Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names
- Fionnlagh
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"white warrior"Description:
A traditional Scottish spelling of the name Finlay, Findlay, or Finley, derived from the even earlier Findláech. It has been notably borne by the 13th century Scottish bishop, Fionnlagh MacCailein and by playwright and novelist Fionnlagh MacLeòid.
- Otso
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"bear"Description:
A common animal name in Finland, it could work as an alternative to Otto or Otis.
- Domitille
Origin:
French feminine variation of Roman family name Domitius, LatinMeaning:
"tamed"Description:
Domitille is the French form of the ancient royal name Domitilla. Domitille is used today, and was in the French Top 500 during the 2000s. While English speakers might say it as dom-ih-till or dom-ih-teel, in French, it would be DAW-MEE-TEE. Either way, it could be an interesting way to nickname Dottie.
- Drury
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dear one, sweetheart"Description:
Rhythmic and energetic, Drury is of French origin, with the wonderful meaning of "dear one, sweetheart."
- Primavera
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"spring"Description:
A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.
- Indra
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"possessing drops of rain"Description:
In the ancient Hindu religion, Indra is the warrior god of sky and rain. The vowel ending makes it sound feminine to the English speaker; it also sounds like the French river Indre.
- Finja
Origin:
German, short form of JosephineDescription:
Finja Is a Josephine nickname that ranks among the Top 100 girl names in Germany.
- Wallis
Origin:
Variation of WallaceMeaning:
"a Welshman, Celt"Description:
Famously borne by the woman (born Bessie) for whom an English king sacrificed his throne, Wallis has the force of a masculine name, but the unisex charm of surnames like Ellis and Hollis.
- Kiffin
Origin:
Alternative spelling of Kyffin, WelshMeaning:
"confine, limit"Description:
A Welsh place name and surname, Kiffin derives from Cyffin or Gyffin, meaning "limit" or "confine". Also spelled Kyffin, this spelling might help ensure it isn't pronounced with a 'KIE' sound. Kiffin Rockwell is a notable, historic bearer who was the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft during World War I. He had joined the French Foreign Legion early on in the war, but transferred to France's air arm after being injured in the trenches.
- Laertes
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"gatherer of the people"Description:
An Ancient Greek name with a huge dose of literary credibility. Laertes was the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology, who therefore pops up in Homer's The Odyssey.
- Moselle
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"drawn from the water"Description:
Feminine spin on Moses and European river name that's also the name of a wine.
- Lillevi
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"little devoted one"Description:
A sweet and sparky modern Swedish name, derived from the word for "little" plus the suffix vi, which may mean "devoted, dedicated". An intriguing alternative to the popular Lily family of names.
- Athella
Origin:
Medieval form of AdelaMeaning:
"noble"Description:
An old form of the adal family, an intriguing choice for those who like Adele, Adelaide, and Della, but also Athena and Estella. Athela is another spelling option.
- Melchiora
Origin:
Feminine form of MelchiorMeaning:
"king of light"Description:
A feminized form of Melchior, the name of one of the Biblical Magi (or Three Wise Men) and therefore associated with Christmas.
- Fiala
Origin:
Czech, SlavicMeaning:
"violet"Description:
This Czech name meaning "violet" makes an especially pretty floral name. It is also used as a surname in its native Czechia.
- Xanti
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"St James"Description:
A Basque form of Santiago with a jaunty and friendly feel.
- Dimity
Origin:
Type of cotton clothDescription:
Dimity is fairly common in Australia, but unheard of outside of it, which is surprising given its similarity to names like Amity, Verity, and Cassidy.
- Nicander
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"man of victory"Description:
A much rarer alternative to Alexander that also gives you the oh-so-cool nickname Nico. Nicander derives from the Greek name Nikandros "man of victory", which belonged to a 2nd century BC poet and grammarian.
- Casiano
Origin:
Spanish form of CassianMeaning:
"hollow"Description:
An international variant of the rising star Cassian, this Spanish name has a touch of flair and artiness.
- Polydore
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"many gifts"Description:
As Polydoros, this rare Greek name belonged to several figures in Greek mythology, including a son of King Priam of Troy.