Top 60 Exceptionally Rare Boy Names (With Meanings) (2023)

If you’re looking for unusual and rare boy names for your little one, you’re just in the right place!

Picking the right name for your little one is a difficult task. It’s something that will shape his identity and be a part of him for the rest of his life.

Sure, you can never go wrong with popular baby names like Disney boy names and traditional baby names, but in a way, they have become generic for being massively used.

When I was sifting through names for my babies, I was looking for ones that will make them stand out from the crowd and make them feel special.

If you want the same for your child, today I’ll help you find that one rare and special name for your little guy.

It’s high time we make other parents jealous of your baby’s unique name, right? Just kidding (or not!)

But, one thing is sure, once you call your baby by his name at the playground, other kids won’t assume that you’re calling them as well.

Even today, when I hear someone calling another person by my name, I instantly get mad at my parents for not giving me a more unique name.

Luckily, you can prevent this from happening to your child by checking out the following list of exceptionally rare boy names for babies, together with their meanings.

Unique Baby Boy Names

1. Atlas

This rare name is often avoided by the parents because it sounds a little bit too powerful for a baby.

However, it’s still one of the most beautiful and unique names for babies because it’s the name of a Greek God Atlas, known as the Titan god in Greek mythology.

He symbolizes endurance and strength.

2. Aziel

Aziel is another original and rare boy. It has a Hebrew origin and it means God is my strength. It’s extremely rarely used, so if you’re looking for a unique Biblical name, you can’t go wrong with this one.

3. Anwyll

Anwyll is a rare name of Welsh origin and it means one who is loved by all. It has one of the most special meanings of all names.

4. Anouk

Anouk is a French name meaning grace. I’ve always been a sucker for French boy names like Antoine (meaning highly worthy of praise), but Anouk definitely sounds more unique and uncommon.

5. Arlo

Arlo is an Anglo-Saxon moniker, meaning fortified hill. This name is suitable for both boys and girls.

Also, your baby won’t have difficulties when it comes to learning to spell it, which is a huge advantage. It is one of the best rare boy names out there.

6. Anders

If you’re looking for a name that is masculine and powerful, Anders is your best bet! It is a Scandinavian name meaning strong or manly. This name might sound a little bit too strong for a baby boy, but as he grows, it will suit him perfectly.

7. Asher

This rare boy name means happy and blessed in Hebrew. It is a traditional Jewish name that is universally accepted and used. Asher became one of the most popular rare boy names in the US in the ’90s.

This is the perfect name if you’d like your baby boy to smile all day long!

8. Axel

If you’re looking for two-syllable boy names, this one is a great option. Axel means father of peace.

If you ask me, this name is more than apt for any baby. If there’s anything the world desperately needs, it’s more peacemakers!

And, who knows, perhaps your baby boy one day becomes the leader of future generations!

9. Apollo

Looking for a perfect name for your little one? Look no more. Apollo is a Greek name that means manly beauty.

Among other things, in Greek mythology, Apollo is the god of archery, poetry, healing, music, medicine, and the sun. He is also the leader of the Muses.

10. Anatole

Anatole is a Greek name meaning from the east or rising sun. If you’re looking for an exotic name for your little one, this is a great choice.

11. Arlen

This is an Irish name meaning pledge or oath.

12. Armand

Armand is a beautiful and rare boy name that means soldier. Naming your baby boy soldier is a great way to make him feel truly special.

13. Bowie

This one reminds me of English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie.

Bowie is a Scottish name meaning someone who has blonde hair or fair-haired. Well, David Bowie also had blonde hair at some point, so perhaps he chose this name for a reason.

14. Braylon

This name is made up of a combination of two names: “Brayed” (meaning brave) and “Jaylen” (meaning thankful). Braylon has two beautiful meanings: brave and thankful.

15. Cornelius

If you’re a fan of Biblical boy names , you’ll love this one. Names like Cornelius have this bohemian vibe and that’s why they are so special and rare. This Biblical name comes from Latin, meaning horn.

I love this name because it symbolizes resolve and persistence, which are powerful qualities (especially in the world we live in at the moment).

16. Cree

Here’s another rare boy name that you’ll fall in love with! Cree is the name of a Native American tribe, meaning highly spirited. It’s definitely one of the most inspiring names to give to a child.

17. Clement

This name originates from Latin and it means mild, merciful. Fourteen popes and several saints have had this name.

Indeed, Clement has this pleasant and positive vibe. If you ever happen to need a girl name, Clementine would be a great girl version.

18. Casper

Casper is another brilliant name that means treasurer. This name is popular in Europe.

19. Dewei

The first thing that came to my mind was the name Dewey from the series Malcolm In The Middle (I really love that little boy!) Dewei is a worthy alternative to the name Dewey. It is a Chinese name meaning noble.

20. Dion

This French name is of Greek origin and it means child of heaven and earth. Dion was Plato’s student in ancient Greece.

21. Ellis

Naming your little boy Ellis will definitely make him stand out from the crowd! This unique name was initially used as a surname.

It is of Welsh origin, meaning benevolent. It’s suitable for both boys and girls (it’s a great alternative to the girl’s name Ella).

22. Earl

Earl is a royal name meaning nobleman or warrior.

23. Edmond

Edmond is a Dutch name and it means wealthy protector. A lovely rustic name for boys, this name is a great alternative to Edward (which has regained popularity thanks to The Twilight Saga).

Rare Baby Names For Your Little One

1. Emrys

Looking for a Welsh name? Emrys is a Welsh name meaning immortal. This name is less common than other Welsh names like Evan, Griffin, or similar, which makes it truly special.

2. Forest

Whenever I hear the name Forest (and that doesn’t happen often), I immediately think of that inspiring movie Forrest Gump.

Back then, I didn’t understand why someone would name their child after the forest.

This name was originally an English surname, but over time it evolved into an inspiring first name.

Forest (or Forrest) is of English origin meaning from the woods. It’s perfect for celebrating nature and free spirit.

3. Flynn

If you have red hair and you’re Irish, you might seriously consider giving your baby boy this name.

Why? Because Flynn is of Irish origin and it means son of the red-haired one. Yup.

When someone asks you about the meaning of your baby’s name, I’m sure they’ll be fascinated by it.

4. Finlo

And if you’re a fan of soft boy names that are also Irish, Finlo is another great choice.

The best thing about this name is that it can always be shortened to Finn. The name is derived from Finn, meaning bright, and Lugh, which refers to a Celtic sun god.

5. Felix

Even though it sounds like a name you would associate with cats, Felix is a Latin name meaning happy, which makes it perfectly suitable for your cheerful baby boy!

6. Fabian

This unique boy name is of Latin origin and it means bean grower.

7. Finnian

This unusual boy’s name means fair. It is one of those soft baby’s names that are easy on the ear.

8. Hernan

Hernan is of Spanish origin and it is derived from the word Hernando, meaning someone who loves adventures.

If you give this name to your baby boy, perhaps he’ll have an adventurous spirit, which is one of the most inspiring traits one can have.

9. Inigo

Inigo is a Spanish name meaning fiery.

10. Jasper

This name has Persian roots and it means bringer of treasure.

This name is symbolic for so many reasons and one of them is the fact that your child will be a treasure in itself, so he will literally bring you a treasure – himself.

11. Julian

This name is the English version of Latin name Julius, meaning youthful.

As a matter of fact, I have a cousin named Julian and his spirit really is youthful even as an adult. Perhaps this has something to do with the name?

12. Jolyon

This name originates from the Latin name Julianus (derived from Julius) and the Roman family name Iulus. Iulus has two potential meanings: the first down on the chin or downy-bearded.

13. Kalen

This name can be used both as a boy name or a girl name. Kalen has Gaelic roots and it means slender.

14. Kenji

Here’s another powerful name for your little one! Kenji is a Japanese name meaning strong.

15. Keanu

Every time I think of the amazing actor Keanu Reeves, this sentence from the movie John Wick 2 comes to my mind: “He is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer *** will.”

I personally am a huge fan of Keanu Reeves and if you are too, then naming your baby after him would be a huge honor.

Keanu is a name of Hawaiian origin, meaning cool breeze over the mountains. Now that I know the meaning of this beautiful name, I can say for sure that it perfectly resembles the actor’s personality.

16. Kapono

When one of my friends mentioned this name, the first thing that popped into my mind is Al Capone.

But, don’t worry, there’s no need to worry that your baby boy will become a gangster if you name him Kapono.

As a matter of fact, he might become the righteous one because that’s the real meaning of this Hawaiian name.

17. Kendry

This unique boy’s name means wise man. I’m sure your little one will, indeed, be a wise little man.

18. Luca

You’ve probably heard of the names Luke and Lucas. Well, Luca is the modern Italian version of those common names.

Luca is derived from the Latin word lux, meaning light. Every baby brings light into their parent’s lives, so this name certainly describes the unconditional parent-child love.

Unique & Unusual Boy Names

1. Lazarus

Lazarus is a Greek name and it means God is my helper.

The Bible mentions two people named Lazarus and there are also several saints named Lazarus. If you’re looking for a Biblical name, consider choosing this one.

2. Leander

This is a Greek name meaning lion-man.

3. Mars

Are you looking for a strong, rare, and powerful name? Mars is definitely one of those.

Mars means God of war. The name originates from the Roman god of war and an agricultural guardian.

4. Nyx

In Greek mythology, Nyx stands for the Greek goddess of the night. Among the rest of the rare boy baby names, this one is truly rare in that it has only three letters.

RELATED: 90+ Adorable Three Letter Boy Names To Give To Your Son

5. Nile

Nile is a Greek name meaning champion. One of my cousins named her little one Joshua, but she keeps calling her baby boy “champ.”

I’m not sure if I ever heard her (or her husband) calling him by his real name. Had they named him Nile, they wouldn’t have this “problem”!

6. Orson

This name is of Latin origin and it means bear cub.

7. Pascal

This is a French name, stemming from English, meaning of the Passover; Easter. Perfect for babies born around Easter!

8. Rufus

Rufus is a name of Latin origin, meaning red-head. This one is perfect for babies with ginger hair.

9. Rex

Every parent sees their child as a queen or a king. (I even treat my cat as if he was the rule!) Rex is a perfect name for a baby boy and it holds the meaning of king in Latin.

Every time you call him by his name, you’ll remind yourself of the special connection that you have with your little king.

10. Silas

Silas is a name of English and Latin origin meaning someone who belongs to the forest.

If you want your baby boy to belong to the biggest muse to all people, Mother Nature, then this is a perfect name for him.

11. Stellan

This is a Swedish name meaning calm.

12. Trae

Trae is a modern version of the Old English name Trey. The name means three, so if you’re expecting a third child, this name would be very convenient for your baby boy.

13. Treyton

Here’s another name with a nature reference. Treyton originates from England and it means trees. This unusual name is often abbreviated as Trey.

If you’re a huge nature lover yourself, chances are your baby boy will become one, too, so this name will definitely suit your new baby!

14. Teo

Teo is a Spanish name meaning gift of God.

15. Wren

Wren is a Middle English name meaning small bird. It’s one of the cutest names suitable for both boys and girls.

16. Xander

Yes, this name is derived from the universally known name Alexander.

Xander originates from Greek and it means defending men. It is one of the most powerful rare boy names out there!

17. Ziggy

Even though it sounds modern, this name comes from the old German name Siegfried. Siegfried means victorious peace, which is truly inspiring and powerful.

18. Zachary

Here’s another jewel among rare boy names! Zachary has a touching meaning: remembered by God. What’s best about this name is that you can always shorten it to the trendy name, Zack.

19. Zane

This unique and rare name is of Hebrew origin and it means gift of God. And indeed, every child is a gift from God, which makes this name even more heartwarming and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right name for your baby boy is a huge responsibility for every father and mother, and a fun task at the same time. For some moms, baby names pop up in dreams about giving birth or other pregnancy dreams while other moms really struggle with making a choice.

Luckily, the above list of rare boy names with inspiring meanings will help you find the perfect name for your little one!

Whichever one you choose, it will definitely make your baby boy stand out from the crowd because these names are one of the rarest baby boy names out there!

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