Extra Unusual Boys Names

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

      Hebrew, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "father"
    • Description:

      Abbott is a neglected masculine surname with religious overtones as the head of a monastery. Though the feminine nickname Abby could be a slight drawback, Abbott is still an attractive offbeat possibility.
  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. Adley
    • Origin:

      Variation of Adlai or Hadley
    • Description:

      Adley is one of those rare unisex names that probably developed via different paths on the girls' and boys' sides, with the male Adley a phonetic spelling of the Hebrew Adlai, while the girls' version, which briefly made the Top 1000 in 2012, is an abbreviation of the trendy Hadley, an English place name and surname.
  4. Aegis
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "young goat"
    • Description:

      Often found as a brand name in the hi-tech and industrial worlds.
  5. Almer
    • Description:

      Almer is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely derived from the elements "al" meaning "all" or "completely" and "mari" meaning "famous" or "renowned." This ancient name can be found in historical records across various Germanic regions, though it has remained relatively uncommon throughout its history. Almer also appears as a surname in several European countries. The name has a dignified, somewhat formal quality with its balanced structure and traditional roots. In the United States, Almer saw modest usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. The name's simplicity and strong consonant sounds give it a masculine character without excessive complexity. For contemporary parents, Almer might appeal as an unusual yet accessible option with authentic historical roots, offering distinctiveness without seeming invented or trendy.

  6. 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.
  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. Anduin
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Anduin is the Sindarin name for the Great River of Wilderland in Tolkien’s fictional Middle-earth. The word means "long river" or "great river".
  9. Arbor
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "tree"
    • Description:

      Arbor is a quirky nature name with holiday vibes.
  10. 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 14 girls and 24 boys in 2023, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.
  11. 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).
  12. Audley
    • Description:

      Audley is a masculine name of English origin, primarily derived from an Old English place name and surname meaning 'Ealdgyth's meadow' or 'old meadow.' With aristocratic connections in British history, including the noble Audley family who played significant roles during medieval times, the name carries a distinguished, refined quality. As a first name, Audley has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive appeal. It shares sound elements with more popular names like Audrey while maintaining its unique character. Particularly appreciated in English-speaking countries with strong British cultural ties, Audley suggests heritage, stability, and a connection to the English countryside.

  13. Audon
    • Description:

      Audon is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Auden, which has Old English roots meaning 'old friend' or 'old hill.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Norse name Audun, meaning 'rich friend' or 'wealthy friend.' The name might also draw connections to geographical locations, such as Audun-le-Tiche in France. Audon possesses a strong, distinctive sound that combines traditional masculine qualities with an uncommon flair. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name that stands out while still being pronounceable and having historical connections. While not widely used in any country, Audon offers the advantage of being recognized as masculine across different cultures while remaining distinctive and memorable.
  14. Aaorn
    • Aaven
      • Abacuc
        • Abeldain
          • Aceland
            • Acorion
              • Acoya