One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys
- 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.
- Jeton
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"token"
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keyes
- Cousteau
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"coast dweller"Description:
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.
- Luxor
Origin:
Place name, EgyptianMeaning:
"palaces, castles"Description:
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.
- Rancher
Origin:
Occupational nameDescription:
Any name that combines two big trends -- in this case, occupational and western names -- has potential.
- Bristow
- 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.
- Reading
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the red-haired"Description:
Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.
- Bardon
- Raido
Origin:
Proto-GermanicMeaning:
"ride, journey"Description:
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.