The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys
- Conley
Origin:
Anglicization of Conleth, IrishMeaning:
"chaste fire; constant fire"Description:
Conley has a contemporary surname feel but is actually vintage in its usage. It was used as a masculine given name through the 1940s and peaked in 1905 at Number 709. Ready for revival? Definitely.
- Livingston
Origin:
English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Painter
Origin:
Occupational nameDescription:
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.
- Averill
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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".
- Meriwether
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"happy weather"Description:
This eminent surname name belonged to one of the two leaders of the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the western part of the USA. The surname was originally given to someone with a sunny temperament.
- Arlington
Origin:
English habitational surname, place nameMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Bayard
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"russet-haired"Description:
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
- Larson
Description:
Larson originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Lars' in Scandinavian cultures, particularly Swedish and Norwegian. Lars itself is a Scandinavian form of Lawrence, derived from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' (a city known for its laurel trees). As a given name, Larson represents the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, conveying strength and heritage. It projects a solid, dependable image with Nordic roots. Though not among the most common first names, Larson has gained modest usage in North America and Scandinavian countries. It appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth that isn't overly common, while still being easily recognizable and pronounceable.
- Toivo
Origin:
Finnish, EstonianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.
- Eldridge
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old, wise leader"Description:
Name long associated with eloquent Black Panther activist Eldridge Cleaver and jazz great Roy Eldridge.
- Fleming
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"man from Flanders"Description:
If it's not too phlegmatic for you, this surname and name of a Scottish clan could honor a number of people, especially Alexander Fleming, the father of antibiotics, and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
- 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.
- Windell
Description:
Windell is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Wendell. The name derives from the Germanic elements 'wandal' and 'dal,' roughly translating to 'wanderer' or 'voyager of the valley.' While less common than Wendell, this spelling variation offers a distinctive touch with its 'i' vowel. Historically, the name gained some popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. Windell carries connotations of independence and exploration, suggesting someone who charts their own path. Its old-fashioned charm appeals to parents seeking vintage names with a slight twist.
- Cicero
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"chickpea"Description:
Roman statesman's name with a cool and quirky sound. Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman scholar, orator and lawyer who had an immense impact on the Latin language.
- Latham
Origin:
English, NorseMeaning:
"the barn"Description:
This familiar surname with an outdoorsy yet smart feel could be added to your list of undiscovered 'last names first' names. Similar in style to Graham, Layton, and Linden, it has its origins in the Old Norse word hlaða meaning "barn", which could make it an interesting choice for those honoring family who've been in farming or who like the idea of having a smallhold of their own.
- 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.
- Antony
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"priceless"Description:
Variation of Anthony, and more true to the original Latin spelling. The Roman statesman Marcus Antonius is usually known as Mark Antony in English.
- 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.
- Jeremias
Origin:
German, Portuguese and Finnish variation of Jeremiah, HebrewMeaning:
"appointed by God"Description:
This international variant of the popular Jeremiah refreshes the Old Testament name by lending it the stylish -s ending of Silas, Ozias, and Amias. Popular in Czechia and Puerto Rico, Jeremias entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.