the ultimate boys name list

~cool and unusual ~
  1. Abraxas
    • Origin:

      Persian mythology name
    • Description:

      Abraxas is a sci-fi-sounding name with earthly possibilities, but some playground challenges.
  2. Alvah
    • Description:

      Alvah is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'his highness' or 'sublimity.' Appearing in the Bible as a descendant of Esau, Alvah carries ancient roots and religious significance. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite uncommon, giving it a vintage charm. Alvah has a soft yet strong sound that distinguishes it from more popular biblical names. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it accessible and easy to pronounce, while its rarity offers uniqueness without being difficult or unfamiliar in structure.
  3. Amadeo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"
    • Description:

      Amadeo and Amedeo are both valid Italian forms of the Roman Amadeus, most famous as the middle name of the composer Mozart as well as the title of a movie about him. Mozart's name was actually the Greek Theophilus, but he transformed it to the Latin version. Amadeo is also used in Spain, where it was the name of a 19th century king who was born in Italy.
  4. Anastasios
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "resurrection"
    • Description:

      A Greek name more familiar in English speaking countries in its feminine form, Anastasia, this masculine version bears further consideration. The traditional nickname is Sakis, as used by notable bearer, Anastasios "Sakis" Rouvas, a Greek film and television artist and former pole vaulter.
  5. Anchor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "heavy object used to moor a ship; provide with a solid foundation"
    • Description:

      Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.
  6. Ansel
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"
    • Description:

      Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a family name – he was named after his uncle, Ansel Easton. And, in turn, Adams was the namesake of young heartthrob Ansel Elgort, son of a photographer.
  7. Archie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Archibald, Teutonic
    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"
    • Description:

      Archie made global news as the surprise first name of the newborn royal baby, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Harry and Meghan. Archie has now officially transcended Archie Bunker and Riverdale's Archie to take the, um, throne as the quintessential retro nickname name.
  8. Arland
    • Description:

      Arland is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from elements meaning "eagle" (arn) and "land" or "territory." It can be interpreted as "eagle's land" or "land of the eagle." The name has connections to Old Norse heritage and appears occasionally in Scandinavian countries and Scotland. Arland has never been widely popular but maintained a steady, if modest, presence throughout the 20th century in the United States. It carries a strong, nature-inspired quality with overtones of freedom and wilderness. The name has a dignified sound that balances traditional roots with an uncommon quality, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

  9. Arlo
    • Origin:

      Irish or English
    • Meaning:

      "between two hills"
    • Description:

      Quirky cool Arlo is now well and truly back. Last year it broke into the US Top 200 boy names and consistently ranks among the most popular boy names on Nameberry.
  10. Artemis
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Artemios
    • Meaning:

      "safe; butcher"
    • Description:

      Best known as the the Greek Goddess of the hunt and the moon, Artemis could now be considered one of the few traditionally feminine names that are currently being used for boys. Alternatively though, when pronounced ahr-TEH-mis, it is a valid Greek masculine name – a diminutive of Artemios.
  11. Auden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "old friend"
    • Description:

      The poetic, soft-spoken Auden has recently started to be considered as a first name option, used for both sexes, appreciated for its pleasing sound as well as its link to the distinguished modern Anglo-American poet W.H. Auden.
  12. Bard
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Baird, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "minstrel, poet"
    • Description:

      Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
  13. Barnabas
    • Origin:

      Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "son of consolation"
    • Description:

      Barnabas, whose birth name was Joseph, was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle, His name is a bit Old World compared to the update Barnaby, but could gain some attention as boys' names ending in 's' are enjoying a comeback.
  14. Barnabe
    • Description:

      Barnabe is a masculine name that represents the French and Spanish form of Barnabas, which derives from the Aramaic name Barnabba, meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement.' This name appears in the New Testament where Barnabas was an early Christian disciple known for his encouraging nature and missionary work alongside Paul. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Barnabe maintains some usage in French and Spanish-speaking regions. The name has a gentle, distinctive quality with its soft ending, setting it apart from the more commonly known English version. Barnabe carries historical depth through its biblical connections while offering a touch of international flair. Potential nicknames include Barney or Nabe.
  15. Bartleby
    • Origin:

      English surname, probably related to Bartholomew
    • Meaning:

      "son of the furrow"
    • Description:

      Bartleby (that's his last name) the Scrivener is a famous Herman Melville character whose surprisingly powerful refrain was, "I would prefer not to." Or, in the immortal words of any two-year-old: No.
  16. Beacon
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "signal light"
    • Description:

      A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
  17. Beale
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "fair, handsome"
    • Description:

      Surname of a character in Henry James' What Maisie Knew.
  18. Benno
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Benno is a cool name in its own right -- there was a tenth century Saint Benno -- though it is also used as a lively nickname for Benjamin. Saint Benno of Meissen is the patron saint of anglers and weavers and, strangely enough, alliteration.
  19. Benny
    • Description:

      Benny is traditionally a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew and means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benny can also serve as a nickname for other names like Benedict, Bennett, or Bentley. Throughout the 20th century, Benny gained recognition through notable figures like bandleader Benny Goodman and comedian Benny Hill. The name has a friendly, approachable quality that has maintained modest popularity over the decades. While some parents choose Benny as a given name, it more commonly serves as an affectionate nickname that conveys warmth and familiarity.

  20. Boden
    • Origin:

      English or German surname, variation of Beauden, French
    • Meaning:

      "hill shaped like a bow; floor; beautiful"
    • Description:

      Boden is most often inspired by the clothing catalog of the same name, and it feels like an appropriate first name for boys because of its stylish two-syllable -n ending rhythm, a la Logan, Mason, Owen, and other trendy choices. While Boden or Bowden is a fairly common English surname, in German it is the everyday name for "floor".