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

Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.

No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group Boy names that mean life.

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.

Arnie is a nerdy-tipping-into-cute nickname that may rise again, if not for this generation of babies then for their babies. Look for it in the nurseries of 2050.

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.

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.

Similar to Andrew, but with a refreshingly different origin and meaning.

British-sounding literary surname choice.

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

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

Drummer entered the baby name lexicon thanks to blogger No Big Dill, who chose it for her newborn son, who joins five older sisters. Drummer is right in step with other occupational names in vogue now, from Archer to Gardener. Let's just hope Drummer doesn't prefer to play the piano.

Avni is derived from Avniel, a Hebrew first and surname with a strong meaning. It is also a separate masculine Albanian name meaning "helper." The nickname Avni has a fresh, gender-neutral feel, although it has separate origins for girls and boys. The feminine version of this name is Sanskrit and means "earth."

More distinctive than Noah or Jacob, but equally as approachable, Noab has potential as a fresh crossover into English-speaking world. An Amharic name meaning "pleasant", Noab can also mean "Ethiopian king".

Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.

The Elysian Fields of Greek mythology was the home of the afterlife for the blessed. As spiritual names and mythological names continue to rise, Elysian is a name to watch.

Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

An alternative form of Hazael, a King in the Old Testament, or a diminutive of Jahaziel, a Levite prophet, this quietly used Biblical name shares sounds with rising choices such as Azrael, Aziel, and Jaziel. There's also a hint of the vintage and nature-inspired Hazel, which may appeal to those who enjoy softer feeling names for boys.

Carlisle is more popular than Carlyle for both genders, and in both spellings more widely used for boys than for girls. It's a name we see on the rise in either spelling.

Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.