Rare, Unique, and Unusual Boy Names

Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.

Rooney is one of many bouncy Irish surnames that could make an agreeable first, once tied to Mickey Rooney (who was actually born Joseph Yule) in his young and spunky Andy Hardy period.

Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.

Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.

Rowe is a surname turned given name with English origins, derived from the Old English word 'rāw' meaning 'row of houses' or 'hedgerow.' Historically, it was a topographic name for someone who lived near a row of houses or a prominent hedgerow. As a first name, Rowe has a distinguished, concise quality with a modern appeal despite its ancient roots. The name remains relatively uncommon as a given name for boys, giving it a distinctive edge. Its simplicity and strong single syllable make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both traditional and uncommon, fitting well with the trend toward surname-inspired given names that convey strength and heritage.

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.

Commonly used Japanese name -- and not only for a second son.

Classic Irish surname with a lot of character and some interesting associations: the title character of a Samuel Beckett novel and basketball great Karl Malone. Malone is a popular name for baby boys in France.

Tao is the Chinese word for the underlying harmony of the universe, combining both yin and yang. Extreme kayaker Tao Berman made this one of the spiritual names prime for adoption, and more recently, it has appeared in hit graphic novel and TV series, Heartstopper. Tao rhymes with cow.

Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.

Dark horse Irish surname.

A name that looks intriguing and masculine on paper, but is, unfortunately, a homonym for a girl's name.

Guthrie, one of the most attractive Scottish names that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.

Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.

One of the aggressive new boys' names, ala Tracker and Heller, that have become fashionable among parents who are courting trouble.

The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.

An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.

Kiefer is a strong occupational surname associated with "24" star Kiefer Sutherland, but one that could well join the other 'er' surnames currently in favor. Keifer is a German surname transferred to first name use, derived from two old Germanic words, kien and forhe, both of which mean "pine tree."

A surprisingly wearable floral name for a boy.