User-created list
The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys
Across 21 pages
of 21
Mercer
French occupational name
"a merchant"
Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic…
Meriwether
English surname
"happy weather"
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…
Merritt
English surname
"boundary gate"
Merritt is an old-style surname name that could be seen as a positive virtue name. It was used in the late 19th and early 20th century for boys, reaching the Top 400 in 1899, and is notable today for…
Murray
Scottish
"settlement by the sea"
Murray, you may be surprised to discover, is a Scottish surname name --that of an ancient noble clan--with a sea-swept meaning, and just could be in the next wave of reevaluated grandpa names.…
Nicodemus
Greek
"victory of the people"
This rarely used New Testament name could make an unusual route to the cool nickname Nico. Borne by the person who helps to entomb Jesus following his crucifixion, it has the powerful meaning of…
Nils
Scandinavian variation of Nicholas
"people of victory"
Like Lars, Sven, Niels, and Nels, an unjustly neglected straightforward Scandinavian name. Surname Nilsson or the anglicized Nelson derives from Nils.
Noble
Latin
"aristocratic"
With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of…
Ogden
English
"from the oak valley"
Rarely used surname, associated with humorous poet Ogden Nash.
Oiva
Olaf
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Orson
Latin and English
"bear cub"
In the past, Orson has felt like a one-person moniker, tied to film director Orson Welles, who dropped his given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle. While the Citizen Kane creator…
Osmund
English
"divine protection"
Osmund is a masculine name with ancient Germanic origins, composed of elements meaning 'god' (os) and 'protection' (mund). With roots stretching back to Anglo-Saxon and Norse cultures, it was brought…
Ovide
Pacifico
Pacifico is a masculine name of Latin and Italian origin meaning 'peaceful' or 'bringing peace.' Derived from the Latin 'pacificus,' it shares roots with words like 'pacific' and 'pacify.' This name…
Painter
Occupational name
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…
Pasquale
Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys…
Paz
Hebrew; Spanish
"gold; peace"
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…
Pershing
Pershing is a masculine name with American historical roots, deriving from General John J. Pershing, the commander of American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The surname-turned-first-name…
Porfirio
Italian and Spanish from Greek
"purple dye"
This ancient saint's name was borne by the infamous midcentury playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa.
Prague