Rare, Unique, and Unusual Boy Names

Heron

Nature name or Greek

"hero"

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…

Hiroshi

Japanese

"generous"

Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.

Hobbes

English variation of Robert

"bright fame"

All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more…

Hobson

English

"son of Robert"

An original way to honor an ancestral Robert. Hobson is outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for boys.

Horace

Latin clan name

"timekeeper"

The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows. Its early popularity--it was in the Top 100 at the…

Horatio

English variation of Latin Horatius

"hour, time"

Like Horace, Horatio is a variation on the Latin Horatius, but its Shakespearean and optimistic Horatio Alger pedigree makes it an attractive up-and-comer, especially with its cool final o. A modern…

Howell

English variation of Hywel, an eminent Welsh king

A familiar and usable last name turned first. Or you could look at it as a homophone of the verb howl, which gives it a wilder feel.

Howie

Diminutive of Howard, English, Germanic, Norse

"high guardian; brave heart"

Old school Howard has fallen out of fashion in recent years, having been a Top 100 choice in the US from the 1880s until the 1960s. Short form Howie, however, might have more potential, with its…

Huckleberry

Word name and literary name

Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs.…

Hughes

English, Scottish, Irish surname

"mind, intellect; son of Aodh"

Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the…

Humphrey

German

"peaceful warrior"

Humphrey is an old name that might have faded completely were it not for that Bogie flair. A royal name in Britain, where it's used somewhat more frequently, Humphrey might just have some life beyond…

Idrissa

West African, Arabic

"interpreter, studious"

A West African form of popular Arabic Idris, Idrissa more literally means "studious" or "learner", though it is also linked to the act of interpretation, via its connection to a Quranic prophet…

Iggy

Latin, diminutive of Ignatius

"fiery"

Iggy is the quintessential pop star name, though it's the nickname Cate Blanchett uses for son Ignatius. Iggy does bring any grander-sounding name down to earth.

Igor

Old Norse via Russian

"warrior"

Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.

Imri

Hebrew

"to say, my statement"

One of the most modern-sounding Old Testament names, Imri is short and sweet enough to travel easily around the world. It is the name of two minor biblical figures, and also used by modern Hebrew…

Inigo

Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius

"fiery"

Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones.…

Iniko

Nigerian, Igbo

"born in a time of trouble"

This West African name has an upbeat, energetic sound, yet it is traditionally used for a son who was born during troubled times.

Iskander

Indonesian variation of Alexander.

Ives

English variation of Yves

"yew wood"

Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.

Ivo

Germanic, Slavic

"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"

Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o . It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of…