Just as Seamus/Seumus is Irish for James, Hamish is the Scottish form — one that's not often used here, but still redolent of Olde Scotland. If you're ready to go further than Duncan and Malcolm, out to Laird and Ewan territory, this may be worth consideration. It also sounds just like the Yiddish word for homey.

While this has a distinguished male namesake -- astronomer Edmund Halley and his comet -- it still strays too close to the superpopular feminine Hailey family to work for some parents for a boy. Fewer than five baby boys were given the name last year, but that could change as formerly-female names become more acceptable for boys.

Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon.

Harailt is a masculine name of Celtic origin, likely derived from the Old Irish name Harold or Harald. These names stem from the Old Norse Haraldr, meaning "army ruler" or "war leader." The spelling Harailt represents a Gaelic variant that emerged primarily in Ireland and Scotland. While uncommon in mainstream usage, this name carries historical significance in Celtic regions where traditional naming patterns have been preserved through generations. Harailt conveys strength and leadership qualities associated with its warrior etymology. The name remains relatively rare in contemporary use, appealing to parents with Celtic heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with historical roots.