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Strong Yet Unusual Names for Boys
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Iorwerth
Welsh
"handsome lord"
Archaic Welsh name, scarcely heard today. Often referred to as the Welsh variation of Edward, although the two names are not related.
Isandro
Spanish, from the Greek
"liberator"
A more distinctive alternative to Alejandro.
Isidore
Greek
"gift of Isis"
Isabel, Theodore, and Isadora are back: could it now be time for a more widespread revival of Isidore? Yet to see any big moves up the charts, Isidore was given to more than 30 boys in a recent year:…
Ivar
Norse
"yew wood, archer, warrior"
Closer to the original Norse name Ívarr , it is part of a small group of names with similar roots: Ivor, Iver, Ivo, Ives, and Evander, which all make rugged yet gentle feeling choices. Used…
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…
Ivor
Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr
"lord; yew tree, bow warrior"
Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this…
Jacek
Polish, from Greek
"hyacinth"
This Polish name comes from the Greek Hyacinthos, through the older Polish form, Jacenty. Jacek's pronunciation may be unintuitive to those unfamiliar with Slavic languages, but no one can deny the…
Jago
Cornish variation of Jacob or James
"supplanter"
A dashing alternative to the popular James and Jacob, Jago is the jaunty Cornish form of the Biblical names. Occasionally (or historically) appearing as Jagoe, Jego, and Jaego, it may have been…
Jansen
Jansen is a masculine name with Dutch and Scandinavian origins. It evolved as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jan' (the Dutch form of John), which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name…
Jarlath
Anglicization of Iarlaithe, Irish
"tributary lord; sovereign"
Traditionally spelled as Iarlaithe, Iarfhlaith, or Iarlaith, this is the English form of the regal, rugged Irish name. Familiar but distinctive in Ireland, it was given to 6 boys in a recent year,…
Jolyon
Medieval form of Julian
"youthful"
Galsworthy used this for "The Forsyte Saga," but in modern real life Julian would work better.
Jovan
Slavic variation of John Latin
"God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"
Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for…
Jovian
Roman
"of Jove, of Jupiter"
A cheerful sounding name with plenty of strength, this relative of Jove was borne by a 4th century Roman emperor. It might appeal to those who like the mythological and space-related aspect of Jove…
Kellen
German; Irish
"swamp; slender"
Kellen is German in origin and Irish in spirit. Kellen has fallen a bit in popularity for boys since its peak in 2012, but it has possibilities for girls too. In fact, Kellen's similarity to such…
Kelso
Scottish place and surname
"chalk ridge, lime mountain"
This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey. Distinctive in sound with a cool -o ending and a stylish K initial,…
Kendry
Malagasy
"wise man"
How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?
Kip
American diminution of Christopher, Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Kip Thorne, nobel laureate and long-time colleague of Stephen Hawking, is just one of several Kips who don't have a longer name. But Kip is often short for Christopher.
Knight
English word name
" a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"
Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition…
Knute
Norse
"knot"
A strong, powerful choice, ancestor of the modern Superboy Names. Knut is the name of the patron saint of Denmark; Knute Rockne was a legendary Notre Dame football coach. Knute is the middle name of…
Kristof
Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.