The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys

  1. Boyce
    • Origin:

      Scottish, from French
    • Meaning:

      "lives by the woods"
    • Description:

      CEO name.
  2. Winthrop
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's village"
    • Description:

      Proper Bostonian.
  3. Rawley
    • Description:

      Rawley is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from the Old English surname Raleigh, which referred to a deer clearing or meadow. Historically associated with the notable explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, the name carries connotations of adventure and boldness. Rawley has maintained a consistent though uncommon presence in English-speaking countries, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots yet distinctive character. With its strong consonant sounds and approachable two-syllable structure, Rawley strikes a balance between rugged and refined. The name has experienced modest increased interest in recent years as part of the trend toward reviving surname-style first names and names with historical connections.

  4. Arch
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Archibald, Teutonic
    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"
    • Description:

      Arch can be used as a nickname for Archibald or a stand-alone word name — perhaps for the child of an architect.
  5. Falcon
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
  6. Teofilo
    • Description:

      Teofilo is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the elements 'theos' meaning 'god' and 'philos' meaning 'friend' or 'lover,' together forming 'friend of God' or 'beloved by God.' This name is particularly popular in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-speaking countries. It represents a rich religious heritage and has been borne by various saints throughout history. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, Teofilo maintains steady popularity in Latin communities and carries a dignified, traditional quality. The name often appears in variant forms such as Teófilo (with the accent) or Theophilus in its Greek form.
  7. Bradford
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "wide river crossing"
    • Description:

      Brad in a Brooks Brothers suit.
  8. Juneau
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Juneau could go either way as a name. The newfound fame of the movie heroine Juno knocks this unrelated though identical-sounding Alaskan name out of consideration for boys, for the moment. Though (male) writer Junot Diaz may put the sound-alike name back in the running for boys.
  9. Berwyn
    • Description:

      Berwyn is a masculine name of Welsh origin meaning 'fair' or 'blessed hill.' This distinctive name combines 'ber' (meaning hill or mound) with 'gwyn' (meaning white, fair, or blessed). Berwyn has strong connections to Welsh geography, as the Berwyn Range is a significant mountain range in northeastern Wales. The name carries a dignified, somewhat scholarly tone and evokes imagery of natural landscapes. Though uncommon outside Wales, Berwyn has maintained consistent, if limited, usage throughout the English-speaking world. The name's Celtic roots give it an appealingly distinctive quality while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell for English speakers.

  10. Rider
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "horseman"
    • Description:

      Rider is a rock-and-roll baby name, in every sense of the term, though usually spelled Ryder, as in the sons of Kate Hudson and John Leguizamo.
  11. Livingston
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "dear friend's place"
    • Description:

      When Matthew McConaughey and wife Camila Alves chose the old English surname and place name Livingston for their third child, they elevated it from half of a Stanley & Livingston joke to a modern possibility. Kind of. The only other well-known bearer of the name in the contemporary world is singer Livingston Taylor, brother of James, who is called Liv. Given that little Livingston McConaughey's older brother is named Levi, that uplifting nickname may be too close, though his parents apparently like its sound. An original choice.
  12. Balfour
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "the village by the pasture"
    • Description:

      Historically interesting via the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine.
  13. Timoteo
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of Timothy, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Glover
    • Description:

      Glover is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to someone who made or sold gloves. This heritage connects it to the tradition of surname-to-first-name transitions that became popular during the 20th century. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Glover carries a distinguished, professional quality with historical depth. Its most notable bearer is likely actor Danny Glover, which has helped maintain recognition of the name. As a first name, Glover peaked in limited usage during the mid-20th century in the United States but remains rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's crisp sound and straightforward pronunciation combine with its occupational roots to create a name with understated strength.
  15. Mahlon
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Barton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the barley settlement"
    • Description:

      More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
  17. Paz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"
    • Description:

      Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
  18. Sequoyah
    • Origin:

      Native American, Cherokee
    • Meaning:

      "sparrow"
    • Description:

      A strong, meaningful name, associated with a famous Cherokee linguistic scholar; also suggests the magnificent California sequoia redwood trees.
  19. Amador
    • Description:

      Amador is a masculine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning 'lover' or 'one who loves.' Derived from the Latin 'amator,' it carries strong romantic and passionate connotations. The name has historical significance in several Spanish-speaking regions, including being the name of counties in California and New Mexico. Amador has a dignified, melodious quality with its balanced syllables and strong ending. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent use in Hispanic communities. The name projects warmth, devotion, and emotional depth, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with clear positive meaning and distinctive cultural roots.
  20. Mathis
    • Origin:

      French and German form of Matthias or Matthew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Very popular in France and Belgium, this name -- pronounced mat-tees, like the surname of the painter Matisse -- might make an appealing new way to say Matthew here.

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