One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

Luxor is just waiting to be discovered as a baby name. It has a lot going for it — an easy and fashionable nickname (hello, Lux!), unisex appeal, and a place name connection. Luxor is the modern-day name for the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. It was derived from the Arabic term al-ʾuqṣur, referring to palaces or castles.

Charismatic surname name borne by French explorer, conservationist, scientist, inventor and author Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who devoted his life to the study of the sea and all forms of life in water.

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!)

This Swedish form of Sebastian would work nicely as a nickname.

Jadson is a name with uniquely Brazilian origins. It is linked to soccer star Jádson Rodrigues da Silva as well as profession surfer Jadson Andre.

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

If this name makes you think of Victorian novels, it's because Fairfax was part of Mr Rochester's name in Jane Eyre, and the surname of a minor character in Jane Austen's Emma. It has a distinctly aristocratic feel, despite its straightforward meaning. Fairfax is also a city in Virginia.

Mostly heard on girls, but we've met boys wearing the name, too.

One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John Singer Sargent.

One of the less obvious newly plausible occupational names, could instill a sense of adventure in a child.

Any name that combines two big trends -- in this case, occupational and western names -- has potential.

Raido is the rune that corresponds with the Latin letter R in the Elder Furthark runic alphabet. In Old English, it was translated at Rad.

Nowadays it makes an interesting baby name for linguists and language-enthusiasts.