Unique Names that Start With S

Scarla is one of a raft of modern names that have been spun from established names -- in this case, it's part Scarlett, part Carla -- to make something new and "different."  Uniqueness is the value that drives parents to invent names like Scarla, Skyla, and Saylah, but we think you'd do better to seek out a genuine name that's more unusual and has less connection to current trends.

Scarla

Spike is part mid-century nickname-name, ala Buster or Buck, and part word name, with an all-over cool creative dude feel thanks to directors Spike Lee and Spike Jonze. Mike Myers named his son Spike. That's right: Spike and Mike. Spike qualifies as one of the distinctly <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/519/american-baby-names">American names</a>.

Spike

Some names rise in tandem in their male and female forms, but Sebastia is very rare while the male Sebastian is quite popular. But it certainly might be an attractive choice.

Sebastia

Until now, most girls called Shell used it as a nickname for Shelley or Michelle. Today's Shell is much more likely to be a nature name, cool and beachy, fit for all genders.

Shell

The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose mother-in-law cast her out to sea in a trunk. Other stories say she was a mermaid turned Christian. 

Wherever she came from, Senara is that rarest of names: lovely, straightforward, and unusual all at the same time. Since it may be related to Helen or Eleanor, it can be used as an honorific for one of those names -- though grandma Helen may understandably think it's a stretch.

Senara

Mysterious. In 2016, 13 baby girls in the United States were given this unusual word name -- at least according to the Social Security Administration. We can't help but suspect that some of those baker's dozen had parents who just refused to tell the federal government their daughter's name.

Secret

More than 300 babies have been named Shooter in the US since 2002, which, depending on who you ask, is arguably about 300 too many. One of the violent names for boys that have gained traction in recent years, the most optimistic view perhaps is that parents were thinking about sports or honoring a family connection to the militiary when choosing this name.
 
Previously known only as the nickname of musician Waylon "Shooter" Jennings, Jr., the word became a "proper" name when painter Julian Schnabel used it for his newborn son with gallerist May Andersen back in 2013. The name was given to at least 24 other boys the same year, though it has never been used to the same extent since.
 
Joining ranks with Cannon, Caliber, Gunnar, and Trooper, it might be worth typing "shooter" into your news app and having a flick through the latest headlines before you commit to using the name. Plus, the aforementioned options might give you the same feel, but with just a bit more subtlety. 
 
You could also check out this list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/1755/aggressive-boy-names>similar, aggressive names for boys</a> including Gage, Wolf, Blaze, Radar, Mace, and Chief.

Shooter

A variation of Cyrilla, which is in turn a feminine form of Cyril, which, in Greek, is used to refer to God or Jesus.


Syrilla

Popular Spanish choice that refers to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help -- or Perpetuo Socorro. 

Socorra

Snowdrop is a delicate nature-inspired feminine name derived from the early-blooming white flower that often emerges while snow still covers the ground. This botanical name symbolizes hope, purity, and resilience as snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom at winter's end. Though uncommon as a given name, Snowdrop belongs to the category of modern flower and nature names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name carries a whimsical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names. Snowdrop combines the purity associations of snow with the gentle beauty of a small flower, creating a name that's both distinctive and meaningful.

Snowdrop

Obsolete Swanhild gives way to oh-so-modern Swan, joining the flock of newly fashionable bird names such as Wren and Lark. In France, the Swann spelling is fashionable for both sexes. But Swan carries an image of grace, though perhaps also a bit of languor. It's a lovely and original name, right for our times.

Swan

Sedonia is a feminine name that likely derives from the place name Sedona, a beautiful city in Arizona known for its stunning red rock formations. The name may also have connections to the Latin word 'sedatum' meaning 'calm' or could be a variation of Sidonia, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'from Sidon' (an ancient Phoenician city). With its melodic four syllables and flowing sound, Sedonia has an exotic, artistic quality. Though quite rare, the name appeals to parents drawn to names associated with natural beauty or seeking something distinctive with a harmonious sound. The name evokes images of the serene, rust-colored landscape that makes its namesake location famous.

Sedonia

Sadhbh was the name of several real and legendary Irish princesses, including the daughters of Conn of the Hundred Battles, of Queen Medb of Connacht, and of King Brian Boru. It's also written Sabha. One of the most authentic <a href="https://nameberry.com/irish-names">Irish names</a>, it is also unfortunately one of the most difficult to export.

Sadhbh

Snow is increasing in usage mostly as a girls' name, but hero Jon Snow of Game of Thrones just might nudge it into the boys' column.  Currently, there are 12 times as many girls named Snow as boys, but its usage is much higher in middle place.

Snow

Skandar is a shortened form of Iskandar, an Arabic form of Alexander. It is most familiar as the name of Skandar Keynes, the actor who played Edmund Pevensie in the Chronicles of Narnia. Skandar is a descendent of Charles Darwin.

Skandar

Solo is a singular word name with special meaning for Star Wars fans. Equally appropriate for girls and boys, it works especially well in the middle.

Solo

Stenton

Sleek color name, though a bit flinty for a little girl. 

Slate

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

Selby

In Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, Stelmaria is the beautiful name of Lord Asriel's snow leopard daemon. It's a pretty and plausible combo name reminiscent of Marian names like Stellamaris and Maristela.

Stelmaria

unique names that start with the letter S, including Scarla, Spike, Sebastia, Shell, Senara, Secret, Shooter, Syrilla, Socorra, Snowdrop, Swan, Sedonia, Sadhbh, Snow, Skandar, Solo, Stenton, Slate, Selby, and Stelmaria. (Page 24)

Unique Names that Start With S

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