The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys
- Fiaravanti
- Fleury
- Galen
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"calm, healer"Description:
Many will associate this name with Galen of Pergamon, the second-century physician considered to be the founding father of medicine. A more recent reference is Star Wars character Galen Erso. The name still projects a gentle, scholarly image, while sharing sounds with more popular names like Aiden and Nathan. Bonus: it's also an anagram of Angel.
- Galileo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from Galilee"Description:
The name of the great Renaissance astronomer and mathematician would make a distinctive hero-middle-name for the son of parents involved in those fields.
- Gamaliel
Description:
Gamaliel is a biblical masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'reward of God' or 'God is my rewarder'. In the New Testament, Gamaliel was a respected Pharisee and teacher of law under whom the apostle Paul studied. He was known for his wisdom and moderation. Throughout history, the name has been used in Jewish, Christian, and particularly Protestant communities, though it has never been widely popular. In the United States, Gamaliel saw limited use in the 19th century, particularly among Puritan families and religious communities. Today, it remains uncommon but might appeal to parents seeking a rare biblical name with historical significance and a distinctive sound.
- Gardiner
Description:
Gardiner is a masculine name of Old French and English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the occupational term for one who tends or works in gardens, it literally means "gardener" or "keeper of the garden." As a first name, Gardiner carries aristocratic and professional connotations, with historical associations to prominent families particularly in Britain and New England. While uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents drawn to occupational surnames and traditional English naming patterns. Gardiner suggests qualities of nurturing, cultivation, and patience, with subtle connections to nature and growth. The name has a distinguished, classic quality that evokes landed gentry and refined tastes.
- Garner
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"granary"Description:
Garner is an unncommon word and surname with some prospect of garnering popularity, especially now that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have given it to son Samuel as his middle name, and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have used it as the middle name of second daughter Haven. Garner is also Cash Warren's middle name. Gardner or Gardener is another, similar though unrelated possibility.
- 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.
- Gideon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hewer; or, having a stump for a hand"Description:
Gideon is a no-longer neglected Old Testament name, but still makes an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond such overused biblicals as Benjamin and Jacob. In the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge called on by God to rescue the Jews from the Midianites, and the name was popular among the Puritans.
- Gilbert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"shining pledge"Description:
Considered ultra debonair in the silent-movie era, Gilbert then went through a nerdy phase, a la Gilbert Gottfried. Now though, like Albert and Alfred and Walter and Frank, it could be in for a style revival.
- Giles
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young goat"Description:
One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
- 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.
- Godfrey
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Granville
Description:
Granville is a distinguished English place name and surname that originated from the Norman-French "grande ville," meaning "large town." Dating back to medieval times, it gained usage as a given name in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among families with connections to various Granville locations across England and France. The name carries an air of aristocratic heritage and old-world sophistication. While never extremely common, Granville experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century before declining in usage. Today, it represents a distinguished, vintage choice that suggests refinement and classic elegance. The name may appeal to parents interested in surnames as first names or seeking a dignified traditional option with historical resonance.
- Graydon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the gray-haired one"Description:
Waspy, but preferable to Nanny Diaries satiric name Grayer. Grayton Greydon, Greyton.
- Grover
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"lives near a grove of trees"Description:
Forget the furry blue Muppet, forget corpulent President Cleveland (not too difficult), and consider this name anew. We think it's spunky, a little funky, and well worth a second look.
- 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.
- Gaza
- Graynor
- Grayston