The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys
- Celestino
Origin:
Italian; Spanish; Portuguese, from LatinMeaning:
"belonging to heaven"Description:
Classic Italian name with celestial vibes.
- Graydon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the gray-haired one"Description:
Waspy, but preferable to Nanny Diaries satiric name Grayer. Grayton Greydon, Greyton.
- Mahlon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sickly"Description:
Obscure Old Testament name -- he was the son of Naomi and the husband of Ruth -- that's become even more obscure over the past century, perhaps due to its unappealing meaning.
- Jehu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is he"Description:
A rare Old Testament name that, although short, is resoundingly biblical. It belonged to name the tenth king of Israel, who seized power violently and reigned from about 841 to 814 BCE.
- Cipriano
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Cyprus"Description:
A saint and surname often heard in Italy.
- Gaston
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"the foreigner, the guest"Description:
Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.
- Tilden
Origin:
English place-nameMeaning:
"fertile valley"Description:
Though it has some distinguished political and tennis world associations, most modern parents would go for the more contemporary sounding Holden. Tilden Park is a beautiful hillside wilderness in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Feliciano
Description:
Feliciano is a masculine name of Latin and Italian origin derived from "felix" meaning "happy," "fortunate," or "lucky." This melodious name carries a naturally joyful connotation and has been used throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin American countries for centuries. Perhaps its most famous bearer is the Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano. The name experienced moderate popularity in Spanish-speaking countries but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, giving it an exotic appeal. Feliciano has four musical syllables that flow beautifully, making it both distinctive and pleasant to pronounce. The name suggests a positive outlook and sunny disposition, reflecting its literal meaning of happiness and good fortune.
- Alejo
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of AlejandroMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Another appealing member of the Alexandrian clan.
- Bazyli
Description:
Bazyli is a masculine name of Polish origin, representing the Polish form of Basil, which derives from Greek 'basileus' meaning 'king' or 'royal.' This distinctive name carries significant historical and religious importance, particularly in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian traditions. Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century church father and theologian, contributed to the name's spread throughout Christian communities. In Poland and other Slavic countries, Bazyli has maintained steady usage throughout the centuries, though it's considered traditional rather than trendy. The name combines strength with a melodic quality, featuring the characteristic Polish adaptation of replacing the 's' sound with a 'z' and adding the masculine ending 'i.' Outside Poland, it remains an uncommon choice that carries cultural richness.
- Ardell
Description:
Ardell is a gender-neutral name that has historically been more common for males in the United States. It likely developed as a variant of Ardel or Ardal, which have roots in Gaelic meaning 'high valor' or could be connected to place names. Some linguistic scholars suggest connections to Old English elements meaning 'eagle valley.' The name experienced modest popularity in America during the early to mid-20th century but has since become quite uncommon. Ardell carries a vintage quality that aligns with the revival of other names from this era. Its soft sound combined with strong meaning gives it a gentle yet dignified character. The name may also call to mind the well-known false eyelash brand, though this commercial association is relatively recent compared to the name's history.
- Hampton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"home settlement"Description:
Names of classy places -- Aspen, Paris, and now, Hampton -- are in favor with aspiring parents. Associated with a stylish area of New York and with the stately Hampton Court Palace in the UK, the name has received increased interest in recent years, with more than 90 boys called Hampton in a recent year.
- Drago
Origin:
Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, BulgarianMeaning:
"precious, dear"Description:
Drago sounds fierce but has a sweet meaning. It may be used as a standalone name or as a short form of other Slavic names beginning with the element dragu "dear", such as Dragoljub or Dragomir.
- Utah
Origin:
American place name, UteMeaning:
"people of the mountains"Description:
This would make a startling but likable choice; poet Dylan Thomas used it for a character in his play "Under Milk Wood."
- Esaias
Description:
Esaias is a masculine name of ancient origin, representing the Greek form of Isaiah (Hebrew Yesha'yahu), meaning 'God is salvation' or 'Yahweh is salvation.' This classical variation was used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. While less common than Isaiah in English-speaking countries, Esaias maintains popularity in certain European regions, particularly in Greece and among communities with strong Orthodox Christian traditions. The name carries the gravitas of its biblical connection—Isaiah being one of the major prophets in the Old Testament—while offering a distinctive alternative to more common biblical names. Its elegant pronunciation and meaningful heritage continue to attract parents seeking a name with historical depth.
- Gustaf
Description:
Gustaf is a traditional Scandinavian form of Gustav, a name with deep historical roots. Derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats, an ancient Norse tribe) and 'stafr' (staff or support), it essentially means 'staff of the Geats' or 'support of the Goths.' The name carries significant historical weight in Sweden, where several kings have borne it, most notably Gustaf II Adolf and Gustaf VI Adolf. While maintaining steady popularity in Sweden and other Nordic countries, Gustaf remains uncommon elsewhere, giving it an air of distinction and Old World charm. The name evokes qualities of leadership, steadfastness, and noble heritage. Its traditional spelling with 'f' rather than 'v' emphasizes its authentic Nordic character.
- Timoteo
Origin:
Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of Timothy, GreekMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Timoteo put some bounce in the step of the somewhat wispy Timothy. And it can be a more original way than Mateo to the cool short form Teo.
- Barclay
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"where birches grow"Description:
Americans may not realize Barclay is the phonetic spelling of the British Berkeley -- though both sound like old-fashioned butler names.
- Benoit
Origin:
French variation of BenedictMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Once you get past the pronunciation hurdle, a smooth and elegant choice. In French, it's spelt with a circumflex: Benoît.
- Ashby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree farm"Description:
This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.