998+ Unique, Rare, and Uncommon Boy Names (with Meanings and Origins)

Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best known for penning the words to "America the Beautiful".

A more distinctive alternative to Alejandro.

Able takes this name in the direction of the word denoting someone capable and handle, and that is not a bad way to go.

Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.

This name's connection to the Caribbean Cayman Islands gives it a nice resortish feel, while still feeling like an in-tune-with-style boy's name.

This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.

This Hebrew version of Jubal, a traditionally masculine name, is used for both boys and girls in modern Israel.

A small number of parents are inspired to choose Frida Kahlo's surname for their sons and daughters each year. The Mexican artist had German ancestry from her father's side, and Kahlo is actually German in origin. It comes from kahl, meaning "bald."

Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.

Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.

A common pet name, usually inspired by the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, Dodger is used as a given name for around 6 boys every year.

Energetic Russian and Romanian form of Elisha.

Ayal is a boys' name used in modern Israel but virtually unknown in the US. Even more popular in Israel is the female form, Ayala.

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Perhaps if there's a Putnam in your background.

Idiosyncratic Hebrew choice.

The last name of folksinger Joan is melodic in its own right.

This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.

Greek and French form of Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto and the twin of Artemis in Greek mythology. He was the god of prophecy, medicine, music, art, law, beauty, and wisdom, also associated with the sun and light.