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Unique, Rare, and Uncommon Boy Names (with Meanings and Origins)

  1. Taj

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "crown"

    • Description:

      Taj is a cool-sounding name reflecting the magnificence of the seventeenth-century Indian Taj Mahal, chosen by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler for his son.
  2. Ellington

    • Origin:

      English place-name and surname

    • Meaning:

      "Ellis's town"

    • Description:

      Ellington is a swinging musical name, evoking the jazzy and elegant persona of the Duke (born Edward Kennedy Ellington). While that reference may seem to make Ellington a male name, it is also occasionally used for girls.
  3. Azir

    • Description:

      Azir is a powerful, concise masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It may relate to the Arabic name Aziz, meaning 'powerful' or 'respected,' or could be associated with the Hebrew name Ezer, meaning 'help' or 'support.' The name has gained some recognition in modern times through a character in the popular video game League of Legends, potentially contributing to its contemporary appeal. With its strong 'z' sound and brief two-syllable structure, Azir carries a dynamic, distinctive quality that feels both ancient and modern simultaneously. Though relatively uncommon in Western naming practices, it fits well with the trend toward short, powerful-sounding names with multicultural resonance. The name's exotic feel combined with its straightforward pronunciation makes Azir an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name that sounds distinguished and unique without being difficult.

  4. Alva

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "his highness"

    • Description:

      Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.
  5. Taliesin

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "shining brow"

    • Description:

      This unusual Welsh mythological name just might appeal to architect parents wishing to honor Frank Lloyd Wright, who called his two famous residences Taliesin and Taliesin West.
  6. Elikai

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Elisha

    • Description:

      A well-established (if rare) Hawaiian name that combines two trendy names: Elijah and Kai.
  7. Florent

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "flowering"

    • Description:

      Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.
  8. Skandar

    • Origin:

      Arabic, variation of Alexander

    • Description:

      Skandar is a shortened form of Iskandar, an Arabic form of Alexander. It is most familiar as the name of Skandar Keynes, the actor who played Edmund Pevensie in the Chronicles of Narnia. Skandar is a descendent of Charles Darwin.
  9. Satchel

    • Origin:

      American nickname

    • Description:

      First Woody Allen, then Spike Lee named their children to honor the great early black pitcher, Leroy "Satchel" Paige. A bit luggage-related for non-celebrity use, however.
  10. Anthem

    • Origin:

      American Word Name

    • Description:

      A musical word name with a lot of strength behind it
  11. Amaury

    • Origin:

      French form of Amalric

    • Meaning:

      "work power"

    • Description:

      Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.
  12. Elm

    • Origin:

      English, German, Norse, Danish tree name

    • Meaning:

      "red, brown"

    • Description:

      Strong, straight, and leafy, one of the new tree names used mostly as middles.
  13. Aero

    • Description:

      Aero is a distinctive masculine name with modern appeal, derived from the Greek word 'aer' meaning 'air' or 'atmosphere.' This contemporary name evokes associations with flight, freedom, and the expansiveness of the sky. While relatively uncommon as a given name, Aero has gained modest recognition through its use in aviation terminology and as a brand name for various products related to movement and technology. The name's brevity and strong vowel sounds create a memorable quality that appeals to parents seeking something unconventional yet accessible. Aero's simplicity makes it easily pronounced across different languages, giving it international versatility. As a name choice, it projects an image of dynamism and modernity, appealing to those drawn to nature-inspired names with a technological edge.
  14. Elihu

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.
  15. Xavian

    • Description:

      Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
  16. Avner

    • Description:

      Avner is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of light' or 'my father is a lamp,' composed of 'av' (father) and 'ner' (light or lamp). It appears in the Bible as the name of King Saul's commander, Abner, with Avner being the modern Hebrew pronunciation. The name has been consistently used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, but remains relatively uncommon in the broader Western world. Avner carries significant cultural and religious meaning while offering a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its concise two-syllable structure feels contemporary. The name suggests qualities of wisdom and guidance through its literal meaning of bringing or being light. Avner has seen modest increased usage as parents seek names with both cultural significance and uniqueness.
  17. Fjord

    • Origin:

      Norse word name, "a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier"

    • Meaning:

      "a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier"

    • Description:

      The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders. It conjures vivid blue, ice laden landscapes.
  18. Sekani

    • Origin:

      Sekani, Tumbuka

    • Meaning:

      "people on the rocks; laugh"

    • Description:

      Sekani was the fastest-rising boy name of 2019, inspired by the character Sekani Carter in the 2018 movie The Hate U Give.
  19. Freyr

    • Origin:

      Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "lord"

    • Description:

      Freyr is the Norse god of fertility, sunlight, and peace. He features prominently in the Icelandic mythology collections the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, and is considered an ancestor of the Swedish royal family.
  20. Mauro

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "moorish"

    • Description:

      Mauro, a Top 100 name in Spain and Puerto Rico, is etymologically unrelated to the girls' name Maura, but that won't stop many English speakers from drawing the comparison.