998+ Unique, Rare, and Uncommon Boy Names (with Meanings and Origins)
- Baron
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a lord of the realm"Description:
If you're going to choose a noble word name, why not aim higher and pick Duke, Prince...or King. The Donald Trumps picked the Barron spelling for their little princeling.
- Rush
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"basket weaver"Description:
Might suggest speed, excitement, even danger, were it not for its best-known bearer, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.
- Falcon
Origin:
Bird nameDescription:
There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
- True
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but the few that can be used for boys as well, such as True, are more often seen as a middle name.
- Darrow
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"spear"Description:
A family of lawyers might be interested in this surname as a tribute to famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow.
- Cyprien
- Piper
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"one who plays the pipes or flute"Description:
Piper's rising popularity for girls makes it an unlikely masculine choice.
- Geo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"earth"Description:
Geo is of ancient origin but cutting-edge modern sound. It is starting to rise in popularity, partly for its cool science vibe, and partly as a soundalike for popular Italian diminutive Gio.
Geo is also a traditional written short form for Geoffrey.
- Rocket
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Starbaby name that might prove too supercharged for real life, but if like director Robert Rodriguez you're interested only in boys' names starting with R, you may need to add Rocket (and Rebel and Racer) to your list.
- Dov
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.
- Ajani
Origin:
Nigerian, YorubanMeaning:
"the victor"Description:
An easily assimilated African name, a novel twist on Johnny.
- Orev
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"raven"Description:
Idiosyncratic Hebrew choice.
- Timber
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Though some forward-looking parents are now choosing wood-related names like Oak, Pine, and Ash, this generic option would be even more avant garde.
- Keane
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
- Knight
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
" a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"Description:
Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of royal baby names.
- Azarias
Origin:
Hebrew, variation of AzariahMeaning:
"God has helped"Description:
This is another form of the name the angel Raphael assumes for himself when he becomes human. One of the few attractive Biblical names that has not yet been discovered by modern parents, Azarias is certainly ripe for the taking.
- Eder
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
This is one Basque name that is very transferable to the American context - and it has a great meaning, too. The feminine version is Eider or Ederne.
- Indiana
Origin:
American place-nameMeaning:
"land of the Indians"Description:
This state name emerged in the eighties along with westerners Dakota and Montana, and it's still used occasionally by high-profile parents such as Summer Phoenix and Casey Affleck. Action man Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) makes Indiana "Indy" forever cool for a boy.
- Giorgio
Origin:
Italian variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
- Carver
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wood carver"Description:
Carver is an occupational name with an artistic bent, as is the newly arrived Painter, which has a fresher feel than the 1990's Carter. It also has eminent last-name links to botanist and educator George Washington Carver and short story master Raymond Carver.