As potential parents of a brand new baby boy, it is only natural to consider finding unusual baby boy names. In this day and age, parents tend to want their children to stand out, display unique characteristics, and be an individual. Often that starts with a name. However, baby girl names tend to allow a parent to more creative without consequences. Becoming too creative with baby boy names can actually work against the child, setting him up for ridicule.
A name is more than just something that is slapped on a birth certificate to allow the government to identify us when we pay our taxes, it is actually a vital part of our human identity. Giving a child an unusual baby boy name can be either a positive or a negative idea, depending on the name. I will refrain from mentioning too many names specifically that may be attached to actual individuals, but to illustrate my point, I will pick one name at random.
If I mention the name “Gus,” most people will automatically draw a few conclusions on their own. Close your eyes and picture a Gus. It’s an unusual name, but most people don’t picture associate this name as Hollywood has represented the name to us, very much in the same way picturing a Barbie places a certain connotation in our minds. Now, imagine you are reviewing a resume. If there is any type of negative association that can be made with a name, it should be avoided.
That being said, unusual boy names with distinction can make quite a statement, such as Lincoln, Carson, Daylon, or Keene have a certain command to them that aren’t cutesy or funny that will be presented well later in life. When trying to be creative with a baby boy name, it is important to remember that there will come a day that he will be a man, and that his name as a man will need to be appropriate for the workplace. It is most helpful to avoid names that lead people to believe that the man is either a homosexual or isn’t likely to be very intelligent simply based on the name. Who wants to be judged that way?
Delving headfirst into family histories can reveal ethnic names with personal meaning that are well thought of. The name Levi, for example, can be pronounced either Lee-Vi or Lay-vee, and is both Dutch (first pronunciation) and Jewish (second pronunciation) as well as unique and unusual. Finding names such as this allows the child a little more control over his name later in life. Giving just as much attention to the middle name can also allow the child to have more options regarding his name later in life. Men can easily get away with going by a middle name.
Names such as Riker, Brig,, or Cade can also carry a stately sense about them. These names are more English in heritage, but can be used nearly universally. A name that has an ethnic association should not be used for children of a very obviously different heritage, as they can face a lot of prejudice within their own community. Growing up I had a Vietnamese friend named Juan by his adoptive family, and the other Asian children at school gave him a very hard time about not fitting in. This can be a widespread problem among any ethnicity, including Caucasians.
Either way, choosing an unusual baby boy name can be rather difficult, and searching out names along with their meanings. A boy I used to know, Damien, confessed outwardly that when he was named his parents did not know that it was an associated name with the Devil and demonic possession, although Dante’s parents did and thought it was rather appropriate for some reason. Again, unusual names with negative connotations. Often a unique child will blast through the connotations, but they can not blast through them when their only communication with someone is in print, such as a potential future boss.
Foxx, Bravyck, or Crispen are names that carry a lot of character in their meanings, and typically go over well both on paper and in person. Choosing a name that has the power to find easily rhyming derogatory nicknames, such as Tucker or Cass, can set them up for some teasing in childhood, but usually not to the extent they will want to change their names.
The general rule of thumb when naming a baby is to create a name with good rhythm, using opposing syllables in each name. Thus, Alex White has a flatter tone to it than Julian White. Spicing up a plain last name with a creative first name is also considered a good idea, leaving a memorable and pleasant ring in those the baby boy will someday meet.