Uncommon Boy Names

Also Anglicized as Dara and also spelled Daire in its native form, Darragh has an undeniably rugged appeal. It's used for both girls and boys in Ireland, but it's very popular in particular for boys.

Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.

In the Anglophone world, Love is more likely to be perceived as an English word name than the Swedish form of Louis.

Onni is the Number 1 boy's name in Finland yet largely unknown in the English-speaking world. Its uplifting meaning makes it a plausible possibility if you want to honor your Nordic heritage.

Mustafa is a name widely used in Turkey, as it was the given name of the man popularly known as Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Mustafa is also an epithet of the prophet Muhammad and was the name of four Ottoman sultans. Other spellings include Mostafa, Moustafa, and Moustapha.

Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.

Popular Dutch name that reflects the short, clipped style in vogue in that country. Bart, another short form of Bartholomeus and Bartholomew, is also popular there.

Preferable to its parent name, Arnoud, in the Netherlands.

Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.

The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

This form of Joseph is an enduring classic in Italy where it remains in the Top 20. In the States it's been hovering under the radar for decades, but its spirited, distinctive-yet-familiar sounds might help it catch on, as Giovanni has

Odhran, Anglicized as Oran, was the name of an ancient saint. Today, Odhran is among the Top 100 Irish names for boys in Ireland.

Traditionally written with an accent (Álvaro), this is a well-used Spanish saint's name with a lot of flair that could definitely cross over to more general usage. It reached its peak in the United States in 1985, when it ranked Number 456. In Spain, Álvaro is a Top 20 boys' name.

Common in France, but could be confused with the feminine Maxine here.

As you may surmise from its origins as a short form for Constantijn and Augustijn, Stijn rhymes with nine and fine, though most English-speakers wouldn't guess that. A popular name in the Netherlands that's obscure elsewhere, for reasons undoubtedly connected to its spelling and pronunciation issues.

The name of a companion of the prophet Muhammad who became the first person to call Muslims to prayer. Bilal is well-used in the US.

The Dutch equivalent of Walt makes the Top 100 in Belgium, where Flemish parents love short, sweet names.

Though Dara in the U.S. would be considered mainly a girls' name – the most recent count is 10 times as many girls given the name last year than boys – it's a boys' name in Ireland, where it's in the Top 100 along with variations Daire and Darragh.

As parents go searching for alternatives to the unstoppable Mateo/Matteo duo, Mattia stands out as a worthy option. Same handsome, alluring feel, for a fraction of the popularity. Buy now!

Common Arabic version of Elijah. The Ilyes spelling is a Top 100 name in France.

This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.