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The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys

ashthedreamer
By ashthedreamer
Updated Thu May 25 2023
These names are the best and most refreshing of dozens of names pulled from research for a blog I wrote for Nameberry a couple years ago... all names come from first or last names for men in the US Army or Navy who died in the line of duty during WWII. Data was pulled from veterans from Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, for a fair sampling from the whole country.
  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. Abel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "breath"

    • Description:

      Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
  3. Abraham

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
  4. Absalom

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"

    • Description:

      Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver.
  5. Achilles

    • Origin:

      Greek, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      The name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel, Achilles is more popular in its international form, Achille, which is popular in France, Italy, and Belgium. This variation did however appear briefly on the US Top 1000 list in 2015, perhaps owing to its similarity to the likes of Atticus, Adonis, and Apollo. It has declined in use since then, but is nevertheless chosen for around 160 babies each year.
  6. Adair

    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "oak tree ford"

    • Description:

      Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire. It's a Scottish surname which came from the first name Edgar.
  7. Addison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"

    • Description:

      Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010.
  8. Adelard

    • Description:

      Adelard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination yields a meaning of 'noble strength' or 'brave nobleman.' The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest and was moderately popular during the medieval period. Adelard of Bath, a 12th-century English scholar and philosopher, represents one notable historical bearer. Despite its distinguished heritage and pleasant sound, Adelard has become extremely rare in modern times. The name carries an aristocratic, intellectual quality with its connection to medieval scholarship. Its traditional Germanic structure gives it a solid, timeless feel, while its rarity makes it distinctive for contemporary use. Adelard offers the appeal of ancient nobility with a sophisticated sound.

  9. Adelbert

    • Description:

      Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. This powerful combination creates a meaning along the lines of 'noble-bright' or 'illustriously famous.' Popular among medieval European nobility, Adelbert was carried by several saints and rulers throughout history. The name traveled across Europe with variations including Albert, Adalbert, and Ethelbert. While its usage declined in the 20th century, Adelbert maintains an aristocratic, refined quality that appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with strong historical roots. It offers distinctive formal options with friendly nicknames like Adel, Del, or Bert.
  10. Adler

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "eagle"

    • Description:

      Adler is a German-Jewish surname that is beginning to be used occasionally as a first and is among the stylish new German names for boys. Among the distinguished bearers of Adler as a last name are Freud colleague Alfred Adler, actress and influential acting teacher Stella Adler and Guns N' Roses drummer Steve Adler.
  11. Adrien

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Adrian

    • Description:

      This spelling variation of the much more popular Adrian entered reentered the Social Security list after an over 100 year absence in 1999. The -en ending makes it sound like the feminine Adrienne. We suggest sticking with the all A Adrian for your little boy.
  12. Agostino

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Augustine

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Agostino is the Italian form of this increasingly popular ancient name.
  13. Alban

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, or, man from Alba"

    • Description:

      An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
  14. Alberic

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Description:

      Variant of Alberich
  15. Alder

    • Origin:

      English tree name or surname

    • Meaning:

      "old"

    • Description:

      The surname-style Alden has been on the rise in the US in recent years, while tree-inspired Rowan is a top choice. Combine this with the popularity of names ending in -er such as Carter and Parker and it makes sense why Alder is now 4 times as popular as it was a decade ago. Given to 125 boys in a recent year, it could be a modern way to honor an "Al".
  16. Aldo

    • Origin:

      Italian from German

    • Meaning:

      "old and wise"

    • Description:

      A spirited German name very popular in Italy and occasionally used here, Aldo is one of the unique baby names with international flair. And names that mean wise have an enduring appeal.
  17. Alejo

    • Origin:

      Spanish diminutive of Alejandro

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Another appealing member of the Alexandrian clan.
  18. 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.
  19. Alpheus

    • Origin:

      Hebrew from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "changing"

    • Description:

      There is some disagreement whether there are one or two figures named Alpheus in the Bible. There's an Alpheus who's the father of James and an Alpheus who's the father of Levi, and if James and Levi are brothers, then that's the same Alpheus. Or not.
  20. Alva

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "his highness"

    • Description:

      Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.