One-of-a-Kind Names for Boys

One of the less obvious newly plausible occupational names, could instill a sense of adventure in a child.

Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge, which never was a common choice in the US.

Any name that combines two big trends -- in this case, occupational and western names -- has potential.

Charismatic surname name borne by French explorer, conservationist, scientist, inventor and author Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who devoted his life to the study of the sea and all forms of life in water.

Common surname rarely used as a first.

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

Luxor is just waiting to be discovered as a baby name. It has a lot going for it — an easy and fashionable nickname (hello, Lux!), unisex appeal, and a place name connection. Luxor is the modern-day name for the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. It was derived from the Arabic term al-ʾuqṣur, referring to palaces or castles.

Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.

Eisenhower is derived from Eisenhauer, a German surname composed of the elements eisen, meaning "iron," and hauer, "hewer." In modern English, that translates to "iron cutter." It's best known as the surname of President Dwight D., "Ike" Eisenhower, making Ike an appropriate nickname (and you might need one, with a name this stately!)

Raido is the rune that corresponds with the Latin letter R in the Elder Furthark runic alphabet. In Old English, it was translated at Rad.

Nowadays it makes an interesting baby name for linguists and language-enthusiasts.

Jadson is a name with uniquely Brazilian origins. It is linked to soccer star Jádson Rodrigues da Silva as well as profession surfer Jadson Andre.