Kaiser, Rex, Kingsley, and Prince have become increasingly popular in recent years and Pharaoh is one of the more unexpected members of this regal family of names. Used as the title of ancient Egyptian rulers, it was also given to more than 200 babies in 2019.

The name of the famous British man of letters might just appeal to some English majors as a more interesting alternative to Zachary. An appropriate playmate for Russell Crowe's boy Tennyson.

This Westernized form of the name of an ancient Mongol warrior, remembered primarily today through the works of Christopher Marlowe and Edgar Allan Poe, runs the risk of sounding pompous and pretentious.

This old Norse name is still used in contemporary Scandinavia. An ancient hero's name, Sigurd got a modern boost from a heroic figure in television's The Vikings.

An old name still occasionally heard in the U.K., but still and perhaps forever a foreigner in the U.S. Can be spelled Ranulf.

The surname of the great artist is pronounced the same way as Mathis, the German and French form of Matthew, so it's not a stretch for use as a first name.

This title of honor given to Charlemagne's twelve best knights would be prized as a name by most sword-loving little boys.

So identified with the hero of the Sir Walter Scott novel, it would be almost impossible for any boy to carry.

Rhythmic and intriguingly unusual.

Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.

Way out.

Best associated with the Australian city, Melbourne is occasionally used as a given name. The city itself was named after the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, the 2nd Viscount Melbourne - Melbourne also being a market town in Derbyshire.

An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.

Herne is a masculine name with roots in English folklore. It derives from the legendary figure Herne the Hunter, a ghost or deity associated with Windsor Forest in Berkshire, England. Shakespeare mentioned this figure in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor,' further cementing the name's literary and mythological significance. As a given name, Herne is exceedingly rare, appealing to parents drawn to unique names with pagan or nature-oriented connotations. The name evokes images of forests, hunting, and wild nature, carrying an air of mystery and primal energy. Herne represents a connection to ancient British folklore and the untamed aspects of the natural world.

Istivan is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of István, the Hungarian form of Stephen. The original name derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and victory. This specific spelling variation is quite uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic quality. The name has a pleasing three-syllable rhythm and a distinctive sound that stands out from more common Western names. While István is very popular in Hungary, having been borne by the country's first king and patron saint, the Istivan variant remains rare worldwide. The name might appeal to parents with Hungarian heritage seeking a name that honors their cultural roots while offering a unique spelling. Its relative unfamiliarity in Western contexts gives it an intriguing quality while still being pronounceable for English speakers.

A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.