Choosing the perfect name for your baby boy is a big decision — it’s something he’ll carry with him for life. If you’re hoping to find something outside the top 100 charts, this list of rare boy names is packed with meaningful, stylish options that still feel one of a kind. From rare and distinctive to names rooted in nature, mythology, or timeless tradition, you’ll find inspiration here that’s anything but ordinary.
Rare Boy Names
These rare baby boy names are organized into fun, thoughtful themes to make your search easier — and a lot more exciting. Whether you’re drawn to bold nature picks, names with legendary roots, or creative spins on tradition, you’re bound to find one that feels just right.
24 Rare Boy Names With a Twist on Tradition
If you love the sound of traditional names but want something a little less expected, this list of uncommon boy names offers the perfect balance. These rare picks are clever twists on classic choices — fresh takes that feel both familiar and unique, just like your little guy.
1. Amadeo – This name is a variant of the Italian Amedeo, which means “love of God.”
2. Ashby – This name is like the name Ashley, which also means “ash tree.”
3. Berry – This name means small fruit and can be a variant of Barry.
4. Blade – This name is the same as the sword but is a fun twist.
5. Brylon – This name combines the names Jalen and Braden. Why choose?
6. Dante – The name Dante means enduring and is the short form of Durante.
7. Dario – This name means possessor of good and is the Latin version of Darius.
8. Daxel – This name means father of peace and comes from the name Axel.
9. Domonic – This name is an alternative to Dominic, which means belonging to god.
10. Enzo – This name is the shorter form of Lorenzo or Vincenzo.
11. Gabe – This Hebrew name means “God is my strength” and is a variation of Gabriel.
12. Hernan – This name means daring and brave and comes from Hernando.
13. Jaylen – This name is a variant of Jalen.
14. Kazimir – This name is a form of Casimir, meaning bringer of peace.
15. Kendric – This name means royal ruler or champion and is traditionally spelled Kendrick.
16. Luca – This one is a variant of Lucas and means “light, sacred wood.”
17. Maddox – This name comes from Madoc.
18. Mitchell – This name comes from Michael and means “who is like God.”
19. Mykel – This one comes from the traditional name Michael, which means “Who is God?”
20. Osvaldo – The name Osvaldo comes from the Old German name Oswald and means “God’s power.”
21. Reggie – This name means council power and is a cute version of Reginald.
22. Ryker – This name comes from the traditional Richard.
23. Wolf – This one is a shortened form of Wolfgang.
24. Xandros – This name is a variant of Xandro and Alexandro.
29 Rare Boy Names Inspired by Mythology and Religion
These rare boy names with meaning come from powerful myths, religious texts, and timeless traditions. Whether you’re drawn to heroic figures, ancient gods, or faithful prophets, these names carry rich stories, strength, and depth that make them anything but ordinary.
1. Abel – This Hebrew name means “breath” or “vapor.”
2. Amadeus – Amadeus is of Greek origin, meaning “lover of god” or “loved by god.”
3. Ambrose – This Latin name means “immortal.”
4. Amios – This Hebrew name means “carried by God.”
5. Amus – This Hebrew name means “borne by God” or “bearer.”
6. Ansaldo – This German name means “he who represents God.”
7. Anson – This English name means “son of God.”
8. Ashish – This is a name of Indian origin, which means “blessing from god.”
9. Atlas – This Greek origin name means “enduring.”
10. Boaz – Boaz was the second husband of Ruth in the Bible and is of Hebrew origin.
11. Conway – The Gaelic name Conway means “holy river.”
12. Eason – This Scottish name means “son of Adam.”
13. Elias – The Hebrew name Elias means “the Lord is my god.”
14. Ellis – Ellis is a Hebrew name that means “my god is Jehovah.”
15. Elon – Elon was one of the Old Testament judges. The Hebrew name means “oak tree.”
16. Ezra – This Hebrew name means “help” and was the name of a prophet in the Old Testament.
17. Griffin – This mythological creature can also be a name meaning “lord” or “prince.”
18. Kit – This Greek name means “bearing Christ.”
19. Kyrie – This Greek name means “the Lord.”
20. Malachi – This Hebrew name means “messenger of God.”
21. Marcellus – Marcellus is Latin and means “dedicated to the god Mars.”
22. Mars – This Latin name refers to the god of war in Roman mythology.
23. Micah – Micah is a Hebrew name meaning “who is like God.”
24. Moses – Moses is one of the most important Jewish prophets and is credited with writing the Torah and leading the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea.
25. Osiris – Osiris was the name of the Egyptian god of the underworld, meaning “powerful.”
26. Phoenix – The phoenix is a mythological bird that rises from the ashes.
27. Silas – In the New Testament, Silas was a leader of the early Christian community. The name also means “of the forest.”
28. Thor – Thor is the well-known Norse god whose name means “thunder.”
29. Zane – Zane is a Hebrew name meaning “gift from God.”
49 Rare Boy Names Inspired by Nature
Nature-inspired names can feel peaceful, powerful, or full of adventure — sometimes all three. These rare baby boy names take inspiration from nature in creative and meaningful ways, from forests and oceans to animals, fire, and even the cosmos. If you’ve been considering nature names for your little one, this list is full of grounded, unique options that feel both bold and beautiful.
1. Amell – This name has German roots and means the “strength or power of an eagle.”
2. Amo – This name means “little eagle” in French.
3. Anders – This Scandinavian name means “strong and manly.”
4. Arbor – This unique Latin name means “tree.”
5. Arlo – This mysterious name of unknown origin is suspected to be from the Irish town Aherlowe, which means “between two hills.”
6. Aslan – This one is of Turkish origin and means “lion.”
7. Aspen – Aspen is of Old English origin and means “shaking tree.”
8. Atwood – According to Old English, Atwood means “someone who lived by a wood.”
9. Axford – A name of English origin meaning “ash tree.”
10. Bannard – For a firm name, consider this one of English origin, which means “strong as a bear.”
11. Barrett – This one is of Old English origin and means “mighty as a bear.”
12. Bear – If you want to go the direct route, you could use this German name, meaning “strong, brave bear.”
13. Beckett – This one is of English origin and means “dweller by the brook.”
14. Bentley – For something different, check out this English-origin name, which means “meadow with coarse grass.”
15. Blayden – This Irish name means “little fire.”
16. Blaze – Check out this English-origin one for another fire name.
17. Branch – This name sounds like it connects to nature and means path or paw.
18. Brax or Braxton – This name is of English origin and means “badger.”
19. Brinley – For another connected to fire, this English-origin option means “burnt meadow.”
20. Brock – This one is of English origin and means “badger.”
21. Calder – This Scottish origin name means “rough waters or stream.”
22. Callum – If you like birds, this Scottish Gaelic name means “dove.”
23. Camden – This Scottish name means “winding valley.”
24. Cannon – This British name means “wolf cub.”
25. Carver – This name is fun and means “one who carves wood.”
26. Clooney – Although often thought of as a last name, it’s also a unique first name of Irish origin, which means “from the meadow.”
27. Colter – For another animal connection, this one means “one who looks after horses.”
28. Elio – Elio has Italian, Latin, and Spanish origins and means “sun.”
29. Everett – The name Everett is of German origin and means “strong boar” or “brave.”
30. Evren – For a more abstract nature name, check out this one of Turkish origin, meaning “universe or cosmos.”
31. Falcon – This one is after the bird and is of English origin.
32. Feeney – 1990s kids may see this one and remember Boy Meets World fondly, but it is also an Irish name meaning “little raven.”
33. Fenton – This English name means “marsh town.”
34. Finnick – This Anglo-Saxon name means “marshland farm.”
35. Flint – This English name means “stream.”
36. Fox – This is an old or Middle English name that refers to the animal or someone with red hair.
37. Fyco – This is an Italian name meaning “fig.”
38. Gavin – The name Gavin is of Scottish origin and means “white hawk.”
39. Henley – This British name means “high meadow.”
40. Holden – The English name Holden means “from the hollow in the valley.”
41. Kai – Kai is a Hawaiian name meaning “sea.”
42. Lake – As a tribute to the water, this name comes from the Latin word lacus.
43. Landon – This is a British-origin name meaning “long hill.”
44. Lennox – This Scottish name means “with many elm trees.”
45. Remington – The English name Remington means “ridge town.”
46. River – This English name means “a body of flowing water.”
47. Treyton – Treyton is usually shortened to Trey and means “trees.”
48. Waylen – This one means “land by the road” and is of Old English origin.
49. Zale – This name has Greek origins and means “sea strength.”
We hope this list of rare boy names gave you the inspiration you need to find a name that feels just right for your little one. Whether you’re drawn to meaningful tradition, bold nature themes, or uncommon twists, there’s something special here for every kind of boy.
Still searching? You might also love our lists of modern boy names, cool boy names, trendy boy names, gender-neutral names, unique boy names, biblical boy names, and powerful and strong boy names. Or check out all baby names for even more ideas.
