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Rare, Unique, and Unusual Boy Names

  1. Vern

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Vernon, English

    • Meaning:

      "place of alders"

    • Description:

      Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.
  2. Griff

    • Description:

      Griff is a masculine name with Welsh origins, functioning both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Griffin or Griffith. The name derives from the Welsh 'Gruffydd,' meaning 'strong lord' or 'strong faith.' Griff has a concise, strong quality that appeals to parents seeking short, impactful names. The name carries associations with strength and courage, partly due to its connection to the mythological griffin creature (part eagle, part lion). In Welsh culture, variations of this name have been used for centuries, connecting it to a rich Celtic heritage. While not among the most common names, Griff has maintained steady usage, particularly in Wales and among families with Welsh ancestry.
  3. Gregor

    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Gregory

    • Meaning:

      "vigilant, a watchman"

    • Description:

      Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.
  4. Topher

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christopher

    • Description:

      The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.
  5. Curran

    • Origin:

      Irish surname from O Corrain

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Curran"

    • Description:

      Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.
  6. Whittaker

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "white field"

    • Description:

      If you discount the connection to the controversial Whittaker Chambers in the days of the Red Scare, Whittaker is a pleasant enough British surname with the preppyish nickname Whit.
  7. Heron

    • Origin:

      Nature name or Greek

    • Meaning:

      "hero"

    • Description:

      Heron may feel like a very usable nature name -- the heron is a long-legged wading bird -- but it was also the name of a 1st century Greek inventor and of an Egyptian saint. Highly unusual yet easy to understand and meaningful on several levels, Heron is a fantastic choice.
  8. Yale

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "fertile upland"

    • Description:

      An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.
  9. Maguire

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the beige one"

    • Description:

      Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.
  10. Georgie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of George, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      A warm and cuddly nickname name, although he famously "kissed the girls and made them cry" in the old nursery rhyme.
  11. Cosimo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cosmo

    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"

    • Description:

      Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.
  12. Urban

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the city"

    • Description:

      Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
  13. July

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "month name"

    • Description:

      Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and seven boys were named July in 2013, putting this month name into the class of gender neutral names.
  14. Herschel

    • Description:

      Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Tzvi, which carries the same meaning. The name gained recognition through notable bearers like astronomer Sir William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and various Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While popular among Jewish communities in the early 20th century, Herschel has become less common in recent decades. However, it retains a dignified, intellectual quality that appeals to those drawn to traditional or family-honoring names. Its distinctive sound and rich cultural heritage give it a unique character among contemporary name choices.

  15. Morocco

    • Origin:

      African place-name

    • Description:

      Morocco is an attractive and rhythmic name, evocative of such fabled cities as Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakesh, in a country whose unique landscape and rich culture attracted such twentieth century writers as Tennessee Williams, Paul Bowles and William Burroughs.
  16. Garnet

    • Origin:

      Jewel name, for the French

    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"

    • Description:

      One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, for both boys and girls, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. But interestingly, Garnet means pomegranate, the fruit who shares a deep red color with the jewel.
  17. Benedetto

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.
  18. Ezri

    • Origin:

      Variation of Ezra, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "help"

    • Description:

      Ezra is a Biblical name that is being rediscovered, which means its variation Ezri can't be far behind. Ezri is one of the up-and-coming unisex names starting with E, with the gender divide surprisingly running five to one in favor of girls.
  19. Gennaro

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "January"

    • Description:

      This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.
  20. Primo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "first"

    • Description:

      Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?