Congrats on your upcoming bundle of bouncing baby boy joy! Now the task of choosing a name! It can be daunting, but we’re here to offer you plenty of interesting baby boy names to choose from.
Some people like traditional and classic names, while other’s enjoy rare names; this list merges the bunch into one amazing list for cool names that aren’t currently too popular, making it less likely your child will know another child with the same name, or certainly not a lot.
We’ve taken these names from the Social Security Administration‘s website, where they list the most popular names of any given year. We’ve chosen the year 2022 to filter through and only chose names that were #500 or higher, keeping the name options far from the most popular names for that year.
But just for fun, let’s look at the top 10 most popular boy names from 2022.
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- James
- Elijiah
- William
- Henry
- Lucus
- Benjamin
- Theodore
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Interesting Baby Boy Names
So maybe you’re waivering between unique names, or lessor used names, and more popular and common names and need some reasons why using lessor known names would be a great idea for your baby boy.
We’ve got you covered!

5 Reasons to Use a Lessor Used Name
- Individuality: Choosing a less common name can help your child stand out and have a unique identity. They won’t have to share their name with multiple peers in school, which can contribute to a stronger sense of individuality and self-esteem.
- Avoiding Trends: Popular baby names tend to follow trends and can become overused in a particular generation. By opting for a less common name, you can avoid your child being part of a large cohort with the same name, ensuring their name remains timeless.
- Cultural Significance: Less commonly used names often have deep cultural or historical significance. By choosing such a name, you can honor your heritage, pay tribute to a family member, or celebrate a meaningful aspect of your culture.
- Reduced Confusion: With fewer people sharing your child’s name, there will be less confusion in everyday situations. This can make it easier for your child to identify themselves and avoid mix-ups in school, sports, or other activities.
- Positive Associations: Less common names are often associated with positive qualities like creativity, uniqueness, and individuality. These associations can have a positive impact on your child’s self-image and how they are perceived by others.
5 Least Used Baby out of the Top 1,000 Top Used Names
So let’s hop into this list with number 995-1,000 on the top 1,000 list of most used boy names of 2022 (According to SSA baby name list.)
#995 – Atharv which means Knowledge and has Hindu roots.
#996 – Imran means prosperity and is Arabic in origin.
#997 – Ivaan means Gods gracious and glorious gift and is Russian.
#998 – Kanan means forest and is Indian in origin.
#999 – Kalel means voice of God and is Hebrew in origin.
#1,000 – London means the great river and is English in origin.
55+ Favorite Uncommon Boy Names
Let’s start this list off with some of the cuter options, names that are a little less unique, but still uncommon according to the Social Security Adminstration.
#515 on the list is: Deacon. Deacon means helper and is of Greek origin. Deacon is a strong yet still soft name and would be adorable with a short middle name like Deacon Lee or Deacon Jett even.
#522 on the list is Rowen. Rowen means little red one and is Irish in origin. How adorable is the name Rowan, again a good strong boy name but also soft and gentle at the same time. Can’t go wrong there!
#530 on the list is Soren. Soren means stern and is Danish in origin. Now tell me this name doesn’t make a statement? If I were to have a boy now, this name would be on my short list.
And how cute would Soren Everette or Soren Crew or even something more classic like Soren James be?
#531 on the list is Kasen. Kasen means pure and is of American or Greek origin. Kasen is a gender-netrual name, which could go either boy or girl, but I really love it for a boy.
#546 on the list is Leandro. Leandro means lion man and is Roman in origin. What a cool name! If you like Leanardo but want something more unique, how about Leandro?
Some middle names I like with it are: Michael, Hudson (click that link to learn more about the name), and Fox.
#554 on the list is Jase. Jase means healer or the Lord is my salvation and is Hebrew in origin. If you like the name Jason but want something less common, Jase could be a wonderful option.
And the short first name allows for longer middle names or would even pair well with a longer last name.

#556 on the list is Zain. Zain is a different spelling for the more typical spelling of Zane. If you like a more common name but with a different spelling, this could be a nice, strong, not overly used option.
You can find some really cute middle names for Zain! (psst, my son is named Zane and I love it! You could totally rock any of the spellings for this name.)
#562 on the list is Allen. Allen means harmony or stone and is Celtic in origin. The more common spelling for Allen is Alan but I love this spelling and this name for a more vintage/classic name with an alterenate spelling.
#582 on the list is Atreus. Atreus means fearless or brave and is Greek in origin. Atreus, in Greek mythology, Atreus was a king of Mycenae in the Peloponnese, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus.
For a nickname, you could do with Tre or Attie. I love this super unique name!
#583 on the list is Nikolai. Nikolai means people of victory and is easy Slavic in origin. Funny enough, we sometimes call my oldest son this name, he is Nicholas, but I love this as a great alternative to Nicholas – for a lesson common and classic name.
You could still easily call him Nick as a nickname or even Niko (nicco).
#593 on the list is Ledger. Ledger means spear tribe and is English in origin. Of course, I think of Heath Ledger, a popular actor from the 90s and early 2000s, in case you’ve not heard of him.
I quite fancy the name and think it’s a strong, unique, uncommon name that would be a great option for your little boy.
#601 on the list is Miller. Miller means one grinds grain and has Scottish and English roots. Strong, unique, and uncommon; a lovely option for a boy.
#602 on the list is Boone. Boone means blessing or lucky and is English in origin. I love this name as a southern inspired baby boy name.
You can find more country themed names here if you like the sound of Boone.

#609 on the list is Huxley. Huxley means hughs meadow or it could mean inhospitable place and is English in origin. Huxley is another adorable southern-inspired name that I was quite surprised was this low on the list of popular names for 2022.
This means it’s a great option for a lessor used name that has a country feel to it.
#610 on the list is Zeke. Zeke means God will strengthen and is Hebrew in origin. How cute would this name be for someone who wants an interesting baby boy names and loves Zane but wants something more uncommon? I love it! Zeke, so cute!
#620 on the list is Ozzy. Ozzy means divine power and is English in origin. I know many of you will think of Ozzy Osbourne but I really like this name and actually didn’t even consider Ozzy Osbourne when I first came across it.
Ozzy would make such an adorable boy name!
#623 on the list is Augustine. Augustine means great or magnifigant and is English in origin. Wouldn’t it precious to have an Augustine and nick name him Auggie?!
I can see that as a wonderful unique, strong name with a sweet sounding nickname.
#629 on the list is Amos. Amos means to carry or borne by God and is Hebrew in origin. A cute shorter name for a boy and not used much at all.
#631 on the list is Davis. Davis means son of David and is Welsh in origin. I like this as a play on David but much more uncommon and unique.
You could nickname him Davey too! So cute.
#638 on the list means Abram. Abram means exalted father and is Hebrew in origin. A great alternative to Abraham, this shorter version is a strong but beautiful boy name. And with the nickname Abe, would just be perfectly adorable!
#650 on the list means Reign. Reign means rule or sovergn and is English in origin. I know of this name because Kourney and Scott named their second son, their third child together, Reign.
It’s a very interesting name and maybe something to consider if you like a different kind of name! (And I love a different/interesting name!)
#652 on the list is Mylo. Mylo means soldier or merciful and is English in origin. I love this name! Isn’t it just simply adorable for a baby boy?
It isn’t super common but isn’t completely unusual – a good mix of interesting and known.
#659 on the list is Zaid. Zaid means to increase and is Arabic in origin. Again, if you like the sound of Zane but want something less known, Zaid just might be what you’re looking for!
I love the names Zane, Zeke, and Zaid – I think Z names are having a bit of an uprising and a moment.
#655 on the list is Quincy. Quincy means estate belonging to the fifth son and is French in origin. I like this name especially because you could nickname him Quinn or even Quint. I love an Q,X, or Z name!
#668 on the list is Lennon. Lennon means lover and is Irish in origin. I like this name as it’s gender-netrual and super cool!
Don’t you think? I’m really surprised it’s this far down the list.
#672 on the list is Eliam. Eliam means God is my nation and is Hebrew in origin. You pronounce the name E-Lie-um. I love this name and think it’s a beautiful name. You could easily nickname him Eli, which is one of the names I loved for my youngest son before deciding on a different name.
If you’re a particularly religious person, the meaning is wonderful!
#674 on the list is Kyree. Kyree means benevolent Lord and is Greek in origin. I love this one, never heard of it before, have you? Would you put this name on your list? I like Ky (Kai) as a nickname for this one!

#684 on the list is Cayson. Cayson means brave and viligent boy and is Irish in origin. (According to theParentz.) If you like the son at the end up names but want something more unused than maybe a Jason or even Bradon – maybe consider Cayson. It’s super cute and I love the meaning.
You could do an alt spelling like Kayson or Kaisen too.
#695 on the list is Harry. Harry means home ruler and is German in origin. If you want Harry as a nickname then consider Harrison as the full name. And who doens’t love Harrison Ford?
Harry is a really cute, vintage sounding name!
#705 on the list is Riggs. Riggs means one who lives on the ridge and is English in origin. Riggs has a country-ish feel to it and would be simply adorable for a little boy running wild in the grass. hehe! I find it strong and unique, something that could grow with him.
#706 on the list is Forest. Forest means of the woods and English in origin. One of my cousin’s has a boy named Forest and I think it’s so perfect! It’s strong but soft at the same time, and who doesn’t love a nature reference?

#711 on the list is Louie. Louie means famous warrior and is English in origin. I love this name for someone who enjoys a vintage name.
Louie would be pefect for a little boy and they could easily use it the same as an adult or could be called Lou as he grows.
#724 on the list is Gatlin. Gatlin means companion and is English in origin. I can see this as another option for somebody who loves southern-inspired names.
#726 on the list is Dillon. Dillon means faithful and is Irish in origin. It’s a different spelling than the more traditional Dylan.
One of my son’s middle names is Dillon and I really like it (obviously).
#736 on the list is Cillian. Cillian means bright-headed or little church and is Irish in origin. It’s pronounced Kill-ee-in. Think Cillian Murphy, the actor. I love this name so very much.
I can see how many people wouldn’t know how to pronounce it though, so if that matters, you may want to think of that. However, I don’t think that would detere me. It’s unique, strong, and beautiful.
#746 on the list Lachlan. Lachlan means of the lake and is Scottish in origin. I love this one. Do you? It’s really pretty for a boy name but also strong at the same time; my favorite combo.
#751 on the list is Kaiser. Kaiser means emporer and is German in origin. It sounds like Ky-ser. I love it! A great option for a unique K name for a boy.
#762 on the list is Kyro. Kyro means victorious one and is Aerabic and Greek in origin. Strong name, strong sound, and strong meaning.
Can’t go wrong with this name if you’re searching for something strong. (meaning and origin found on thebump)
#811 on the list is Hugh. Hugh means intellect and is German in origin. If you like more vintage, established names, short, and with easy spelling – how about Hugh?
I think of Hugh Jackman, the actor, not a bad name association. I can see Hugh with the middle names Oliver, Michael, Benjamin, or even Archer.
You can find more middle name options in my middle name category. Middle names for Hudson, middle names for Zayn , middle names for Liam, and middle names for Oliver. (no matter what first name you choose, any of these article will be great for finding middle names!)
#827 on the list is Dash. Dash means to move quickly and is English in origin. Dash is a strong, short, playful yet manly name that I foresee will grow in popularity over time.
I’ve known at least two people online that named their son’s Dash and, guess what? One of my son’s is named Dash as well.
Dash could easily have a longer middle name to balance the short first name.
#859 on the list is Boden. Boden means shelter and is Scandinavian in origin. You could easily nickname him Body, which is a fun name that has been growing in popularity. Wouldn’t Boden James or Boden Jett just be so cute?

#860 on the list is Mccoy. Mccoy means fire and son of Aodh and has Scottish and Irish roots. A little McCoy would be an adorable addition to your family. Wouldn’t a nickname of Mac be so cute?!
#862 on the list is Kase. Kase means box and is English in origin. Kase is another great shorter boy name. It sounds like case when pronounced. I’d love a little boy named Kase, if I were still growing my family.
#875 on the list is Dane. Dane means God is my judge or from Denmark and is Scandinavian in origin. I don’t know why all these short names are so uncommon as I just adore a short boy name!
I feel like Dane was more popular in the past, but I could be wrong. I love it, do you?
#882 on the list is Kolson. Kolson means son of Nicholas and is English in origin. You may know the more common spelling of Colson but switching it up with a K makes it even kooler, if you ask me. A nickname could be Kole.
#933 on the list is Cassian. Cassian means son of Cassius or curly headed (according to thebump) and is Latin in origin. If you like Cassius but want something a little less used, how about Cassius?
I like the vibe of both names. Don’t think you can go wrong with either.
#934 on the list is Eugene. Eugene means noble and is English and Greek in origin. It’s a great vintage name! You could nickname him Gene but I like the full name myself.

#946 on the list is Jones. Jones means son of John and is Welsh in origin. Another short name that caught my eye as I was scrolling down the list! If you want short, strong, unique – I think this name hits all points.
#947 on the list is Neo. Neo means new and is American in origin. Of course, how could you not think of Neo from the Maxtrix movies (um, hello Keanue Reeves!).
It’s a kick ass name – I bet any boy would love to walk around with the name Neo.
#956 on the list is Zev. Zev means wolf or given by God and is a Hebrew name. You guys, if I were having a boy right now I’d have such a long list of names!
Are you feeling the same? What names are top of your list? I think, if you have a longer last name, this short powerful first name would be ideal.
#973 on the list is Adler. Adler means eagle and is German in origin. I haven’t heard this name before and really like it. Do you like it?
#981 on the list is Lux. Lux means light and is Latin in origin. I know this name from Ari (Luyendyk Jr.) and Lauren (Burnham Luyendyk) of Bachelor fame as they named their boy twin the name Lux.
What a cool and interesting name! If you like short boy names, and are willing to go deep into the unique name land, this could be a great one!
#990 on the list is Brennan. Brennan means brave and is Irish in origin. If you like Brandon or Brendon but want something more uncommon, how about Brennan? Cute longer name, yes?

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Wrapping up – Uncommon Boy Names
Choosing an uncommon name for a baby boy can be a wonderful and unique decision that sets your child apart in a world full of common names.
It allows your child to embrace their individuality from the very beginning, and it often carries a special meaning or significance that resonates with your family.
These distinct names can also foster a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness in both your child and those they meet, encouraging a deeper appreciation for diversity in our world.
Ultimately, selecting an uncommon name can be a beautiful way to celebrate the uniqueness and potential of your little one, setting them on a path to a life filled with the joy of being one-of-a-kind.

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