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Geek Chic Names for Boys

Cool names for boys come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. There are some evergreen classic boys' names that never go out of style: think traditional mainstays of the US (and UK, NZ, and Australian) Top 100 boy names, like James, William, and Joseph. Other cool boys' names — like thick black-rimmed spectacles and heavy oxfords — are so out they're in. These are the clunky, old-school vintage boys' names that are starting to feel fresh, funky, and a little bit daring, but still rooted in tradition.

A few of these geek chic names for boys are now heading into the mainstream, like Arthur, Hugo, and Franklin, which all rank in the US Top 500 baby names for boys. Others, like Alfred, Harvey, and Louis, have already caught on in a big way across the pond in England & Wales, where they rank in the current Top 100 boy names. But most of these edgy, uncommon vintage baby boy names are still waiting to be revived and would make a great choice for parents who want a unique baby name with a rich history.

Browse our list of unusual vintage and retro baby names for boys here, or see our pick of the best Geek Chic Names for Girls for even more inspiration.

Willoughby

Meaning: farm near the willows

Origin:English
1599
Origin:English variation of Gervase, meaning unknown
1144
Ronald

Meaning: ruler's counselor

Origin:Norse
1187
Edwin

Meaning: wealthy friend

Origin:English
316
Abner

Meaning: father of light.

Origin:Hebrew
615
Mortimer

Meaning: dead sea

Origin:English
675
Griffith

Meaning: strong lord

Origin:Welsh
1293
Luther

Meaning: army people

Origin:German
604
Floyd

Meaning: gray-haired

Origin:Welsh
1708
Travis

Meaning: tollgate-keeper

Origin:French occupational name
692
Sidney

Meaning: Saint Denis

Origin:French
594
Solomon

Meaning: peace

Origin:Hebrew
320
Preston

Meaning: priest's estate

Origin:English
341
Tycho

Meaning: hitting the mark

Origin:Greek
1612
Ephraim

Meaning: fruitful, fertile, productive

Origin:Hebrew
464
Adlai

Meaning: God is just

Origin:Hebrew
1224
Cyril

Meaning: lordly

Origin:Greek
486
Barney

Meaning: son of comfort

Origin:Variation of Barnabas
964
Byron

Meaning: barn for cows

Origin:English
570
Zebediah

Meaning: gift of Jehovah

Origin:Hebrew
2140