One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys
- Keyes
Origin:
English, IrishMeaning:
"keeper of keys; son of Aodh"Description:
With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.
- Alamo
Origin:
Place-name, SpanishMeaning:
"poplar tree"Description:
The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.
- Averill
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"boar battle"Description:
Averill is an ancient name, most properly spelled Averil, that has a Boston Brahmin air – probably due to the image of statesman Averill Harriman. It's of the rare English surname names that originally derived from a female given name: Eoforhild (Everild), meaning "boar battle".
- Jussi
- Gracian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"grace"Description:
This Grayson-soundalike has a long and distinguished pedigree, having belonged to both a Roman emperor and a 4th century Catholic saint who founded the see of Tours in central France. It would make a fabulous namesake for an important Grace in the family.
- Falconer
Origin:
Occupational nameMeaning:
"falcon trainer"Description:
Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?
- Gower
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"pure"Description:
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.
- Onslow
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the zealous one's hill"Description:
A rare surname name that could follow in the footsteps of Harlow, Marlow, Winslow et al.
- Levison
- Fitzhugh
Origin:
English, from GermanMeaning:
"son of intelligence"Description:
All the Fitz names are hard to carry, but this one has a wonderful meaning and might be a good middle name choice to honor a brilliant lineage.
- Viceroy
Origin:
Word name, EnglishMeaning:
"ruler who represents the king"Description:
A new one for the ever-growing collection of royal baby names.
- Galway
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.
- Hickory
Origin:
Plant name from AlgonquianMeaning:
"hickory"
- Sebbe
Origin:
Swedish variation of SebastianMeaning:
"person from ancient city of Sebasta"Description:
This Swedish form of Sebastian would work nicely as a nickname.
- Eisenhower
Origin:
German occupational surnameMeaning:
"iron cutter"Description:
Eisenhower is derived from Eisenhauer, a German surname composed of the elements eisen, meaning "iron," and hauer, "hewer." In modern English, that translates to "iron cutter." It's best known as the surname of President Dwight D., "Ike" Eisenhower, making Ike an appropriate nickname (and you might need one, with a name this stately!)
- Merce
Origin:
Diminutive of MercerMeaning:
"a merchant"Description:
Merce Cunningham (born with the French version Mercier) was a highly influential avant garde dancer-choreographer and his name still resonates with an aura of bold originality.
- Quebec
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
An interesting Canadian province and city name that has some literary history as the name of a character in Dickens's Bleak House; could make a distinctive choice for parents with northern roots.
- Springer
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"jumper, leaper"Description:
This lively, springy, rarely used surname name has an interesting history. For the English, German, Dutch and Ashkenazic Jews it was a nickname for a lively person or traveling entertainer, deriving from the words springen/springhen/shpringen, and in English it's also a topographical name for someone living near the source of a stream. An unusual option if you're seeking an out-of-the-ordinary 'er'-ending name. Though for some it might bring to mind Jerry Springer, or a Spaniel.
- Whistler
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"one who whistles"Description:
A new entry is the fashionable new occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of "Whistler's Mother" fame.
- Bristow