While we don't see many parents adopting Otter as a name for their own babies, Zooey Deschanel put this one in the lexicon when she used it as a middle name for her adorably-named daughter Elsie Otter. Even in the celebrisphere, Otter is one of the most unique baby names we've heard.

Oto is a concise, cross-cultural masculine name with various origins and meanings. In Japanese culture, it means 'sound' or 'melody,' reflecting harmony and artistic qualities. In Slavic languages, particularly Czech and Slovak, Oto serves as a shortened form of Otto, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' The name also appears in some African cultures, including as a name among the Yoruba people. Oto's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while its multicultural roots provide depth and character. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, its simplicity makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers.

Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave. This, however, might not be considered a bad thing, or even an accident. Cadence, Lyric, Poem, and Anthem had seen increased interest, so why not this musical word?

The name appeared in the US stats in 2024 for the first time since the late 60s, when it was given to 6 boys.

It's hard to find a name meaning much sweeter than Obiajulu's.

A medieval French feminine form of Humbert, also found as Humbeline.

Sure to give a complex.

No babies of any gender were named Orange in the US in the most recent year counted. But that doesn't mean, in this era of anything-goes baby names, that it couldn't happen. In fact, Orange did appear in the US stats for boys throughout the 20th century, and was given to 20 boys in 1920. Not all that many, but still quite a lot to be called Orange.

Game of Thrones fans may recognize this as the name of the wily Wildling who helped protect Bran Stark for several seasons of the HBO show. George R.R. Martin has cited Harry Potter vet Natalia Tena's performance in the part as the one that most changed his understanding of a character he created.

Oriana's not-quite-as-pretty French cousin.

Nabisco has never revealed the origins of their sandwich cookie brand name, but the prevailing theory is that it was derived from Oreodaphne, a genus in the laurel family.

Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias", spelled as Ouiser. Similar, literary Ouida is less breathy, while Lou, Lulu, Lula, Lissy or Whizz might appeal instead.

A bit blunt.

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.

Oasis is an ultra-rare word name that has only ever been used for a handful of babies born in the US. Its appeal is undeniable, though. An oasis can be a place of refuge, or a place of beauty, in an otherwise harsh environment. It also shares sounds with other popular and trendy names—think Owen, combined with Silas, with a touch of Ocean.

Strong name from the Esan language of Nigeria, with a satisfyingly specific meaning for a child's place in the family.

An alternative to Oliver, Orson, or Colson, this Scandinavian surname is no longer tied exclusively to the well-publicized twins, Ashley and Mary-Kate. Instead, it fits in with other surname-style choices. Meaning "son of Ole" or "Olaf's son", it may further be interpreted as "son of the ancestor's descendant".

A bird name from the same Latin root as Aurelia, Oriole is extremely rare as a name: No babies were given the name in the US in 2022. But most people are aware of the Oriole bird, which makes this name uncommon yet possible.