Article: Boy names for 2026: how to choose the perfect rare name?

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February 19, 2026

Boy names for 2026: how to choose the perfect rare name?

The announcement of a pregnancy is often the starting point for an exciting but sometimes complex quest: finding the perfect name. For future parents who will soon welcome their child, anticipating trends is crucial. If you are looking to stand out, identifying a rare boy's name for 2026 is a priority to give your future baby a unique identity.

At 23 Mai Paris, we support expectant mothers through every stage of their pregnancy. In this article, we guide you in finding the perfect rare name for your baby boy due in 2026.

Why choose a rare name for your son?

At a time when there are several Leos, Louis, and Gabriels in every class, choosing a rare name allows your child to stand out naturally. An unusual name:

Offers a strong and unique identity from birth
Avoid confusion at school or in your professional life
Reflects personal research and deep reflection on the part of the parents.
May carry a particular family or cultural history

But be careful: rare does not mean strange or unpronounceable. Balance is key.

Step 1: Analyze emerging sounds for 2026

To anticipate trends for 2026, we need to look beyond current rankings. The rare names of tomorrow are often hidden in unexpected sources.

The rising terminations

Less common names ending in "o": Enzo and Théo paved the way, but take a look at Milo, Elio, Nino, Cosmo, and Lélio.
Endings in "an" or "en": Lohan, Soren, Ewen, Kylian
Short, striking first names: Axel, Noah, Saul, Ilan

Roots to explore

Greek and Roman mythology: Ulysses, Achilles, Hector, Cassius, Aurelius
Celtic and Breton first names: Maël, Erwan, Gael, Ewan, Armel
Nordic first names: Sven, Erik, Leif, Odin, Sigurd
Ancient Hebrew names: Eliott, Raphael, Nathanael, Elijah

Step 2: Check the rarity and longevity of the first name

A rare first name should not be a mere passing fad. Here's how to validate your choice:

Check the official statistics

The INSEE website allows you to check the number of times a first name has been given each year. A first name given less than 100 times a year in France can be considered rare.

Test your pronunciation

If you have an international family or plan to travel, make sure the name can be pronounced correctly in several languages. Avoid names that could have a negative or ridiculous meaning in another language.

Imagine the first name at all ages

A first name will accompany your child throughout their life. Think about it carefully:

At age 5, in the playground
At age 18, on a resume
At age 40, in a professional meeting
At 70 years old, as a grandfather

Check initials and nicknames

Ensure that the initials do not form an awkward acronym and that potential nicknames remain pleasant.

Top 25 rare boys' names for 2026

Here is our selection of rare male names that are expected to be popular in 2026:

Short and modern first names

1. Elio
2. Milo
3. Nino
4. Saul
5. Ilan

Mythologically inspired first names

6. Ulysses
7. Achilles
8. Hector
9. Cassian
10. Orpheus

Old-fashioned first names revisited

11. Augustine
12. Cosmas
13. Basil
14. Felician
15. Ambrose

Trending names for 2026

16. Gaston
17. Léon
18. Marius
19. Noé
20. Arsène

International first names

21. Liam
22. Ezra
23. Silas
24. Jasper
25. Oscar

Mom and her baby son in matching pajamas

Step 3: Personalize the story behind this first name

The secret to choosing a successful unusual name lies in the story you want to tell. Whether it's:

From a tribute to an ancestor whose journey you admire
From a geographical reference to a place that is dear to you
A pure creation born from the combination of sounds that touch your soul
Of symbolic significance (strength, light, wisdom, etc.)

The emotional attachment will make this choice timeless. When people ask you, "Why this name?", you'll have a beautiful story to tell.

Expert tip: Keep it a secret

As with girls' names, we recommend keeping your final selection a secret until the birth. Unsolicited opinions from friends and family can sow doubt and dampen your enthusiasm.

Write down your favorites in a private notebook or a note on your phone. Let the name sink in. Sometimes, it's at birth, when you see your baby's face, that the choice becomes obvious.

If you are also looking for a girl's name, check out our article Girl's name 2026: how to choose the right one.

The agreement with your new lifestyle as a mom

At 23 Mai Paris, we believe that preparing for the arrival of your baby also involves your well-being. Just as you carefully choose a unique name for your baby boy, you deserve a postpartum wardrobe that reflects your personality.

Our customizable nursing wear allow you to embroider this much sought-after name on a soft sweatshirt or T-shirt. A lovely way to celebrate the arrival of your little boy and feel unique in your role as a mother.

Why plan ahead now?

Choosing early allows you to:

Make the name your own and see it come to life in your everyday life
Prepare personalized baby gifts (embroidered bodysuit, blanket, room decorations)
Avoid the stress of the last trimester when you'll have a thousand other things on your mind.

Also remember to prepare your hospital bag to be calm on the big day.

A rare first name is a precious gift that you give to your son, a distinction that he will wear with pride. And you, you will proudly wear your maternity wear during your first outings together.

Conclusion

Finding a rare boy's name for 2026 requires a little research, a lot of thought, and a good dose of parental instinct. Between emerging sounds, checking for longevity, and emotional attachment, the perfect name is the one that resonates with you.

At 23 Mai Paris, we are here to accompany you on this wonderful adventure, with clothing designed for your comfort and style, customizable with the first name of your choice. Because every detail counts when preparing for the arrival of a baby.

To prepare for the arrival of your baby, check out our article Preparing for breastfeeding before birth: the complete guide.

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you: