parked in the garage.
- 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.
- Branigan
Origin:
irishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom "Futurama." Branigan fans might also want to consider such related Irish names as Brennan and Breccan, Rafferty and Finnegan.
- Buell
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"dwelling"Description:
The Dutch meaning (Buell is the Dutch occupational name for a hangman) is enough to keep most people away.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carden
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"wool carder"Description:
Highly unusual but stylish-sounding occupational name, with a pleasant association with gardens.
- Cabe
Origin:
Short form of Cabot, Cable, or CabelDescription:
You don't need to choose the longer form of this unusual name to arrive at Cabe, brother of Gabe and Abe. This earthy, unusual, friendly nickname-name was given to a handful of boys last year and can make an intriguing choice. But be warned: It will forever be mistaken, at least at first hearing, for the more familiar Gabe.
- Almer
Description:
Almer is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely derived from the elements "al" meaning "all" or "completely" and "mari" meaning "famous" or "renowned." This ancient name can be found in historical records across various Germanic regions, though it has remained relatively uncommon throughout its history. Almer also appears as a surname in several European countries. The name has a dignified, somewhat formal quality with its balanced structure and traditional roots. In the United States, Almer saw modest usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. The name's simplicity and strong consonant sounds give it a masculine character without excessive complexity. For contemporary parents, Almer might appeal as an unusual yet accessible option with authentic historical roots, offering distinctiveness without seeming invented or trendy.
- 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.
- Audley
Description:
Audley is a masculine name of English origin, primarily derived from an Old English place name and surname meaning 'Ealdgyth's meadow' or 'old meadow.' With aristocratic connections in British history, including the noble Audley family who played significant roles during medieval times, the name carries a distinguished, refined quality. As a first name, Audley has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive appeal. It shares sound elements with more popular names like Audrey while maintaining its unique character. Particularly appreciated in English-speaking countries with strong British cultural ties, Audley suggests heritage, stability, and a connection to the English countryside.
- Barden
Origin:
English "barley valley"Meaning:
"barley valley"Description:
Rarely heard last-name-first choice with nice gardenlike feel.
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