AHEAD: The ultimate list for 2024 of rare, unusual, and unique names for boys.
Not looking to raise another Michael or James?
If you’re searching for a baby name that’s unusual (but cool) in 2024, you’re in the right place.
Below, you’ll find an enormous list of over 700 hand-picked unique boy names along with their meanings and current popularity.
Whether you’re looking for trendy but unique name like Archer or Soren, a rare name like Evander or Mayes, or an unusual name like Jabari or Amias, you’ll find it on this huge list!
Feel free to use the Table of Contents to navigate—or just keep scrolling!
Table of Contents
- COOL NAMES
- CUTE NAMES
- SHORT NAMES
- RARE NAMES
- STRONG NAMES
- FAMILIAR NAMES
- EARTHY NAMES
- SKY-INSPIRED NAMES
- BIRD-INSPIRED NAMES
- ANIMAL-INSPIRED NAMES
- WATER-INSPIRED NAMES
- PLANT-INSPIRED NAMES
- SPIRITUAL NAMES
- GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES
- INVENTED NAMES
- ROYAL NAMES
- GENDER NEUTRAL NAMES
- NAMES NO ONE HAS
- CREATIVE NAMES
- UNUSUAL NAMES
Cool unique boy names (2024)
Kicking off our list with a bunch of cool and unique names for baby boys.
The source for popularity data is SSA.
Ace
- Name meaning: One, unity, or expert.
- Popularity: #156
Archer
- Name meaning: Bowman.
- Popularity: #138
Atlas
- Name meaning: From Greek mythology: a Titan who was forced to support the heavens on his shoulders. Also a collection of maps.
- Popularity: #149
Blaze
- Name meaning: Fiery.
- Popularity: #775
Bowen
- Name meaning: Son of Owen.
- Popularity: #367
Bridger or Bridge
- Name meaning: Connector.
- Popularity: Bridger ranks #925 and Bridge isn’t ranking.
Cade or Kade
- Name meaning: Barrel.
- Popularity: Cade ranks #340 and Kade is #380.
Callan or Callen
- Name meaning: Descendant of Cathalán.
- Popularity: Callan ranks #375 and Callen is #458.
Camden or Kamden
- Name meaning: Winding valley.
- Popularity: Camden ranks #175, Kamden is #475, and Kamdyn is #963.
Colt
- Name meaning: Young horse.
- Popularity: #220
Crew or Crue or Krew
- Name meaning: Group.
- Popularity: Crew ranks #267 and Crue isn’t ranking. Krew ranks #625. Kru and Krue aren’t ranking.
Dane
- Name meaning: God is my judge. Person from Denmark.
- Popularity: #846
Dash
- Name meaning: To move quickly.
- Popularity: #792
Edison
- Name meaning: Son of Edward.
- Popularity: #615
Everest
- Name meaning: The world’s tallest mountain.
- Popularity: #903
Forrest or Forest
- Name meaning: Wooded area.
- Popularity: Forrest ranks #414 and Forest is #715.
Franklin
- Name meaning: Free land holder.
- Popularity: #395
Gage
- Name meaning: Money lender. Pledge.
- Popularity: #569
Gatlin
- Name meaning: Companion.
- Popularity: #776
Harlan
- Name meaning: Rocky land.
- Popularity: #637
Hayes
- Name meaning: Brushwood.
- Popularity: #229
Hendrix
- Name meaning: Son of Hendrik or estate ruler.
- Popularity: #275
Jace or Jayce or Jase
- Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
- Popularity: Jace ranks #102, Jayce is #158, and Jase is #495.
Jett
- Name meaning: Black.
- Popularity: #244
Kellan or Kellen
- Name meaning: Swamp. Slender.
- Popularity: Kellan ranks #835 and Kellen is #862. Kellin isn’t ranking.
Knox
- Name meaning: Round-topped hill.
- Popularity: #221
Ledger
- Name meaning: Tribe + spear.
- Popularity: #574
Lennon
- Name meaning: Lover, blackbird, cloak.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #670 for boys and #236 for girls.
Lincoln
- Name meaning: Town by the pool or settler by the lake.
- Popularity: #45
Madden
- Name meaning: Little dog.
- Popularity: #824
Maddox
- Name meaning: Fortunate. Son of Madoc.
- Popularity: #174
Maverick
- Name meaning: Independent-minded person. An unbranded animal.
- Popularity: #47
Related: Middle Names for Maverick
Maximus
- Name meaning: The greatest.
- Popularity: #263
Nash
- Name meaning: By the ash tree.
- Popularity: #233
Pierce
- Name meaning: Rock. Son of Piers.
- Popularity: #499
Raiden or Rayden
- Name meaning: Thunder and lightning.
- Popularity: Raiden ranks #383 and Rayden is #700.
Ranger
- Name meaning: Forest guardian.
- Popularity: This cool unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Rhett
- Name meaning: Advice.
- Popularity: #148
Rohan
- Name meaning: Several possible meanings including red-haired, spiritual, and accompanying dew.
- Popularity: #797
Ronan or Ronin
- Name meaning: Little seal.
- Popularity: Ronan ranks #274 and Ronin is #438.
Rowan or Rowen
- Name meaning: Reddish-brown tree known for its scarlet berries and mystical history.
- Popularity: For boys, Rowan ranks #106 and Rowen is #539. For girls, Rowan ranks #241 and Rowen isn’t ranking.
Ryker or Riker
- Name meaning: Rich. (Will Riker is First Officer on the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation.)
- Popularity: #153
Sawyer
- Name meaning: Person who saws timberwood.
- Popularity: This unique name ranks #114 for boys and #216 for girls.
Shane
- Name meaning: Graced by God.
- Popularity: #493
Silas or Sylas
- Name meaning: Man of the forest.
- Popularity: Silas ranks #91 and Sylas is #536.
Related: Middle Names for Silas
Soren
- Name meaning: Stern or severe.
- Popularity: #537
Tatum
- Name meaning: Bringer of joy. Tate’s homestead.
- Popularity: This cool unique name ranks #385 for boys and #279 for girls.
Teagan
- Name meaning: Little poet.
- Popularity: This baby name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2014. It currently ranks #254 for girls.
Thiago or Tiago
- Name meaning: Portuguese version of Jacob and James, meaning one who takes the place of another.
- Popularity: Thiago ranks #141 and Tiago isn’t ranking.
Troy
- Name meaning: Foot soldier. An ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
- Popularity: #418
Walker
- Name meaning: Inspector of the forest.
- Popularity: #129
Wilder or Wylder
- Name meaning: Untamed.
- Popularity: Wilder ranks #368 and Wylder is #976.
Zane or Zayn or Zayne or Zain
- Name meaning: God is gracious. Beauty and grace.
- Popularity: Zane ranks #238, Zayn is #281, and Zayne is #378, Zain is #588.
If you like these cool unique boy names (2024) you’ll also like this huge list of modern names.
Cute unique boy names (2024)
These adorable and unique names for boys sound friendly and sweet!
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Archie
- Name meaning: Truly brave.
- Popularity: #399
Arlo or Arlow
- Name meaning: Literary name. Might mean ‘between hills’.
- Popularity: Arlo ranks #190 and Arlow isn’t ranking.
Benji
- Name meaning: Short for Benjamin, meaning son of my right hand.
- Popularity: This cute unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Bodhi or Bodie or Bowdie
- Name meaning: Enlightenment.
- Popularity: Bodhi ranks #284, Bodie is #521, and Bowdie isn’t ranking.
Bowie
- Name meaning: Light-haired.
- Popularity: #950
Brantley
- Name meaning: Fire or sword.
- Popularity: #268
Enzo
- Name meaning: Italian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
- Popularity: #139
Farley
- Name meaning: Fern clearing.
- Popularity: This cute unique F name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Finn
- Name meaning: White.
- Popularity: #184
Hart
- Name meaning: A male deer.
- Popularity: This cute unique H name isn’t ranking.
Kai or Kye
- Name meaning: Sea.
- Popularity: For boys, Kai ranks #71 and Kye is #889. For girls, Kai is #770.
Koda
- Name meaning: A common Japanese surname.
- Popularity: #520
Kylo
- Name meaning: A variation of Kyle, which means narrow land.
- Popularity: #526
Mack or Mac
- Name meaning: Son of.
- Popularity: Mack ranks #470 and Mac is #673.
Milo or Mylo
- Name meaning: Dear or beloved. Soldier.
- Popularity: Milo ranks #127 and Mylo is #745.
Navy
- Name meaning: Dark blue. Branch of the military.
- Popularity: This cute and unique N name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #452 for girls.
Nico or Niko
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: Nico ranks #259 and Niko is #291.
Novi
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: This adorable name isn’t ranking.
Quinn
- Name meaning: Descendant of Conn.
- Popularity: This cute unique name ranks #405 for boys and #80 for girls.
Reid or Reed
- Name meaning: Red-haired. A tall grass.
- Popularity: Reid ranks #299 and Reed is #416.
Rigby
- Name meaning: Ridge farm.
- Popularity: This cute and unique R name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Shiloh
- Name meaning: Tranquil. Peaceful.
- Popularity: This S name ranks #581 for boys and #410 for girls.
Tag
- Name meaning: From the acronym “touch and go”.
- Popularity: This cute T name isn’t ranking.
Tovi
- Name meaning: Good.
- Popularity: This friendly baby name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Wylie
- Name meaning: Clever.
- Popularity: This cute unique W name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Ziggy
- Name meaning: Victory.
- Popularity: This Z name isn’t ranking.
If you like these cute unique boy names (2024) you might also like this list of one-syllable names.
Unique short names for boys (2024)
The following unique boy names of 2024 are comprised of only 3 or 4 letters.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Abel
- Name meaning: Breath.
- Popularity: #196
Aldo
- Name meaning: Wise or noble.
- Popularity: #983
Alec
- Name meaning: Defender.
- Popularity: #682
Amos
- Name meaning: To carry. Borne by God.
- Popularity: #603
Avi
- Name meaning: Father.
- Popularity: #788
Bode
- Name meaning: Might mean messenger or enlightenment.
- Popularity: #823
Bond
- Name meaning: Peasant farmer. (This name brings to mind James Bond!)
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking.
Cain
- Name meaning: Possessed or produced. A Biblical figure.
- Popularity: #956
Cash or Kash
- Name meaning: Money. Short for Cassius, meaning empty or vain.
- Popularity: Cash ranks #253 and Kash is #240.
Cruz
- Name meaning: Cross.
- Popularity: #297
Dex
- Name meaning: Short for Dexter, meaning skillful or right-handed.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking. (Dexter ranks #533).
Emil
- Name meaning: Rival. Eager. Excel.
- Popularity: This unique baby boy name isn’t ranking.
Grey
- Name meaning: Either a color or short for Greyson, meaning son of the steward.
- Popularity: #716
Hale
- Name meaning: Hollow dweller.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hyde
- Name meaning: Someone living on a hide of land.
- Popularity: This short and unique name isn’t ranking.
Iker
- Name meaning: Visitation.
- Popularity: #481
Jax or Jaxx
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: Jax ranks #243 and Jaxx is #918.
Joah
- Name meaning: God is his brother.
- Popularity: This short unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Judd
- Name meaning: Flowing down or praised.
- Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.
Jude
- Name meaning: Short for Judah, meaning praised.
- Popularity: #150
Kane or Kain or Kaine
- Name meaning: Warrior.
- Popularity: Kane ranks #329. Kain and Kaine aren’t ranking. Cain ranks #956.
Kato
- Name meaning: Wise.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kent
- Name meaning: Edge or border.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2003.
Keon
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This short unique name last ranked in 2011.
Kian
- Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
- Popularity: Kian ranks #453 and Kiaan ranks #752.
Kiel
- Name meaning: Short for Ezekiel, meaning God will strengthen.
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking.
Koa
- Name meaning: Warrior.
- Popularity: #546
Kobe
- Name meaning: Supplanter. God’s door. God may protect. Tortoise. A large city in Japan.
- Popularity: #298
Kona
- Name meaning: Toward the side sheltered from the wind.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kota
- Name meaning: Happiness. Good luck.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Leif
- Name meaning: Heir or descendant.
- Popularity: #992
Lex
- Name meaning: Short for Alexander, meaning defender.
- Popularity: This cool unique name isn’t ranking.
Lyle
- Name meaning: Island dweller.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2019.
Nero
- Name meaning: One of Rome’s most infamous emperors.
- Popularity: This super unique name isn’t ranking.
Odin or Oden
- Name meaning: A god in Germanic mythology.
- Popularity: Odin ranks #327 and Oden isn’t ranking.
Otis
- Name meaning: Wealth. Son of Ode.
- Popularity: #647
Ozzy
- Name meaning: Short for Oswald, Osborn or Osmond.
- Popularity: #712
Pax
- Name meaning: Peace town.
- Popularity: This short unique boys’ name isn’t ranking. Paxton ranks #255.
Rex
- Name meaning: King. (Also reminiscent of the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex).
- Popularity: #696
Vale
- Name meaning: Valley.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Vito
- Name meaning: Life.
- Popularity: This short unique name isn’t ranking.
Yosi or Yoshi
- Name meaning:
- Popularity: Neither version of this baby name is ranking.
Yuri
- Name meaning: Lily. Russian variation of George.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Zaid or Zayd
- Name meaning: To increase.
- Popularity: Zaid ranks #666 and Zayd is #803.
Zeke
- Name meaning: God will strengthen.
- Popularity: #619
Zion or Zyon
- Name meaning: Hill of Jerusalem.
- Popularity: Zion ranks #136 and Zyon is #938.
Zylo
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
If you like these 3- and 4-letter unique boy names for 2024 you might also like this huge list of short names.
Very rare unique boy names (2024)
The following male names are still extremely rare in 2024—they’e never been ranked in the top 1000 baby names—and they’re actually cool!
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Abbott
- Name meaning: Father.
- Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.
Arrow
- Name meaning: Object shot from a bow.
- Popularity: This unique boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Brenner
- Name meaning: Charcoal burner.
- Popularity: This 2-syllable boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Calix or Calyx
- Name meaning: Husk or pod.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this very rare baby name is ranking.
Carden
- Name meaning: Wood carder (one who prepares fibers for processing).
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Crimson
- Name meaning: Dark red.
- Popularity: This rare and unique name isn’t ranking.
Eagan
- Name meaning: Fiery or son of fire.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Evander
- Name meaning: Good man. Also a South African town.
- Popularity: This 3-syllable boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Fielder
- Name meaning: Dweller in open land.
- Popularity: This very rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hamilton
- Name meaning: Treeless hill or crooked hill.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hawk
- Name meaning: Bird of prey.
- Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Holt
- Name meaning: Grove of trees.
- Popularity: This rare unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hutton
- Name meaning: Ridge enclosure.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kenner
- Name meaning: Connoisseur.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Lynx
- Name meaning: A wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears. A constellation.
- Popularity: This rare baby name isn’t ranking.
Lyon
- Name meaning: Lion or brave.
- Popularity: This French boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Mayer or Meyer
- Name meaning: Superior.
- Popularity: This rare unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Mayes
- Name meaning: Child of May. Might be related to “maize” (like corn).
- Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.
Merritt
- Name meaning: Boundary gate.
- Popularity: This fancy boy name isn’t ranking.
Patton
- Name meaning: Fighter’s town
- Popularity: This boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Radigan
- Name meaning: To uproot. Someone who lives on a patch of cleared land.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.
Renley
- Name meaning: Invented name. Renley Baratheon is a character in Game of Thrones.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Rivo
- Name meaning: Stream.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Ryman
- Name meaning: Woodland clearing. (The Ryman Auditorium is a famous concert venue in Nashville).
- Popularity: This very rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Sagan
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings: kettle, noisy man, wise one.
- Popularity: This very rare unique name isn’t ranking.
Smith
- Name meaning: Blacksmith.
- Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.
Tilden
- Name meaning: Person from a valley. A regional park in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Triton
- Name meaning: God of the Sea. King Triton is a character in The Little Mermaid.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these very rare unique boy names you might also like this list of badass names.
Strong unique boy names in 2024
These unique male names for 2024 not only sound powerful but have meanings related to strength, bravery, and greatness.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Alistair or Allister
- Name meaning: Defender.
- Popularity: Allistair ranks #898 and Allister isn’t ranking.
Alpha
- Name meaning: First letter of the Greek alphabet. Socially dominant.
- Popularity: This unique boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Augustus
- Name meaning: Magnificent.
- Popularity: #457
Axton
- Name meaning: Swordsman’s stone.
- Popularity: #602
Brant
- Name meaning: Sword.
- Popularity: This boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2001.
Bryant
- Name meaning: Noble, virtuous, strong.
- Popularity: #795
Caden or Cayden or Caiden
- Name meaning: Battle. Round.
- Popularity: Caden ranks #230 and Caiden is #419.
Cannon or Kannon
- Name meaning: Artillery.
- Popularity: Cannon ranks #504 and Kannon is #594.
Carlin
- Name meaning: Little champion.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Chasen
- Name meaning: Hunter.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
Darren
- Name meaning: Little great one.
- Popularity: #804
Darrow
- Name meaning: Spear.
- Popularity: This cool unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Denzel
- Name meaning: Might mean tall fortress.
- Popularity: This strong name last ranked in 2013.
Diego
- Name meaning: One who takes the place of another. Spanish version of James.
- Popularity: #126
Donnell
- Name meaning: Great chief.
- Popularity: This baby name hasn’t ranked since 2001.
Duncan
- Name meaning: Dark warrior.
- Popularity: #983
Duran or Durant
- Name meaning: Enduring.
- Popularity: Neither version of this unique boys’ name is ranking.
Eitan
- Name meaning: Hebrew version of Ethan, meaning long-lived, strong, or firm.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Farrell
- Name meaning: Man of valor.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Garren
- Name meaning: Guardian.
- Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.
Griffin
- Name meaning: A fierce or dangerous person.
- Popularity: #232
Gunner or Gunnar
- Name meaning: Battle fighter.
- Popularity: Gunner ranks #324 and Gunnar is #540.
Gunther
- Name meaning: Battle fighter.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hogan
- Name meaning: Young warrior.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Iverson
- Name meaning: Warrior. Son of Iver. Yew tree.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kendrick
- Name meaning: Greatest champion. Family ruler.
- Popularity: #429
Kenji
- Name meaning: Intelligent second son. Strong and vigorous.
- Popularity: #849
Lorcan
- Name meaning: Little fierce one.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is #137 in Ireland.
Magnus
- Name meaning: Great.
- Popularity: #728
Maximilian
- Name meaning: The greatest.
- Popularity: #547
Maximo
- Name meaning: The greatest.
- Popularity: #731
Maxton
- Name meaning: Greatest or greatest town.
- Popularity: #994
Titan
- Name meaning: The largest moon of the planet Saturn. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the children of deities Uranus (heaven) and Gaea (earth).
- Popularity: #741
Tyson
- Name meaning: Nickname for someone with a fiery personality.
- Popularity: #353
Valentino or Valentin
- Name meaning: Strength.
- Popularity: Valentino ranks #561 and Valentin is #821.
Xander or Zander
- Name meaning: Protector.
- Popularity: Xander ranks #187 and Zander is #293.
If you like these strength-related unique boys’ names for 2024 you’ll also like this huge list of strong names.
Familiar-sounding [but unique] boy names
Several of these unique names will ring a bell for one reason or another.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Alden
- Name meaning: Wise friend or old.
- Popularity: #680
Atticus
- Name meaning: Person from Athens.
- Popularity: #266
Barnett
- Name meaning: Clearing of woodland by burning. Son of Bernard.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Baylor
- Name meaning: Person who delivers goods. Horse trainer. A university in Texas.
- Popularity: #408
Beckham
- Name meaning: An English surname that might mean ‘from the homestead.’
- Popularity: #222
Benson
- Name meaning: Son of Ben.
- Popularity: #585
Blaine
- Name meaning: Slender.
- Popularity: #986
Blaise
- Name meaning: To stutter.
- Popularity: #999
Braxton
- Name meaning: Brock’s settlement.
- Popularity: #146
Brecken
- Name meaning: Freckled.
- Popularity: #922
Briggs
- Name meaning: Bridges.
- Popularity: #372
Bronson
- Name meaning: Son of the brown-haired one.
- Popularity: #863
Bryson or Brycen
- Name meaning: Son of Brice.
- Popularity: Bryson ranks #122 and Brycen is #667.
Clinton
- Name meaning: Fenced settlement.
- Popularity: This name last ranked in 2014.
Curran
- Name meaning: An Irish surname.
- Popularity: #543
Damian or Damien
- Name meaning: To tame.
- Popularity: Damian ranks #113 and Damien is #280.
Emmett or Emmitt
- Name meaning: Universal.
- Popularity: Emmett ranks #103 and Emmitt ranks #544.
Fletcher
- Name meaning: Arrow maker.
- Popularity: #655
Gannon
- Name meaning: White or fair.
- Popularity: This Irish name last ranked in 2018.
Garrison
- Name meaning: Son of Garret.
- Popularity: This name last ranked in 2014.
Gibson
- Name meaning: Son of Gilbert. Also a famous guitar company.
- Popularity: This unique boy’s name last ranked in 2018.
Gideon
- Name meaning: One who cuts down.
- Popularity: #310
Harris
- Name meaning: Son of Harry.
- Popularity: #996
Huxley
- Name meaning: Inhospitable place. A small rural village in England.
- Popularity: #586
Idris
- Name meaning: Lord or studious.
- Popularity: #856
Jagger
- Name meaning: Carter.
- Popularity: #771
Jasper
- Name meaning: Treasurer. Also a gemstone.
- Popularity: #128
Jensen
- Name meaning: Son of Jens (John).
- Popularity: #303
Judah
- Name meaning: Praised.
- Popularity: #183
Judson
- Name meaning: Son of Jordan or Judd.
- Popularity: #878
Julius
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: #319
Keegan or Kegan
- Name meaning: Son of Aodhagán, meaning fire.
- Popularity: Keegan ranks #494 and Kegan isn’t ranking.
Keenan or Kenan
- Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
- Popularity: Keenan ranks #994 and Kenan isn’t ranking.
Kenzo
- Name meaning: Wise. Healthy. Humble. Three.
- Popularity: #530
Kieran
- Name meaning: Little dark one.
- Popularity: #517
Kyson
- Name meaning: Son of Ky or Kyle.
- Popularity: #467
Lawson
- Name meaning: Son of Lawrence.
- Popularity: #362
Mccoy
- Name meaning: Fire.
- Popularity: #818
Miller
- Name meaning: Grain grinder.
- Popularity: #591
Paxton
- Name meaning: Peace town.
- Popularity: #255
Porter
- Name meaning: Gatekeeper (occupation).
- Popularity: #441
Quincy
- Name meaning: Estate of the fifth child.
- Popularity: #631
Reno
- Name meaning: Might mean born again. (A nickname for other longer names). A city in Nevada best known for its casinos and tourism.
- Popularity: This baby name hasn’t ranked since 1926.
Reeves
- Name meaning: Bailiff.
- Popularity: This sophisticated name isn’t ranking.
Riggs
- Name meaning: One who lives by the ridge.
- Popularity: #786
Rocco
- Name meaning: Rest.
- Popularity: #502
Ruben or Reuben
- Name meaning: Behold, a son.
- Popularity: Ruben ranks #460 and Reuben is #883.
Stetson
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
- Popularity: #371
Tanner
- Name meaning: Leather tanner (occupation).
- Popularity: #358
Thatcher
- Name meaning: One who makes roofs from straw.
- Popularity: #813
Titus
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown. (This was a common name in Roman history).
- Popularity: #361
Tripp
- Name meaning: The third.
- Popularity: #445
Turner
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings: maker of objects of wood or metal, nickname for a fast runner, an official in charge of a tournament.
- Popularity: #942
Watson
- Name meaning: Son of Walter.
- Popularity: #596
Waylon
- Name meaning: Roadside land.
- Popularity: #69
If you like this batch of unique boy names you’ll also like this list of edgy names.
Unique earthy names for boys
The following unique boys’ names have meanings related to mountains, valleys, and hillsides.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Alpine
- Name meaning: Relating to mountains. A type of plant.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.
Barlow
- Name meaning: Bare hillside.
- Popularity: This cool male name isn’t ranking.
Boden
- Name meaning: Hill.
- Popularity: Boden ranks #827. Bowden and Beauden aren’t ranking.
Brent
- Name meaning: Dweller near burnt land.
- Popularity: This earthy boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2016.
Calloway or Callaway
- Name meaning: Place of pebbles.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Canyon or Kanyon
- Name meaning: A gorge (usually with a river flowing through).
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this unique boys’ name is ranking.
Dallin or Dallen
- Name meaning: From the valley.
- Popularity: Dallin last ranked in 2005. Dallen isn’t ranking.
Holden
- Name meaning: Hollow valley.
- Popularity: #236
Onyx
- Name meaning: A layered black stone.
- Popularity: #406
Ridge
- Name meaning: A chain of mountains or hills.
- Popularity: #558
Slade
- Name meaning: From the valley.
- Popularity: This boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2010.
Slate
- Name meaning: Grayish rock.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.
Stone
- Name meaning: Rock.
- Popularity: This solid name last ranked in 2019.
Vance
- Name meaning: From the marsh.
- Popularity: #943
If you like these unique earth-inspired names for boys you’ll also like this huge list of earthy boy names.
Sky-inspired unique boy names
The following unique names have meanings related to the sun, stars, moon, and weather.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Abner
- Name meaning: Father of light, creator of the sun and stars.
- Popularity: #974
Ciro
- Name meaning: Italian version of Cyrus, meaning sun.
- Popularity: This Italian boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Cyrus
- Name meaning: Sun.
- Popularity: #350
Kamari or Kamar
- Name meaning: Like the moon.
- Popularity: Kamari ranks #391 for boys and #820 for girls. Kamar isn’t ranking.
Keanu
- Name meaning: Cool breeze.
- Popularity: #532
Lucian
- Name meaning: Light.
- Popularity: #595
Orion
- Name meaning: A giant in Greek mythology. A constellation of a hunter.
- Popularity: #314
Samson
- Name meaning: Sun.
- Popularity: #590
Sirius
- Name meaning: Glowing. This is the brightest star in the night sky.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Storm
- Name meaning: Weather event.
- Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.
Zorin
- Name meaning: Golden dawn.
- Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.
If you like these sky-related unique boy names you’ll also like these outer space baby names.
Bird-inspired unique boy names
The following unique names for boys have meanings related to birds!
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Adler
- Name meaning: Eagle.
- Popularity: #910
Branson
- Name meaning: Son of the raven.
- Popularity: #931
Brennan
- Name meaning: Raven, sorrow, drop, or brave.
- Popularity: #871
Callum or Calum
- Name meaning: Dove.
- Popularity: Callum ranks #273 and Calum is #838.
Corbett
- Name meaning: Raven.
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking.
Corbin or Corben or Korbin or Korbyn
- Name meaning: Crow.
- Popularity: Corbin ranks #366 and Corben isn’t ranking. Korbin ranks #859 and Korbyn is #991.
Corvus
- Name meaning: Raven.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Falcon
- Name meaning: Bird.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Falkner
- Name meaning: Falcon trainer
- Popularity: This uncommon boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Gavin
- Name meaning: White hawk.
- Popularity: #173
Ibis
- Name meaning: A large wading bird.
- Popularity: This unique I name isn’t ranking.
Ingram
- Name meaning: Raven.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
Jonah
- Name meaning: Dove.
- Popularity: #140
Phoenix
- Name meaning: A mythical bird that rises from the ashes and is born again. The name also means dark red.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #248 for boys and #308 for girls.
Remington
- Name meaning: Raven.
- Popularity: This cool name ranks #231 for boys and #348 for girls.
Talon
- Name meaning: Claw of a bird of prey.
- Popularity: #796
If you like these bird-related unique boy names you’ll also like this huge list of bird baby names.
Animal-inspired unique boy names
This next batch of ferocious (but totally adorable) unique names for boys have meanings related to animals.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Barrett
- Name meaning: Bear strength.
- Popularity: #192
Beckett
- Name meaning: Beehive.
- Popularity: #198
Calton
- Name meaning: Calf settlement.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Channing
- Name meaning: Young wolf or church official.
- Popularity: This baby name hasn’t ranked since 2017.
Colter
- Name meaning: One who looks after horses.
- Popularity: #627
Conall
- Name meaning: Strong wolf.
- Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is #101 in Ireland.
Drake
- Name meaning: Dragon. Also a male duck.
- Popularity: #568
Fox
- Name meaning: Wild animal.
- Popularity: #939
Hershel or Herschel
- Name meaning: Deer.
- Popularity: This very rare unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hirsch
- Name meaning: Deer.
- Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Leander
- Name meaning: Lion man.
- Popularity: This Greek boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Leon
- Name meaning: Greek version of Leo, meaning Lion.
- Popularity: #177
Leonel or Lionel
- Name meaning: Young lion.
- Popularity: Leonel ranks #374 and Lionel is #663.
Leonidas
- Name meaning: Lion-like or son of a lion.
- Popularity: #448
Orson
- Name meaning: Bear.
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking.
Tiger
- Name meaning: The largest member of the cat family.
- Popularity: This fierce boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Wolf
- Name meaning: A large canine.
- Popularity: This cool unique name isn’t ranking.
Zev
- Name meaning: Wolf.
- Popularity: #996
If you like these animal-related unique boy names you’ll also like this huge list of hippie names.
Water-inspired unique boy names
The following unique names for boys have meanings related to rivers, streams, boats, and the sea!
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Banks
- Name meaning: Riverbank dweller.
- Popularity: #503
Beck
- Name meaning: Stream.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Calder
- Name meaning: Rough waters.
- Popularity: This cool but rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Cove
- Name meaning: A sheltered bay.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Dorian
- Name meaning: Several possible meanings: Child of the sea. From Dorus, a legendary Greek hero. From Doris, a district of Ancient Greece.
- Popularity: #567
Ford
- Name meaning: River crossing.
- Popularity: #439
Kano
- Name meaning: Might mean god of the waters, capability, or masculine power. The second largest city in Nigeria.
- Popularity: This cool K name isn’t ranking.
Kelton
- Name meaning: Town of keels (part of a boat).
- Popularity: This uncommon baby name last ranked in 2008.
Murphy
- Name meaning: Sea warrior.
- Popularity: For boys, this M name last ranked in 2020. It currently ranks #716 for girls.
Ocean
- Name meaning: Body of water.
- Popularity: This unique O name ranks #711 for boys and #877 for girls.
Rio
- Name meaning: River. Rio de Janeiro is a city in Brazil.
- Popularity: #672
River
- Name meaning: Stream of water.
- Popularity: This unique water name ranks #110 for boys and #151 for girls.
Saylor or Sailor
- Name meaning: Boat worker.
- Popularity: Neither of these names is ranking for boys. Saylor ranks #258 for girls and Sailor isn’t ranking.
Trent
- Name meaning: Flooder. One who lives on a riverbank.
- Popularity: This baby boy name last ranked in 2020.
Truett
- Name meaning: Dry resinous wood. River bend.
- Popularity: #914
Wade
- Name meaning: To go. To walk through water.
- Popularity: #325
Wells
- Name meaning: Spring or person who lives near a spring.
- Popularity: #479
Zyaire or Zaire or Zyair
- Name meaning: River.
- Popularity: Zyaire ranks #387, Zaire is #524, and Zyair is #765.
If you like these water-related unique boy names you’ll also like this huge list of water names.
Unique boy names inspired by plants & trees
These next unique names for boys have meanings related to trees, flowers, and vegetation.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Alder
- Name meaning: A tree in the birch family. Fun fact: an alder tree’s wood is used to make electric guitars.
- Popularity: This tree baby name isn’t ranking.
Benton
- Name meaning: Town in the bent grass.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2017.
Birch
- Name meaning: Tree.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.
Braddox or Braddock
- Name meaning: Broad oak tree.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Cedar
- Name meaning: Large fast-growing evergreen tree.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Cullen
- Name meaning: Holly tree. (This name makes me think of Twilight).
- Popularity: #742
Cylas
- Name meaning: Spelling variation of Silas, meaning forest.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking. (Silas ranks #91 and Sylas is #536.)
Fabian
- Name meaning: Fava bean.
- Popularity: #447
Forrester
- Name meaning: Woodsman.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Foster
- Name meaning: Forester.
- Popularity: #963
Garland
- Name meaning: Flower wreath.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hollis
- Name meaning: Dweller near holly trees.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Holmes
- Name meaning: Might mean someone who lives next to a holly tree.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Huntley
- Name meaning: Hunter’s meadow.
- Popularity: This cute unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kalix
- Name meaning: Husk or pod.
- Popularity: Kalix isn’t ranking for either gender. Neither is Calix or Calyx.
Kamal
- Name meaning: Lotus. Pale red. Perfection, superiority, accomplishment, beauty.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Kiefer
- Name meaning: Pine tree. Overseer of a wine cellar.
- Popularity: This German boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Leland
- Name meaning: Cultivated land.
- Popularity: #430
Lennox
- Name meaning: Elm field.
- Popularity: This cool unique name ranks #254 for boys and #599 for girls.
Oak
- Name meaning: Large trees with long lifespans.
- Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.
Oren or Orin or Orrin
- Name meaning: Ash or pine tree. Little pale green one.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Perrin
- Name meaning: Rock or pear tree.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Perry
- Name meaning: Dweller near a pear tree.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2006.
Quince
- Name meaning: A type of shrub in the rose family. Means “apple-like fruit”.
- Popularity: This unique plant name isn’t ranking.
Radley
- Name meaning: Red meadow.
- Popularity: This rad name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Ramsay or Ramsey
- Name meaning: Low-lying land. Also means garlic island… good for keeping away vampires!
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Rayan
- Name meaning: Watered, plentiful, or heaven’s flower.
- Popularity: #662
Rhode or Rhodes
- Name meaning: Where roses grow. Woodland clearing.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this rare boys’ name is ranking.
Rosen
- Name meaning: Roses.
- Popularity: This unique first name isn’t ranking.
Sage
- Name meaning: Grayish green herb. Wise.
- Popularity: This organic name ranks #427 for boys and #179 for girls.
Timber
- Name meaning: Growing trees. Wood suitable for building.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these botanical unique boy names you’ll also like this huge list of plant baby names.
Unique spiritual names for boys
The following unique boy names are perfect for families of faith.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Adriel
- Name meaning: Belonging to God.
- Popularity: #154
Amadeo or Amadeus
- Name meaning: Love of God.
- Popularity: Neither version of this boy’s name is ranking.
Bishop
- Name meaning: Senior member of the Christian clergy.
- Popularity: #998
Callahan
- Name meaning: Bright-headed or lover of churches.
- Popularity: #659
Carsten or Karsten
- Name meaning: Christian.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this unique boys’ name is ranking.
Cohen or Coen or Kohen or Koen
- Name meaning: Priest.
- Popularity: Cohen ranks #287 and Coen is #939. Kohen ranks #589. Koen last ranked in 2014.
Croix
- Name meaning: Cross.
- Popularity: This cool unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Crosby
- Name meaning: Settlement with crosses.
- Popularity: #932
Deacon
- Name meaning: Messenger. Helper. A member of the Christian ministry.
- Popularity: #473
Declan
- Name meaning: Man of prayer.
- Popularity: #105
Elian
- Name meaning: Dutch version of Elijah, meaning Yahweh is God.
- Popularity: #365
Godwin
- Name meaning: Friend of God.
- Popularity: This unique G name isn’t ranking.
Halston
- Name meaning: Holy stone.
- Popularity: This cool boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Joaquin
- Name meaning: Spanish version of Joachim, meaning God has granted.
- Popularity: #308
Johan
- Name meaning: German version of John, meaning graced by God.
- Popularity: #628
Jovian
- Name meaning: Graced by God.
- Popularity: This unique J name isn’t ranking.
Kyler or Kylar
- Name meaning: Church. Monk’s cell.
- Popularity: Kyler ranks #242 and Kylar isn’t ranking.
Makai
- Name meaning: Who is like God.
- Popularity: #545
Malachi or Malakai
- Name meaning: My messenger.
- Popularity: Malachi ranks #167 and Malakai is #256.
Micah
- Name meaning: Who is like God.
- Popularity: #107
Nehemiah
- Name meaning: God comforts.
- Popularity: #410
Osborn
- Name meaning: Bear of God.
- Popularity: This very rare unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Prescott
- Name meaning: Priest’s cottage.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Saint
- Name meaning: A holy or virtuous person.
- Popularity: #454
Santino
- Name meaning: Little saint.
- Popularity: #417
Tadeo
- Name meaning: Spanish version of Thaddeus, meaning gift of God.
- Popularity: #599
Topher
- Name meaning: Short for Christopher, meaning bearer of Christ.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these religious unique male names you may also like this list of Christmas + winter names.
Geography-inspired unique boy names
These unique male names come from locations across the globe.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Brenton
- Name meaning: A place in England.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2013.
Bretton
- Name meaning: From Brittany, France.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Brighton
- Name meaning: Bright town. A resort town on the coast of England.
- Popularity: This very rare unique name isn’t ranking.
Brixton
- Name meaning: A part of London.
- Popularity: #548
Cairo or Kyro or Kairo
- Name meaning: Victorious. The capital of Egypt.
- Popularity: Cairo ranks #323. Kairo ranks #755 and Kyro is #755.
Caspian
- Name meaning: The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water.
- Popularity: #709
Dakota
- Name meaning: Friend or ally. North and South Dakota are midwestern states.
- Popularity: This D name ranks #344 for boys and #270 for girls.
Dallas
- Name meaning: Skilled. A city in northern Texas.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #270 for boys and #635 for girls.
Dayton
- Name meaning: A city in western Ohio.
- Popularity: #977
Dax
- Name meaning: A town in southwestern France.
- Popularity: #463
Denver
- Name meaning: Place in Colorado meaning green valley.
- Popularity: This unique name ranks #505 for boys and #776 for girls.
Hartford
- Name meaning: Shallow place in a river where deer roam. The capital of Connecticut.
- Popularity: This city name, chosen by Stassi Schroeder for her daughter, isn’t currently ranking for either gender.
Hastings
- Name meaning: High stone. A seaside town in England.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Holland
- Name meaning: Wooden land. Part of the Netherlands.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #638 for girls.
Houston
- Name meaning: Hugh’s town. A large city in Texas.
- Popularity: #629
Israel
- Name meaning: Fighter of God. A country regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
- Popularity: #234
London
- Name meaning: From the great river. The capital of England and the United Kingdom.
- Popularity: London ranks #864 for boys. For girls, Londyn ranks #206 and London is #219
Memphis
- Name meaning: Enduring and beautiful. A city in Tennessee.
- Popularity: #404
Milan
- Name meaning: A city in Italy known for fashion.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #388 for boys and #655 for girls.
Nile or Niall or Niles
- Name meaning: Champion. The longest river in Africa.
- Popularity: None of these unique boy names are ranking.
Penn
- Name meaning: An enclosure. Short for Pennsylvania.
- Popularity: This cute unique boy name isn’t ranking.
Portland
- Name meaning: Land near a port. The largest city in Oregon.
- Popularity: This cool P name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Princeton
- Name meaning: Prince town. An Ivy League university.
- Popularity: #477
Salem
- Name meaning: Peace or safety. The capital of Oregon. Famous for the witch trials in Massachusetts.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #718 for boys and #506 for girls.
Townes
- Name meaning: Settlement.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these geography-related unique boy names you’ll also like this huge list of city names.
Unique invented names for boys
These unique male baby names are modern inventions.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Artéo
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This very rare unique boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Braxon or Braxson
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Neither version of this cool boys’ name is ranking.
Brayan
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #912
Braylen or Braylon
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Braylen ranks #464 and Braylon is #478.
Cason or Cayson or Casen
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Cason ranks #663, Cayson is #634, and Casen isn’t ranking.
Dariel
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #549
Davion or Davian
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Davion ranks #899 and Davian is #1000.
Daxon or Daxson
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This male name isn’t ranking.
Daxter
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.
Daxton
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #300
Everson
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This unique boy name isn’t ranking.
Jaylen or Jalen
- Name meaning: Invented name that might mean calm or healing.
- Popularity: Jaylen is #318 and Jalen is #515.
Jaxton or Jaxtyn
- Name meaning: Modern invented name.
- Popularity: Jaxton ranks #456 and Jaxtyn is #935.
Kace or Kase or Kayce
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Kace ranks #791 and Kase is #825.
Kashton
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #437
Kayson or Kason or Kasen
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Kayson is #283, Kason ranks #426, Kasen is #474, Kaison is #454, and Kaysen is #580. That’s a lot of variations!
Kylan or Kylen
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Kylan ranks #572 and Kylen is #929.
Raylan
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #641
Zayden or Zaiden
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Zayden ranks #204 and Zaiden is #506.
If you like these invented unique names for boys you might also like this list of exotic boy names.
Unique boy names with royal meanings
These unique baby boy names mean royalty, ruler, and nobility.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Ansel
- Name meaning: Follower of a nobleman. With divine protection.
- Popularity: This boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Baron or Barron
- Name meaning: A member of the British nobility, also known as a lord. (This is the name of Donald Trump’s youngest son).
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this unique name is ranking. Baron last ranked in 2008.
Darius or Dario
- Name meaning: Possessing goodness. Rich and kingly.
- Popularity: Darius ranks #636 and Dario is #684.
Fritz
- Name meaning: A nickname for Friedrich or Frederick, meaning peaceful ruler.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is popular in Germany.
Gentry
- Name meaning: Aristocracy.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Henrik
- Name meaning: Danish and Hungarian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
- Popularity: #882
Kaiser or Kaizer or Kyzer or Kyser
- Name meaning: Emperor.
- Popularity: Kaiser ranks #793. Kaizer, Kyzer, and Kyser aren’t ranking.
Kingston
- Name meaning: King’s town.
- Popularity: #112
Kyron
- Name meaning: Might mean hand, little dark one, ruler, or leader.
- Popularity: This cool name last ranked in 2011.
Malik
- Name meaning: King.
- Popularity: #393
Merrick
- Name meaning: Fame and power.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Royce
- Name meaning: Son of the king.
- Popularity: #392
Tiernan
- Name meaning: Little lord.
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is #92 in Ireland.
If you like these regal unique baby boy names you’ll also like this huge list of royal boy names.
Unique gender-neutral baby names
The following unique names would work for a boy or a girl.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Arden
- Name meaning: From the eagle valley. Forest.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking for boys and last ranked for girls in 2019.
Aspen
- Name meaning: A tree with heart-shaped leaves. A ski resort town in Colorado.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #201 for girls.
Aster
- Name meaning: A daisy-like flower. Derived from the Greek word for star.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking for either gender.
August
- Name meaning: Magnificent.
- Popularity: This A name ranks #121 for boys and #843 for girls.
Berkley or Berkeley
- Name meaning: Meadow of birch trees. Berkeley is a city in Northern California.
- Popularity: Neither of these B names is ranking for boys. Berkley ranks #793 for girls.
Briar
- Name meaning: A thorny plant (such as roses and blackberries) with prickly stems.
- Popularity: This unusual name ranks #713 for boys and #515 for girls.
Dalton
- Name meaning: Settlement in the valley.
- Popularity: This unique name ranks #518 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.
Eden
- Name meaning: The garden of Eden. Place of pleasure.
- Popularity: This baby name ranks #501 for boys and #121 for girls.
Elliott or Elliot
- Name meaning: The Lord is my God.
- Popularity: Elliott ranks #169 and Elliot ranks #160. For girls, Elliott ranks #479 and Elliot is #574.
Ellis
- Name meaning: Benevolent.
- Popularity: This E name ranks #321 for boys and #594 for girls.
Emerson
- Name meaning: Son of Emery.
- Popularity: This unique name ranks #279 for boys. For girls, Emerson ranks #167 and Emersyn is #148.
Fallon
- Name meaning: Descended from a ruler.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for boys and ranks #725 for girls.
Hayden or Haden
- Name meaning: Heather or hay valley.
- Popularity: Hayden ranks #176 for boys and #290 for girls. Haden is not ranking for either gender.
Indigo
- Name meaning: Blue or Indian dye.
- Popularity: This neutral name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Keller
- Name meaning: Cellar master. Overseer of the household.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Kendall
- Name meaning: Royal valley. Valley of the river Kent.
- Popularity: This name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2018. It currently ranks #305 for girls.
Kennedy
- Name meaning: Helmeted chief.
- Popularity: This presidential name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2005. It currently ranks #70 for girls.
Kennon or Kennan
- Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this unique name is ranking for boys or girls.
Kingsley
- Name meaning: King’s meadow.
- Popularity: This name ranks #705 for boys and is not ranking for girls.
Layton or Leighton
- Name meaning: Town by the meadow.
- Popularity: For boys, Layton ranks #630 and Leighton is #378. For girls, Leighton ranks #378.
Mckinley
- Name meaning: Child of the fair hero. Presidential name.
- Popularity: This Scottish baby name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #543 for girls.
Monroe
- Name meaning: Mouth of the Roe river. Presidential name.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #525 for girls.
Noe
- Name meaning: Peaceful.
- Popularity: This name ranks #800 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.
Peyton
- Name meaning: Fighter’s estate.
- Popularity: Peyton ranks #471 for boys and #99 for girls.
Reagan
- Name meaning: Little king.
- Popularity: This name hasn’t ranked for boys since 2017. It currently ranks #126 for girls.
Ridley
- Name meaning: Cleared wood.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Ripley
- Name meaning: Strip of clearing in the woods.
- Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Ryder
- Name meaning: Horseman.
- Popularity: Ryder ranks #111 for boys and #993 for girls.
Rylan or Ryland
- Name meaning: Island meadow or rye land.
- Popularity: For boys, Rylan ranks #338 and Ryland is #566. For girls, Rylan ranks #950 and Ryland isn’t ranking.
Sutton
- Name meaning: Southern settlement.
- Popularity: Sutton ranks #541 for boys and #244 for girls.
Tierney
- Name meaning: Lord.
- Popularity: This very rare unique name isn’t ranking for either gender.
If you like these gender-neutral unique baby names you’ll also like this huge list of nonbinary names.
Unique baby boy names no one has
Here are some more very rare unique boy names that will (hopefully!) ensure that your kiddo doesn’t go by his last initial in school.
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Adrius
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
- Popularity: This unique boy’s name isn’t ranking.
Aurelius
- Name meaning: Golden.
- Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.
Baylon
- Name meaning: Unknown.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
Bolton
- Name meaning: Settlement with a dwelling. A large town in North West England.
- Popularity: This cool unique name isn’t ranking.
Borden
- Name meaning: From the boar pasture.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Caius
- Name meaning: Rejoice.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Clifton
- Name meaning: Town on a cliff.
- Popularity: This baby name last ranked in 2003.
Corwin
- Name meaning: Friend of the heart.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Cutler
- Name meaning: Maker of knives. (This name reminds me of the football player).
- Popularity: This unique first name isn’t ranking.
Dashiell or Dashell or Dashel
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: None of these spellings are ranking.
Denton
- Name meaning: Village in a valley.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Dixon
- Name meaning: Son of Richard.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Drago
- Name meaning: Precious or dear one.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Draper
- Name meaning: A person who sells cloth.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Ellington
- Name meaning: Ellis town.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Farrow
- Name meaning: Iron worker.
- Popularity: This unique male name isn’t ranking.
Fenmore
- Name meaning: Dear love.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Foley
- Name meaning: Plunderer (looter).
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Galen
- Name meaning: Calm or healer.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Grafton
- Name meaning: Grove settlement.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Granger
- Name meaning: Granary worker.
- Popularity: This unusual male name isn’t ranking.
Heston
- Name meaning: Brushwood settlement.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Jeter
- Name meaning: To throw.
- Popularity: This unique first name isn’t ranking.
Jetson
- Name meaning: Son of Jet.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Keane
- Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.
Kipton
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown. Probably an occupational name.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Levin or Levon
- Name meaning: Dear friend.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this unique first name is ranking.
Mendel
- Name meaning: Comforter.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Mercer
- Name meaning: Trader (occupation).
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Morris
- Name meaning: Several possible meanings, such as of the marsh.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Morrison
- Name meaning: Dark-skinned.
- Popularity: This unique first name isn’t ranking.
Olsen or Olson
- Name meaning: Son of Olaf or Ole.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Sutter
- Name meaning: Shoemaker.
- Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.
Tobin
- Name meaning: (A habitational name).
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these unique baby boy names no one has you might also like this list of southern names.
Creative unique boy names
Here are some super unique names for boys that you might not have thought of!
If this isn’t your vibe click here to jump to the next category.
Adonis
- Name meaning: A lover of the goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology.
- Popularity: #223
Apollo
- Name meaning: Destroyer. From Greek mythology. NASA’s Apollo program put the first people on the moon.
- Popularity: #400
Aries
- Name meaning: A ram. Astrological sign. The Roman god of war.
- Popularity: This creative unique name ranks #915 for boys and is not ranking for girls.
Bear
- Name meaning: Animal.
- Popularity: #826
Berlin
- Name meaning: The capital of Germany. The name comes from ‘river rake’, a scaffold of beams built over a river to prevent logs from jamming.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Blu or Blue
- Name meaning: Color.
- Popularity: This perfect rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.
Boston
- Name meaning: The capital of Massachusetts. Also a type of waltz (dance)!
- Popularity: #601
Cambridge
- Name meaning: A city near Boston and also in England.
- Popularity: This C name isn’t ranking.
Champ
- Name meaning: Winner.
- Popularity: This creative unique boy name isn’t ranking.
Cosmo
- Name meaning: Relating to the world or universe.
- Popularity: This cool space name isn’t ranking.
Creed
- Name meaning: Set of beliefs. (This name reminds me of the Office).
- Popularity: #678
Cyan
- Name meaning: A greenish-blue color.
- Popularity: This creative boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Diesel or Diezel
- Name meaning: Fuel.
- Popularity: Neither spelling of this cool boys’ name is ranking.
Dodge
- Name meaning: Short for Rodger, meaning famous warrior.
- Popularity: This super rare boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Dorado
- Name meaning: A constellation meaning ‘Swordfish’. Also means golden.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Draco
- Name meaning: A constellation meaning ‘dragon’.
- Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.
Dresden
- Name meaning: People of the forest. One of the largest cities in Germany.
- Popularity: This creative boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Dublin
- Name meaning: The capital of Ireland.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Fenway
- Name meaning: Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hamlet
- Name meaning: Small village. An influential Shakespeare play.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
Harlem
- Name meaning: A district of New York City known for its rich black history and culture.
- Popularity: #944
Hercules
- Name meaning: Glory of Hera. A constellation representing the son of Zeus. Greek mythology name.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Justice
- Name meaning: Rightfulness.
- Popularity: This cool name ranks #638 for boys and #741 for girls.
Kalel
- Name meaning: Superman’s Kryptonian name. Might mean voice of God when written in Hebrew.
- Popularity: #974
King or Kyng
- Name meaning: Ruler.
- Popularity: King ranks #185 and Kyng is #902.
Knight
- Name meaning: Honored soldier.
- Popularity: This cool and unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Lake
- Name meaning: Body of water.
- Popularity: This L name isn’t ranking.
Legacy
- Name meaning: Passed down from a predecessor.
- Popularity: This creative unique name ranks #710 for boys and #433 for girls.
Legend
- Name meaning: A story from the past.
- Popularity: #118
Major
- Name meaning: Significant. A high-ranking army officer. A key in music.
- Popularity: #412
Mars
- Name meaning: The fourth planet from the sun. The Roman god of war.
- Popularity: This rare boys’ name last ranked in 2019.
Napoleon
- Name meaning: A French military leader and emperor.
- Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.
Neo
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: #980
Noble
- Name meaning: Aristocratic.
- Popularity: This creative name isn’t ranking.
Nova
- Name meaning: New. A star that suddenly and dramatically increases in brightness and then slowly returns to its original state.
- Popularity: This unique baby name ranks #853 for boys and #32 for girls.
Oakland
- Name meaning: A city on the San Francisco Bay.
- Popularity: This unusual baby name isn’t ranking.
Octave
- Name meaning: An interval between musical notes.
- Popularity: This creative unique name isn’t ranking.
Rome
- Name meaning: The capital and largest city in Italy.
- Popularity: #785
Royal
- Name meaning: Having the status of a monarch or a member of their family.
- Popularity: #370
Seven
- Name meaning: Number.
- Popularity: #860
Sincere
- Name meaning: Genuine.
- Popularity: #600
Sterling
- Name meaning: Excellent. First-rate. Type of silver.
- Popularity: #382
Taurus
- Name meaning: A constellation of a bull. From ancient Greek mythology.
- Popularity: This unusual boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Tex
- Name meaning: A nickname for someone from Texas.
- Popularity: This rare 3-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Thor
- Name meaning: Thunder. God of thunder, strength and rain.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Topaz
- Name meaning: The blue birthstone for the month of December.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender.
Tru
- Name meaning: Accurate or authentic.
- Popularity: This baby name ranks #677 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.
Valor
- Name meaning: Courage.
- Popularity: This V name isn’t ranking.
Winter
- Name meaning: The coldest season.
- Popularity: This season name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #324 for girls.
Worth
- Name meaning: Several possible meanings: fenced-in farm, to honor, value.
- Popularity: This creative unique name isn’t ranking.
Zen
- Name meaning: Peaceful.
- Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.
Zeus
- Name meaning: The sky and thunder god in ancient Greek mythology.
- Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.
If you like these creative unique boy names you might also like this list of 4-letter names.
Unusual boy names
Are you ready for one last (but large) batch of unique boy names?
Here we gooo…
Aarav
- Name meaning: Wisdom. Peaceful.
- Popularity: #635
Abdiel
- Name meaning: Servant of God.
- Popularity: #639
Alaric
- Name meaning: Ruler.
- Popularity: #861
Ambrose
- Name meaning: Immortal or divine.
- Popularity: #671
Amias
- Name meaning: Loved.
- Popularity: #756
Anakin
- Name meaning: An invented name from Star Wars.
- Popularity: #644
Atreus
- Name meaning: Fearless. (Greek mythology name).
- Popularity: #633
Augustine
- Name meaning: Magnificent.
- Popularity: #617
Azariah
- Name meaning: Helped by God.
- Popularity: #648
Bakari
- Name meaning: Hopeful. Noble oath. (This name brings to mind CNN commentator, Bakari Sellers).
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Bellamy
- Name meaning: Beautiful friend.
- Popularity: This unusual name ranks #621 for boys and #765 for girls.
Bergen
- Name meaning: One who lives on a hill or a mountain.
- Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.
Boone
- Name meaning: Good.
- Popularity: #573
Cassius
- Name meaning: Might mean empty or vain.
- Popularity: #485
Castiel
- Name meaning: My cover is God or shield of God.
- Popularity: #809
Dakari
- Name meaning: Happiness.
- Popularity: #773
Damari
- Name meaning: Might mean eternal or gentle.
- Popularity: #841
Damir
- Name meaning: Give peace or iron.
- Popularity: #886
Darwin
- Name meaning: Dear friend. (Charles Darwin came up with theory of evolution by natural selection).
- Popularity: #904
Eliel
- Name meaning: My God is God.
- Popularity: #852
Eliezer
- Name meaning: God has helped.
- Popularity: #978
Enoch
- Name meaning: Experienced or dedicated.
- Popularity: #805
Ephraim
- Name meaning: Fruitful or productive.
- Popularity: #978
Ermias
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
- Popularity: #814
Fowler
- Name meaning: Falcon trainer
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Fulton
- Name meaning: Bird settlement.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Hakeem
- Name meaning: Wise.
- Popularity: #959
Hezekiah
- Name meaning: Biblical name meaning God strengthens.
- Popularity: #571
Hubble or Hubbell
- Name meaning: Brave heart.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Igby
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Iggy
- Name meaning: Fiery.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Igor
- Name meaning: Warrior.
- Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Ishaan
- Name meaning: The sun.
- Popularity: #857
Jabari
- Name meaning: Brave or fearless.
- Popularity: #934
Jacoby or Jakobe
- Name meaning: To follow. Supplanter.
- Popularity: Jacoby ranks #887 and Jakobe is #946
Jad
- Name meaning: Generous. Kind-hearted. Serious.
- Popularity: #979
Jadiel
- Name meaning: Spanish version of Yadiel, meaning praise God or God has heard.
- Popularity: #891
Jair
- Name meaning: He shines.
- Popularity: #945
Jakari
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #816
Jamari or Jamar
- Name meaning: Beauty or grace.
- Popularity: Jamari ranks #576 and Jamar hasn’t ranked since 2016.
Jaziel
- Name meaning: Made or allotted by God.
- Popularity: #543
Jedidiah
- Name meaning: Loved by God.
- Popularity: #807
Jericho
- Name meaning: The oldest city in the world.
- Popularity: #895
Landry
- Name meaning: Powerful land ruler.
- Popularity: This unique name ranks #962 for boys and #962 for girls.
Lanzo
- Name meaning: Land or territory.
- Popularity: This very rare unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Mekhi
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: #867
Misael
- Name meaning: Who is like God.
- Popularity: #815
Nixon
- Name meaning: Son of Nicholas.
- Popularity: #695
Osiris
- Name meaning: Ancient Egyptian god of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife.
- Popularity: #948
Thilo
- Name meaning: A variation of Theodore or Theodoric, meaning God-given.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking in the U.S. but is popular in Germany.
Ulises or Ulysses
- Name meaning: From Odysseus, a Greek king.
- Popularity: #937
Wesson
- Name meaning: A variation of Weston, meaning from the western town. (This name might bring to mind the weapon manufacturer).
- Popularity: #798
Yadiel
- Name meaning: Praising God or God has heard.
- Popularity: #977
Yahir
- Name meaning: He enlightens.
- Popularity: #906
Zahir
- Name meaning: Shining. Supporter.
- Popularity: #855
Zakai
- Name meaning: Pure.
- Popularity: #783
Have you found the perfect unique baby name for your son? If you’re still on the prowl, check out the following lists…
Tips for choosing a unique baby name in 2024
Choosing a unique and cool name for your son requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that it’s distinctive without becoming burdensome or causing potential issues.
Things to avoid
1. Overly Complicated Spellings While a unique spelling can make a name stand out in 2024, avoid getting too creative. A name that is too difficult to spell or pronounce may lead to frustration for your child.
2. Unintended Meanings or Associations Do your little boy a favor: research the meaning and cultural associations of the name to avoid any unintended negative connotations.
3. Hard-to-Pronounce Names A name that is difficult for others to pronounce will inevitably lead to constant corrections. Consider how the name will sound in different contexts and regions.
4. Celebrity Names While there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from celebrities, be cautious about directly copying any particularly unique names from high-profile individuals. Your child will forever be plagued by the mention of the famous person each time he introduces himself.
5. Non-Future-Proof Names Be careful about choosing a name that feels cool for a baby in 2024 but may become limiting or challenging in professional settings. Imagine how the name will suit your son at different stages of life, from childhood to adulthood.
Final thoughts on unique boys’ names in the year 2024
Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this enormous list of unique male names, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.
Now, the tricky part is narrowing down your list of favorites!
My best advice to you is to save them all on a list on your phone. Read the list over every day. One by one, erase any name that doesn’t excite you as much as the others. If you do this enough times, eventually you’ll get to ‘the one’!
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect unique name for your son!