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Unique Boy Names

Mon Jan 11 2021By Pamela Redmond

Unique Boy Names

Unique boy names are more widely used now than ever before. Fifty years ago, the Top 20 boys' names represented 41% of all male children; by contrast now, the Top 20 boys' names represented less than 15% of all baby boys, meaning there are many more rare and unusual boy names in general use.

The greater variety of names being used today means that unique boy names are more likely to be accepted at school or in the workplace. There are lots of ways for boys' names to be unique, from spelling to new creations, but here at Nameberry we're often most inspired by those names which are at once unusual and yet filled with history and meaning.

Some of the coolest unique names for boys today come from Ancient Greek and Rome, often from mythology. The Bible is a rich source of unique boys' names, as are nature, word, and surname names.

Here is a selection of our current favorite rare and unique names for boys, from A to Z. For even more choices and connections to all of Nameberry's resources on choosing unique names, go to our master page on unique names.

Unique Boy Names

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Atlas

Origin:
Greek mythology
Meaning:
"bearer of the heavens"
Description:
Previously thought too powerful for a baby boy – who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders – Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names now in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo. It was one of the fast-rising names on the list in recent years in the USA, jumping from oblivion in 2012 into the Top 500 in 2015, and climbing several hundred places higher since then. Anne Heche was one of the first to make this audacious choice, but several celebrity parents have followed suit.

Atlas Continued

Caspian

Origin:
Place name
Meaning:
"white"
Description:
One of the most romantic of appellations, as well as being a geographical name of the large salty sea between Asia and Europe that probably inspired C.S. Lewis to use it for the name of the hero of his children's novel, Prince Caspian, part of the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Caspian Continued

Nico

Origin:
Italian diminutive of Nicholas, Greek
Meaning:
"people of victory"
Description:
Nico is one of the great nickname names, full of charm, energy and effortless cool -- a neo Nick.

Aurelius

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"the golden one"
Description:
Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, this is one of the Roman emperor names, like Augustus, now in the realm of possibility. Like the female Aurelia and Aurora, Aurelius has a particularly warm golden aura.

Aurelius Continued

Kit

Origin:
English, diminutive of Christopher
Description:
Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son. For girls, it's an updated diminutive of Katherine.

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Alistair

Origin:
English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of Alexander
Meaning:
"defending men"
Description:
With many British names invading the Yankee name pool, the sophisticated Alistair could and should be part of the next wave. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. You have a triple choice with this name--the British spell it Alistair or Alastair, while the Scots prefer Alasdair--but they're all suave Gaelic versions of Alexander. Adopted by the lowland Scots by the seventeenth century, the name didn't become popular outside Scotland and Ireland until the twentieth century.

Alistair Continued

Ambrose

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"immortal"
Description:
A favorite of British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose has an air of blooming well-being and upper-class erudition. It comes from the same Greek root as 'ambrosia', the food of the gods, said to confer immortality.

Ambrose Continued

Cassian

Origin:
Latin, variation of Cassius
Meaning:
"hollow"
Description:
Cassian is a saints' and Latin clan name, related to Cassius, that is virtually unused and waiting to be discovered.

Cassian Continued

Emrys

Origin:
Welsh, variation of Ambrose
Meaning:
"immortal"
Description:
If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin.

Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality.

Emrys Continued

Zephyr

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"west wind"
Description:
If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind-- with many European variations, it's a name that's frequently seen in computer and video games, is a character in the children's book Silverwing, and appears in the Babar books--as a monkey.

Zephyr Continued

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Caius

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"rejoice"
Description:
Caius is classical and serious but also has a simple, joyful quality. There was a third century pope named Caius, as well as an early Christian writer, several Shakespearean characters, and a Twilight vampire. We would pronounce the name to rhyme with eye-us though at Cambridge University in England, where it's the name of a college, it's pronounced keys. Caius is currently Number 164 on Nameberry.

Caius Continued

Cosmo

Origin:
Greek, Italian, English
Meaning:
"order, beauty"
Description:
We all heard it on Seinfeld as the long-concealed first name of Kramer, then considered a punchline. Now some pioneering parents are embracing this expansive Greek name, which makes a creative and cool choice for a baby. Influential celebrity couple Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost chose it for their son, born in 2021, which will likely drive Cosmo up in popularity. In the UK, it currently ranks within the Top 1000 boy names and is trending upwards.

Cosmo Continued

Bear

Origin:
Animal name
Meaning:
"bear"
Description:
Bear has suddenly lumbered onto the baby name landscape. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael), first celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his boy Buddy, and more recently Alicia Silverstone called her son Bear Blu., followed by Kate Winslet's Bear Blaize. It's part of a current trend normalizing once aggressive animal names like Wolf and Fox. Bear is now Number 218 on Nameberry and in the Top 900 in England.

Azriel

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"God is my help"
Description:
Azriel is more masculine than Ariel, more unusual than Israel. Also spelled Asriel and Azrael, Azriel is the name of the Angel of Death in Jewish and Muslim traditions.

Azriel Continued

Amias

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"loved"
Description:
Amias or Amyas is a unique name with an attractive sound and feel and a lovely meaning. Though it might sound like a Biblical name, it is not, but is a surname that may be related to Amadeus or even be a male version of Amy--which would make it one of the few boys' names to be derived from a girls'.

Amias Continued

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Angus

Origin:
Anglicized form of Aonghus, Aonghas, Gaelic
Meaning:
"one strength"
Description:
Angus is a traditional yet stylish choice in the UK, especially in Scotland. And it's a cool choice for US parents too, particularly those whose roots go back to Glasgow. The ancient Celtic form Oenghus has important historical overtones in Scotland, and the Gaelic form Aonghas is associated with two distinguished modern poets. In Irish folklore, Angus Og is a chieftain-lord who used his magical powers for the pleasure and prosperity of mankind--and in Irish myth, Aonghus was the god of love and youth.

Angus Continued

Orson

Origin:
Latin and English
Meaning:
"bear cub"
Description:
Orson has had in the past a rotund teddy-bear image, a la Orson Welles, who early on dropped his common given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle one, and who seemed to own it during his lifetime. No longer a single-person signature, it's now an interesting possibility for any parent seeking an unusual yet solid name. It's started to appear to the celeb set--both Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose have little Orsons.

Orson Continued

Lazarus

Origin:
Latinized Greek variation of Hebrew Eleazar
Meaning:
"God is my helper"
Description:
Lazarus is a name that looks as if it could possibly be raised from the dead, just like its biblical bearer. Look for it in the next wave of Old Testament revivals that transcend their long-bearded images, the way Noah, Moses, and Abraham have for this generation.

Lazarus Continued

Torin

Origin:
Irish
Meaning:
"chief"
Description:
Though it has a Scandinavian ring, this is an out-of-the-ordinary Irish family name. The hard 'T' at the beginning prevents it from sounding as feminine as, say, Loren. Torin's Passage was an early video game.

Torin Continued

Wolf

Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang
Meaning:
"traveling wolf"
Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang.

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Leif

Origin:
Scandinavian
Meaning:
"heir, descendant"
Description:
Leif is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and is still one of the best, with a pleasant aural association with the word leaf.

Ansel

Origin:
German
Meaning:
"with divine protection"
Description:
Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a family name – he was named after his uncle, Ansel Easton. And, in turn, Adams was the namesake of young heartthrob Ansel Elgort, son of a photographer.

Ansel Continued

Cormac

Origin:
Irish
Meaning:
"charioteer"
Description:
Both offbeat and upbeat, this evocative traditional Irish name that runs through Celtic mythology is known here via award-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy (born Charles). The author's adopted name is related to Cormac Mac Airt, one of the great legendary high kings of Ireland.

Cormac Continued

Linus

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"flax"
Description:
Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be yes.

Linus Continued

Rufus

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"red-head"
Description:
Rufus is a rumpled, redheaded (it was the nickname for red-haired King William) ancient Roman name popular with saints and singers (e.g. Rufus Wainwright); now, Rufus is on the cutting edge of cool.

Rufus Continued

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Casimir

Origin:
Polish and Slavic
Meaning:
"destroyer of peace"
Description:
Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too.

Casimir Continued

Phineas

Origin:
English, Egyptian
Meaning:
"the Nubian"
Description:
Phineas is the English variation of Phinehas, a Hebrew name likely derived from the Egyptian name Pa-nehasi. Pa-nehasi, meaning “the Nubian” can also be translated as “the bronze-colored one.” The Egyptians distinguished themselves from their Nubian neighbors through differences in skin tone.

Phineas Continued

Ozias

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"salvation"
Description:
Everyone says they want an unusual name — well, if you truly do, this is one with Biblical cred that fits the bill, with the added attraction of the user-friendly nickname of Oz or Ozzie. Ozias is the name of several minor figures in the Bible. Osias is another spelling.

Ozias Continued

Blaise

Origin:
French
Meaning:
"to lisp, stammer"
Description:
As modern as it sounds, Blaise is an ancient Christian martyr name. In Arthurian legend, Blaise is the name of Merlin the Magician's secretary. Its relation to the word and name Blaze gives it a fiery feel. Amanda Beard named her baby boy Blaise Ray.

Blaise Continued

Monty

Origin:
Diminutive of Montague, Montgomery
Description:
Monty, a name with a World War II feel, is rarely used on its own. But we're hearing rumblings of a comeback and think that Monty, whatever it's short for, is an adorable vintage nickname name of the future.

Monty Continued

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Dion

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"child of heaven and earth"
Description:
In ancient Greece, a student of Plato; in modern America, a cool guy.

Thor

Origin:
Norse
Meaning:
"thunder"
Description:
Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.

Roscoe

Origin:
Norse
Meaning:
"deer forest"
Description:
Fairly popular a hundred years ago but out of sight now, the quirky Roscoe deserves a place on every adventurous baby-namer's long list. It joins Rufus, Roman, Remy, Romulus, and Ray as one of the R names that sound fresh again after too many years of Robert, Richard, and Ronald.

Roscoe Continued

Osiris

Origin:
Egyptian
Meaning:
"with strong eyesight"
Description:
Osiris is the name of Egyptian mythology god-king who died and was reborn every year. Emerging from centuries of obscurity, Osiris has several ingredients for success in the modern world: Roots in ancient myth, an uplifting meaning, an s ending and the cute nickname Os or Oz.

Osiris Continued

Barnaby

Origin:
English variation of Barnabas, Aramaic
Meaning:
"son of consolation"
Description:
Barnaby, a genial and energetic name with an Irish-sounding three-syllable lilt, is an ancient appellation that manages to be both unusual and highly attractive and deserves to be used more than it is. A sweet-spot name that's a real winner.

Barnaby Continued

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Stellan

Origin:
Swedish, meaning unknown , possibly "calm"
Meaning:
"calm"
Description:
Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.

Stellan Continued

Balthazar

Origin:
Phoenician
Meaning:
"Baal protects the King"
Description:
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, though their names were not mentioned in the Bible.

Balthazar Continued

Mack

Origin:
Scottish or Irish
Meaning:
"son of"
Description:
Mack, when "formalized" with the final k, makes an engagingly amiable choice, a far more

Arden

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"valley of the eagle"
Description:
Arden is a gender-neutral name that's sleek and stylish but always seems to bob just below the surface of popularity, despite ticking all the boxes with its fashionable two-syllable, N-ending shape and it's awesome nature-inspired meaning. In the 2020 US statistics, 40 percent of the babies named Arden were boys to 60 percent girls.

Arden Continued

Abner

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"father of light."
Description:
This neglected Biblical name--it was the name of the commander of Saul's army and appears twice in the New Testament--is ready to flee Dogpatch. It was regularly used in the nineteenth century, but was pretty much demolished by the long-running hillbilly comic strip L'il Abner, which began in 1934 and ran through 1977. A more respectable namesake is Abner Doubleday, who has been credited with inventing baseball.

Abner Continued

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Idris

Origin:
Welsh; Arabic
Meaning:
"lord; studious"
Description:
A common Welsh name virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.
Idris Hawr "the Giant" was a legendary seventh century Welsh giant and magician who gave his name to a well known mountain, "Idris's Fort"
Idris also exists in Arabic, meaning "to learn, study" and is the name of a prophet mentioned twice in the Koran. Idris Shah was a prominent Sufi writer.

Idris Continued

Ocean

Origin:
Nature name
Description:
Nature names like Ocean and River are flowing back into favor, especially with nature lovers and green-oriented parents.

Ocean Continued

Peregrine

Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
"traveler, pilgrim"
Description:
Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.

Peregrine Continued

Leander

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"lion-man"
Description:
Leander is an almost unknown name with great potential as a possible alternative to the overused Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.

Leander Continued

Denzel

Origin:
Cornish
Meaning:
"from the high stronghold"
Description:
This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who delivered him.

Denzel Continued

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Inigo

Origin:
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
Meaning:
"fiery"
Description:
Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones. The sixteenth-seventeenth century Jones shared his name with his father, a London clockmaker, who received it when Spanish names for boys were fashionable in England, especially among devout Roman Catholics.

Inigo Continued

Harris

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"son of Harry"
Description:
When Harrison is too much, but Harry isn't enough, try this stylish surname name with a touch of British flair. It briefly reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time since 1988 in 2016, but has since dropped just below the radar again.

Harris Continued

Viggo

Origin:
Scandinavian
Meaning:
"war"
Description:
Though to most Americans Viggo is a one-person name attached to intense actor Mortensen, it is actually an old Norse name dating back to the Vikings, and is currently the 32nd most popular appellation in Sweden. Viggo Mortensen is a Jr., sharing his name with his Danish father. We think this name is so, well, vigorous, that it might appeal to others as well. Taylor and Natalie Hanson seemed to agree when they chose it for their fourth child.

Viggo Continued

Montgomery

Origin:
Norman
Meaning:
"man power"
Description:
This image of this distinguished Anglo-Scottish surname, drawn from the French place name of the ancient castle of Saint Foi de Montgomery, is rapidly shifting from fusty and formal to cool. And dashing short form Monty (or Monte) nudges it to cute.

Montgomery Continued

Zen

Origin:
Japanese
Meaning:
"meditation"
Description:
A spiritual word name used by actor Zoe Saldana for her son.

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