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Clunky & Unusual - Boys

Nemorosa
By Nemorosa
Updated Thu Jan 26 2023
  1. Aldric

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "old, wise ruler"
  2. Algernon

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "moustached man"

    • Description:

      While this name came into being in the Victorian era as a nickname for a man with whiskers, the name was quickly embraced as a true name by the Victorians and is likely most familiar to you as the name of Oscar Wilde's fabulous character in The Importance of being Earnest . However, Algernon is not confined to the fictional world of satire; many real world namesakes exist including US footballer Algernon Crumpler (aka Alge Crumpler), British impressionist painter Algernon Talmage, and Canadian astrophysicist Joseph Algernon Pearce, who discovered many thinks about the Milky Way. Plus, who can go past the adorable nickname Algie?
  3. Aloysius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"

    • Description:

      This name is a classic example of an underused golden oldie that ticks so many boxes - unusual yet traditional, heaps of cute nicknames, a statement name that exudes retro cool. Aloysius is the Latin form of many more common names like Louis, Luis, Luigi and the uncommon but symphonically familiar Ludwig.
  4. Archibald

    • Origin:

      Scottish from German

    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"

    • Description:

      The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are one couple who made this breakthrough choice.
  5. Arledge

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the rabbit lake"

    • Description:

      Stiff and formal surname. Try Roone instead.
  6. Augustine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.
  7. Aurelien

    • Description:

      Aurelien is a sophisticated masculine name with French origins, derived from the ancient Roman name Aurelius, which means 'golden' or 'gilded.' This elegant name carries an air of distinction and nobility, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and saints. In modern France, Aurelien remains a consistently popular choice for boys, while internationally it offers a distinctive yet accessible option. The name conveys qualities of brilliance and warmth, often associated with creative, intellectual personalities. Aurelien provides a perfect balance between classical heritage and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly appreciated in English-speaking countries for parents seeking a name with European flair and historical depth.
  8. Aurelius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"

    • Description:

      Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, it has joined Augustus as an ancient Roman name that feels usable today. Slightly mystical and magical, Aurelius is grounded by its similarity to rising stars Aurora, Aurelia, and Atticus, and its golden aura is certainly appealing.
  9. Abraxus
    • Balthazar

      • Origin:

        Phoenician

      • Meaning:

        "Baal protects the King"

      • Description:

        This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, though their names were not mentioned in the Bible.
    • Barnabus

      • Description:

        Barnabus is a variant spelling of Barnabas, a name of Aramaic origin meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement.' The name appears in the Christian New Testament, belonging to an early Christian disciple known for his missionary work with Paul. This biblical connection has made the name enduring across centuries, particularly in religious communities. The variation with 'u' instead of 'a' in the final syllable emerged through spelling evolution over time. Barnabus carries connotations of kindness, generosity, and supportive nature, reflecting the character of its biblical namesake. Despite its ancient roots, the name has never been extremely common, maintaining a dignified, scholarly air while avoiding overuse. It offers a substantial historical option with a distinctive sound.

    • Bartholomew

      • Origin:

        Aramaic

      • Meaning:

        "son of the furrow"

      • Description:

        Bartholomew is an apostle's name that's been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. The challenge could be to avoid the Simpson-ish nickname. That character, by the way, has the full name of Bartholomew JoJo Simpson, and creator Matt Groening came up with Bart as an--uh oh--anagram for brat. Two old alternate nicknames are Barty and Tolly.
    • Basil

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "royal"

      • Description:

        Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
    • Beauregard

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "beautiful gaze"

      • Description:

        In the past this was seen as a jokey Southern colonel name, but we have heard of some parents considering it as a path to the likeable Beau.
    • Benedict

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "blessed"

      • Description:

        Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes,including a recent one.
    • Bertrand

      • Origin:

        French from German

      • Meaning:

        "magnificent crow"

      • Description:

        This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
    • Carmichael

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "fort of Michael"

      • Description:

        Most parents would prefer to leave the car part parked in the garage.
    • Claude

      • Origin:

        French from Latin

      • Meaning:

        "lame; enclosure"

      • Description:

        Claude is a soft-spoken French name that conjures up the pastel colors of Monet and harmonies of Debussy. In France, it is used for girls as well, in fact in the Tracy Chevalier novel Lady and the Unicorn, the protagonist is a female Claude.
    • Constantine

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "steadfast"

      • Description:

        This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback.
    • Cornelius

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "horn"

      • Description:

        Cornelius, the New Testament name of a third century Pope and saint, is one of those venerable Latin names on the edge of consideration, despite the corny nickname alert.