One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

  1. Springer
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "jumper, leaper"
    • Description:

      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 from the words springen/springhen/shpringen, and in English it's also a topographical name for someone living near the source of a stream. An unusual option if you're seeking an out-of-the-ordinary 'er'-ending name. Though for some it might bring to mind Jerry Springer, or a Spaniel.
  2. Luxor
    • Origin:

      Place name, Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "palaces, castles"
    • Description:

      Luxor is just waiting to be discovered as a baby name. It has a lot going for it — an easy and fashionable nickname (hello, Lux!), unisex appeal, and a place name connection. Luxor is the modern-day name for the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. It was derived from the Arabic term al-ʾuqṣur, referring to palaces or castles.
  3. Darton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "deer town"
    • Description:

      Obscure, though legitimate, name that could be used to honor a relative named Barton or Martin.
  4. Galway
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.
  5. Roone
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Rancher
    • Origin:

      Occupational name
    • Description:

      Any name that combines two big trends -- in this case, occupational and western names -- has potential.
  7. Eisenhower
    • Origin:

      German occupational surname
    • Meaning:

      "iron cutter"
    • Description:

      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 the surname of President Dwight D., "Ike" Eisenhower, making Ike an appropriate nickname (and you might need one, with a name this stately!)
  8. Gower
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.
  9. Alard
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, steadfast"
    • Description:

      Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this name.
  10. Alcee
    • Origin:

      French form of Alcaeus, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "strong"
    • Description:

      An archaic French name, notably borne by Alcee Hastings, an American politician and judge. Also spelled Alcée, the name appears in a name of Kate Chopin's novels, including The Awakening.
  11. Glenwood
    • Origin:

      Scottish, English
    • Meaning:

      "a narrow valley in the woods"
    • Description:

      A surname style choice with a gentle yet rugged feel.
  12. Kehinde
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "second-born of twins or one who falls behind"
    • Description:

      This African name, which derives from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, is used for both girls and boys -- but in the US, its most notable bearer is (male) artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley, who paints brown- and black-skinned people in the style of European Old Masters, was born in Los Angeles of an African-American mother and a Yoruba father and was also a twin, thus his name. An attractive and creative choice for either gender.
  13. Reading
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the red-haired"
    • Description:

      Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.
  14. Quito
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Place-name
    • Description:

      Quito is a place-name (it's the capital of Ecuador) with lots of lively energy--as long as it's pronounced correctly.
  15. Troian
    • Origin:

      Surname
    • Meaning:

      "trinity"
    • Description:

      This unusual surname name has been made famous by Pretty Little Liars actress Troian Bellisario, and probably derives from a Slavic name meaning "triad; trinity". A notable male bearer is American visual artist Vasile Troian.
  16. Jeton
    • Origin:

      French word name
    • Meaning:

      "token"
  17. Keyes
    • Origin:

      English, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of keys; son of Aodh"
    • Description:

      With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.
  18. Prewitt
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "brave little one"
    • Description:

      Common surname rarely used as a first.
  19. Raido
    • Origin:

      Proto-Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "ride, journey"
    • Description:

      Raido is the rune that corresponds with the Latin letter R in the Elder Furthark runic alphabet. In Old English, it was translated at Rad.

      Nowadays it makes an interesting baby name for linguists and language-enthusiasts.

  20. Levar
    • Origin:

      African American, Latin, English surname
    • Meaning:

      "the truth; one who lives where rushes grow"
    • Description:

      Brought into the mainstream by actor and TV host LeVar Burton who starred in the 70s miniseries Roots and in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Levar, or LeVar as it may be stylized, is a name of African American origin, also used as an English surname.