Extra Unusual Boys Names

A list of unusual boy names I found throughout the web and various name books.
  1. Altair
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "falcon"
    • Description:

      The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline.
  2. Adlai
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is just"
    • Description:

      Adlai is an Old Testament name long associated with 1950's liberal presidential candidate Stevenson, who was named after his grandfather, who was Grover Cleveland's vice president in the nineteenth century. Now it's an unusual Biblical choice ripe for rediscovery.
  3. Cielo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "sky"
    • Description:

      Expansive, sunny Italian word name.
  4. Arlington
    • Origin:

      English habitational surname, place name
    • Meaning:

      "the noble's town"
    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Arlo, Remington, and Arthur, this surname style and place name could make a patriotic choice in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 7 girls and 22 boys in a recent year, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.
  5. Abbott
    • Origin:

      English, Hebrew, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "priest; father"
    • Description:

      Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones, used to describe the head of a monastery or a prominent church figure, such as a priest. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be seen as a slight drawback, that's hardly stopped Abner or Abraham rising up the charts, and besides, there's nothing wrong with a gentler boy name.
  6. Buell
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "dwelling"
    • Description:

      The Dutch meaning (Buell is the Dutch occupational name for a hangman) is enough to keep most people away.
  7. Amory
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "industrious"
    • Description:

      Amory is the kind of executive-sounding surname name that became popular in the 1990s. Amory Blaine is the protagonist of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, This Side of Paradise.
  8. Chaucer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "maker of breeches"
    • Description:

      One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.
  9. Aegis
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "young goat"
    • Description:

      Often found as a brand name in the hi-tech and industrial worlds.
  10. Arliss
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledge"
    • Description:

      Best remembered as one of the boys in "Old Yeller" and the title of a late 1990s HBO sitcom, "Arliss," featuring sports agent Arliss Michaels. Also sometimes heard as a girl's name and a surname (as in early film star George Arliss).
  11. Bray
    • Origin:

      Irish place-name, from French
    • Meaning:

      "marsh"
    • Description:

      Can't help thinking of a donkey.
  12. Bayden
    • Description:

      Bayden is a variation of the more common names Baden or Brayden. It has English origins and is typically a masculine name. The name may derive from an Old English surname that referred to a person from Bath, a city in Somerset, England, known for its natural hot springs. Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of Brayden, which has Irish Gaelic roots meaning 'brave' or 'broad'. Bayden has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century as part of the trend favoring names with the '-en' or '-an' ending. Though not among the most common names, Bayden offers parents a slightly distinctive alternative to more popular counterparts while maintaining familiar pronunciation and spelling patterns.

  13. Buchanan
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "place of the cannon"
    • Description:

      A lesser-used presidential choice, with a charming, buccaneering sound. Fictional bearers include the Marvel Comics character James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, as well as the heroine of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan.
  14. Cabe
    • Origin:

      Short form of Cabot, Cable, or Cabel
    • Description:

      You don't need to choose the longer form of this unusual name to arrive at Cabe, brother of Gabe and Abe. This earthy, unusual, friendly nickname-name was given to a handful of boys last year and can make an intriguing choice. But be warned: It will forever be mistaken, at least at first hearing, for the more familiar Gabe.
  15. Bale
    • Description:

      Bale is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Old English where it referred to a rounded bundle or package, or from Welsh origins where it relates to a hillside or incline. The name has gained some recognition through association with notable figures like actor Christian Bale. Its simple, strong structure with one syllable gives it a bold, straightforward quality. In some Nordic traditions, similar names have connections to bravery or strength. While never extremely common as a first name, Bale has seen occasional usage across English-speaking countries. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds contribute to its masculine feel, making it attractive to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and impactful.
  16. Colyer
    • Description:

      Colyer is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an occupational surname that historically referred to someone who made or sold charcoal (from the Middle English 'col' meaning coal). As a first name, Colyer is extremely rare, representing the modern trend of adopting traditional surnames as given names. This practice often honors family heritage or creates a distinctive identity. The name carries a strong, professional tone with its hard consonants and historical connection to craftsmanship. Colyer might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and a subtle connection to industrial traditions. Its rarity ensures individuality, though the unusual spelling may require regular clarification.
  17. Arbor
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "tree"
    • Description:

      Arbor is a quirky nature name with holiday vibes.
  18. Baden
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "son of Bade"
    • Description:

      If Braden and Caden, why not Baden?
  19. Burgess
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "inhabitant of a fortified town"
    • Description:

      Related to the word bourgeois; actor Burgess Meredith put this surname in first place.
  20. Cagney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "tribute"
    • Description:

      Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey.

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