In your quest for the perfect little boy baby name, you’ve been over both the traditional and the too-weird-to-actually-consider options. (Zeus? No thank you.) You just want something smart, effortless and timeless. Good news: when it comes to ensuring the hipness of your future child, our roundup of cool and unique baby boy names has got you covered.
43 Cool and Unique Baby Boy Names You Haven’t Thought Of
Bowie and Roscoe are going places
1. Roscoe
This Norse name means “deer wood,” so it’s safe to say this guy’s an adventurer. Baby pickaxe, anyone?
2. Milo
Old-fashioned and quaint, without feeling twee or overdone—this moniker has ties to the Old Germanic name Miles and dual meanings of “soldier” and “merciful.”
3. Harry
This classic name of Germanic origin means “home ruler.” Bonus points if he wears big tortoiseshell glasses to match those big britches.
4. Finn
Irish in origin and contemporary in nature—this one has casual-cool vibes and a meaning of “fair.”
5. Anders
This Scandinavian name meaning “brave and manly” is undeniably cool…just like your favorite Ikea table.
6. Ellis
Here, a Welsh name that means “kind and benevolent.” And given the connection to the namesake island, it’s safe to say this kid is going places and making friends along the way.
7. Ansel
As in Adams. This one has German and English origins, and a meaning of “God’s protection.”
8. Linus
In addition to being a beloved Peanuts character, this name meaning “flax” has Greek origins and mythological ties. (It’s a rather tragic story, naturally, but the boy had musical talent.)
9. Colson
Funny, erudite and oh-so-sophisticated—this name has Old French, Middle English and Greek origins, plus a fierce meaning of “people of victory.”
10. Atlas
Atlas is a name of Greek origin with a meaning of “to carry” and corresponding mythological significance. Hopefully he’ll travel the world one day instead of bearing the weight of it.
11. Archer
An alternative to Hunter or Walker with Latin origins and a pretty obvious meaning of “bowman.”
12. Ollie
Shortened from Oliver, of course, with a meaning of “olive tree” that suggests a future peacemaker.
13. Otto
This masculine name meaning “wealthy” has Germanic origins and ‘always happy’ vibes.
14. Murphy
Or “The Murph,” as he’ll forever be known—this name of Gaelic origin is also a common surname in Ireland. It means “sea warrior.”
15. Fitz
This name of French and Norman origin means “son of,” so it’s pretty apt for your soon-to-be baby boy.
16. Dax
Dax has French origins and a strong meaning of “leader.” Also, does Harley make a Big Wheel?
17. Feliz
A famous animated cat and a name of Latin origin with an auspicious meaning of “lucky” and “happy.”
18. Kai
This gender-neutral name of Welsh origin has caught on all over the world. It means “keeper of the keys” and “earth.”
19. Ezra
This name of Hebrew origin has strong biblical ties (there’s a whole book named after him) and a sweet meaning of “helper.”
20. Asher
Another name of Hebrew origin—Asher means “happy” and “blessed.”
21. Dante
Dante is a name of Latin origin that means “steadfast.” It’s melodic, fun-to-say and belonged to the literary genius who wrote The Divine Comedy.
22. Roman
This name of Latin origin has a meaning we probably don’t need to explain.
23. Pike
This unique name of English and American origin has badass vibes to match its fierce meaning of “spear.”
24. Conan
Conan is a name of Irish origin with multiple meanings that include “hound,” “wolf” and “high.” (And also “best ever late night comedian.”)
25. Troy
Troy is a strong name of Irish origin that means “foot soldier.”
26. Ryder
This name of Old English origin means “horseman” or “rider” and boasts playful, friendly vibes.
27. Ivan
Ivan is a sophisticated masculine name of Slavic, Russian and Hebrew origin. It means “God is gracious.”
28. Rocket
This unconventional American moniker is just right for a kid with lots of energy and personality to spare.
29. Marley
This gender-neutral British name meaning “marshy meadow” has strong ties to a certain reggae singer and corresponding, peaceful vibes.
30. River
Late actor River Phoenix made this name of British origin famous. Give it to a boy who always goes with the flow.
31. Guy
This name of French origin meaning “guide” and “leader” has retro appeal and some starpower behind it (think: Guy Fieri and Guy Ritchie).
32. Xander
A shortened version of the Greek name Alexander—this one boasts a decidedly cool spelling and a fierce meaning of “defender of humankind.”
33. Ward
Traditionally an occupational English surname, this one-syllable moniker has a casual-cool sound and a meaning of “guard.”
34. Micah
A fresh take on Michael—this sweet and gentle masculine moniker has Hebrew origins and a meaning of “who is like God?”
35. Bowie
Bowie has Scottish origins, a meaning of “blonde” or “yellow-haired” and an undisputed reputation for being cool, thanks to the Thin White Duke (aka David Bowie).
36. Silas
Nature lovers will appreciate this soft and melodic name of Latin origin. It means “forest” or “woods.”
37. Rhett
A one-syllable moniker that packs a punch—this one has Latin roots and a meaning of “to speak.”
38. Bodhi
This Sanskrit name has strong ties to the Buddhist tradition and an inspiring spiritual meaning of “enlightenment” or “awakening.”
39. Tal
Here, the surname of one of the coolest world chess champions of all time and a short, sweet given name of Hebrew origin that means “rain” or “dew.”
40. Ace
This name of Latin origin meaning “one” or “leader” predicts a badass Blackjack player and pairs well with a wink and a nod.
41. Malik
Malik is an Arabic name with a meaning that matches its strong and powerful sound: “king.”
42. Bastian
A shortened version of Sebastian with a punchier sound, this one means “sublime” and “adorable.” (Fitting, no?)
43. Lee
This gender neutral name of English origin means “clearing in the woods,” but we’re just getting ‘old school cool.’