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Strong Yet Unusual Names for Boys

  1. Drexel

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "to turn"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Dublin

    • Origin:

      Irish place-name

    • Description:

      With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.
  3. Dorado
    • Eamonn

      • Description:

        Eamonn is the Irish form of Edmund, derived from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune and 'mund' meaning protection. Traditionally used in Ireland, Eamonn gained popularity throughout the 20th century and remains a strong cultural identifier. The name carries connotations of strength and prosperity, while maintaining its distinctive Irish heritage. Notable bearers include Irish broadcaster Eamonn Andrews and political figure Eamonn de Valera. While more common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, the name has gained modest international recognition while staying true to its Gaelic roots.
    • Eladio

      • Origin:

        Spanish, from Greek

      • Meaning:

        "the Greek"

      • Description:

        Musical, with a buoyant beat.
    • Elder

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Description:

        Anyone who's seen "The Book of Mormon" or visited Utah knows this as the title taken by male Mormon missionaries during their term of service. We'd advise anyone who lives somewhere with any significant Mormon population to avoid it for that reason.
    • Emilian

      • Origin:

        Romanian form of Emil

      • Meaning:

        "rival"

      • Description:

        With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
    • Emrys

      • Origin:

        Welsh, variation of Ambrose

      • Meaning:

        "immortal"

      • Description:

        If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin. It's currently in the Welsh top 100 and in the England and Wales top 1000 over all and has been rising in recent years.

        Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality, giving it a magical feel. Parents today may also associate it with the BBC show Merlin which notably used the name as an alternative name for the warlock.
    • Emyr

      • Origin:

        Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "king"

      • Description:

        Emyr is a name that is well-known in Wales, but little heard outside of it. There are several well-known Emyrs, from the famed Welsh novelist and poet Emyr Humphries to footballer Emyr Huws.
    • Endellion

      • Origin:

        Cornish place and saint's name

      • Description:

        Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient name was brought into modern usage by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who used it as one of the middle names for his fourth child (a daughter).
    • Endymion

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "dive into, enter"

      • Description:

        The name of a mythically handsome youth – loved by Selene, the moon, who bore him fifty daughters. If you're looking for a mythological name for your son, this might make an excellent choice both rare and appealing.
    • Eros

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "desire, love"

      • Description:

        The name of the Greek winged god of love (usually romantic and sexual love) may seem a lot to live up to, but like other deity names, it's on the rise. In a recent year, it was given to more than 130 boys in the US.
    • Eryx

      • Origin:

        Greek mythology name

      • Meaning:

        "to keep in, to curb"

      • Description:

        Eryx has a sci-fi sound and deep roots. In Greek mythology, Eryx was the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite and a king in Sicily. He was a great boxer, but was eventually beaten by Heracles. He probably got his name from Mount Eryx in Sicily, now known as Erice. Never used before 2005, this could be a mythological gem to watch - and an alternative way to honor an Eric.
    • Evander

      • Origin:

        Scottish; Greek

      • Meaning:

        "bow warrior; strong man"

      • Description:

        Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander.
    • Everhardt

      • Description:

        Everhardt is a strong, distinguished masculine name with German origins, combining the elements 'ever' meaning 'boar' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination creates a name that literally suggests the strength and courage of a wild boar, animals historically admired for their ferocity and determination. Though relatively rare in modern usage, Everhardt has historical significance as both a given name and surname throughout Germanic regions of Europe. The name carries an aristocratic, somewhat medieval quality that evokes images of knights and nobility. With four syllables and its distinctive 'dt' ending, Everhardt makes a bold statement while offering the friendly nickname options of Ever or Hart. For parents seeking a name with historical depth, unmistakable strength, and uncommon status, Everhardt represents a compelling choice.

    • Ezio

      • Origin:

        Italian from Greek

      • Meaning:

        "eagle"

      • Description:

        An operatic Italian option via South Pacific star Pinza, one of several Italian names currently hot in France. Ezio is the Italian form of the Greek name Aetius.
    • Fabian

      • Origin:

        Latin clan name

      • Meaning:

        "bean grower"

      • Description:

        Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter. In the U.S. Fabian became best known via the 1960s teen idol/singer who went solely by his first name.
    • Faolan

      • Origin:

        Irish Gaelic

      • Meaning:

        "little wolf"

      • Description:

        Properly spelled with a fada in Gaelic (Faolán), this name is the origin of the Irish surname Phelan. It derives from the Gaelic fáel "wolf", plus a diminutive suffix, making this a handsome hidden nature name.
    • Faraday

      • Origin:

        Scottish surname

      • Meaning:

        "wood man"

      • Description:

        This unusual Scottish surname was made immortal by Michael Faraday, a British scientist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His name is now a unit of scientific measurement for electricity - a 'power'ful name for any little boy.
    • Farley

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "fern clearing"

      • Description:

        Actor Farley Granger set it in motion, now could be a gentler alternative to Harley.

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