Looking for a cool and unique name for your baby boy?
This curated list of 100 rare and stylish names is here to inspire you. Each name is thoughtfully paired with its meaning, origin, nicknames, popularity, and similar alternatives, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your little one.
Whether you’re drawn to names with strong cultural roots, mythological connections, or modern appeal, this list offers a diverse selection to help you choose a name that stands out.
1. Orion
- Meaning: Hunter
- Nicknames: Ori
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rising in popularity but still unique
- Similar Names: Apollo, Phoenix, Leo
2. Alaric
- Meaning: Ruler of all
- Nicknames: Al, Rick
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare but gaining traction
- Similar Names: Atticus, Aldric, Cedric
3. Cassian
- Meaning: Hollow
- Nicknames: Cass, Ian
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare and distinctive
- Similar Names: Caspian, Adrian, Damian
4. Soren
- Meaning: Thunder
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Popularity: Uncommon, especially outside of Scandinavia
- Similar Names: Sven, Stellan, Thorin
5. Leander
- Meaning: Lion man
- Nicknames: Leo, Andy
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare but rising in vintage name circles
- Similar Names: Alexander, Lysander, Leon
6. Caius
- Meaning: Rejoice
- Nicknames: Cai
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but on the rise
- Similar Names: Cassius, Kai, Cyrus
7. Evander
- Meaning: Good man
- Nicknames: Evan, Van
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare but increasing due to vintage appeal
- Similar Names: Everett, Alexander, Xavier
8. Ambrose
- Meaning: Immortal
- Nicknames: Amby, Brose
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but appealing to vintage name seekers
- Similar Names: Augustus, Benedict, Ansel
9. Callum
- Meaning: Dove
- Nicknames: Cal
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in the U.K.
- Similar Names: Malcolm, Colin, Callan
10. Thaddeus
- Meaning: Courageous heart
- Nicknames: Thad, Tad
- Origin: Aramaic
- Popularity: Rare but increasingly popular in vintage circles
- Similar Names: Theodore, Matthias, Tobias
11. Atlas
- Meaning: Bearer of the heavens
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rising in popularity but still unique
- Similar Names: Apollo, Orion, Titan
12. Dashiell
- Meaning: Page boy
- Nicknames: Dash
- Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare but gaining attention for its distinct sound
- Similar Names: Gabriel, Raphael, Marshall
13. Idris
- Meaning: Studious, interpreter
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Welsh/Arabic
- Popularity: Rare but gaining attention
- Similar Names: Ilias, Elias, Cyrus
14. Zephyr
- Meaning: West wind
- Nicknames: Zeph
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare and whimsical
- Similar Names: Zander, Orion, Phoenix
15. Oberon
- Meaning: Noble bear
- Nicknames: Obie, Ron
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare but growing in popularity due to its mystical sound
- Similar Names: Gideon, Sebastian, Everett
16. Ansel
- Meaning: Follower of a nobleman
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare but recognized due to its vintage charm
- Similar Names: Abel, Amos, Ambrose
17. Magnus
- Meaning: Great
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Gaining popularity, especially in Scandinavian regions
- Similar Names: Maximus, Augustus, Cyrus
18. Caelum
- Meaning: Sky, heaven
- Nicknames: Cal
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare and ethereal
- Similar Names: Callan, Orion, Apollo
19. Ronan
- Meaning: Little seal
- Nicknames: Ro
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Increasing in the U.K. and U.S.
- Similar Names: Rowan, Declan, Nolan
20. Lachlan
- Meaning: From the fjord-land
- Nicknames: Lach, Lucky
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially in Australia
- Similar Names: Logan, Leif, Declan
21. Malachi
- Meaning: Messenger of God
- Nicknames: Mal, Kai
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rising in popularity but still unique
- Similar Names: Micah, Elijah, Josiah
22. Stellan
- Meaning: Calm
- Nicknames: Stel
- Origin: Swedish
- Popularity: Rare but gaining popularity
- Similar Names: Stefan, Kellan, Soren
23. Eamon
- Meaning: Wealthy protector
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare, especially outside of Ireland
- Similar Names: Edmund, Owen, Emmett
24. Finnegan
- Meaning: Fair
- Nicknames: Finn
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity, especially in the U.S.
- Similar Names: Finley, Griffin, Declan
25. Cai
- Meaning: Sea
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Welsh
- Popularity: Rare but growing in popularity
- Similar Names: Kai, Callum, Finn
26. Ignatius
- Meaning: Fiery
- Nicknames: Iggy, Nate
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare and vintage, appealing to unique name-seekers
- Similar Names: Magnus, Augustus, Leonidas
27. Kieran
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Nicknames: Kier
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Common in Ireland, rising elsewhere
- Similar Names: Cian, Keegan, Ronan
28. Silas
- Meaning: Wood, forest
- Nicknames: Sy
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially in the U.S.
- Similar Names: Elias, Cyrus, Simon
29. Peregrine
- Meaning: Traveler, pilgrim
- Nicknames: Perry, Pip
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but stylish
- Similar Names: Phoenix, Apollo, Callum
30. Quentin
- Meaning: Fifth
- Nicknames: Quinn
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but recognized due to its classic feel
- Similar Names: Quinton, Finnian, Calvin
31. Ewan
- Meaning: Born of the yew tree
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Popular in Scotland, less so elsewhere
- Similar Names: Owen, Evan, Angus
32. Callahan
- Meaning: Bright-headed
- Nicknames: Cal, Callie
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare but growing in Irish-American families
- Similar Names: Callum, Finnian, Sullivan
33. Lucian
- Meaning: Light
- Nicknames: Luc, Luca
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity in vintage name circles
- Similar Names: Julian, Lucius, Leo
34. Casimir
- Meaning: Proclaimer of peace
- Nicknames: Cas, Kaz
- Origin: Slavic
- Popularity: Rare and distinctive
- Similar Names: Cassius, Jasper, Maximilian
35. Darius
- Meaning: To possess, maintain
- Nicknames: Dare, Ari
- Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Rare but has a strong historical presence
- Similar Names: Cyrus, Darian, Damon
36. August
- Meaning: Great, magnificent
- Nicknames: Gus, Auggie
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in vintage name circles
- Similar Names: Augustus, Adrian, Atticus
37. Cyprian
- Meaning: From Cyprus
- Nicknames: Cip, Cy
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Very rare, appealing to those looking for unique names
- Similar Names: Cyril, Cassian, Lucian
38. Heath
- Meaning: Heathland dweller
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare but familiar
- Similar Names: Holden, Hawthorn, Hale
39. Griffin
- Meaning: Strong in faith
- Nicknames: Griff, Finn
- Origin: Welsh
- Popularity: Growing in popularity in the U.S.
- Similar Names: Finnegan, Gavin, Duncan
40. Thatcher
- Meaning: Roof thatcher
- Nicknames: Thatch
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare and trendy in occupational name circles
- Similar Names: Fletcher, Hunter, Sawyer
41. Remy
- Meaning: Oarsman
- Nicknames: Rem
- Origin: French
- Popularity: Gaining popularity due to its stylish sound
- Similar Names: Rory, Leo, Felix
42. Anselm
- Meaning: Divine helmet
- Nicknames: Ansel, Sam
- Origin: German
- Popularity: Rare but appealing to vintage lovers
- Similar Names: Amos, Abraham, Thaddeus
43. Remington
- Meaning: Place on a riverbank
- Nicknames: Remy, Rem
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity due to its rugged sound
- Similar Names: Emerson, Harrison, Sawyer
44. Sterling
- Meaning: Little star
- Nicknames: Ster, Sten
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare but stylish
- Similar Names: Stellan, Rowan, Preston
45. Torin
- Meaning: Chief
- Nicknames: Tor
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare but appealing to parents seeking unique Irish names
- Similar Names: Finn, Cormac, Tadhg
46. Dorian
- Meaning: Of the Dorian tribe
- Nicknames: Dory, Ian
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Gaining popularity due to its literary connection
- Similar Names: Damian, Adrian, Julian
47. Caspian
- Meaning: Of the Caspian Sea
- Nicknames: Cas, Ian
- Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially among fantasy fans
- Similar Names: Cassian, Caius, Orion
48. Roman
- Meaning: Citizen of Rome
- Nicknames: Rom
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rising in popularity in English-speaking countries
- Similar Names: Remy, Rohan, Dominic
49. Alden
- Meaning: Old friend
- Nicknames: Al, Denny
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare but gaining traction
- Similar Names: Holden, Aiden, Arden
50. Lachlan
- Meaning: From the fjord-land
- Nicknames: Lach, Lucky
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially in Australia
- Similar Names: Logan, Leif, Declan
51. Boone
- Meaning: Good, blessing
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare but gaining popularity as a nature-inspired name
- Similar Names: Brooks, Wilder, Beau
52. Cosmo
- Meaning: Order, beauty
- Nicknames: Cos
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare but rising due to its unique sound
- Similar Names: Orion, Apollo, Jasper
53. Evren
- Meaning: Universe
- Nicknames: Ev
- Origin: Turkish
- Popularity: Very rare but appealing due to its cosmic feel
- Similar Names: Orion, Kai, Zephyr
54. Niall
- Meaning: Champion
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Common in Ireland, rare elsewhere
- Similar Names: Neil, Finn, Kieran
55. Phineas
- Meaning: Oracle
- Nicknames: Phin, Finn
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare, with vintage appeal
- Similar Names: Finnegan, Tobias, Elias
56. Bram
- Meaning: Father of multitudes
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare but recognized due to its literary connection
- Similar Names: Abraham, Graham, Abel
57. Quinlan
- Meaning: Strong, fit
- Nicknames: Quinn
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare but rising as a fresh twist on Quinn
- Similar Names: Finnegan, Callahan, Sullivan
58. Raiden
- Meaning: Thunder and lightning
- Nicknames: Rai
- Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Growing in popularity due to its strong sound
- Similar Names: Kai, Ryker, Orion
59. Shepherd
- Meaning: Sheep herder
- Nicknames: Shep
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare but gaining attention as a virtue name
- Similar Names: Sawyer, Fletcher, Hunter
60. Talon
- Meaning: Claw
- Nicknames: Tal
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rising in popularity due to its bold sound
- Similar Names: Tyson, Orion, Griffin
61. Zev
- Meaning: Wolf
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare and distinctive
- Similar Names: Lev, Zane, Wolf
62. Ansel
- Meaning: God is my salvation
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare but growing due to vintage appeal
- Similar Names: Abel, Amos, Thaddeus
63. Blaise
- Meaning: To stammer
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but gaining due to its cool sound
- Similar Names: Blaze, Hayes, Brooks
64. Caspian
- Meaning: Of the Caspian Sea
- Nicknames: Cas
- Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity, especially among fantasy fans
- Similar Names: Cassian, Caius, Orion
65. Dov
- Meaning: Bear
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Very rare, mainly used in Hebrew-speaking countries
- Similar Names: Lev, Avi, Asa
66. Eero
- Meaning: Eternal ruler
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Finnish
- Popularity: Rare outside of Finland
- Similar Names: Ewan, Arlo, Aero
67. Hawthorne
- Meaning: Where hawthorns grow
- Nicknames: Hawke, Thorne
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare but becoming trendy in nature-inspired circles
- Similar Names: Holden, Heath, Wilder
68. Imran
- Meaning: Prosperity
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Common in Arabic-speaking countries, less so elsewhere
- Similar Names: Idris, Ishmael, Kian
69. Jovan
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Nicknames: Jove, Van
- Origin: Slavic
- Popularity: Rare but rising in popularity
- Similar Names: Julian, Ivan, Jasper
70. Kenzo
- Meaning: Wise and three
- Nicknames: Ken
- Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in Western countries
- Similar Names: Kian, Kai, Enzo
71. Lysander
- Meaning: Liberator
- Nicknames: Lys, Andy
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare, with an elegant and timeless appeal
- Similar Names: Alexander, Leander, Leonidas
72. Magnus
- Meaning: Great
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Gaining popularity, especially in Scandinavia
- Similar Names: Maximus, Augustus, Cyrus
73. Noam
- Meaning: Pleasantness
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare but growing due to its peaceful meaning
- Similar Names: Noah, Eliam, Saul
74. Orson
- Meaning: Bear cub
- Nicknames: Orry
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but rising due to its vintage charm
- Similar Names: Oscar, Otto, Oliver
75. Zephyr
- Meaning: West wind
- Nicknames: Zeph
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare and whimsical
- Similar Names: Orion, Zane, Phoenix
76. Apollo
- Meaning: Destroyer
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rising due to its mythological roots
- Similar Names: Orion, Zephyr, Atlas
77. Bowen
- Meaning: Son of Owen
- Nicknames: Bo
- Origin: Welsh
- Popularity: Growing in popularity, especially in English-speaking countries
- Similar Names: Owen, Brooks, Colton
78. Calder
- Meaning: Rough waters
- Nicknames: Cal
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Rare, especially outside of Scotland
- Similar Names: Callan, Chandler, Carter
79. Darius
- Meaning: To possess, maintain
- Nicknames: Dare, Ari
- Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Rare but historically significant
- Similar Names: Cyrus, Damian, Adrian
80. Elio
- Meaning: Sun
- Nicknames: Eli
- Origin: Spanish
- Popularity: Rising, especially in Mediterranean regions
- Similar Names: Leo, Emilio, Elias
81. Fenrir
- Meaning: Fen-dweller
- Nicknames: Fen
- Origin: Norse
- Popularity: Very rare, but appealing to fans of mythology
- Similar Names: Thorin, Odin, Ragnar
82. Gannon
- Meaning: Fair-skinned
- Nicknames: Gan
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare, with a rugged appeal
- Similar Names: Gavin, Griffin, Ronan
83. Hadrian
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Nicknames: Hadrien
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare, though connected to history through Hadrian’s Wall
- Similar Names: Adrian, Damian, Cassian
84. Idris
- Meaning: Interpreter
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Arabic/Welsh
- Popularity: Gaining popularity due to its international appeal
- Similar Names: Ilias, Cyrus, Elias
85. Jago
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Spanish/Cornish
- Popularity: Rare but growing in Spain and the U.K.
- Similar Names: Diego, Jacob, Jasper
86. Kael
- Meaning: Mighty warrior
- Nicknames: None commonly used
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Uncommon but appealing for its strong sound
- Similar Names: Kale, Cale, Kane
87. Leif
- Meaning: Heir, descendant
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Popularity: Rare, though well-known due to Leif Erikson
- Similar Names: Levi, Lars, Lachlan
88. Merrick
- Meaning: Ruler of the sea
- Nicknames: Rick
- Origin: Welsh
- Popularity: Rare but appealing for its nautical connection
- Similar Names: Merritt, Maverick, Malcolm
89. Nico
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Increasingly popular as a modern, sleek name
- Similar Names: Leo, Enzo, Nico
90. Oberon
- Meaning: Noble, bear
- Nicknames: Obie
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare but gaining attention due to its literary associations
- Similar Names: Gideon, Orson, Oliver
91. Pascal
- Meaning: Passover
- Nicknames: Cal
- Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare outside of France
- Similar Names: Caspian, Felix, Abel
92. Quin
- Meaning: Descendant of Conn
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Growing as a unique variation on Quinn
- Similar Names: Finn, Quinn, Cian
93. Roark
- Meaning: Champion
- Nicknames: Ro
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rare, with a bold, rugged feel
- Similar Names: Rafe, Ronan, Ryker
94. Seneca
- Meaning: People of the standing rock
- Nicknames: Sen
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but connected to historical and philosophical roots
- Similar Names: Soren, Sullivan, Cyrus
95. Theron
- Meaning: Hunter
- Nicknames: Theo
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare, but with a strong, classic appeal
- Similar Names: Orion, Leon, Thane
96. Ulysses
- Meaning: Wrathful
- Nicknames: Uly
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but timeless due to its mythological background
- Similar Names: Ulric, Atticus, Ajax
97. Viggo
- Meaning: Battle, war
- Nicknames: None needed
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Popularity: Growing in Scandinavian regions and elsewhere
- Similar Names: Hugo, Rocco, Enzo
98. Weston
- Meaning: From the western town
- Nicknames: Wes
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity, especially in the U.S.
- Similar Names: Easton, Winston, Wesley
99. Zephan
- Meaning: Treasure
- Nicknames: Zeph
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare but gaining attention
- Similar Names: Zephyr, Ethan, Zane
100. Alistair
- Meaning: Defender of the people
- Nicknames: Ali, Al
- Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Rare but elegant, with vintage appeal
- Similar Names: Alexander, Atticus, Archer
We hope this list of cool and unique boy names has inspired you and made the naming process a little easier.
No matter which name you choose, it will reflect the love and care you’ve put into making this special decision. Happy naming!