Handsome Underused Boys' Names

Few people would have considered the surname of this famous Victorian poet as a first name until Russell Crowe chose it for his son in 2006. But, as a rhythmic three-syllable patronymic, Tennyson has a lot going for it, not least of all the appealing nickname Tenny; it would make a novel choice for the son of a Dennis.

Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.

The name of an important ancient Roman emperor, Tiberius might sound a bit heavy for a modern boy to carry, but with the rise of Atticus, Tiberius and brothers begin to feel more baby-friendly, much in the same way as Old Testament names like Elijah and Isaiah have been rejuvenated.

Tiernan is the slightly edgier and sharper cousin of Kiernan. This is one Irish surname that is attractive but distinctive; Tierney is another, related, option.

Though to most Americans Viggo is a one-person name attached to intense actor Mortensen, it is actually an old Norse name dating back to the Vikings, and is currently the 32nd most popular appellation in Sweden. Viggo Mortensen is a Jr., sharing his name with his Danish father.

Warrick has recently come into the spotlight as the character Warrick Brown on the TV show CSI. The more conventional spelling is Warwick, a medieval English noble name.

Wendel is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Vandals, an ancient East Germanic tribe. The name means 'wanderer' or 'one who travels,' reflecting the nomadic nature of these historical people. As a variant of Wendell, it offers a slightly more streamlined spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation. Wendel carries an air of quiet strength and dignity, with historical connections to European nobility—several medieval German nobles bore the name. While never extremely common, Wendel enjoyed modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. The name has an intellectual, somewhat serious quality, often associated with thoughtfulness and reliability. In contemporary usage, Wendel offers a distinctive alternative to more common classic names, appealing to parents looking for a name with historical depth and understated character.

A common surname that was popular as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th century, Willis dropped off the US Top 1000 back in the early 90s, just as alternative William diminutive, Liam, began to skyrocket.

Zacchaeus is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, best known from the biblical tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus and subsequently underwent a moral transformation. Derived from the Hebrew 'Zakkai,' meaning 'pure' or 'innocent,' the name carries significant religious connotations within Christian traditions. Though never common in mainstream usage, Zacchaeus has maintained consistent presence in religious communities where biblical names are valued. The name's distinctive 'z' beginning and unusual ending make it stand out, while its biblical connection provides depth and character significance. Despite its ancient origins, the name feels fresh compared to more familiar biblical choices. Zacchaeus offers nickname possibilities like Zack while carrying a complete story and moral lesson within its religious context.