One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys
Updated Thu Feb 01 2024
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One-of-a-kind names for boys that nobody — and by nobody, we mean zero people in the US the last year counted — is using in the US include the following fascinating and rare boy names.
Some of the coolest rare boy names are international favorites such as Pim, Ngozi, Maxence, and Jadson. Other totally unique boy names include stylish surnames Osgood, Seaton, and Tolliver, and groundbreaking word names Drummer, Quartz, and Traveler.
On this list are many unusual yet classic boys' names as well as fresh, creative choices. If you are looking for truly rare names for your baby boy, any of these would be excellent choices, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry.
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- Crusoe
Origin:
Literary surnameDescription:
Crusoe, as in castaway hero Robinson, is a literary invention by author Daniel Defoe. In the novel, the character says his name is an Anglicization of the German Kreutznaer, which may be a place name or refer to a crossing of the river Nahe. Alternatively, it may translate to "dweller by the cross", from Kreuzbewohner.
- Acacius
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thorny; or, innocent, not evil"Description:
Acacius is a Latinized form of the Ancient Greek Akakios and can be interpreted to relate to the same root as the name Acacia, for the thorn bush, or Akakios which means "not evil." With the modern taste for ancient names that end in "us," this obscure but attractive choice may have a chance of new life. Acacius is the name of three early saints.
- Tolliver
Origin:
English and Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"metalworker"Description:
If you're tired of Oliver, you might consider this energetic three-syllable surname instead, so you could have a little Tolly instead of an Ollie.
- Jem
Origin:
Diminutive of James or JeremiahDescription:
This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.
- Django
Origin:
RomaniMeaning:
"I awake"Description:
Django — the D is silent as most everyone now knows — the nickname of the great Belgian-born jazz guitarist Django (originally Jean Baptiste) Reinhardt, makes a dynamic musical choice for any jazz aficionado. Reinhardt's nickname "Django" is Romani for "I awake." The name has become more familiar with the release of and acclaim for the Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained.
- Gulliver
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"glutton"Description:
Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors Damian Lewis, of Homeland, and Helen McCrory also have a son named Gulliver.
- Mingus
Origin:
Scottish, variation of MenziesMeaning:
"tenants of a manor"Description:
Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and Thelonius.
- Cathal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"battle rule"Description:
The name of an ancient Irish saint is in the contemporary Irish Top 50. While it's one of the rare Irish names for boys that hasn't immigrated to the U.S., it may follow brothers Aidan and Declan to our shores. The t is not pronounced.
- Tarquin
Origin:
Latin, Roman clan nameDescription:
One of the few ancient Roman names that doesn't end in us, the rarely heard Tarquin has a decidedly creative, even dramatic flair, which could appeal to the parent looking for a strikingly original name. Sir Laurence Olivier used it for his oldest child, who was named Simon Tarquin but called by his middle name.
- Pascoe
Origin:
Cornish variation of PascalMeaning:
"Easter"Description:
Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.
- Puck
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell.
- Corentin
Origin:
French, BretonMeaning:
"tempest, hurricane"Description:
Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
- Auberon
Origin:
English, French, GermanMeaning:
"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"Description:
Rarely heard in the US, Auberon has a gentle autumnal feel rare in a male name. A Shakespeare-adjacent choice, Auberon started out as as a pet form of Auberi, the French form of German Alberich.
- Septimus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"the seventh son"Description:
Septimus is one of the more dashing of the birth-order Latin number names that were revived by the Victorians. So even if you don't anticipate son number 7, you might be bold enough to consider this relic, certainly preferable to sixth-son name Sextus.
- Clem
Origin:
, English, diminutive of ClementDescription:
Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
- Ox
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"working cattle"Description:
Animal names are booming, but this is one that's never been used — although Boaz, which means "ox" in Hebrew, is starting to see more use. With its connotations of strength, teamwork and perseverance, and cool X sound, well, why not? It would work especially well for a child born in the Chinese Year of the Ox (February 2021-January 2022). If you need a longer version an obvious option is Oxford, but there's also Oxley, Oxton, or a slightly different sound like Oakley or Oswald.
- Pim
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of Willem or WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
The short, cute Pim is a Top 100 boys' name in The Netherlands though little-known outside that country. But in a family overrun with Williams, Pim could make an original nickname setting a modern child apart from father Will and grandpa Bill.
- March
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
Along with August, March is one of the month names perfectly suited to boys. This brisk single-syllable name – which derives from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war – is worth considering as either a first or middle option. As a surname, it brings warm memories of the girls of Little Women, and of twentieth century actor Fredric.
- Wilkie
Origin:
Scottish surname from a diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days, it's the middle name of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James and the first name of writer Collins. While Wilkie could make an adorable short form for a little boy, we'd recommend a more substantial full name such as, well, William.
- Romilly
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"man of Rome"Description:
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly John became Admiral of the Fleet in England. Now used for both sexes but highly unusual for either, Romilly was given to a dozen girls in the US last year and no boys.
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