Uncommon Boy Names

The visibility of actor Wilmer (That 70s Show) Valderrama has highlighted this name, but it's not likely to spread because of its similarity to the feminine (and dated) Wilma.

Unlikely to catch on in the Anglophone world, where parent name Ludwig still conjures up images of Beethoven. But Ludvig actually ranks among the top boy names in Norway and Sweden, while German form Ludwig ranks among the Top 100 boy names in Germany and Ludovico is cool in Italty.

Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.

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 our shores. The t is not pronounced.

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

Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan. 

This old Norse name is still used in contemporary Scandinavia. An ancient hero's name, Sigurd got a modern boost from a heroic figure in television's The Vikings.

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.

This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.

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.

Nope, not a misspelling of Sexton or a number name. This Old Norse name is actually a name denoting victory and in the Swedish Top 100..

Has an upscale aura, perhaps due to the luxury James Bond Aston Martin car.

An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.

This classic, handsome Arabic name — cognate of the Hebrew Ishmael — was chosen by Tan and Rob France for their son born in 2021. Ismail is the preferred spelling in England, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, while Ismael ranks higher in countries with native Spanish speakers, including the US.

Olav is a masculine Scandinavian name, particularly popular in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It derives from the Old Norse name Óláfr, composed of the elements 'ancestor' and 'heir' or 'descendant,' essentially meaning 'ancestor's descendant.' This name has deep historical significance in Scandinavia, having been borne by several Norwegian kings, including Saint Olav (Olav II), who helped Christianize Norway in the 11th century. While traditional in Nordic countries, Olav remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of strength, heritage, and leadership. Alternative spellings include Olaf, Olof, and Olave, with Olav being the modern Norwegian form.

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

Popular among Hispanic parents, it explains the source of the nickname Gonzo.

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.

Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo and Casimir, maybe its time to re-thing Valdemar. It's a big name, but with enough penache, it could be pulled off. Valdemar was introduced to Scandinavia in the 12th Century by a Danish king named for his Ukrainian grandfather, and is currently in the Danish Top 20.