20 Unique Baby Names For Boys (2024)

The decision to have kids or not have kids is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make in life, but it’s only the beginning of what will be a string of tough decisions as you prepare for the birth of your little one.

Among those difficult decisions is the obvious – your little one’s name.

It’s one of those things you could struggle with for months as that list of possibilities grows larger and larger, but you’ll likely know it when you see it.

While you certainly don’t want to force the issue, there’s nothing wrong with doing a little research and searching for inspiration. We’ve all been there.

You never really know what unique baby names you’ll stumble across!

And who knows – you might just find the perfect baby name for your little one!

If you’re still working your way through that process, don’t worry – Mamas Uncut is here to help. We understand how important this decision is to you, so let’s take a look at some of our favorite examples.

Unique Baby Names for Your Modern-Day, Trendsetting Boy

Anyone who has visited our Answers by Mamas Uncut online forum knows that baby names are ALWAYS a hot topic with soon-to-be parents – and not just any baby names, but rare and unique baby boy names.

No, we’re not talking about Liam, James, Michael, Ethan, John, David, William, Joseph, Thomas, Daniel, or Robert. Not that there’s anything wrong with those names, but let’s be honest – they’re everywhere.

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Instead, we’re talking about those names you don’t see often – the ones that stand out from the crowd, like Jakai, Harlan, Rhys, Elian, Kyson, Sevyn, and Hezekiah. Now, those are some unique baby names!

If that sounds more your speed, then let’s take a look at some of our all-time favorite unique baby names.

20. Arlo

Origin: Old English or Spanish

Meaning: “fortified hill” in Old English; “barberry tree” in Spanish

The name Arlo was popularized by the 16th-century poem The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser, where it was used as the name of a hill (Arlo Hill) where gods came together for an important debate.

Today, many people believe Arlo is the Spanish word for the ‘barberry tree’ – a shrub that’s best known for its bright red berries, which are often used in culinary applications and for its medicinal properties.

19. Atticus

Origin: Ancient Greece

Meaning: comes from the Greek word ‘Attikos,’ which means ‘from Attica’

Attica is a historical region that encompasses the city of Athens, giving the name a strong cultural and intellectual association with ancient Greece – but it was also used as a cognomen in Ancient Rome.

Some people might recognize the name from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Allen. One of the characters in that book was named Atticus Finch – and he was depicted as a wise, fair, and morally upright lawyer.

18. Casen

Origin: Irish or English

Meaning: vigilant, watchful, pure

Casen doesn’t have any historical significance and is more of a modern creation combining elements of popular names such as Casey and Mason. It’s becoming more and more popular in the United States.

The name Casen sounds a lot like the word ‘casein’ – a type of protein found in milk. It makes up roughly 80% of the protein in cow’s milk, and is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids.

17. Adonis

Origin: Greek or Semitic

Meaning: lord or master (Semitic); beauty and desire (Greek)

In Greek mythology, Adonis was a handsome mortal who caught the eye of Aphrodite – the goddess of love. His story often highlights themes of love, beauty, desire, and the transient nature (and cycle) of life.

The name Adonis is also believed to have Semitic roots – perhaps derived from the word ‘Adon,’ which means ‘lord’ and ‘master’ in several Semitic languages, including Phoenician and in the Hebrew Bible.

16. Elias

Origin: Greek or Hebrew

Meaning: translates to ‘the Lord is my God’

The name Elias is derived from the Hebrew name “Eliyahu” (אֵלִיָּהוּ), which means ‘My God is Yahweh.’ Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, so the name Elias signifies a strong connection to faith and divinity.

Many believe Elias to be the Greek form of the Hebrew name ‘Elijah’ – a prophet in the New Testament – but it’s also related to the Spanish name ‘Elías,’ the Italian name ‘Elia,’ and the Arabic name ‘Ilyas.’

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15. Orrin

Origin: Irish or Hebrew

Meaning: dun-colored, sallow, dark-haired; a little pale green one, pine tree

The name Orrin is likely derived from the Gaelic names Odrán or Oran, which quite literally translates to ‘little pale green one.’ If you have an obsession with the color green, this might be the name for you.

Some people believe it to be a derivative of the Latin word ‘aurum,’ which means gold. In this context, it could be associated with something precious or valuable. Either way, it’s a name you won’t see often.

14. Obadiah

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: servant of God

Obadiah is a name of Hebrew origin, and is derived from the Hebrew name “Obadyah” (עֹבַדְיָה), which translates to “servant of Yahweh” or “worshiper of Yahweh.” Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God.

Obadiah is a prominent figure in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Obadiah is one of the twelve minor prophetic books, and it is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only one chapter.

13. Asael

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: made by God

Asael is derived from the Hebrew name “Asa’el” (עֲשָׂהאֵל), and is made up of two components – “Asa” (עָשָׂה), meaning “God has made” or “God has created,” and “El” (אֵל), which is a reference to God.

Asael (or Asahel) is a minor character mentioned in the Old Testament. He was one of David’s warriors and the brother of Joab, David’s army commander, and was known for his swiftness and bravery in battle.

12. Kainoah

Origin: Hawaiian or Hebrew

Meaning: sea or ocean in Hawaiian; rest or comfort in Hebrew

The name Kainoah can be broken down into two main components – ‘Kai,’ meaning ‘sea’ or ‘ocean’ in the Hawaiian language, and ‘Noah,’ meaning ‘rest’ or ‘comfort’ in Hebrew (after the biblical figure Noah).

With that said, Kainoah can be interpreted to mean “the sea of rest” or “the ocean of comfort,” evoking images of the peaceful and calming qualities of the ocean – but some people just like how it sounds.

11. Vanden

Origin: Dutch and Flemish

Meaning: no standalone meaning

In Dutch and Flemish cultures, the words ‘Van den’ are often used as a component of surnames, where it stands for ‘of the’ or ‘from the.’ For example, ‘Van den Berg’ translates to ‘of or from the mountain.’

As a given name, Vanden may be chosen for its strong, distinctive sound and its connection to heritage. It may also be selected for its modern, yet classic appeal. It sounds very similar to Landon and Brandon.

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10. Rhyker

Origin: German, Danish, or Dutch

Meaning: rich, powerful, wealthy

The name Rhyker is an alternative way of spelling another popular name, ‘Ryker,’ which is derived from the Dutch name ‘Rijk’ (meaning ‘rich’ or ‘ruler’). The name has connotations of wealth and leadership.

The name is also linked to the Germanic elements “ric,” meaning “power” or “rule,” and “hard,” meaning “brave” or “strong.” It could also be influenced by Ryker’s Island, a well-known jail complex in NYC.

9. Silas

Origin: Latin or English

Meaning: of the forest; wooded

Silas is derived from the Latin name “Silvanus,” which means “of the forest” or “wooded.” Silvanus was the Roman god of forests, fields, and rural areas, which signifies a strong connection to all things nature.

In the New Testament of the Bible, Silas was one of the closest and most trusted companions of Paul the Apostle, and he is noted for his dedication and missionary work. The name also has Greek connotations.

8. Matheo

Origin: Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Spanish

Meaning: gift of God

Matheo is an alternate spelling of the names Matteo (Hebrew), Mateo (Spanish), and Matthew (English). It’s derived from the Hebrew name “Matityahu” (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of God.”

Matthew (Matityahu) is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. Despite its heavy origins in religion and faith, Matheo is growing in popularity among non-religious parents.

7. Chozen

Origin: English

Meaning: another way of spelling ‘Chosen’

The name Chozen doesn’t hold any historical or traditional connotations, but it is growing in popularity as a modern version of the name ‘Chosen,’ which can mean ‘special,’ ‘unique,’ ‘selected,’ and ‘picked out.’

Cam Newton – a former NFL quarterback – named his son Chosen, which resulted in more people opting to use the name. It was also popularized by a character in The Karate Kid Part II (1986) and Cobra Kai.

6. Lucien

Origin: French, Latin, or Spanish

Meaning: translates to ‘light’

Lucien is the French equivalent of the Spanish Luciano and the Latin Lucianus or Lucius. Either way, the name means ‘light’ or ‘bringer of light.’ Many people interpret it to mean ‘illumination’ and even ‘clarity.’

Several notable historical figures have borne the name Lucien, including the Roman writer Lucian of Samosata, known for his satirical works. Lucien Bouchard is the former Premier of Quebec (Canada).

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5. Amias

Origin: Latin and French

Meaning: to love, loved, or beloved

Amias is derived from the Italian word ‘amare’ and the Latin word ‘amatus,’ both of which translate to ‘love’ or ‘beloved.’ It’s a great name if you want to highlight the ‘warmth’ and ‘affection’ of being a parent.

One of the most famous people named Amias is Sir Amias Paulet of Hinton St. George, Somerset. He was an English diplomat, Governor of Jersey, and the gaoler for a period of Mary, Queen of Scots.

4. Kaizen

Origin: Japanese

Meaning: change, improvement, amelioration, better

Kaizen is derived from the Japanese word ‘kai,’ which translates to ‘change’ and ‘improvement,’ and the word ‘zen,’ which translates to ‘good’ and ‘better.’ Together, Kaizen means ‘change for the better.’

That’s why it’s such a great name for a baby boy. Think about it – in a way, your new baby boy is about to change your life for the better. It also highlights the idea of making small changes to achieve good results.

3. Kyaire

Origin: none

Meaning: none

Kyaire might be one of the most unique baby names on this list because it doesn’t have a clear meaning or any historical significance. It does, however, have a unique sound to it – which is why it’s so popular.

Ky– is a common prefix among American names, such as Kyle or Kyler, whereas the suffix –aire gives it a fresh and stylish look and sound. You can pronounce the name ‘key-ari,’ ‘kai-er,’ or ‘kee-air.’

2. Javen

Origin: Arabic and Hebrew

Meaning: youth

Javen is likely a variant of the Hebrew name “Javan,” which is mentioned in the Bible. Javan is a son of Japheth, one of Noah’s sons, and is traditionally believed to be the primary ancestor of the Greeks.

In Arabic, the word ‘javen’ translates to ‘youth,’ which makes it the perfect name for a little boy. Other variations of it include Jayven, Javon, Jevin, Jovan, and Jeevan – all of which are incredibly unique.

1. Ignacio

Origin: Spanish and Galician

Meaning: fiery one

Ignacio is derived from the Latin name “Ignatius,” which itself is believed to originate from the Latin word “ignis,” meaning “fire.” The name suggests qualities such as warmth, passion, strength, and vitality.

The name Ignacio is closely associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order (the Society of Jesus) in the 16th century – known for his spiritual exercises and his influence on Christianity.

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Which Unique Baby Name Is Your Favorite?

Thinking of the perfect name for your baby boy is one of the most precious decisions you and your significant other will ever make. That’s not to say it’ll be easy, but no one said it was supposed to be.

So, while it might be a little stressful and nerve-wracking, it’s important to have fun with the process.

If you find yourself struggling to think of unique baby names or need a little extra inspiration than what we provided above, don’t hesitate to leverage our Answers by Mamas Uncut online forum for more ideas.

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As you enter the wonderful world of parenthood, you can turn to the Mamas Uncut community for help with just about anything that has to do with being a parent and mother – don’t be afraid to ask away!