There's something exciting you need to know if you have a baby on the way — baby naming trends are taking a turn for the better. "Migratory baby names" from different countries are ranked as one of the hottest baby naming trends of 2016, along with simplified and gender-neutral name patterns. If you're looking for the perfect name for a baby boy whose arrival is just around the corner, it may be time to expand your scope outside of the U.S.
Exotic baby names offer a little something for everyone, with the opportunity to pay tribute to your family's heritage. From trendy boy names like Rylan and Liam to unique names like Jax and Lucca, check out our list of names you won't see every day.
More: This printable guide is about to solve all your baby-naming squabbles
Irish boy names
Irish boy names are cool and unique, without being over the top or hard to spell. Many Irish names are well-known and regularly show up at the top of many popular baby name lists, but there are many lesser-known but equally cool Irish boy names. Check out some of our favorites:
Spanish boy names
Thanks to super-sexy celebs like Javier Bardem and Enrique Iglesias, Spanish boy names are hotter than ever. These names are not only cool in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Argentina, but also translate well here in the United States.
More: Short and unique boy baby names
Italian boy names
Italian names are masculine and full of rich culture and meaning. These names practically "sing!" Here are some of our top picks for boys:
Next Up: German boy names
German boy names
German boy names have an exotic, yet tough sound to them. Many German names sound familiar, but have slightly altered spellings than the American version, such as Niklas instead of Nicholas.
French boy names
French boy names have an exotic, utterly romantic sound to them. In fact, if you are looking for a cool and unique name, a French name is a great choice. Here are our top picks of French boy names:
More: Tough baby names for boys that will stand the test of time
Hebrew boy names
From Jacob to Ethan, Hebrew boy names always top popular baby name lists. Many of today's parents are looking for names with a spiritual background to them, making Hebrew names a great choice. Here are some popular and unique Hebrew name choices for boys:
Originally published Sept. 2010. Updated July 2016.
