Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names

A warm and stylish name, Maëlle is currently in the Top 150 in both France and Belgium. The feminine form of the even more popular Maël, it traditionally means "prince, lord", though this variant could be interpreted as meaning "lady", "chief", "ruler", or "princess" if you prefer.

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.

Variation of Fenrir.

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.

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.

Derived from the Hebrew word for "universe, macrocosm, world", this modern choice may appeal to those who like Evren for its meaning.

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.

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.

This unusual English word name and surname was the middle name of American sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick, after his mother's maiden name. Its striking sound and appealing meaning make it a promising virtue name possibility for either gender.

The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.

An appealing Finnish name, with a touch of literary magic and whimsy, Runo means "poem" in its native language. Traditionally said with a slightly rolled R and a softer 'oh' sound at the end (more like in on that in open), it comes from the Proto-Norse and Proto-Germanic, where it means "secret, literature, letter", in turn relating it to rune.

Revere is a word name meaning to admire or esteem, an appealing meaning. In the USA, however, Revere attracts further connotation as the surname of Paul Revere, one of the celebrated patriots of the American Revolution. As a surname, the meaning of Revere might be river or robber.

This Tolkien name is a variation on Meriadeg, a Breton name derived from Conan Meriadeg who was the legendary founder of Brittany. In Tolkien's novel, Meriadoc (shortened to the charming "Merry") is one of the hobbits who accompanies Frodo on his quest.

This Old English name feels as if it could have stepped out of a fantasy novel, but it may be just similar enough to Everett and Elliot that it could work in the real world. Derived from the elements elfitu meaning "swan" and either ēa meaning "stream, river" or ēg meaning "island", it is a nature related option name, given to an area in the city of Durham in England.

This might sound and look like a blend of Ryan, Riley, and Nigel, but it is in fact the name of the seventh brightest star in the sky. Found in the constellation of Orion, its name comes from the Arabic phrase, Rijl Jauzah al Yusrā, , meaning "the left foot of the central one."

Memorable thanks to the Robert Redford character, Hubbell Gardiner, who captivated the young Barbra Streisand in the classic movie, "The Way We Were", Hubbell is an English surname, likely derived from the French Hubaut or the German Hubald. As such, it combines the elements hugu ("mind, heart") with bald ("bold"), and can therefore be interpreted to mean, rather poetically, "brave heart", or perhaps "bold mind", making this an interesting consideration for a spirited, independent boy.

The name of a wise and beautiful 10th century BC Ethiopian queen, probably the same person as the Queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon in the Old Testament.

Artemio gives energy to this august Greek mythological name.

An eider is a sea duck whose feathers make ultra-soft eiderdown.

A multicultural choice with a variety of meanings, Rohana could make an interesting alternative to Johanna, Rosanna, Rowan, Rowena, or Roshan.