998+ Unique, Rare, and Uncommon Boy Names (with Meanings and Origins)
- Wystan
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"battle stone"Description:
Dignified first name of poet W. H. Auden, less exposed than his currently stylish surname.
- Hawk
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"hawk, a bird"Description:
Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example.
- Maxim
Origin:
French variation of MaximusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Although often connected to the men's magazine title, Maxim is a chic and powerful name for a little boy. It's proving moderately popular too, having been in the Top 1000 in the US since the year 2000.
- Munro
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"mouth of the river Ro"Description:
Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life.
- Gannon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair-skinned, fair-haired"Description:
The name of a historic Irish leader, Gannon has a solid, yet spirited feel. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2014, but that trend didn't continue. One pop culture influence was the name of Teen Mom 3 son Gannon Dewayne McKee.
- Quest
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"seek; mission"Description:
Cool new Q-starting possibility which suggests a sense of curiosity and purpose.
- Fielding
Origin:
English topographical surnameMeaning:
"dweller in the open country"Description:
Fielding is a surname style name, originally given to someone who lived in the country or worked in the fields, however it might also be considered a word name relating to sports (cricket and baseball specifically) or with the term for dealing with something difficult by evading it.
- Becker
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"baker"Description:
One of the less common members of the currently popular craftsmen's guild, Becker once had a self-named sitcom, and is also associated with Wimbleton tennis legend Boris Becker.
- Fable
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Inventive name for the child of a writer.
- Blues
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"slow, sad, songs of lamentation; a music genre of black American folk origin"Description:
While Ivy Blue has made the color a more popular choice for girls, Blues — as in the musical style — could feel more masculine. While some may find it a sad and gloomy choice, thanks to the phrase "having the blues", the musical connection gives it greater potential. It could make for a laid-back name that oozes cool and works as an alternative for those wanting to avoid more obvious choices like Indigo or Hendrix.
- Xanthos
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"golden-haired"Description:
This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.
- Summit
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"highest point of a mountain"Description:
An especially adventurous word name that conjures up mountain expeditions. As names like Everest and Zenith continue to climb, so too should Summit.
- Tobiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is good"Description:
Tobiah is the original Hebrew form of the better-known Greek Tobias, to which it could make a distinctive alternative. With its ah ending, Tobiah fits in with other stylish Biblical names today, from Noah to Isaiah to Josiah and Zachariah. And of course, Toby is an adorable nickname.
- Kyo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"village; capital city; apricot; unite"Description:
Simple and sweet name for a son that feels on-trend in this era of Kai.
- Gibson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Gilbert's son"Description:
An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.
- Jex
Origin:
English surname derived from JacquesDescription:
Decidedly offbeat name that combines jauntiness with that uber-cool X, and would certainly set your son up for life outside the mainstream.
- Baldwin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave friend"Description:
One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.
- Beacon
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"signal light"Description:
A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
- Ashwin
Origin:
Sanskrit, Old English, "possessed of horses; ash friend"Meaning:
"possessed of horses; ash friend"Description:
A cultural crossover with multiple roots. Ashwin is an English surname from the Anglo-Saxon male name Æscwine, meaning "ash tree + friend". It's also a popular Hindi name: in Hindu mythology, the Ashvins or Ashwini are twin Hindu gods of the sunrise and sunset. Either way, it has a soft, strong sound and great nickname potential in Ash or Win
- 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.