250+ Rare Boy Names A-Z with Unique Meanings: Best List

I remember the panic. It wasn’t the “did we pack the hospital bag” panic, or the “how do I install this car seat” panic. It was the naming panic. I was staring at my son, who was currently just a bundle of angry, red noise, and realized the name we had picked out didn’t fit him. It felt like trying to put a tuxedo on a badger. It was too stiff, too common, too… someone else’s kid.

We wanted something with grit. We wanted a name that had dirt under its fingernails but could still wear a suit. We wanted history without the dust.

If you are reading this, you are probably in the same boat. You are tired of the Top 10 lists. You don’t want your son to be “Liam H.” or “Liam B.” in homeroom. You are looking for Rare Boy Names A-Z with Unique Meanings because you want his identity to be his own from day one. I spent months obsessing over etymology books and badgering strangers about their grandfathers’ names to build this list. It’s not just data; it’s a collection of identities waiting to be claimed.

Also Read: Modern Baby Boy Names Parents Love and Best Care Bear Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• The “Barista Test” is Real: I always tell parents to order a coffee with their potential name. If the barista asks you to spell it three times and still gets it wrong, think hard about that choice.
• Meaning Matters More Than Sound: A cool sound fades, but knowing your name means “wolf ruler” or “bringer of light” sticks with a kid when they are feeling small.
• Surnames are Fair Game: Some of the best first names started as last names. They carry an instant weight and authority.
• Don’t Fear the Old Man Name: Names like Silas and Arthur are back because they have gravitas. Don’t be afraid of a name that sounds like it owns a pocket watch.
• Nicknames are Mandatory: If you pick a four-syllable name, you are really picking a one-syllable nickname. Make sure you like the short version too.

Why are we so afraid of being different?

We say we want unique, but then we get scared. We worry about resumes. We worry about playground teasing. But let me tell you, the playground has changed. The kids there are named Maverick, Legend, and Bear. Being “different” is actually the new normal.

Choosing a rare name is an act of confidence. You are telling the world that your son doesn’t need to ride someone else’s coattails. He can blaze his own trail. When we finally named our son—a name you won’t find in any kindergarten top 50—it felt like we unlocked a piece of his personality.

Here is the list I wish I had when I was pacing the hallway at 3 A.M.

A: Why not start with authority?

The letter A is the alpha. It’s open, vocal, and strong. But get away from the Alexanders and the Austins. You want something that demands attention without shouting.

• Abner: It’s biblical, meaning “father of light.” But forget the scripture for a second; it sounds like a guy who can fix an engine and quote poetry. It’s vintage cool.
• Adair: Scottish roots meaning “oak tree ford.” It’s got this sophisticated, upscale vibe, like a kid who wears loafers but climbs trees.
• Alaric: Meaning “all-powerful ruler.” This is a conqueror’s name. It sounds ancient, maybe a bit Visigoth, but undeniably tough.
• Altair: Arabic for “the flyer.” It’s a star name, literally. It sounds fast, aerodynamic, and sharp.
• Ambrose: “Immortal.” It used to sound stuffy, but now it sounds like a scholar. It’s soft but heavy with meaning.
• Ansel: German for “with divine protection.” Everyone thinks of Ansel Adams, which gives it an instant artistic, black-and-white photography aesthetic.
• Apollo: The Greek god of… well, everything cool. Music, light, poetry. It takes guts to pull this off, but if he does, he’s a legend.
• Aris: “Best.” Just that. Short, punchy, Greek. It cuts through the noise better than Ari.
• Arrow: It’s a word name, sure. But it implies direction and speed. It’s modern and aggressive in a good way.
• Atlas: “Bearer of the heavens.” It’s popular among the hipster crowd, but it still carries the weight of the world beautifully.
• Azael: Hebrew for “made of God.” It sounds edgy, a bit like a rock star, but has deep roots.
• Azriel: “God is my help.” Similar to Azael but feels a bit more ethereal and mysterious.

B: Is the letter B the best kept secret?

B names are explosive. They burst from the lips. They feel friendly but solid, like a clap on the back.

• Baird: Scottish for “poet.” If you want a sensitive soul who can handle himself, this is it.
• Basil: “Royal.” In the UK, it’s posh. In the US, it’s delightfully unheard of. It smells like fresh herbs and old money.
• Bear: Just “Bear.” It’s fierce, it’s cuddly, it’s nature. It barely needs an explanation.
• Bram: Short for Abraham, meaning “father of multitudes.” But really, it’s about Bram Stoker. It’s got a gothic, literary edge.
• Breccan: Irish for “freckled.” It sounds energetic and bouncy.
• Bridger: “Lives near the bridge.” It’s an occupational name that sounds rugged, like a guy who builds cabins.
• Bronson: “Son of the brown-haired one.” It’s pure muscle. Charles Bronson made this name smell like leather and gunpowder.
• Brooks: “Of the brook.” It’s water, but fast-moving water. It’s country club meets fly fishing.
• Burke: “From the fortress.” It’s snappy. It sounds like a detective or a lawyer you don’t want to mess with.
• Byron: “Barn for cows.” Ignore the meaning; focus on Lord Byron. It’s romantic, moody, and poetic.
• Bannen: “Small fair one.” A surname feel that hasn’t been overused like Brennan.
• Boone: French for “good.” It’s Daniel Boone. It’s frontiersman cool.

C: Can crisp names carry character?

C is a chameleon. It can be a hard crack or a soft hiss. These names feel classic but slightly dusted off.

• Caelum: Latin for “heavens.” It looks like a science term but sounds like a lullaby.
• Caius: “Rejoice.” It’s the tougher, Roman version of Kai. It demands respect.
• Callahan: “Bright-headed.” It’s a cowboy surname. You can hear the spurs jingling when you say it.
• Calix: “Very handsome.” Talk about high expectations for the kid, but it sounds cool enough to work.
• Carver: “Wood carver.” It’s an artist’s name, but a practical artist. Someone who works with their hands.
• Caspian: The sea, the prince. It’s pure fantasy magic. It sounds regal and vast.
• Cassian: “Hollow.” Ignore the meaning; it sounds like a spy. Modern, sleek, darker than Cassius.
• Cedric: Invented by Sir Walter Scott. It means “kindly and loved.” It’s Harry Potter brave and old-school gentlemanly.
• Colm: “Dove.” It’s peace. It’s quiet strength. One syllable that says a lot.
• Corin: “Spear.” Shakespeare used it. It’s rare, easy to spell, and sounds pleasant.
• Credence: “Belief.” A virtue name that isn’t preachy. It sounds solid and trustworthy.
• Cy: Short for Cyrus or just on its own. It feels like a 1920s pitcher.

D: Do you dare to be distinct?

D names are the bedrock. They sit heavy. They are the names of guys you call when your car breaks down.

• Dashiell: Meaning unknown, but who cares? It’s Dashiell Hammett. It’s mystery novels and fedoras.
• Deacon: “Servant.” It’s got a southern church vibe, but also a biker vibe. Interesting mix.
• Declan: “Man of prayer.” It’s Irish charm without being impossible to pronounce.
• Dempsey: “Proud.” It’s a fighter’s name. Jack Dempsey. It’s got swing.
• Dion: “God of wine.” It’s a party. It’s short, fun, and ancient.
• Dorian: Oscar Wilde owned this one. It’s beautiful, slightly tragic, and very intellectual.
• Drake: “Dragon.” Or male duck. Let’s go with Dragon. It’s one syllable of fire.
• Draven: It’s modern, maybe a bit goth, linked to the raven. It’s for the parents who wore black in high school.
• Drys: Short for Andries. It sounds like “Drees.” It’s European chic.
• Duke: Nobility. It’s John Wayne. It’s jazz. It walks into a room and owns it.
• Dax: French town. It sounds like a sci-fi character. Sharp and modern.

E: Is everyone ignoring the best E names?

Vowels are trendy, but E often gets skipped for A and O. E names are often the smart ones.

• Eamon: “Wealthy protector.” It’s the Irish Edmund. It sounds like a wise old soul.
• Eben: “Stone of help.” Scrooge ruined Ebenezer, but Eben is fresh, short, and biblical.
• Elian: “Sun.” It flows like water. It’s musical and light.
• Elias: “Yahweh is God.” It’s timeless. It works in the 1800s and the 2000s.
• Emrys: “Immortal.” This is Merlin’s obscure name. It’s magical without being a wizard hat.
• Enoch: “Dedicated.” It’s distinct. It’s a serious name for a serious kid.
• Ephraim: “Fruitful.” It’s soft, poetic, and criminally underused.
• Evander: “Good man.” Real Deal Holyfield gave it grit. The nickname Van is effortless.
• Everest: The mountain. It’s a big shoe to fill, but it implies greatness and struggle.
• Ezra: “Help.” It’s quirky. It’s the cool artist in the loft apartment.
• Ewan: Scottish form of John. It’s McGregor. It’s charming and accented.

F: Five reasons to pick F?

F is the funnest letter. It’s soft but fast. F names are almost nonexistent in US classrooms, which is a crime.

• Falconer: Occupational. It’s not just a bird; it’s the guy who trains the bird. That’s control.
• Farris: “Iron-strong.” It sounds like Ferris Bueller took a boxing class.
• Fenwick: “Village on the marsh.” It sounds prestigious, like a law firm or a boarding school.
• Fintan: “White fire.” That meaning alone is worth the price of admission. Ancient Irish myth vibes.
• Fjord: It’s a landscape. It’s deep water and high cliffs. Dramatic and Nordic.
• Flint: “Hard rock.” It sparks fire. It’s short, sharp, and utilitarian.
• Ford: “River crossing.” It’s American muscle. Reliable, sturdy, gets the job done.
• Foster: “Forester.” It implies taking care of things. It’s gentle but capable.
• Fox: It’s clever. It’s sleek. It’s a nature name that actually sounds like a name.
• Fyfe: “From Fife.” It sounds musical, like a fife drum. Whimsical.
• Fielding: “One who works the field.” It sounds literary and expansive.

G: Gotta go with G?

G names have a gravelly texture. They are masculine and grounded.

• Gable: “Triangular wall.” It’s Clark Gable. It’s a mustache and a smirk.
• Gadiel: “God is my fortune.” It sounds like Gabriel but more unique.
• Gannon: “Fair-skinned.” It sounds like a cannon. It’s heavy and impactful.
• Garrick: “Oak tree grove.” Strong, rooted, unshakeable.
• Gentry: “Aristocracy.” It’s Southern charm in a bottle. Polite and well-dressed.
• Gibson: “Gilbert’s son.” It’s the guitar. It rocks.
• Giles: “Young goat.” Ignore that. It’s British librarian chic.
• Gray: It’s a color, but a dignified one. It’s wisdom and fog.
• Grover: “Grove of trees.” Forget the muppet. It’s a jazz name.
• Gunnar: “Bold warrior.” It’s aggressive but undeniably cool.
• Griffith: “Strong lord.” It’s Welsh and dragon-like.

H: Have you heard these?

H is breathy. It’s the exhale. These names feel effortless.

• Hakon: “High son.” Viking royalty. It sounds like a guy who owns an axe.
• Hale: “Hero.” It’s robust. “Hale and hearty.” It screams health.
• Halston: “Hallowed stone.” It’s 70s fashion and disco, but polished.
• Hamish: “Supplanter.” The Scottish James. It’s got a twinkle in its eye.
• Hawk: Vision. Focus. A predator name that isn’t cruel.
• Henrik: “Home ruler.” The European Henry. It’s just slightly more sophisticated.
• Hollis: “Holly tree.” It’s soft, usually a surname, works great on a boy.
• Holt: “Wood.” One syllable. Stops you in your tracks.
• Huxley: “Hugh’s meadow.” It’s literary genius. Aldous Huxley.
• Hyde: “Hide.” It’s dangerous. Jekyll and Hyde. For the bad boy.
• Hayes: “Hedged area.” It’s presidential and breezy.

I: I dare you to pick I?

I is the ego. It’s the self. These names are for the main character.

• Idris: “Lord.” Idris Elba made this usable for everyone. It’s powerful.
• Ignatius: “Fiery.” St. Ignatius. It offers the nickname “Iggy.”
• Imre: “Strength.” Hungarian. It’s unusual but easy to say.
• Indigo: The deep blue. It’s artistic and moody.
• Inigo: “My name is Inigo Montoya.” It’s swashbuckling.
• Ira: “Watchful.” It’s an old man name that is ready for a comeback.
• Irving: “Green water.” It’s clunky, but in a hipster way. Washington Irving.
• Ivar: “Yew warrior.” It’s The Boneless. Viking legend.
• Ives: “Yew wood.” It’s Currier and Ives. Wintery and sharp.
• Izad: “Divine.” Persian. It sounds zestful.
• Indio: “Indian.” Robert Downey Jr. used it. It’s got a California vibe.

J: Just give me a J name that isn’t John?

J is the most popular letter for boys. To be rare here, you have to dig deep.

• Jago: “Supplanter.” The Cornish James. It sounds like a pirate.
• Jareth: Invented for the Goblin King. David Bowie. Enough said.
• Jarlath: “Tributary lord.” An Irish saint no one knows.
• Jesper: “Bringer of treasure.” The Scandinavian Jasper. It sounds softer.
• Jett: Speed. Black stone. It’s rock and roll.
• Jiro: “Second son.” Japanese. It bounces off the tongue.
• Joah: “Brother of God.” Noah with a J. Familiar but different.
• Jorah: “Early rain.” Game of Thrones redeemed this one.
• Jovian: “Of Jupiter.” It sounds huge, planetary.
• Jubal: “Ram’s horn.” The father of music in the Bible. A deep cut.
• Jericho: Place name. It sounds like walls coming down. Big energy.

K: Kick it up a notch?

K names have kinetic energy. They move.

• Kael: “Slender.” It looks like Superman’s name (Kal-El).
• Kaiser: “Emperor.” It’s bold. Maybe too bold? That’s up to you.
• Kaspar: “Treasurer.” One of the wise men. The K makes it cooler than Casper.
• Keane: “Fighter.” It’s sleek. A surname that works as a first.
• Kellan: “Slender.” It’s distinct from Kellen. Irish charm.
• Kenji: “Strong second son.” It’s vibrant and happy.
• Kiernan: “Little dark one.” It’s mostly a surname, which makes it a cool first name.
• Koa: “Warrior.” Hawaiian. It’s short, punchy, and meaningful.
• Kylian: “War.” It’s a soccer star name. Fast and French.
• Kylo: Invented. Star Wars. But it sounds great, villain or not.
• Kato: “All-knowing.” It sounds like a sidekick, but a smart one.

L: Love the lyrical ones?

L is liquid. It flows. These names are romantic.

• Lachlan: “Land of lochs.” It’s Scottish water. Very popular Down Under, rare here.
• Langston: “Tall man’s town.” Langston Hughes. Poetry and civil rights history.
• Laszlo: “Glorious ruler.” It’s got a Z! It’s exotic and fun.
• Leander: “Lion man.” Mythological lover. It swims the Hellespont.
• Leif: “Heir.” The explorer. Pronounce it “Layf” to be authentic.
• Lemuel: “Devoted to God.” Gulliver’s Travels. It’s eccentric.
• Lev: “Lion” or “Heart.” Tolstoy. Short, Russian, cool.
• Lorcan: “Little fierce one.” I love names that mix cute and scary.
• Lucian: “Light.” It sounds shadowy despite the meaning. Vampire vibes.
• Lysander: “Liberator.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Better than Alexander.
• Lazarus: “God has helped.” It’s a comeback name. Literally.

M: Manliness and mystery?

M is the mother letter, but for boys, it’s grounded.

• Macon: “Mason.” It’s a Georgia city. Southern and slow.
• Magnus: “Great.” A Viking king name. It commands the room.
• Makai: “Towards the sea.” Hawaiian. Breezy and surfer-like.
• Malo: “Bright pledge.” French saint. Rare and distinct.
• Marcel: “Little warrior.” It sounds artistic, French, and mime-like (in a good way).
• Merrick: “Fame and power.” It sounds like a guy with a corner office.
• Miller: “Grinder of grain.” Occupational. Down to earth.
• Miro: “Peace.” An artist’s name. Abstract and cool.
• Montgomery: “Man power.” It’s long. It demands a nickname like Monty.
• Mordecai: “Servant of Marduk.” It’s deeply vintage.
• Mads: “Gift of God.” Danish Matthew. Short and punchy.

N: Never say never?

N is nasal but nice. It’s humble.

• Nadir: “Rare.” The meaning fits perfectly.
• Nakoa: “The warriors.” Jason Momoa’s middle name. Tough.
• Nalian: Sounds like a blend. Fluid and new.
• Nash: “By the ash tree.” Nashville. It’s country cool.
• Nehemiah: “Comforted by God.” It’s a mouthful, but a beautiful one.
• Nevin: “Holy.” Kevin’s cooler cousin.
• Nico: “People of victory.” Velvet Underground cool.
• Niles: “Son of Neil.” It’s Frasier’s brother. Posh and fussy.
• Nolan: “Champion.” It’s a director’s name. Christopher Nolan.
• Noam: “Pleasantness.” Noam Chomsky. Smart guy name.
• North: Directional. Kim and Kanye did it, but it’s still rugged.

O: Oh, the possibilities?

O names are open. They have a round sound that people love.

• Oberon: “Noble bear.” King of fairies. Magical.
• Octavius: “Eighth.” Imperial Roman. Big name for a baby.
• Odin: “Frenzy.” The All-Father. One eye, two ravens. Badass.
• Ogden: “Oak valley.” Literary and slightly nerdy.
• Oisin: “Little deer.” Irish legend. Pronounced “Osh-een.” Good luck spelling it.
• Oleander: A poisonous flower. Dangerous beauty.
• Omri: “My sheaf.” Short, biblical, rarely heard.
• Orion: The Hunter. The belt of stars. It’s cosmic.
• Orson: “Bear cub.” Orson Welles. Creative genius energy.
• Osiris: Egyptian god of the dead. Heavy metal history.
• Ozias: “Salvation.” It has the Oz nickname.

For more insights on naming trends and popularity data, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides definitive records of U.S. name frequencies.

P: Pick a peck of P names?

P is plosive. It pops. It feels preppy.

• Pace: “Peace.” A word name that walks its own path.
• Palmer: “Pilgrim.” It sounds wealthy. Golf courses and iced tea.
• Parson: “Clergy.” Gentle, religious, old-fashioned.
• Pascal: “Easter.” The scientist and the holiday.
• Penn: “Enclosure.” Penn Badgley. Penn Jillette. Storytellers.
• Peregrine: “Traveler.” The falcon. It’s fast and eccentric.
• Phelan: “Wolf.” One of the best meanings on the list.
• Phineas: “Oracle.” P.T. Barnum. It’s a showman’s name.
• Piers: “Rock.” The medieval Peter. Sharp and British.
• Prescott: “Priest’s cottage.” A surname that sounds like a bank.
• Pryor: “Head of monastery.” Richard Pryor gives it a comedic edge.

Q: Quest for the Quirky?

Q is the rarest start. A Q name is a statement piece.

• Qadir: “Capable.” Strong Arabic name.
• Quade: “Son of Uad.” It sounds like “Wade” but cooler.
• Quanna: “Fragrant.” Comanche roots.
• Quay: “Wharf.” It’s water-adjacent. Short.
• Quenby: “Woman’s estate.” Maybe too feminine? You decide.
• Quentin: “Fifth.” Tarantino. It’s artistic violence.
• Quest: “Mission.” A literal word name for an adventurer.
• Quill: “Feather.” For the writer.
• Quinlan: “Graceful.” A bouncy Irish surname.
• Quito: City name. Sounds energetic.
• Qamar: “Moon.” Arabic. Beautiful meaning.

R: Ready to rumble?

R is the growl. It’s the engine starting. Masculine and active.

• Rafferty: “Abundance.” It sounds happy. It’s a guy buying a round of drinks.
• Ragnar: “Warrior.” Viking legend. Scary and awesome.
• Rainier: “Wise army.” The mountain. Majestic.
• Ramsey: “Garlic island.” Ignore the garlic; it sounds distinguished.
• Ransom: “Deliverance.” A virtue name with a kidnapping edge. Cool.
• Reef: Ocean name. Surfer vibes.
• Reis: “Giant.” Short name, big meaning.
• Ren: “Lotus.” Kylo Ren. Stimpy. Take your pick.
• Rhodes: “Roses.” The scholar. The island.
• Roan: “Red-haired.” Like the horse coat. Nature-adjacent.
• Roscoe: “Deer forest.” It’s an old-timey sheriff name.
• Rigby: “Ridge farm.” The Beatles song. Lonely but lovely.

S: Smooth or Sharp?

S is the snake. It slides. It’s whispery but can be sharp.

• Saber: “Sword.” It cuts. Very aggressive.
• Saint: “Holy.” Kanye did it. It’s high pressure.
• Salem: “Peace.” Spooky because of the witches, but beautiful.
• Sayer: “Woodcutter.” Or a talker.
• Severin: “Stern.” It’s a Roman emperor villain name.
• Shepherd: “Herdsman.” Religious and gentle.
• Silas: “Forest.” It’s biblical and rustic.
• Soren: “Stern.” Danish. It sounds soft, meaning is hard.
• Stellan: “Calm.” Skarsgard. It sounds galactic.
• Sutton: “Southern homestead.” Preppy surname.
• Slade: “Valley.” It sounds like a comic book villain.
• Sylvan: “Wood.” The forest spirit.

T: Time to talk T?

T is crisp. It’s a tap on the glass.

• Tagger: “Day laborer.” It sounds sporty.
• Talon: “Claw.” Predator name.
• Tavin: Looks like Gavin, sounds like Tevin.
• Thaddeus: “Heart.” The nickname Tad is cute; Thaddeus is grand.
• Thane: “Chief.” Macbeth. Royal Scottish title.
• Thelonious: Jazz legend Monk. The coolest name on this list? Maybe.
• Thorin: “Thunder.” The dwarf king. Short, stout, strong.
• Tiberius: Roman emperor. Captain Kirk’s middle name.
• Torin: “Chief.” Friendly Irish name.
• Truett: “River bend.” It sounds like “True it.” Honest.
• Tybalt: Romeo and Juliet. The Prince of Cats. Feisty.

U: Ultimate underdog?

U is the bowl. It holds things. Very rare.

• Ugo: “Mind.” Italian Hugh. Fun to say.
• Ulric: “Wolf power.” Medieval knight name.
• Ulysses: “Wrathful.” The General. The President. The Book.
• Urban: “City dweller.” The Pope name.
• Uriah: “God is my light.” Dickens villain, but a cool sound.
• Uriel: “Angel of light.” Mystical.
• Upton: “Upper town.” Upton Sinclair. Muckraker.
• Urso: “Bear.” Latin. Rare.
• Usher: “Door keeper.” The singer owns this one now.
• Uzias: “Strength.” Biblical deep cut.
• Umbro: “Shadow.” Or the soccer brand.

V: Vroom, Vroom?

V is the engine. It vibrates. It’s alive.

• Valor: “Bravery.” A virtue name that isn’t soft.
• Vance: “Marshland.” It sounds slick.
• Vander: “Of the family.” Vanderbuilt money.
• Vane: “Banner.” It sounds posh and British.
• Vaughn: “Small.” Vince Vaughn. Smooth talker.
• Vesper: “Evening.” Usually a girl’s name, but Bond made it cool.
• Viggo: “War.” Mortensen. Aragorn. Art and grit.
• Vired: “Green.” Unusual nature name.
• Vitus: “Life.” St. Vitus dance. Energetic.
• Vulcan: “Fire.” The blacksmith god. Live long and prosper.
• Valen: “Strong.” Short for Valentine without the romance.

W: Wild and Wonderful?

W is the wind. It’s open and wide.

• Walden: “Wooded valley.” Thoreau. For the nature lover.
• Warner: “Guard.” Brothers. Movies.
• Wells: “Spring.” Deep water.
• West: Directional. Go West, young man.
• Whittaker: “White field.” Forest Whitaker. Dignified.
• Wilder: “Untamed.” Gene Wilder. It’s a vibe.
• Wilfred: “Desiring peace.” Old man chic. Call him Wilf.
• Wolf: Just Wolf. Blitzer. The animal.
• Woods: Tiger. Forest. Golf.
• Wylie: “Clever.” Coyote. Mischievous.
• Wystan: “Battle stone.” Auden’s first name. Literary.

X: X marks the spot?

X is the edgy kid in the back of the class.

• Xander: “Defender.” Buffy fans know.
• Xavi: “New house.” Soccer nickname.
• Xenon: “Foreigner.” A gas. Neon lights.
• Xerxes: “Ruler over heroes.” Persian king. 300.
• Xylon: “Timber.” From the forest.
• Ximen: “Heard.” Spanish Simon.
• Xeno: “Strange voice.” Philosophy.
• Xadrian: Made up? Maybe. Sounds cool? Yes.
• Xola: “Stay in peace.” Xhosa.
• Xanthus: “Golden.” Mythological horse.

Y: Why not Y?

Y is the question. It’s the curveball.

• Yardley: “Fenced meadow.” Soap brand? Maybe.
• Yates: “Gatekeeper.” Preppy surname.
• Yeats: The poet. Irish soul.
• Yehuda: “Praise.” Common in Hebrew, rare in English.
• York: “Yew estate.” Peppermint patty. New York.
• Yael: “Mountain goat.” Usually female, but sounds masculine.
• Yarrow: Herb. Healing plant.
• Yule: “Winter solstice.” Born at Christmas? Perfect.
• Yuri: “Farmer.” Russian George. Gagarin (astronaut).
• Yves: “Yew.” St. Laurent. Fashion.
• Yisrael: “Wrestles with God.” Traditional.

Z: The Zenith?

Z is the buzz. The end. The vibration.

• Zaccai: “Pure.” Zac with a kick.
• Zane: “God is gracious.” Western writer. Grey.
• Zebulon: “Exaltation.” Pike’s Peak. Old school explorer.
• Zed: The British Z. Pulp Fiction. “Zed’s dead.”
• Zephyr: “West wind.” Gentle breeze.
• Zev: “Wolf.” Short. Sharp.
• Zion: “Highest point.” Holy place.
• Zoltan: “Sultan.” Big in Hungary. Fortune teller machine.
• Zuriel: “God is my rock.” Zuri for short.
• Zen: “Meditation.” Chill.
• Zeke: Short for Ezekiel. Old farmer energy.

How do you know when you’ve found ‘The One’?

You can read lists until your eyes bleed. You can build spreadsheets. But eventually, you have to shout it out the back door.

Go to your porch. Pretend your kid is 10 years old and late for dinner. Yell the name. Does it feel ridiculous? Do you feel like a poser saying it? Or does it roll off your tongue like you’ve been saying it for a decade?

We chose a rare name. I have to spell it for the pharmacy tech every single time. But when I look at my son, I don’t see a Liam or a Noah. I see him. And that hassle at the pharmacy? It’s worth it.

Trust your gut. Pick the name that scares you a little. Good luck.

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