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Under-used and Under-appreciated Boys' Names

  1. Gunnar

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Gunther

    • Meaning:

      "bold warrior"

    • Description:

      A key figure in Norse legend and a traditional Scandinavian favorite making inroads here.
  2. Makai

    • Origin:

      Modern variation of Michael, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Who is like God"

    • Description:

      Michael was the Number 1 boys' name for 50 years, so today parents are choosing or inventing modern variations to take its place.
  3. Leaf

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
  4. North

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "cardinal direction of north"

    • Description:

      A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.
  5. Madoc

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate, benefactor's son"

    • Description:

      Also spelled Madog, which was the name of an early Welshman, Madog ap Owain Gwynedd, reputed to have been the first European to discover North America in 1155. Maddox, the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's oldest child, is a stronger and more familiar choice.
  6. Harbor

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      If you like names that are not really names -- some say, the wave of the future -- Harbor has an attractive sound as well as an appealing meaning and image.
  7. Finnley

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Finley, Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "fair-haired hero"

    • Description:

      This variation adds a second n to the more popular Finley, presumably to provide a more direct link to nickname Finn. Both spellings create a distinctly unisex name. The Finnley version, however, entered the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014, and it remains unranked for girls.
  8. 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.
  9. Micheal

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Michael

    • Description:

      A spelling variation of Michael—or sometimes simply a mistake. Whatever the case, this version has always ranked in the US Top 1000, though always much lower than the traditional spelling.
  10. 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.

  11. 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.
  12. Majora

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Majora's Mask was the title of a lauded Nintendo 64 game in the Legend of Zelda series, in which Majora was the main villain. The character's name was reportedly coined by the game's art director, Takaya Imamura, using Japanese characters from his own name and the title of the movie Jumanji.
  13. Arel
    • Björne
      • Cyrene
        • Crucis
          • Fólkí
            • Ogilvie
              • Rainbow