Rare, Unique, and Unusual Boy Names

Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.

Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning.

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

In the old days, this might have been a short form for Dewitt, but today it's more likely to appear as a witty word name. We approve.

Ezra is a Biblical name that is being rediscovered, which means its variation Ezri can't be far behind. Ezri is one of the up-and-coming unisex names starting with E, with the gender divide surprisingly running five to one in favor of girls.

A surprisingly wearable floral name for a boy.

All names Cas are cool right night, from Cassius to Cassian to Caspian to, yes, Casimir and its Latin form Casimiro. An attractive possibility in this appealing group.

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

Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.

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

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

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

Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.

Rarely used surname, associated with humorous poet Ogden Nash.

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?

The name from which Jordan arose, Yarden has a nice combination of river imagery and a sound connoting a garden. Like Jordan, used for both sexes.

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.

Shades of Thurston Howell, the effete millionaire castaway on Gilligan's Island.