The Best Rare Names of WWII - Boys
- Winfield
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow, field"Description:
An English surname derived from multiple place names, which ranked in the Top 500 for boys in the US until the turn of the 20th century.
- Winford
Description:
Winford is a masculine English name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining elements meaning 'pleasant' or 'friend' (win) and 'ford' or 'river crossing.' Originally a surname denoting someone who lived near a fordable river, it transitioned to given name status in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Winford enjoyed modest popularity in rural America, particularly in southern states, but has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades. The name carries associations with pastoral English countryside settings and traditional values. With its distinctive sound and vintage appeal, Winford might appeal to parents seeking a rare masculine name with authentic historical roots and a gentle strength that stands apart from contemporary naming trends.
- Winthrop
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's village"Description:
Proper Bostonian.
- Wycliffe
Description:
Wycliffe is a masculine name of English origin, directly inspired by John Wycliffe, the influential 14th-century philosopher, theologian, and religious reformer who first translated the Bible into Middle English. The surname Wycliffe itself comes from a place name in Yorkshire meaning "white cliff." As a given name, Wycliffe conveys scholarly associations and religious significance, particularly in Protestant traditions where Wycliffe is considered an important pre-Reformation figure. Though never common, the name saw some usage among evangelical families, especially in English-speaking countries and parts of Africa where missionary influence was strong. Wycliffe carries an air of intellectual distinction and historical gravitas, appealing to parents drawn to names with substantive historical and religious connections.
- Wyndham
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the windy village"Description:
This artistic and aristocratic surname is a bold and daring choice, but with nature inspired names like Wren on the rise, and surnames-as-first-names being in vogue, Wyndham was a fast riser in 2023.
- Winfrey
- Wyoming
- Yves
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"yew wood"Description:
On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler and clear up the issue.
- Zane
Origin:
Possible variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image.
- Zebulon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"exaltation or little dwelling"Description:
An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb.
- Zephaniah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has hidden"Description:
A minor prophet who has his own Book, Zephaniah is another Old Testament gem waiting to be rediscovered now that Noah and Abraham are becoming too trendy.
- Zoltan
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"sultan"Description:
Though a common name in Hungary, with the spelling Zoltán, the relatively rare Z sound is striking to English speakers. Penn Gillette used the Zolten spelling for his son; it was also the name of Dracula's dog, and was also a robotic character in Dude, Where's My Car?.
- Zuma
Origin:
American place-name and ArabicMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Zuma was entered in the American name lexicon when musicians Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale chose it for their son. Californians will recognize Zuma as the name of a beautiful beach in Malibu, and it's also the surname of a South African president. With the lovely meaning of peace and its place-name associations, Zuma is one of those American names that literally sprang from the earth.