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

You might think of Jeffers as Jefferson's much rarer younger brother, or maybe Jeffrey's. unconventional son. Surname-names ending in S -- Brooks, Ames -- are trending now, though Jeffers is reminiscent of Jeeves.

Celebratory choice.

Humberto lifts this ancient name out of the gross association to fictional pedophile Humbert Humbert, investing it with a good measure of Latin charm. It helps that the pronunciation is significantly different, much closer to the Italian Umberto than to the flat-footed original.

The vast plateau in central India makes an intriguing first name, similar to the better-known Irish Declan.

An evocative, windswept choice that is part of the third generation of western-influenced names, picking up where first Jesse and then Dakota left off, though with a slight feminine edge.

Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.

Qusay, which can also be spelled Qusai, was the name of the prophet Muhammad's patrilineal great-great-great grandfather.

An animal related name, associated with strength, Fahad is derived from the Arabic fahd which can refer to a variety of big cats. It may indicate someone who owns or trains panthers, leopards, or cheetahs, or the animals themselves. A fast rising choice in the UK in 2023, actor and producer Fahad Mustafa is a notable bearer.

The traditional spelling of River is currently in the US and the UK Top 200s, where it ranks as a solidly unisex option. Ryver, with its edgy Y and sharper, less tranquil vibe has yet to catch up, perhaps because its similarity to Ryder might lead to mispronunciations. Nevertheless, in 2023 it was given to 80 American boys - and to 70 girls - making it an equally unisex choice as River, with a contemporary (though possibly confusing) twist.

Undiscovered single-syllable surname option, a friendly alternative to Reed.

Eleven didn't feel more namelike than any other number...until the (female) "Stranger Things" character came along. Now it seems like a possibility - albeit a rare one - for both sexes. Other associations include the number of players in a football team, and Apollo 11, the spacecraft of the first moon landing.

Basque alternative to Paddy or Pat

Intriguing meaning, but stuffy sound.

An almost unknown member of the cool two-syllable, n-ending group of boy names.

An attractive twist on an Arabic classic, with further twists being Zamari, Jamari, and Jamarion. It was a popular choice from the 70s onwards in the US but has fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by Jamir.

Along the same lines as Fable or Madrigal, Parable is a cute choice for literary families. It might also be considered as a pseudo-biblical name, given the fame of the Biblical parables.

Anat is a unisex name that derives from the Latin Anath. Anath is a male character in the Old Testament, however Anat is mostly used among girls today.

See DALEY.

This Theodore sound-alike derives from the name Diodorus, associated with the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus.

This name might be perfect for someone trying to honor old Uncle Vincent but looking for something a bit different. If needs be, it can be shortened to Ken if your child ends up wanting a more mainstream English name.