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

Pistol is one of the new names that entered the lexicon in the US in 2013, when it was given to nine babies of each gender. Call it an equal-opportunity badass baby name with an unfortunately violent image.

Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this, especially as a middle name.

In addition to being the term for a job performing music, Gig has been used as a name, as in onetime actor Gig Young--who was born Byron but took his stage name from a character he played.

Arnie is a nerdy-tipping-into-cute nickname that may rise again, if not for this generation of babies then for their babies. Look for it in the nurseries of 2050.

Short but substantial, Russ does not need the full-form Russell to go on the birth certificate. Russ strikes a nice balance between familiar, friendly, and underused.

A sharp and interesting Kurdish name derived from the name of a river and mountain in the region.

A form of Ahmad popular in Western Africa. It ranked in the French Top 500 for much of the 1980s.

In mythology, another name for Aphrodite -- but the rare feminine name that sounds better for a boy.

This is another form of the name the angel Raphael assumes for himself when he becomes human. One of the few attractive Biblical names that has not yet been discovered by modern parents, Azarias is certainly ripe for the taking.

Marvel, once a feminine miracle name, has been resurrected as a unisex word name with a dose of superhero style.

This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Actress Ayo Edebiri is the star of TV's The Bear.

A cool-soungin ancient Armenian name which has belonged to several historical kings.

Ahuli's pleasant beat makes it a striking option for a son.

Boreas was the Greek god of the north wind, deriving from the same root as the Latin name of the Northern Lights, aurora borealis.

Appealing in part because of its similarity to the likable Omar.