Unusual Boy Names

Clayborne is a distinguished masculine name with English origins, combining 'clay' (earth) with 'borne' (carried or born). Historically, it likely began as a surname indicating someone who lived near or worked with clay before transitioning to first-name usage. The name evokes images of groundedness, stability, and connection to the earth. Clayborne has never been widely common but maintains a steady, if limited, presence in naming records. It carries a sophisticated, somewhat aristocratic air with potential nicknames including Clay. The name appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon, with strong consonant sounds conveying masculinity and resilience.

Clive started life as a surname for someone who lived near a cliff, making it a secret outdoorsy name.

The fierce image of the Barbarian made a complete turnaround thanks to amiable talk show host O'Brien, making Conan one of the newly desirable Irish choices, a perfect alternative to Conor/Connor.

Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.

Cove is an up-and-coming nature name whose cool sound and peaceful image saw it rising for both sexes... until COVID-19 hit. It remained steady in use for boys in 2021, but actually increased for girls, although it remains a seriously rare and distinctive choice for either gender.

In the currently popular solid, serious, two-syllable mold.

If you want a truly unusual name with authentic roots, this one certainly fits on both counts. Pronunciation may prove a stumbling block, however.

Damarion is a modern masculine name that has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Damian, Damario, or Damar, possibly influenced by the popular suffix '-arion' found in names like Demarion and Jamarion. The name has a rhythmic, contemporary sound that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While it doesn't have ancient historical roots, Damarion has established itself as part of the trend toward melodic, multi-syllabic boys' names. It carries a strong, confident quality while remaining approachable, often associated with attributes like strength and individuality.

This name is widely used in India.

Dashiell, though missing from many other name sources, is among the hottest new names, chosen by such celebs as Cate Blanchett and author Helen (Bridget Jones) Fielding. With its great dash and panache, Dashiell is associated with detective writer Dashiell Hammett (born Samuel, as in Sam Spade, Dashiell being his mother's maiden name). Alice Cooper was ahead of the game: He named his son Dashiell in 1985.

Dermot is an appealing, relatively undiscovered Irish mythological hero's name long popular in the Old Country, and imported into the American consciousness by actor Dermot Mulroney. We see it in the next Celtic wave following Connor and Liam.

Devereaux is familiar to many English speakers as a surname but not as a first. It's a habitational name related to the town of Evreux in France, with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area.

Deward is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from 'deor' meaning 'dear, beloved' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'protector.' Historically, it developed both as a given name and surname, conveying the honorable meaning of 'beloved guardian.' The name has medieval roots but became relatively uncommon after the Middle Ages. Deward has a dignified, traditional quality with its strong consonants and meaningful etymology. In the United States, it saw modest usage in the early 20th century but remains rare today. The name might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon traditional name with a clear, positive meaning and historical depth.

Digby is a place-name in Lincolnshire turned surname turned quirky first name that is starting to get some attention.

It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.

As wooden as its second syllable.

Ebeneezer derives from Hebrew origins, meaning 'stone of help' or 'the Lord has helped me.' This biblical name appears in the Old Testament where Samuel set up a stone monument called Ebenezer to commemorate God's assistance to the Israelites. While the name carries rich religious significance, its popularity in the Western world has been significantly influenced by Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol,' which has created some challenging associations. The spelling with three 'e's is a less common variant of the more traditional Ebenezer. Despite its literary connections, the name maintains its profound spiritual meaning for those drawn to its biblical heritage.

Much more niche and obviously Germanic than its anglicised cousins Everard and Everett, but with the same strong meaning. Eberhard is hardly ever used in the US - it's only made the charts once so far, back in 1918.

Egan's likeness to the word eager gives this Irish surname a ready-to-please, effervescent energy, and it would make an appropriate substitute for the overused Aidan.

Egbert still suffers somewhat from being used as a stereotypical name for nerds and aristocrats. It would be a surprising choice, but with its edgy meaning and dusty charm, possibly it's so beyond cool that it's...actually kind of cool?