One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

Trout

Word name

Yes, nature lovers are starting to name their children after all forms of life, including fish, but consider carefully before you cast your line into these tease-infested waters.

Ugo

Italian variation of Hugh, Igbo

"mind, intellect; eagle"

Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.

Umberto

Italian variation of Humbert

"renowned warrior"

A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community. The writer-semiotician Umberto Eco is a noteworthy namesake.

Utah

American place name, Ute

"people of the mountains"

This would make a startling but likable choice; poet Dylan Thomas used it for a character in his play "Under Milk Wood."

Viceroy

Word name, English

"ruler who represents the king"

A new one for the ever-growing collection of royal baby names.

Whistler

English occupational name

"one who whistles"

A new entry in the fashionable occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill…

Yeats

Scottish, English

"the gates"

Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this surname-style name, especially for the middle spot. Ultimately derived from the Old…

Zesiro

Luganda

"older of twins"

Unusual and attractive name, might be worth considering if you're expecting twins.

Padgett

Variation of Page, French

"page, attendant"

Padgett is a last name turned first name, from the occupational term for a page or attendant. No babies of either sex were given the name in the US last year.

Acacius

Greek

"thorny; or, innocent, not evil"

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…

Elioenai

Hebrew

"my eyes look to Yahweh"

The name of several minor characters in the Old Testament, including a leader of the Tribe of Simeon and a priest involved in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Elioenai is a rare Biblical…

Akello

Ugandan

"I have brought forth"

Energetic but mellow.

Alamo

Place-name, Spanish

"poplar tree"

The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.

Alard

German

"noble, steadfast"

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…

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…

Aragon

Spanish place name

Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.

Arcadian

English

"from Arcadia; idyllic"

Arcadia was a region of Ancient Greece that is now associated with a simple rustic life (way before Cottagecore was a thing). That means this name is not just long and lyrical, but also has a warm…

Arledge

English

"dweller at the rabbit lake"

A strong, distinctive surname with a quaint meaning and rugged air, Arledge is associated with American sports broadcaster, Roone Arledge. It may hold contemporary appeal thanks to its similarities…

Asmund

Manx, Scandinavian, Norse

"God is the protector; divine protection"

Ultimately derived from the Old Norse Ásmundr, Asmund is the Scandinavian and Manx form, predominantly used in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In the case of Norway, however, it is much more popularly…

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.…