Unique Baby Boy Names with Meanings

When choosing a baby boy name, parents often want one that is special, rare, and unique. Finding an uncommon name can be a fun way to give your son an original identity that will help him stand out. However, it's still important to choose something appropriate that he can carry through life. Below is a list of 100 unique baby boy names with interesting meanings that may spark inspiration for your new arrival. You'll find choices ranging from vintage picks to newly-invented word names. There's an eclectic collection of names from various origins like English, Hebrew, Arabic, Latin and Greek. Whether you prefer something short or sophisticated, modern or ancient, common or truly one-of-a-kind, hopefully you’ll discover some unique baby boy name ideas in this extensive collection

Alaric - Means "ruler of all" in Gothic. An ancient Germanic name popularized by Visigoth kings.

Alessio - The Italian form of Alexius, meaning "defending warrior". An upbeat yet sophisticated international choice.

Ansel - Derived from Germanic elements "ans" (God) and "helma" (helmet). Once reserved for saints, now rising in popularity.

Arcadio - The Spanish and Italian form of Arcadius, relating to Arcadia. Evokes idyllic images of pastoral paradise.

Arlo - An abbreviated form of names starting with "Arl-". Thought to mean "fortified hill". Has a quirky, modern feel.

Arthur - From Celtic roots meaning "bear". Made famous by the legendary King Arthur and his Round Table. A literary classic.

Atreyu - Created for the hero in Michael Ende's fantasy novel "The Neverending Story". Unknown meaning but a truly unique choice.

Barnaby - From the Aramaic name "Bar" (son) combined with "Naby" (prophet). An adorable vintage choice made modern.

Basil - From the Greek name "Basilios", meaning "royal" or "kingly". Popular for saints, now gaining favor as a spunky name.

Benedict - Meaning "blessed" in Latin. Associated with Saint Benedict and dashing Mr. Bingley from "Pride and Prejudice".

Bodhi - In Buddhism it means "awakened" or "enlightenment", referring to the knowledge gained by the Buddha.

Bram - A shortened form of Abraham. Made stylish via Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. Simple but substantial.

Brisco - Believed to mean "dweller by the woods". Shared by minor characters in television shows and films. Quirky and upbeat.

Callan - From Irish "ceallach" meaning "strife". Later associated with churches built by Saint Callan in the 7th century.

Calloway - An English name meaning "near the cabbage field". Cute nickname potential as Cal or Calla. Unique but still accessible.

Cassiel - From the Hebrew name of an angel. Sometimes equated with the Islamic angel Jibreel (Gabriel).

Cato - A strong and valiant name in ancient Rome, most famously borne by Cato the Younger. Used sparingly today yet classic.

Cormac - From an ancient Irish name meaning "son of defilement". Later belonging to a renowned king of Munster and 11 saints.

Dante - Most famously associated with the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, author of The Divine Comedy. Means "enduring".

Dario - The Italian form of Darius, meaning "preserver" or " upholder of good". Shared by several artists over the years.

Eames - Originally an English surname taken from a town in Lancashire. Made stylish via film directors and architects.

Edan - An anglicized spelling of Irish Eoghan or Eoghanán meaning "born of the yew tree". Fresh and melodic.

Edison - An invented surname name recalling Thomas Edison, the prolific American inventor and businessman. Smart and creative.

Edmund - From Anglo-Saxon elements meaning "rich protector". Cuted down to nickname-friendly Ed, Eddie or Ned.

Elio - The Italian form of Helios, the Greek sun god. A bright and cheerful name for a little ray of sunshine.

Enoch - From the Hebrew "Chanokh" meaning "dedicated". Borne by the father of Methuselah with enduring appeal.

Ephraim - From the Hebrew for "double fruitfulness". A Biblical name for the younger son of Joseph. Nickname potential as Effy or Rafe.

Everett - A distinguished English surname meaning "brave as a wild boar". Dashing and debonair.

Ferdinand - From the Spanish for "adventurer". Made royal by kings of Castille and Aragon. Creative nickname options like Ferdie or Din.

Florian - The French and Polish form of the Roman name Florianus meaning "flowering". Associated with a French saint who was martyred.

Franzen - Resembles Frankish "franzo" meaning "spear". Probably invented as a variant of Francis. Novelist nickname option.

Gibson - An English patronymic surname meaning "son of Gilbert". Rock star cred yet still sophisticated.

Gulliver - Literary baby name from the famous traveler in Gulliver's Travels. Whimsical adventurer name.

Hawk - Represents a strong, focused predator bird. Single syllable makes a bold middle name choice.

Henrik - Sophisticated Scandinavian form of Henry, meaning "home ruler". Literary nicknames like Prince or King.

Hilton - Originally an English surname derived from village names. Immortalized by Paris Hilton. Glitzy yet dashing.

Ignatius - From the Roman name Egnatius, meaning "unknown" in origin. Borne by saints and scholarly figures. Natural nickname of Iggy.

Ira - From Hebrew, meaning "watchful". A rare Biblical name with a melody. Author Ira Levin gives it friendly edge.

Iver - Derived from Old Norse Ívarr, loosely meaning "bow warrior". Shared by saints and a polar explorer. Cool imported choice.

Jedidiah - From the Hebrew for "beloved of God". A rare Biblical name that lent itself to Jedi. Cute nicknames like Jed or Jett.

Judd - Originally a surname variant of Jordan meaning "descend". One-syllable brevity with strength.

Jules - The French form of Julian and also Julius. Sophisticated European flair. Author Jules Verne adds sci-fi cred.

Juniper - Named after the evergreen ornamental shrub. Quirky word name with catchy nickname potential as June or Juni.

Kael - Variant of the name Kyle and also possibly Michael. Some meanings cited are "slender" and "who is like God".

Knight - Represents a high ranking soldier or attendent to royalty. Valorous imagery in a single, strong syllable.

Leander - In Greek legend, Leander swam the Hellespont every night to visit his lover Hero. Means "lion man".

Lennon - Associated with singer-songwriter John Lennon and meaning "lover" in Gaelic. Creative musical vibes.

Leopold - From German roots meaning "bold people". Shared by medieval German kings and creative figures like Leopold Bloom from James Joyce.

Lev - Russian form of Leo, meaning "lion". Simple yet substantial. Author Lev Grossman gives it extra flair.

Loki - The wily trickster god in Norse mythology, infamous for causing mischief. Recently popularized via Marvel films.

Lorcan - In legend, a ruler of Leinster, loosely meaning "little fierce one". Obscure yet stylish import from Ireland.

Lux - The Latin word meaning "light". A short and sweet choice symbolizing illumination. Could nod to inventor Nikola Tesla.

Macsen - An unusual Welsh name derived from the Latin Maximus, meaning "greatest". Historical depth with cute nickname potential as Mac.

Marshall - An English surname derived from the royal officer in charge of horses. Dignified Wild West overtones.

Maxen - Believed to be a Welsh form of Maximus meaning "greatest". Possibly a shortened form of names like Maximilian. Strong yet lively.

Mitzah - Hebrew name meaning "sweet cake". Cute nickname-friendly choice with a sweet side.

Montague - associate with nobility and tragedy via Romeo's last name in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Means "pointed hill".

Neo - Futuristic short form of Neon or Neophytos. Also means "new" or "gift". Matrix movie icon with style.

Nero - Infamously belonging to a tyrannical Roman emperor who "fiddled while Rome burned". Now has quirky edge.

Nicodemus - Of Greek and Hebrew heritage meaning "victory of the people". Shortens to hip sounding Nico. Known via the Bible.

Nigel - Originally an ancient Celtic saint's name probably meaning "champion". Literary cred from English authors.

Nile - Named after the longest river in the world that flows through Egypt. geographical name with energy.

Noble - An aristocratic English name referring to the privileged ruling class. Virtuous implications.

Orson - Means "bear cub" in Latin. Saintly connections yet feels modern through pop culture icons like author Orson Scott Card.

Otto - Common German royalty name coming from Old High German for "wealth". stylish European vibe.

Rafferty - Anglicized form of Gaelic names meaning "abundance" and "prosperity". Cute nicknames like Raff, Raffy or Rafe.