User-created list
Unusual Boy Names
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Mingus
Scottish, variation of Menzies
"tenants of a manor"
Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and…
Conroy
Irish
"hound (or wolf) of the plain"
Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.
Zamiel
German variation of Samuel
For Sam-lovers who want to make a slight detour off that well-traveled road.
Marsden
English
"boundary valley"
A surname-style choice that could work as an alternative to Marshall, Mason, or Arden. A topographical name referring to someone who lived near the boundary of a valley, it could lead to nickname…
Roth
German
"redhead"
This surname-name originated as a nickname for redheads.
Shale
Word name
Slate, Stone and Steel are on the rise, so why not Shale?
Theophilus
Greek
"loved by God; friend of God"
This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus. Theophilus North is the title…
Zeppelin
German word name from Slavic
"zeppelin; flail"
In a baby name landscape where word names and names that start with Z are infinitely cool, there are few options for parents who want to combine trends. Zeppelin is one of the best names at the…
Darshan
Sanskrit
"perceptive one"
This name is widely used in India.
Swithun
English
"strong bear cub"
Variously spelled as Swithun or Swithin, this distinctive sounding name is belonged to St. Swithun, an Anglo-Saxon bishop known as the patron saint of Winchester and of the weather — making him the…
Lonan
Manx, Irish
"little blackbird"
Typically spelled as Lonán in Ireland, Lonan is its Manx form, though it could also be considered the anglicized form too. The name comes from the Irish lon meaning "blackbird", paired with a…
Michelangelo
Combination of Michael and Angelo
The ultimate artist's name would make an unforgettable impression. It's the first name of famed Italian director Antonioni.
Tolliver
English and Scottish occupational name
"metalworker"
If you're tired of Oliver, you might consider this energetic three-syllable surname instead, so you could have a little Tolly instead of an Ollie. Tolliver is a not-too-obvious occupational Scottish…
Tiago
Portuguese diminutive of Santiago, Latin
"Saint James"
Tiago, also spelled Thiago, is a popular Portuguese boys' name. Derived from the more formal Santiago, these days it is often used on its own. Relaxed and charming while still maintaining the…
Vikram
Hindi
"valorous"
Another traditional Indian name, best known here via novelist Vikram Seth.
Cadwalader
Welsh
"battle leader"
An ancient Welsh name belonging to an early modern king and saint, among others. The Irish cognate, Cathal, is more widely known.
Thelonious
Latinized variation of German Tielo or Till
"people"
One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited this Latin-sounding German name from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960's,…
Torsten
Swedish from Old Norse
"Thor's stone"
Scandinavian names are fashionable these days, and Torsten is one that is used only occasionally: About 20 baby boys were named Torsten in the US last year.
Ferdinand
German
"bold voyager"
Ferdinand is a traditional name among Spanish royal families and also appears in Shakespeare's The Tempest , borne by the handsome young prince shipwrecked on Prospero's island. Bold, daring, and…
Runyon
Irish
"son of a champion"
Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.