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

Strong, interesting nature name reminiscent of Biblical favorites Ezra and Boaz.

Despite its attractive meaning, this name is very rare in the States: it has only appeared twice in the US charts, in 2006 and 2020. Akam is a genre of Classical Tamil poetry, and the ring name of WWE wrestler Sunny Dhinsa.

This can be a cool and unusual way to honor your family Robert, conjuring up memories of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, as well as narrative poet Robinson Jeffers, born John Robinson, who shared his mother's middle name.

In Ancient Egyptian mythology, Khepri is a scarab-faced god who represents the rising sun, as well as new life.

Galsworthy used this for "The Forsyte Saga," but in modern real life Julian would work better.

What child wouldn't like a name that was a synonym for cool?

St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.

This attractive Arabic name is gaining attention in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound as in Oscar) and most logical nickname (Sam) make it a choice that's at once accessible and distinctive for both genders.

Romero is one of the less common variations of the stylish family of Rome-related names. Only 32 baby boys were named Romero in the US last year, versus nearly 5000 named Roman and 1100 named Romeo.

Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.

Boys' names beginning with "El" were all the rage in the 1910s, but today Elmore - along with Elwin, Ellsworth and others - has barely been used for decades. It has literary connections through writer Elmore "Dutch" Leonard. More recently, several children's book characters have given the name a cuddly feel: Holly Hobbie's Elmore the Porcupine, and Elmore Green in Lauren Child's "The New Small Person".

Peverell is the surname of a Harry Potter family.

A distinguished English surname likely descended from the Nordic name Alvar, meaning "elf warrior". British diplomat Sir Alvary Gascoigne is a notable historical bearer.

Catcher is rarely used as a baby name, but it fits alongside other occupational surnames such as Thatcher and Hunter. It might be especially appealing to baseball fans.

This name has two distinctive associations: the Southwestern natural formation of a gully or stream, and the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

Cherokee name that honors the eagle, a sacred symbol in Native American culture.