Unique Cat Names
- Soraia
Description:
Soraia is a feminine name of Arabic and Portuguese origin, derived from the Arabic Thurayya meaning 'the Pleiades' or 'chandelier', referring to the famous star cluster. The name traveled to Portugal during the Moorish influence on the Iberian Peninsula and has become particularly popular in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal. Soraia exudes an exotic elegance with its flowing syllables and rich cultural history. The name's celestial connection gives it a poetic quality, symbolizing beauty and light. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Soraia has maintained steady popularity in Lusophone cultures, appreciated for its melodic sound and meaningful astronomical reference.
- Didion
Description:
Didion is an unusual feminine name that likely derives from surnames or place names of Greek or French origin. It may be connected to the Greek name 'Didymus' meaning 'twin,' or possibly from French regional surnames. The name gained some recognition through association with celebrated American author Joan Didion, whose literary contributions may inspire parents to choose this name. As a first name, Didion remains extremely rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive, intellectual choice with literary connections. It has a sophisticated, modern sound despite its historical roots. The name's uncommon nature means a child named Didion would likely be the only one in their community, making it an individualistic choice with cultural cachet.
- Chickadee
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"songbird"Description:
The chickadee gets its distinctive name from its distinctive call: chick-a-dee-dee-dee!
- Nirvana
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"place of great bliss"Description:
Well, parents are naming their children Eden and Heaven...so why not?
- Frisco
Origin:
Diminutive of FranciscoMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Frisco is a frisky, roguish semi-place-name (San Francisco natives never call it that) that could make a lively, unusual o-ending choice.
- Fortuna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"luck"Description:
The Roman goddess Fortuna personified luck and ruled over fortune and fate. She is often depicted as blindfolded, and remains an important figure in Italian culture today, where a common saying translates to "Luck is blind."
- Pebbles
Origin:
English, word nameDescription:
As the former stage name of TLC founder Perri Reid and the name of the youngest member of the animated Flintstones clan, it's got some pop culture cache. But it'll be too cutesy by half for most parents.
- Salmon
Origin:
Animal nameMeaning:
"salmon, a fish"Description:
nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.
- Nacho
Origin:
Word name or short form of IgnacioDescription:
Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
- Fletch
Origin:
Diminutive of Fletcher, EnglishMeaning:
"arrow maker"Description:
This snappy nickname may remind some of the 1985 Chevy Chase movie of the same name.
- Bonanza
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Wildly optimistic -- and unrealistic -- choice.
- Acai
Origin:
Brazilian Portuguese fruit and tree nameDescription:
Fad fruit name or a trendy syllable smash? We aren't certain, but we have noticed a number of babies name Acai on the US charts. Spelled Açai, with a cedilla, it's the name of a Brazilian palm that produces açai berries, known for their use in smoothie bowls. But parents may be using Acai as a variation of Kai or Malachi, pronounced as written.
- Hickory
Origin:
Plant name from AlgonquianMeaning:
"hickory"
- Vreeland
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"land of legal protection against armed violence"Description:
Fashion icon and Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland adds an air of glamour to her distinctive Dutch surname. It would make a striking name for the daughter of a parent in the fashion industry.
- Marjoram
Origin:
botanical nameDescription:
Marjoram is a herb and flower. With nicknames like Margie and Jo at the ready, we think that if Marigold can make a comeback, why not Marjoram?
- Jiminy
Description:
Jiminy is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the character Jiminy Cricket in Disney's 'Pinocchio.' Rather than having ancient roots, this whimsical name evolved from the euphemistic exclamation 'Jiminy Cricket!' (a substitute for 'Jesus Christ'). As a given name, Jiminy remains extremely rare, carrying a playful, storybook quality that evokes childlike wonder and imagination. Parents who choose this name may appreciate its literary connections and cheerful sound. The association with Jiminy Cricket—a conscience personified—gives the name connotations of moral guidance, wisdom, and friendly counsel. Its uniqueness ensures it stands out, though the strong fictional association may be its defining characteristic for most people.
- Pirate
Origin:
English word name from GreekMeaning:
"to attempt, attack"Description:
A bold new word name that conjures up images of peg-legs and eyepatches. It was brought to national attention by pop musician Billie Eilish, whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell.
- Bonnet
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hat"Description:
A rarely used word name that could be unexpected route to nicknames Bonnie and Betty.
- Fresco
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"fresh; decorative mural"Description:
A fresh artistic option with a lively sound.
- Joao
Origin:
Portuguese variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
A Portuguese classic, typically spelled with a tilde over the A. Many members of the Portuguese royal family were named João, and today it’s associated with a number of Portuguese and Brazilian footballers.