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The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys

  1. Averill

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "boar battle"

    • Description:

      Averill is an ancient name, most properly spelled Averil, that has a Boston Brahmin air – probably due to the image of statesman Averill Harriman. It's of the rare English surname names that originally derived from a female given name: Eoforhild (Everild), meaning "boar battle".
  2. Edsel

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy man's estate"

    • Description:

      Besides having an unappealing sound, has long been identified with a much-mocked Ford car model; use of this name is now restricted to the Ford family.
  3. Eaton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "riverside"

    • Description:

      Eaton's similarity to Eton gives it an upscale Old School feel, though in the U.S. a name that sound like eatin' could have teasin' potential. Eaton could also sound like the much-more-familiar Ethan with a tough-guy accent.
  4. 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.
  5. Adelbert

    • Origin:

      Variation of Albert, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"

    • Description:

      Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. It's an antiquated form of Albert.
  6. Amerigo

    • Description:

      Amerigo is a masculine Italian name best known through the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the Americas were named. Derived from Germanic elements, likely 'Amalric' or 'Emmerich,' combining words meaning 'work,' 'power,' or 'ruler' with 'rich' or 'mighty.' This gives Amerigo the impressive meaning of 'work-ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name has remained consistently used in Italy but is quite rare elsewhere. It carries a strong historical resonance due to its connection with the naming of two continents. The rhythmic four-syllable pronunciation (ah-meh-REE-go) has a melodious Italian flair. For parents seeking a name with historical significance, continental connections, and Italian heritage, Amerigo offers a distinguished option with built-in geographical and historical importance.

  7. Godfrey

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "God's peace"

    • Description:

      Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.
  8. Absalom

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "marsh town"

    • Description:

      Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.
  10. Amatus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Amatus is an ancient Roman name in the "Ama" family of names whose meanings relate to love -- they range from Amy to Amity to Amias to Amoret and Amatus.
  11. 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.
  12. Jehu

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Hjalmar

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "helmet protector"

    • Description:

      Old Norse name that lives on more appealingly in modern times as Jalmari, short form Jari. This form remains popular in Sweden, however.
  14. 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.
  15. Painter

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Description:

      Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.
  16. Levy

    • Description:

      Levy is a masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying "joined" or "attached." The name carries religious significance as the Levites were dedicated to religious service in ancient Jewish tradition. As a surname-turned-first-name, Levy has gained modest popularity in recent decades. It's also found as a Finnish name, pronounced "LEH-vi," with different origins. The name has a contemporary feel with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural significance and a modern sound. Levy balances uniqueness with recognizability, offering a short, distinctive option that's relatively easy to spell and pronounce.

  17. Arvid

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian, Danish

    • Meaning:

      "eagle-tree"

    • Description:

      Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden. It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional A name.
  18. Baptiste

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "baptist"

    • Description:

      Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  19. Draper

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "cloth merchant"

    • Description:

      Other occupational names would be more commonly accepted, though the Mad Men character has certainly brought it to the fore.
  20. Amado

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "lover"

    • Description:

      A romantic choice, this appealing Spanish name for boys is both accessible and distinctive.