One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

Rodion

Russian from Greek

"song of the hero"

Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.

Romer

German surname

"pilgrim; fame"

Romer might be considered a streamlined spelling of the German surname Rohmer, whose root means fame or renown, or a name that was given to those who made pilgrimages to Rome, which is related to…

Romilly

English

"man of Rome"

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…

Roone

Irish

"red-haired"

Roone is a lively, attractive and unusual redhead entry brought into the mix by the late TV sports and news executive Roone Arledge, who seemed to own it as a one-person name when he was alive. Roone…

Rudyard

English

"red enclosure"

Often thought of as a one-peson name because of Jungle Book writer Kipling, this was actually his middle name. He was middle-named for Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire, the beauty of which inspired his…

Runyon

Irish

"son of a champion"

Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.

Ruskin

Scottish

"from a family of tanners"

British-sounding literary surname choice.

Salmon

Animal name

"salmon, a fish"

nature names are in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

Sargent

Spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin

"to serve"

One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John…

Scorpio

Latin

"scorpion"

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy. In the soap…

Seaton

Scottish and English

"town by the sea"

A perfectly fine Anglo surname, though we'd prefer Keaton. Oscar-winning writer-director George Seaton ( Miracle on 34th Street, The Country Girl ) was actually born George Stenius.

Sebbe

Swedish variation of Sebastian

"person from ancient city of Sebasta"

This Swedish form of Sebastian would work nicely as a nickname.

Septimus

Latin

"the seventh son"

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…

Sim

Scottish diminutive of Simon

"the listener"

The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.

Sindre

Norwegian, Old Norse

"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"

A variation of the Old Norse name Sindri, which is borne by a blacksmith dwarf in Norse mythology, who, with his brother, made Thor's hammer. With its appealing meaning "sparkling", this form is…

Springer

English surname

"jumper, leaper"

This lively, springy, rarely used surname name has an interesting history. For the English, German, Dutch and Ashkenazic Jews it was a nickname for a lively person or traveling entertainer, deriving…

Spruce

Tree name

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

Taddeo

Italian variation of Thaddeus

"gift of God"

A particularly charming spin on the original, as is the Spanish name Tadeo. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016.

Tarian

Welsh

"shield"

Country singer Travis Tritt is partial to the letter T for his children's names: he has a Tyler, a Tristan, and a son named Tarian. Tarian is a unisex Welsh name which, though used more for girls in…

Tarquin

Latin, Roman clan name

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…