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Under-used and Under-appreciated Boys' Names

UberMunchkin
By UberMunchkin
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Strong, distinguished, and incredibly romantic at times. This list is full of boys' names that I want to name my son from just so I can SAY their names! And cause they are just plain awesome (mostly).
  1. Aer

    • Description:

      Aer is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Latin word for 'air' or 'atmosphere,' suggesting qualities of freedom, lightness, and invisibility yet essential presence. Alternatively, it could be connected to Irish mythology, where Aer was associated with air and the sky. As a modern name, Aer appeals to parents seeking ultra-short, elemental names with a contemporary feel. Its simplicity—just three letters and typically one syllable—makes it distinctive while easy to pronounce across languages. Though exceedingly rare in usage statistics, Aer aligns with the growing trend toward unique nature-inspired names and minimalist naming patterns.
  2. Aleric

    • Description:

      Aleric is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning 'noble ruler' or 'ruler of all.' Historically associated with Alaric I, the Gothic king who famously sacked Rome in 410 CE, the name carries connotations of leadership and strength. Despite its historical significance, Aleric remains rare in modern usage, giving boys with this name a distinctive identity. The name has a medieval feel while still sounding accessible to contemporary ears. With three syllables and a strong ending consonant, Aleric has a commanding presence without being overly complicated. Parents drawn to unusual names with historical depth may find Aleric appealing, offering potential nicknames like Al, Eric, or Ric.
  3. Andrew

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      During its Top 10 heyday in the late 90s and early oughts, Andrew was one of the "cooler" classic boy names, an update on the old guard Roberts and Richards.
  4. Anselm

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"

    • Description:

      A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.
  5. Aspen

    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name

    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"

    • Description:

      As trendy as the chic Colorado ski resort, with a hint of whimsy from the shimmering trees, Aspen has been climbing the charts for boys since the early 90s. While it has always been more popular for girls, it could work for a boy too.
  6. Atticus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Attica"

    • Description:

      Atticus, with its trendy Roman feel combined with the upstanding, noble image of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, is a real winner among boy names. Atticus entered the US Top 1000 in 2004 and is a firm Nameberry favorite.
  7. Augustine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.
  8. Arel
    • Bradley

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "wide meadow"

      • Description:

        An English surname name, Bradley has a long history, dating way back to at least 1086, but as a first name it actually succeeded in the US before it reached England--though Dickens used it in his novel Our Mutual Friend. Bradley Cooper is one namesake.
    • Björne
      • Charles

        • Origin:

          French from German

        • Meaning:

          "free man"

        • Description:

          Charles derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "man" or "free man", and is a royal name in multiple European countries. A famous early bearer is Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Lombards and then Roman Emperor in the 8th-9th centuries.
      • Ciaren

        • Description:

          Ciaren is a masculine name that appears to be a modern variant of the Irish name Ciaran (Ciarán). The original name derives from the Irish word 'ciar,' meaning 'dark' or 'black,' traditionally referring to hair or complexion. Ciaran was the name of several important Irish saints, giving the name strong historical and religious connections in Celtic traditions. The spelling Ciaren offers a contemporary twist while maintaining the authentic Irish pronunciation (approximately KEER-ən). While less common than the traditional spelling, Ciaren provides a distinctive option that honors Irish heritage. The name combines ancient Celtic roots with a modern feel, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and somewhat uncommon.

      • Crucis
        • Cyrene
          • Dakota

            • Origin:

              Place-name; Sioux

            • Meaning:

              "friendly one"

            • Description:

              An early and still one of the most popular unisex names, also a place name and name of a Native American people in the northern Mississippi valley, which makes it a controversial baby name choice. While the popularity of Dakota is trending downward for both genders, it's one of those rare genuinely gender-neutral names that is used for nearly equal numbers of boys and girls.
          • Daniel

            • Origin:

              Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "God is my judge"

            • Description:

              Daniel is one of only a handful of male names that sounds both classic and modern, strong yet approachable, and popular but not cliched. It also has a solid Old Testament pedigree. The only real downside: There are about 10,000 Daniels named each year, making it a less than distinctive choice.
          • Dexter

            • Origin:

              Latin

            • Meaning:

              "dyer, right-handed"

            • Description:

              The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism.
          • Elijah

            • Origin:

              Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "Yahweh is God"

            • Description:

              The Top 10 boys' name Elijah is derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, composed of the elements ’el and yah, both of which refer to God. In the Old Testament, Elijah was the prophet who went to heaven in a chariot of fire, a story sure to inspire any young Elijah.
          • Evan

            • Origin:

              Welsh variation of John

            • Meaning:

              "God is gracious"

            • Description:

              Evan has a mellow nice-guy image that has kept it popular, while it has been widely used in Wales since the nineteenth century. And interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, Evan charts highly for boys in France.
          • Finn

            • Origin:

              Irish

            • Meaning:

              "fair or white"

            • Description:

              Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.