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Fancy Boy Names

  1. Tristram

    • Origin:

      Medieval English variation of Tristan, “noise or sorrowful"

    • Description:

      This version of Tristan, known to English Lit students from the novel Tristram Shandy, is rarely used in this country, but, though its similarity to the popular Tristan could prove confusing, still makes an interesting literary choice.
  2. Wainwright

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "wagon maker"

    • Description:

      A surname style name that could make an alternative to Wayne or Wyatt.
  3. Pendragon

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Meaning:

      "head dragon, chief warrior"

    • Description:

      The epithet of the legendary king's father Uther in Arthurian legend, later also applied to King Arthur himself. It literally means "head dragon" or "dragon's head", but the name appears in medieval Welsh mythology with the figurative meaning of "chief warrior". A truly daring name for a boy, in every sense!
  4. Radcliff

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "red cliff"

    • Description:

      Harvard's sibling.
  5. Bacchus

    • Origin:

      Roman mythology name

    • Description:

      Only if you're hoping for your son to become a wine-besotted poet. To the ancient Romans, Bacchus was the god of agriculture, wine and fertility.
  6. Lancaster

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Description:

      British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer.
  7. Ambrosius

    • Description:

      Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.

  8. Dartagnan

    • Origin:

      French fictional name

    • Meaning:

      "From Artagnan"

    • Description:

      The name of the protagonist of a trio of novels by French author Alexandre Dumas, most notably The Three Musketeers. D’Artagnan is an aspiring musketeer who travels to Paris in search of fortune and adventure. The character is based on real-life musketeer Charles Ogier de Batz de Castelmore, Comte d’Artagnan. Artagnan is a small village in southwest France.
  9. Yardley

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "wood clearing"

    • Description:

      Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.
  10. Chauncy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "gamble, fortune"

    • Description:

      A popular American name in previous centuries in honor of famed Harvard President, Charles Chauncy. This name is burdened by an incredibly pompous sound and best left in the past.
  11. Fitzhugh

    • Origin:

      English, from German

    • Meaning:

      "son of intelligence"

    • Description:

      All the Fitz names are hard to carry, but this one has a wonderful meaning and might be a good middle name choice to honor a brilliant lineage.
  12. Barthelemy

    • Origin:

      French form of Bartholomew

    • Description:

      While Barthelemy does not garner much attention these days, it has a storied history in French-speaking countries. Notable bearers include geologist and explorer Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, philosopher Jules Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire, and historian and writer Jean-Barthélemy Hauréau, to name a few.
  13. Falconer

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "falcon trainer"

    • Description:

      Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?
  14. Belvidere

    • Description:

      Belvidere is an unusual masculine name derived from Italian place names meaning 'beautiful view' (from 'bel' meaning beautiful and 'vedere' meaning to see). Historically, it appears more frequently as a place name or architectural term describing structures with fine views rather than as a personal name. With aristocratic and refined connotations, Belvidere evokes images of Renaissance estates and classical elegance. As a given name, it remains exceptionally rare, appealing only to parents seeking something genuinely distinctive with historical resonance. The name carries an intellectual, artistic quality reminiscent of the Grand Tour era, potentially earning the nickname 'Bel' or 'Vide.' Despite its rarity, Belvidere offers a legitimate etymological history and a clear, dignified meaning.

  15. Boniface

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate, of good fate"

    • Description:

      A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.
  16. Beauchamp

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "the beautiful field"

    • Description:

      Pronounced Beecham, but still too fancy and fey. Likewise Beaufort (beautiful fort), Beaufoy (beautiful beech tree), and Beaumont (beautiful mountain).
  17. Tamerlaine

    • Origin:

      Turkic, Mongol

    • Meaning:

      "iron"

    • Description:

      Although Tamerlaine, especially with the addition of an i, feels more feminine than masculine these days and is occasionally used for girls, the original Tamerlane was a fierce Mongol warrior.
  18. Parthenios

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Parthenios, the name of a Greek river god, is draped in a toga.
  19. Launcelot

    • Description:

      Launcelot is a medieval masculine name derived from the Arthurian legends, a variant of Lancelot, who was King Arthur's most trusted knight and renowned for his affair with Queen Guinevere. The name likely originated from Germanic elements or possibly from an Old French diminutive. Historically, the spelling 'Launcelot' appears in some early Arthurian texts and Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice.' While never extremely common, the name carries associations of chivalry, bravery, and romantic passion. Despite the character's popularity in literature and film, the name Launcelot remains relatively rare as a given name, though it may appeal to parents with an appreciation for medieval history and Arthurian legend.
  20. Blandford

    • Description:

      Blandford is a distinguished masculine name of English origin derived from a place name meaning 'settlement by the plain ford' (a shallow river crossing). This elegant surname-turned-first-name carries an aristocratic, dignified quality reminiscent of British landed gentry. Historically, Blandford has been used primarily in England, often connected to the market town of Blandford Forum in Dorset. As a first name, it remains extremely rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical gravitas. The name suggests refinement and tradition, evoking images of country estates and old-world charm. While uncommon, Blandford offers the nickname possibilities of 'Bland,' 'Ford,' or 'Blandy,' and its uniqueness ensures its bearer stands out in any setting.