Unusual Baby Names

Unique baby names are the order of the day, yet why invent a unique name when there are so many ancient names -- from Rome and Byzantium, from Olde England and Germany -- that deserve to be unearthed in the interest of cool? Here's a selection of worthy ancient choices, from a range of eras and places, that make unique baby names for boys. Read More

Ancient Names for Girls

There are so many ancient names for girls -- from Rome and Byzantium, from Olde England and Germany -- that deserve to be unearthed in the interest of cool. Here's a selection of worthy ancient names, from a range of eras and places, that make unique baby names for girls. Read More

Animal Baby Names

Animal baby names, a subset of the ever-more-popular nature names, sometimes come out and state themselves clearly -- Fox, Lark -- and sometimes are only revealed via their root meaning. This list of animal baby names contains both types. Also note: We're light on bird names since we include the complete variety in their own list. Read More

Artist Baby Names

Creative baby names can be found by looking at the names of artists (and architects and designers). These baby names capture the artists' creative spirit, give your child an international role model, and are cool all at the same time. The following list encompasses both first (JASPER Johns) and last (Alexander CALDER) names, which have been drawn from all over the aesthetic map. Read More

Author Baby Names

Literary baby names can be inspired the characters in books or, in the case of the baby names on this list, by the first and last names of authors ranging from Edgar Allan Poe to Zadie Smith. In this category, as always, feel free to look to your personal favorite writers for your baby names inspiration. Read More

Recent User Lists

Popular Lists

Autumn Baby Names

For those expecting a fall baby, there are a flurry of colorful autumn-inspired choices. Here are some of the most inspired picks for autumn baby names: Read More

Baby Names Sure to Shock Grandma

Okay, so Grandma probably thinks you should name the baby Helen, after her. But even if she's more open-minded than that, the following baby names will probably render her speechless -- which may be the effect you're after. Read More

Best Cool Unusual Boys' Names

Here is a list of 100 cool and unusual boy's names with the most potential---they have genuine roots, are attractive, and work in the modern world. Best of all, they're still widely underused! Read More

Best Cool Unusual Girls' Names

This is a list of the best, cool unusual girls' names---those that have deep roots, are attractive, and can fit into contemporary life, yet are not on the brink of widespread discovery. And by unusual girls’ names, we mean those used for 25 or fewer baby girls last year. Read More

Biblical Place Names

Biblical place names relate not to the people in the Bible but the physical places. Can these ancient place names work as contemporary baby names? We say yes. Read More

Bird Baby Names

One of the hottest of the hot nature categories is the Bird Baby Names, all the way from Birdie to Wren. Read More

Celebrity Surnames as Firsts

Inspired by a fascinating discussion thread started by our own creative berries, here are some celebrity surnames that work well as firsts: Read More

Celestial Baby Names

Celestial baby names include those of planets and their satellites, constellations and single stars. That adds up to a whole galaxy of celestial baby names to choose from. For even more ideas, read our blog on celestial names. Read More

Colonial Names for Boys

Many of the baby names that were widely used during colonial times have fallen out of favor for long enough now to sound fresh and even cool again. If you like historic baby names but want to move beyond the Victorian and biblical choices we've heard so much of in recent years, consider these names culled from Revolutionary War rolls and eighteenth-century town histories. The only caveat: The choices are much wider and more appealing for boys than for girls. Read More

Colonial Names for Girls

Many colonial names have fallen out of favor for long enough now to sound fresh and even cool again. If you like historic baby names but want to move beyond the Victorian and biblical baby names we've heard so much of in recent years, consider these names culled from Revolutionary War rolls and eighteenth-century town histories. The only caveat: The choices are much wider and more appealing for boys than for girls. Read More

Color Names for Babies

Using color names for babies started with Amber, then Rose drove the point home. Now color names have exploded beyond these once cool favorites to include hues from the obvious -- Violet and Scarlett -- to the most exotic, from Azure to Zinc. The full spectrum: Read More

Cool Baby Names That Start With U

U may be the most underused first initial of the baby naming alphabet. But yes, there are some cool baby names that start with U. Namely: Read More

Cool Baby Names That Start With Z

Z may be the zippiest, zestiest first initial for baby names around. Here, the wide selection of cool baby names that begin with Z. Read More

Cool Bible Baby Names

Cool Bible Baby Names are those that move beyond the biblical baby names that have been popular for several decades now. Such previously off-limits Bible names as Moses and Noah are now completely baby-worthy and ever-more-obscure baby names from the Bible are being revived all the time. For more popular Bible names, check the Biblical Baby Names: Most Popular list. Here are the top cool baby names from the Bible. Read More

Cool Boys' Names From Around the World

Cool Girls' Names From Around the World

Coolest Baby Names That Aren't Really Names

The coolest baby names sometimes aren't names at all. There are an uncountable number of words turned cool baby names, beyond the scope of any one source. The only limits are your reference books, your imagination, and your taste. Here are some of the coolest and most evocative of the group. Read More

Crazy Celebrity Baby Names

Crazy celebrity baby names have been around for a long time, since the Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa era. But now there's a whole new generation of crazy celebrity baby names. These are some of the most outrageous. Read More

Day Names

The ancient tradition of day-naming -- choosing a name from the day of the week, the month, the season or holiday, or even a time of day -- feels fresh again now. Here, the most stylish examples of day names that could work as modern baby names, primarily for girls. Read More

Designer Baby Names

Designer kids' clothes these days often have adorable brand names--names that would be equally stylish baby names on your own little boy or girl. Here's a selection of some of the best designer baby names from Agatha to Zella. Read More

Disney Baby Names

Baby names from Disney films can summon up positive memories. For some of us, watching The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Lady and the Tramp shaped our childhoods. Here is a list of baby names from the classic Disney films of our time: Read More

Early African-American Names

Early American slave rolls are filled with classical and biblical names designed to show off the slave-owners' education and not normally used for whites; variations of African day names and place-names; along with other unusual names more closely identified over the years with black than white American culture. Some of the most notable: Read More

Fictional Princess Names

Fictional princess names -- from fairy tales to modern cartoons -- are well-known to little girls, most of whom would be delighted to have one for her very own. Here, the wide range of fictional princess names. Read More

Film Noir Baby Names

Baby names drawn from film noir or "black film," the genre of Hollywood crime dramas that capture the suspenseful happenings of private eyes in distinct black and white form, tend to be dramatic and rooted in an earlier era. Here, our collection of film noir baby names. Read More

Finnish Baby Names

Finnish names may look simple, but those double vowels are undeniably exotic to native English speakers. Some prime Finnish baby name examples: Read More

French Word Names

The parent in search of truly distinctive baby names has to move farther than ever away from the established roster. One new direction -- or is it two? -- for the intrepid baby namer is toward international word names, which combine two of today's coolest trends. We combed our own diccionarios for French, Italian, and Spanish words that could make perfectly appropriate, attractive baby names, and here are some French choices. But no reason to stop here--consider words from the language of your own ethnic background, be it Czech or Chinese, and add them to the list of your personal possibilities.

Here, some French words turned baby names for your consideration: Read More

Fruit Baby Names

Fruit baby names have come to the fore as a new species of nature names thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow's little Apple Martin. Exploring further, here are some of today's possible fruit baby names. Read More

Geezer Names for Girls

Blame it on Sidney. This name, which conjures up images of thick glasses, a snowfall of dandruff on shoulders, and plaid polyester pants pulled up to the sternum, sounds (strangely enough) nothing less than charming, nothing short of cool when applied to a little girl. And so too can the other geezer names here. Caution: Most of these names should not be bestowed on a boy. The world is not yet ready for another generation of male Seymours and Sheldons, although keep in mind that among the hottest boys' names in the UK now are Harvey and Leon. Read More

Girl Baby Names That End With A

A may be the most fashionable beginning letter for names today, but it's also a hit at the end, especially with girl baby names. From top choices Isabella and Sophia and Olivia to more obscure names, the letter a has feminine appeal. Here, some out-of-the-box a-ending ideas. Read More

Goddess Baby Names

Goddess names, the names of mythological figures from all over the world, seem more baby appropriate now that ever, with the rise of ancient Roman names and the discovery of many antique choices. Baby names for your own little goddess might include the following. Read More

Gothic Baby Names

Gothic baby names relate to the culture that combines horror with romanticism. Gothic can refer to the medieval or the modern; Gothic style encompasses music and architecture, literature and fashion. Here are some names that, for a range of reasons, might be considered Gothic. Baby appropriate? In a dark sort of way.... Read More

Hunger Game Baby Names

The Hunger Games trilogy has inspired a post-Harry Potter generation of original baby names. These characters' names, which include elements from ancient history and sci fi, might be right for your literary baby. Read More

Invented Baby Names

Some parents attempt to come up with a cool name by inventing one of their own. They may alter a too-ordinary name, vary a spelling or a pronunciation, or cobble together several euphonic but previously unrelated syllables. We have heard of a few such invented baby names that may hold some appeal -- a short list follows. Read More

Jazz Baby Names

The list of jazz baby names, a special subset of musician baby names for both girls and boys, is full of old-school cool. Read More

Literary Names for Boys

These literary baby names for boys are derived from characters in books from all genres and periods. Here, a selection of the most distinctive baby names from books. In the literary names category, as always, feel free to think about your own personal favorites. Read More

Literary Names for Girls

These literary baby names for girls are derived from characters in books from all genres and periods. Here, a list of the most distinctive literary baby names for girls. In the literary baby names category, as always, feel free to think about your own personal favorites. Read More

Military Baby Names

Military ranks and weapons--everything is fair game in the struggle to find the right baby name. Read More

Mineral & Metal Baby Names

Mineral and metal baby names are hard-edged choices that impart a new brand of masculinity. Read More

Movie Character Names

Movie character names may be the only names cooler than the names of the stars that play them. In fact, with the exception of Jack, which has long seemed to be the name of the male character in every other movie and TV adventure show, characters' names veer from the unusual to the outlandish. A few, such as Trinity from The Matrix, jumped right onto the popularity charts.

For more ideas, check out our lists of TV Character Names and Celebrity-Inspired Baby Names. Read More

Mythological Baby Names for Boys

Baby names inspired by mythological figures are on the rise, inspired by the use of mythological names for boys in the Hunger Games series. The pantheon of Greek and Roman deities and other classical mythological figures can provide an abundant source of audacious baby names, all combining deep history with not-heard-in-a-long-time freshness. Mythological names that might sound right for modern baby boys include: Read More

Mythological Baby Names for Girls

Mythological baby names for girls can impart both tradition and strength to a child. The pantheon of Greek and Roman deities and other classical mythological figures can provide an abundant source of audacious options, all combining deep history with not-heard-in-a-long-time freshness. Read More

New York Neighborhood Names

Brooklyn is, of course, the most widely used of these choices, but Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz recently added baby name Bronx to the mix and there are lots of other intriguing New York-themed baby names here. Read More

Offbeat Baby Names

Offbeat baby names are those that are just a little bit quirky, a tiny bit unusual, off the beaten track. Here are some offbeat baby names you might want to consider today. Read More

Operatic Baby Names

You don’t have to be an opera buff to appreciate the rich variety of baby names found in the classic repertoire. It’s an especially appealing category because it contains such an interesting mix of languages: there are frilly French female names, unusual Italian mens’ names, as well as some usable German and Russian character names. These range from leads such as Aida and Tristan, to featured players to those with minor roles. So, omitting common names like Amelia, Norma and Susanna, and the more uber-the-top names like Brunhilde, here are some lyrical opera baby names: Read More

Patriotic Baby Names

Baby names with a patriotic flavor honor the land of the free and the home of the brave. Whether you're having a fourth of July baby, or you're just a proud American, here is a list of patriotic baby names sure to pay tribute to America. Read More

Pixar Baby Names

Pixar has a knack for developing characters you can't help but love, Mike Wazowski anyone? Not only does Pixar create some unforgettable characters, but Pixar names can be lovable as baby names too! Here's a list of some of the more interesting character names from Pixar films: Read More

Place Names Off The Map

The coolest place names are those that are undiscovered. Some place names can be used for boys, but most of the cool place names work best for baby girls. Here are some choices on (and off) the map. Read More

Poet Baby Names

The great poets can provide naming inspiration for both girl and boy babies. Here, some poet baby names to consider. Read More

Rocker and Rapper Kids' Names

If you call yourself Ludacris or Slash or Flea, chances are you're not gonna name your kid Matthew or Martha or Mike. In fact, rock-and-roll and hip-hop musicians are probably the most imaginative (or outrageous, depending on your point of view) baby namers around, honoring their musical heroes (Thelonious, Lennon, Hendrix), using words as names (Million, Dream, Zeppelin), or just letting their fantasies fly. To wit: Read More

Sci-Fi Baby Names

Sci-fi baby names come from the most popular Science Fiction movies, books and television shows. From Star Wars to Blade Runner, here's a list of unique sci-fi baby names. Read More

Scottish Names for Boys

Scottish Names for Girls

Shakespearean Names

Soap Opera Baby Names

Baby names from soap operas, inspired by melodramatic characters, often appear on the popularity charts. If you're expecting a dramatic little one, a "soap" name may be right up your alley. Soap opera writers tend to choose names some may consider a bit over the top. Read More

Spanish Word Names

The parent in search of truly distinctive baby names has to move farther than ever away from the established roster. One new direction -- or is it two? -- for the intrepid baby namer is toward foreign-word names, which combine two of today's coolest trends. We combed our own diccionarios for French, Italian, and Spanish words that could make perfectly appropriate, attractive baby names, and here are some Spanish ideas. But no reason to stop here--consider words from the language of your own ethnic background, be it Czech or Chinese, and add them to the list of your personal possibilities. Read More

Spice (& Other Food) Baby Names

Apple launched the trend toward food-oriented baby names, with lots of tasty names joining the menu. Read More

Spiritual Baby Names

Spiritual baby names suggest qualities we'd all like our children to aspire to and fit our new definition of cool. While they seem as if they can work for both genders, most spiritual baby names have been veering toward the feminine side. A few, such as Trinity, Destiny, Sky, and Genesis, are already staples on the girls' popularity lists. Here, some spiritual names that might be right for your baby. Read More

Spring Baby Names

Spring has sprung in the world of baby names. For your springtime baby, or just to represent the season's lively qualities, consider these baby names that mean or relate to spring. Read More

State Capital Baby Names

Baby names that reference state capitals might make your little girl or boy feel extra important and one-of-a-kind. The state capital baby names include: Read More

Steampunk Baby Names

The steampunk movement has been inspired by literature and cinema, blending futuristic themes with 19th century Victorian style. Think alternate history meets science fiction entwined with elements of steam power and clockwork. Here is a list of baby names incorporating this unique style. Read More

Summer Baby Names

Summer is one of the nicest times of year to have a baby, the warm weather and slow pace making it that much easier to relax into new motherhood. Here is a list of baby names that summon the season, from nature to the ocean to the gemstones of summer months: Read More

There's Only One Oprah

There are some celebrity names so singular that the celebrity in question barely needs a last name -- and often doesn't even use one. While a handful of these names start out as one-of-a-kind only to spawn a legion of little namesakes (case in point: Elvis), others remain indelibly linked to the personages who inspired them. Our picks for this distinctive group; Read More

Tree Baby Names

Tree baby names are just one branch of the nature names growing in popularity, with many original choices, especially for boys. Read More

Unique Baby Names

Unique baby names are those that are literally one-of-a-kind, though most people these days say they want a "unique baby name" when what they really want is one that is unusual, cool, and distinctive. Nameberry offers thousands of unique names: Here are some of the best to get you started.

Want more more more? See all the lists of unique baby names. Read More

Unique Baby Names from History

Unique baby names aren't only the new and the invented; there are also many highly unusual names with deep historic roots. Read more about this topic in our blog on unique baby names from history. Here's a selection of the most intriguing. Read More

Unusual baby names come from a range of categories, from ethnic names to place names to word names to surnames used as first names. The best unusual names are distinctive without being strange, seem unique yet are also easy to understand. Of the thousands of unusual baby names on nameberry, here are some of our favorites. Read More

Unusual Biblical Baby Names

The Bible is full of names, many of them having grown more popular as baby names over recent years but hundreds of others still unusual. Unusual biblical baby names for boys and girls from both the Old and New Testaments include the following. Read More

Unusual International Baby Names For Girls

There are hundreds of unusual international baby names throughout this site. Here's a handful of the most appealing. Read More

Unusual Nature Baby Names

There are lots of great nature baby names around these days, some of them mainstream -- Lily, River -- and many more off the beaten track. Here, some of the most unusual baby names drawn from nature. Read More

Vampire Baby Names

Vampire baby names from the world of books, television, and movies are hot right now. Whether you're a vampire fan or just looking to have some fun, here are some vampire baby names you might find inspirational. Read More

Werewolf Baby Names

Interested in a werewolf name for your little, um, monster? Check out our blog on werewolf baby names or consult the list here. Read More

Winter Baby Names

Here, inspirational winter baby names for the child born when the snow is falling and the weather is chill. Along with Winter itself, you might consider these winter baby names: Read More

Word Names

Word names -- basically, words used as names -- are a growing class as parents rush to find truly unique baby names for their children. While you'll find word names among nature names and day names and occupational names and color names, we gather some of the most intriguing here. Read More

Super Search

Gender

Sound

Origin

Meaning

Popularity

Welcome!

's Stuff

Login

Or Register

Unusual Names

Recent User Lists

Popular Lists