That’s it! You have now officially given up looking for a name for your future son. You were only looking for the perfect baby boy’s name to make your son stand out, but it seems your friends and relatives get there just before you do.
This is a common phenomenon for parents to be. Just when you feel you have nailed the perfect baby boy name, your friend pops one out with the same moniker you thought was unique. Don’t give up, help is at hand. We have searched all corners of the internet to compile a list of unique boy names, along with their meanings, for your bright little star.
Based on the US baby name top 1000, we have come up with names from around the world that are unique but not weird. We have chosen them based on their meanings, so your son can really cherish his name when he’s older. If you’re looking for unique names that mean strength, miracle, hope & faith, or names that are inspired by nature and music, then look no further.
Table of Contents
Unique baby boy names meaning strength
Zander/Xander
Both names are derived from Alexander, a Greek baby name meaning defender of men. Alexander the Great, popes, and many Russian emperors were famous bearers of the name. If you love a historic name, but prefer a more unique version, why not opt for Zander? It is a great name; it sounds familiar, yet it is different. If you do like to follow the latest baby name trends, then pick Xander. A great unique name with an X. Hipster cousin Zander ranks at 259, outshining his cousin Xander (at 171) in the coolness stakes.
Denzel
A name with Celtic roots, this name means powerful. Denzel was given a boost in popularity thanks to its famous namesake, Denzel Washington. A popular choice amongst the African-American community, this name with substance, can be spelled with one or double l, allowing you to customize it for extra uniqueness. An excellent choice for a unique name starting with a D that is well known but, at 984, barely makes it into the top 1000.
Finn/Fionn
Another name that hails from the Emerald Isle Finn is named after a champion warrior.
You see, the great myth ‘The Salmon of Knowledge’ tells of the little boy Fionn mac Cumhaill, who grew up with a sage poet, Finnegas. This elderly man taught Fionn all about composing, poetry. He confided in him the secrets of all the animals, plants, and stars.
Curious by nature, Fionn was still hungry for more knowledge, driving his carer insane with all his questions. As luck would have it, druids had told Finnegas about the Salmon of Knowledge. The fish had devoured magical hazelnuts and had become very wise.
One day, Finnegas caught the fish and ordered Fionn to prepare it. He warned him not to taste it while cooking. When Finnegas returned from fetching firewood, he noticed that Fionn looked different. In fact, he saw the light of wisdom shining in his eyes. He asked Fionn what happened, and he was told that while turning the fish on the spit, Fionn burned his thumb. To soothe it, he put it in his mouth to suck it.
Finnegas ordered him to eat the rest of the fish, turning Fionn into a wise poet and a strong character. He went on to become the leader of the Fianna, a famous band of warriors.
Less common than Liam, Finn is an excellent choice if you’re after a unique Celtic name that is masculine yet still suits a newborn with its soft tones. Not unusual enough? Try Fionn; this name doesn’t even feature in the US top 1000.
Interested in reading more about Celtic names? Have a look at our round-up of our 15 best Irish boy names, or go here for Irish girl names.
Andreas
If a unique name with a European flavor is more your thing, check out Andreas. It means strong and manly; it’s derived from Greece but is used in Germany, Scandinavia, Austria, and the Netherlands, and better known as Andrew in England. There are lots of variations; Anders, André, and the Italian, Andrea, spring to mind. Ranking at 970, you have found yourself a unique name for your little boy with solid European roots.
Maximus
An excellent firm name, Maximus, is Latin and Greek for ‘the greatest.’ In Roman times it was added to their military heroes, making it a great choice if you’re hoping to raise a strong and heroic boy, a leader. General Maximus Decimus Meridius is the noble character played by Russell Crowe in the epic Gladiator. This led to the name leaping into the top 1000, and it still ranks in the top 300. More popular versions are Max, Maxwell, and the Italian name, Maximo.
Unique baby boy names meaning faith
Dillon
From Irish descent, Dillon means ‘ray of hope’ and faithful. Ranking at 592, it’s less popular than its Welsh cousin, Dylan. Dillon is an excellent choice if you’re after a unique name starting with a D.
Also, seeing that Dillon Kyle Gee bears the same moniker might convince your partner to add this to your baby name list.
Emmanuel/Emuna
Emmanuel is of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘God is with us’. Emanu simply implies faith. Currently languishing at 428 with no sign of storming the charts, you have found yourself a classic, but unique name with a significant meaning.
Unique baby boy names that mean blessed
Benedict
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Benedict means blessed in Latin. Saint Benedict founded the Benedictines, a religious order in Italy in the 6th century. If you like Ben, but would prefer something a tad more unique, then Benedict is for you. Just about emerging in the high 900’s, Benedict has a famous bearer in the form of actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
Unique baby boy names
meaning miracle
Theo/Theodore
Meaning’ divine gift’, Theo has Greek roots. A classic and well-known name in Germany, Holland, France, and Belgium, its popularity is spreading to English speaking countries. If you are after a unique name with significant meaning, Theo is it. Currently ranking at 243 and growing in popularity, it’s still on the right side of cool.
Unique baby boy names meaning gift
Of Hebrew origin, Jesse means gift. In the Old Testament, Jesse (also known as Isia) was a farmer and sheep breeder living in Bethlehem. He was also the father of King David and the grandson of Boaz and Ruth. Jesse and David were members of a family dynasty that was to rule the throne on Mount Zion in constant succession for more than four centuries.
While waning in popularity in the US (down to 185 this year), Jesse is more popular on the continent, making it an ideal name if you have European relatives.
While waning in popularity in the US (down to 185 this year), Jesse is more popular on the continent, making it an ideal name if you have European relatives.
Unique baby boy names related to nature
Oscar
Oscar is a unique name inspired by nature. Deriving from two elements in Irish; Os means deer and car mean loving, Oscar, therefore, signifies deer loving. Oscar is the son of Oisin, and the grandson of the legendary warrior and poet, Fionn mac Cumhail. The meaning of his name refers to his grandmother Sadhbh. She was turned into a deer by a black druid.
Oscar has been well-known in Scandinavia and made even more popular by the Swedish Crown Princess, Victoria who named her only son Oscar. If you have been searching for a unique, historic name inspired by nature, then Oscar might be the one.
Oscar has been well-known in Scandinavia and made even more popular by the Swedish Crown Princess, Victoria, who named her only son Oscar. If you have been searching for a unique, historic name inspired by nature, then Oscar might be the one.
Vernon
Vernon is a name of French origin, meaning a place of alders. Originally an aristocratic surname, it was introduced in England around the time of the Norman conquests. With a spot in the 900’s, this name can rightly be classed as a unique name with a V. Vernon would also make a great middle name.
Reed/Reid
While Reed means red-haired, due to its combination of vowels and consonants, it can be interpreted as either a music or nature name. Originally an Anglo -Saxon name, it spread to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in medieval times.
Reed is an elegant, versatile, and straightforward name, making it a unique choice for a first name or a middle name. There is no danger of this name becoming too popular, as it has been hovering around 350-450th mark.
Jasper
Jasper is the name of semiprecious stone. It also hails from Persia, where it means ‘Treasurer’ and is related to Casper and the Danish name Jesper. It makes an appearance in the Bible, as the English name for one of the wise men.
At the 154th spot, this name is gaining traction, mostly due to its presence in the Twilight series. Not a common name, it was mainly used by the local gentry in Yorkshire, England in the 15th to 17th centuries.
Pierce
A great unique nature name, Pierce means rock in Welsh. If you’re into James Bond and happy to block out any associations with Pierce Morgan, then Pierce might be a great, unique name starting with a P. Placed in the 400’s, you can be assured this name will stay unique for years to come.
Finally
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Have a look at our 10 our 15 Irish boy names. Or if royal names float your boat, go here for some divine inspiration.
