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unique boys names I love

  1. Ace

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "one, unity"

    • Description:

      No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.
  2. Arlo

    • Origin:

      Irish or English

    • Meaning:

      "between two hills"

    • Description:

      Quirky cool Arlo is now well and truly back. Last year it broke into the US Top 200 boy names and consistently ranks among the most popular boy names on Nameberry.
  3. Arno

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "eagle"

    • Description:

      Subtract the last two letters of Arnold, and you're left with a much more modern-sounding name. Arno is also the name of the main river in Florence, upon which sits the famed Ponte Vecchio. The Italian river name means "flowing water".
  4. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  5. Azarius

    • Origin:

      Greek form of Azarias or Azariah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God has helped"

    • Description:

      All s-ending names are fashionable right now, and Azarius has a handsome sound. With Azariah confidently in the Top 1000, and variations Azaire and Azair having small moments of their own, Azarius might be next.
  6. Baxter

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "baker"

    • Description:

      An x makes any name cooler, so that Baxter has a bit more pizzazz than the original Baker. Baxter had some currency as a first name a century ago--it was on the popularity lists sporadically from 1880 till the 1920s, peaking at Number 515 in 1886-- which means it's just about due for a comeback. And we can see Bax as a worthy follow-up to Max and Jax.
  7. Beau

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "handsome"

    • Description:

      Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.
  8. Bellamy

    • Origin:

      English and Irish from French

    • Meaning:

      "fine friend"

    • Description:

      Bellamy is a surname name with an admirable meaning and upbeat rhythm, similar to jovial choices like Rafferty, Barnaby and Willoughby.
  9. Buzz

    • Origin:

      Modern nickname

    • Description:

      Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.
  10. Cadmus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "one who excels"

    • Description:

      Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.
  11. Cadoc

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "battle"

    • Description:

      St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.
  12. Calixto

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Calixto is known in Spain as the name of three popes, one of whom was the martyr, Callixtus I, regarded as a saint. Calixto has a lot of energy and futuristic spirit, thanks in part to the attention-grabbing 'x.' He is the main character in the Spanish classic, Fernando de Rojas's Tragicomedy of Calixto and Melibea.
  13. Cassius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "hollow"

    • Description:

      Cassius, a Shakespearean name rooted in antiquity, is trending in a major way. It's one of a raft of Cas-starting names for both boys and girls, including Caspian, Cassian, and Cassia, that are enjoying a new moiment in the sun.
  14. Clovis

    • Origin:

      Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

    • Description:

      An aromatic, unconventional name.
  15. Colbie

    • Description:

      Colbie is a contemporary unisex name that has gained modest popularity in recent decades, though traditionally used more for males. With potential English origins, it likely developed from surnames like Colby or Kolbe, which meant 'coal town' or 'dark farm' in Old Norse and Old English. The modernized spelling with 'ie' ending gives the name a friendly, approachable quality. Colbie gained some recognition through singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, though it remains relatively uncommon. The name carries a casual, unpretentious feel while still being distinctive. Its short, two-syllable structure and familiar sounds make it accessible across cultural boundaries. As with many surname-derived first names, Colbie represents the modern trend of repurposing traditional family names as given names.
  16. Cosmo

    • Origin:

      Italian, English, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"

    • Description:

      With a touch of celestial power, a hint of clunky charm, and the totally cool -o ending, Cosmo may well be finally shaking itself free of both the Seinfeld association (which made it a punchline of a joke) and the cartoon fairy association from The Fairly OddParents. In fact, it is in the Top 1000 in the UK and a favorite on Nameberry.
  17. Curtis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      Curtis is an attractive if somewhat dated surname name that has been borne by several significant musicians and athletes--think Curtis Mayfield, Curtis James Jackson III--aka 50 Cent, and also director Curtis Hanson.
  18. Corum
    • Dexter

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "dyer, right-handed"

      • Description:

        The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism.
    • Dovi

      • Description:

        Dovi is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning "bear" or derived from the word for strength. In Jewish tradition, it's sometimes used as a nickname for Dov or as a standalone name. Dovi carries warm, gentle connotations despite its association with the powerful bear. The name is relatively uncommon in Western countries but has maintained steady usage within Jewish communities. Its short, distinctive sound makes it easy to pronounce across cultures. Dovi projects qualities of strength and gentleness simultaneously - cultural associations with bears often represent protection, wisdom, and resilience. For parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots yet modern appeal, Dovi offers a meaningful choice that balances uniqueness with accessibility.

    • Drexel

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "to turn"

      • Description:

        Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.
    • Emmett

      • Origin:

        English masculine variation of Emma, German

      • Meaning:

        "universal"

      • Description:

        Emmett, honest and sincere, laid-back and creative, is on the rise as a male cognate of the megapopular Emma and Emily, not to mention being a character in the popular Twilight series.
    • Emrys

      • Origin:

        Welsh, variation of Ambrose

      • Meaning:

        "immortal"

      • Description:

        If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin.

        Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality.
    • Fabian

      • Origin:

        Latin clan name

      • Meaning:

        "bean grower"

      • Description:

        Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter. In the U.S. Fabian became best known via the 1960s teen idol/singer who went solely by his first name.
    • Florin

      • Origin:

        French and Romanian

      • Meaning:

        "flower; flourishing"

      • Description:

        Florin is one of the legion of names derived from the root word for flower, most of them like Flora and Florence used for girls. But the boys' form Florin is among the popular French names for boys, along with sister name Fleur for girls. There was a ninth century Swiss St. Florin. The related Florian was the name of a second century Roman saint.
    • Forrester

      • Origin:

        Surname name

      • Meaning:

        "woodsman"

      • Description:

        A slight elaboration on Forrest, with the same woodsy charm.
    • Hanalei

      • Origin:

        Hawaiian

      • Meaning:

        "crescent bay or garland valley"

      • Description:

        An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty of the place.
    • Hawk

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Meaning:

        "hawk, a bird"

      • Description:

        Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example.
    • Hendrix

      • Origin:

        Dutch and German, from first name Hendrik

      • Meaning:

        "estate ruler"

      • Description:

        Hendrix is one of those hip rock and roll names, like Lennon, Jagger and Presley, that have been used by fellow celebs and others, to honor the seminal guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi. And this one has the trendy 'x' ending, as well, helping to propel it up the charts and into the spotlight.
    • Junius

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "born in June"

      • Description:

        Junius is one of those names that's growing on us, along with many of its Roman countrymen such as Julius and Atticus. We once thought it was a combination of the least attractive elements of Junior and Julius but now we think...well, we think it's okay. Not great, but okay.
    • Knox

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "round hill"

      • Description:

        Knox is an old Scottish surname that Brad Pitt (whose great-great-grandfather was named Hal Knox Hillhouse) and Angelina Jolie took out of the back cupboard, dusted off, and elevated to coolness--to the point where it entered the popular baby names list in 2009. Knox now ranks among the most influential celebrity baby names.
    • Laszlo

      • Origin:

        Hungarian

      • Meaning:

        "glorious ruler"

      • Description:

        The Hungarian classic Laszlo, with its zippy 'z' middle and energetic 'o' ending, has become something of a hipster option, beginning to be considered by cutting-edge parents.
    • Lorcan

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "little, fierce"

      • Description:

        Lorcan is a name rich in Irish history as belonging to several kings, including the grandfather of the most famous high king of Ireland, Brian Boru. Lorcan O'Toole, known in English as Laurence O'Toole, is the patron saint of Dublin, so it's not too surprising that Irish-born actor Peter O'Toole named his son Lorcan.
    • Lucas

      • Origin:

        Latin form of Luke

      • Meaning:

        "man from Lucania"

      • Description:

        Lucas is a Top 10 boys' name with a slightly-less-popular almost-identical twin brother, Luke. Like Elijah and Elias, Lucas and Luke come from the same root and have the same meaning and so feel even more popular than they are.
    • Madoc

      • Origin:

        Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "fortunate, benefactor's son"

      • Description:

        Also spelled Madog, which was the name of an early Welshman, Madog ap Owain Gwynedd, reputed to have been the first European to discover North America in 1155. Maddox, the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's oldest child, is a stronger and more familiar choice.
    • Marlowe

      • Origin:

        Variation of Marlow, English

      • Meaning:

        "driftwood"

      • Description:

        While Marlowe (and Marlow and Marlo) are surname names that are not intrinsically or traditionally gendered and so in theory work equally well for boys and girls, only about 5 percent of the babies given these attractive names are male.
    • Merrick

      • Origin:

        Anglo-Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "fame, power"

      • Description:

        A strong, attractive surname name with a mix of possible origins: either from the Welsh first name Meuric,which is a form of Maurice, and contains Germanic elements meaning fame and power, or from a Scottish Gaelic word meaning a fork in a river or a road, which led to the name of several places named Merrick in Scotland. The Supreme Court saga of Justice Merrick Garland almost certainly caused the bump in popularity that propelled Merrick to its US Top 1000 debut in 2016.

        Despite its ancient history, Merrick these days sounds more modern than the somewhat tired Derek.

    • Orson

      • Origin:

        Latin and English

      • Meaning:

        "bear cub"

      • Description:

        In the past, Orson has felt like a one-person moniker, tied to film director Orson Welles, who dropped his given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle. While the Citizen Kane creator seemed to own the name during his lifetime, it's now an interesting possibility for any parent seeking an unusual yet solid name. It's started to appear to the celeb set too -- both Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose have little Orsons.
    • Ossian

      • Origin:

        Old Irish

      • Meaning:

        "little deer"

      • Description:

        Ossian, or Osian, from the Old Irish name Oisin, was the son of Finn in Irish legend that was transformed into a Scottish hero in the Ossianic poems of James Macpherson in the eighteenth century--which also popularlized Oscar, Fingal, Selma and Malvina.
    • Quillan

      • Origin:

        Iris, Zodiac sign of Leo, the lion

      • Meaning:

        "cub"

      • Description:

        If you like Dylan but find it too popular, Quillan could be a distinctive alternative.
    • Ravi

      • Origin:

        Hindi

      • Meaning:

        "conferring"

      • Description:

        A title of the Hindu sun god, made cross-culturally famous by sitar player Ravi Shankar.
    • Romy

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Roman et al

      • Meaning:

        "citizen of Rome"

      • Description:

        Best known as a feminine diminutive, Romy is used now for boys too; has a lot of energy and bounce. Can be a short form of Roman or Romeo or a name in its own right. Remy is another related choice, or you might want to go all the way to Romulus.
    • Ruffin

      • Origin:

        Surname name

      • Description:

        Soul fans may wish to use this unusual name as a reference to singer Jimmy Ruffin and his younger brother David, one of the lead members of The Temptations.
    • Ryker

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "rich"

      • Description:

        As a stylish name, Ryker has three big things going for it: its Ry beginning (as in Riley, Ryder, and Rylan), its two-syllable rhythm, and its er ending. A nice surprise for many is it's "rich" meaning. While this may not be a factor beyond New York City, there is an infamous prison there called Riker's Island. Ryker is one of the trendiest German names for boys in the US.
    • Saxon

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "people of the dagger"

      • Description:

        Saxon is unusual word name that nevertheless feels right on trend, with that sharp X in the middle and that two-syllable-ending-in-n pattern. Reminiscent of Roman but not yet so popular, Saxon is one to watch out for.
    • Sulien

      • Origin:

        Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "sun born"

      • Description:

        Said to be the name of the most learned man in ancient Wales, in this country it would be open to mispronunciation, making it rhyme with Julien.
    • Thaddeus

      • Origin:

        Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from Theodore

      • Meaning:

        "gift of God"

      • Description:

        Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international variations.
    • Thayer

      • Origin:

        French variation of Taylor

      • Meaning:

        "tailor"

      • Description:

        Thayer is an affable, less-common alternative to Taylor, with a much more indirect connection to its occupational source. Actor Thayer David (born David Thayer: Thayer was his father's first name) was known for his roles in Rocky and Dark Shadows.
    • Theon

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "godly"

      • Description:

        Theon, an ancient name attached to a noted Greek teacher of mathematics and astronomy, also father to the first woman mathematician, might appeal to parents in this field. You can think of Theon as Theo with something a little extra.
    • Theron

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "hunter"

      • Description:

        Theron is best known these days as the surname of actress Charlize, but it does have a long history as a first name, ranking in the Top 500 in the early part of the 20th century and only dropping out of the Top 1000 in the early 1990s. Theon is a similar name made familiar by the popular series Game of Thrones: Might it and Theron rise in tandem?
    • Wilder

      • Origin:

        Surname or word name

      • Meaning:

        "wild, untamed, uncontrolled"

      • Description:

        Rugged, outdoorsy, and full of energy, Wilder entered the US Top 1000 back in 2015. Part bad boy, part Western, part preppy, and part nature-loving, Wilder is given to nearly 800 babies each year.
    • Xanthus

      • Origin:

        Latin, from Greek, variation of Xanthos

      • Meaning:

        "golden-haired"

      • Description:

        Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.
    • Zeno

      • Origin:

        Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods

      • Description:

        Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic school of thought, Zeno of Elea was another early, original Greek thinker, famed for his Paradoxes.
    • Zephyr

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "west wind"

      • Description:

        If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.