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

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

Wisdom is a rare modern virtue name that might increase in use as this whole category becomes more mainstream. Wisdom is one of the gender-neutral names now on the table for both boys and girls.

Soul fans may wish to use this unusual name as a reference to singer Jimmy Ruffin and his younger brother David, one of the lead members of The Temptations.

We had Egypt listed as a girls-only place-name until singer Alicia Keys and rap producer husband Swizz Beatz used it for their son...and why not? Egypt certainly works as well for a boy as for a girl.

Fleet is one of the uncountable number of new word name possibilities, and a particularly cool choice at that. Connoting speed, Fleet beats Rush any day. Might be short for Fleetwood, but we prefer it on its own.

An alternative form of Hazael, a King in the Old Testament, or a diminutive of Jahaziel, a Levite prophet, this quietly used Biblical name shares sounds with rising choices such as Azrael, Aziel, and Jaziel. There's also a hint of the vintage and nature-inspired Hazel, which may appeal to those who enjoy softer feeling names for boys.

Murdoch and its more popular modern variant Murdo are traditional given names in Scotland, although they are almost exclusively encountered as surnames outside of their native country. Famous bearers include media mogul Rupert Murdoch and novelist Iris Murdoch. The Murdoc spelling was used for the fictional bassist and founder of the virtual indie band Gorillaz.

Ambitious geographical name.

A fresh nature-inspired take on Cyrus.

A Christian name drawn from the city of Nazareth and the Nazrenes, followers of Jesus.

One of several surnames beginning with New that nevertheless sound anything but.

Lithe and leonine name chosen for her daughter by singer Erykah Badu, but fits in with wild nature names like Fox, Wolf and Bear for a boy.

Soft, unique day of the week name used in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Has diverse links to a Groucho Marx character, a bouncing ball, and late performance artist Spalding Gray.

A quetzal is a beautiful, brightly-colored bird found in Mexico and Central America. It is the national bird of Guatemala, as well as the name of their currency.

Not quite as over-the-hill as Herman, but not far behind either.

A very common boys' name (and nickname) in Nigeria that some Americans will recognize as the name of one of the main characters on NBC's The Good Place.

Used in Brazil, this snappy telescoping honors the names of Jesus's parents.