Not-So-Popular Favorites

Adriel

Hebrew

"God is my master"

This biblical name is getting wider notice. While Adrian has had its time in the limelight since the late 70s, parents are beginning to look for fresher alternatives. In the Bible, Adriel was the…

Tobias

Greek from Hebrew

"God is good"

Tobias is one of a number of s-ending boys' names that are riding a wave of popularity. With its Old Testament-Dickensian feel, it's a name with a distinguished pedigree. Tobias is the Greek form of…

Orion

Greek

"boundary, limit"

Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones. The Greek mythological Orion was the legendary hunter who pursued the seven daughters of Atlas, was slain by the goddess Artemis,…

Uriah

Hebrew

"God is my light"

A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield . Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine.…

Quentin

Latin

"fifth"

Quentin, an offbeat name with lots of character, relates to the Latin for the number five and is by far the subtlest and most usable of the Latin birth-order names, masculine as well as stylish and…

Alekzander

Alekzander is a distinctive modern spelling variation of Alexander, a classic name with ancient Greek origins meaning "defender of men" or "protector of mankind." This particular spelling…

Harland

Harland is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'hare land' or 'land of the hares,' referring to an area populated by these animals. As a traditional surname that transitioned to a first…

Izaac

Izaac is a distinctive variation of the traditional biblical name Isaac, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'he will laugh' or 'he will rejoice.' This particular spelling with a 'z' and double…

Jacoby

Variation of Jacob, Hebrew

"supplanter"

Jacoby, a surname spin on Jacob shot up the charts in the middle of the 2000's, thanks largely to the popularity of Jacoby Ellsbury, the first Native American of Navajo descent in the Major Leagues,…

Leith

Scottish river name

"wet"

This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt…

Osric

English

"divine ruler"

Clad in armor. But while this name may have been forbiddingly antiquated not that long ago, the connection to the trendy nickname Os or Oz makes it a real possibility.

Sven

Scandinavian

"youth"

Especially for parents of Scandinavian descent, Sven is an accessible and attractive name with an appealing mix of strength and swagger. It comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave…