One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

Cadmus

Greek

"one who excels"

Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents…

Aubin

French form of Albinus, Ancient Roman

"white, blond, bright"

Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white,…

Cathal

Irish

"battle rule"

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…

Cedro

Cedro is a masculine name with Latin origins, deriving from 'cedrus', meaning 'cedar tree'. The cedar has long symbolized strength, dignity, and immortality across many cultures. As a name, Cedro…

Ciprian

Romanian, from Greek

"man of Cyprus"

Clem

, English, diminutive of Clement

Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.

Cleve

Diminutive of Cleveland

Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.

Conran

Irish, anglicization of O'conarain

"descendant of Conaran"

Associated with iconic British designer and retailer Terence Conran, who had an international impact on household design. Makes a nice variation on Conrad.

Corentin

French, Breton

"tempest, hurricane"

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,…

Cousteau

French surname

"coast dweller"

Charismatic surname name borne by French explorer, conservationist, scientist, inventor and author Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who devoted his life to the study of the sea and all forms of life in water.

Cabot

French

"to sail"

Cabot is an attractive English surname associated with the daring early Italian-born British explorer known as John Cabot; his birth name was Giovanni Caboto.

Bristow

Bristow is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname and place name meaning 'place by the bridge.' With its strong consonant sounds and crisp ending,…

Auberon

English, French, German

"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"

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.…

Aletris

Flower name, from Greek

"corn grinder"

The bell-shaped flower Aletris is also known as Colic Root, Blazing Star, Unicorn Root, and Stargrass. Its roots have medicinal properties and are used to aid digestive and muscle problems. Its name…

Eisenhower

German occupational surname

"iron cutter"

Eisenhower is derived from Eisenhauer, a German surname composed of the elements eisen , meaning "iron," and hauer , "hewer." In modern English, that translates to "iron cutter." It's best known as…

Dunstan

English

"dark stone"

A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.

Bramwell

English

"well where the gorse grows; bramble well"

An unexpected route to nicknames Bram or Wells, this English surname derives from a historical hamlet in England, whose exact location has been lost to time. It comes from the Old English word for…

Duarte

Portuguese variation of Edward, English

"wealthy guardian"

Incredibly handsome and super smooth, Duarte sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel. You almost wouldn’t believe it’s derived from Edward.

Fairfax

English

"blond"

If this name makes you think of Victorian novels, it's because Fairfax was part of Mr Rochester's name in Jane Eyre , and the surname of a minor character in Jane Austen's Emma . It has a distinctly…

Drummer

Occupational word name

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…