Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names
- Caradoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"amiable, beloved"Description:
Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
- Tevel
Origin:
Hebrew, YiddishMeaning:
"world, universe"Description:
Derived from the Hebrew word for "universe, macrocosm, world", this modern choice may appeal to those who like Evren for its meaning.
- Chrysanthemum
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gold flower"Description:
One of the rarest of the flower names, that of the blossom celebrated in Japan as a symbol of the sun and a possible object of meditation. One of the rare flower names counted among names for autumn babies, Chrysanthemum is also one of the most unusual nature-themed girl names starting with C.
- Melusine
Origin:
French, folkloric nameDescription:
Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.
- Zélie
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A cute, zippy French saint's name that's picking up in popularity there, and here in the US. Zélie originated as a short form of Azélie, thought to derive from Adelaide via the Occitan form Azalaïs. Saint Zélie was born Marie-Azélie.
- Fjord
Origin:
Norse word nameDescription:
The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders. It conjures vivid blue, ice laden landscapes.
- Faro
Origin:
Italian word nameMeaning:
"lighthouse"Description:
Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.
- Zephan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has hidden"Description:
This shortened form of Zephaniah makes an original Old Testament choice. It might plausibly make an honor name for Stephen or Stephan, and comes with the appealing short form Zeph.
- Nava
Origin:
Hebrew, SpanishMeaning:
"beautiful; from Navarre or Nava"Description:
Short, sweet, and sparky, Nava has been slowly climbing up the US popularity charts in recent years, owing perhaps to its similarity to Nova, Ava, Navy, and Nevaeh. Used quietly but consistently from the 80s onwards, Nava was given to nearly 80 girls in 2023.
- Wishmay
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A whimsical word name, Wishmay could reflect the phrase "Wish I may" or alternativel, "May all your wishes come true". It could then be connected with dreams, hopes, and fancies, adding to that whimsy feel.
- Poet
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Poet is a new entry in both the trendy word and occupational categories as well as a member of the growing group of gender neutral names. A handful of baby boys received the name in the US last year. A perfect choice, especially in the middle, for the child of writers or those with a poetic bent. And Po is an adorable nickname for either gender.
- Elswyth
Origin:
Anglo-SaxonMeaning:
"strong temple"Description:
An Anglo-Saxon name borne by the queen of Alfred the Great. American novelist Helen Ricker wrote under the pen-name Elswyth Thane. Variants include Elswith, Ealswith and Ealhswith.
- Loxley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"lynx glade"Description:
An English place and surname with a fierce natural meaning. Loxley is a village and river name from Yorkshire, England, famous for being the purported birthplace of Robin Hood. Loxley Chase was an extensive historic forest bordering Sherwood Forest in the Middle Ages.
- Ruska
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"autumn foliage"Description:
Ruska is a Finnish word referring to autumn foliage — often specifically autumn in Lapland, Finland where the colors are vibrant and magical.
- Kirrily
Origin:
Aboriginal, AustralianMeaning:
"tree bark or leaf"Description:
Kirrily, which rhymes with cheerily, is a name that's uniquely popular in Australia. It originated in recent decades as an elaboration of several similar names – the European Kyra or Keira, the Maori Kiri which means tree bark, or the Aboriginal word kira which means leaf – plus the lee sound.
- Somerled
Origin:
Norse, Scottish Gaelic, “summer traveler”Description:
A rare and evocative name which calls to mind warm, endless summer days. This is an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name Sumarliði, also found in Scottish Gaelic as Somhairle (pronounced SO-ar-lee). The Sorley spelling is now more popular in Scotland.
- Cherith
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Winter stream"Description:
One of the rarer names to come from the Bible, Cherith has a fresh and modern sound despite its ancient roots. Cherith was the name of the stream that kept Elijah alive during the three years' drought which he announced to King Ahab. In English, Cherith pleasingly reminds one of the word cherish which is another plus to this underused girls' name.
- Nairne
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"river with alder trees"Description:
A name with a pleasing nature meaning, a surname style, and pleasant Scottish burr. Reminiscent of Mare, Raine, and Blair, it is as yet undiscovered as a first name.
- Fenris
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"fen-dweller"Description:
Variation of Fenrir.
- Hettie
Origin:
Diminutive of Henrietta, EnglishMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
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