Nameberry Favorites · Unusual, Rare, and Unique Baby Names
Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names
Across 6 pages
of 6
About this list
Nameberry's editors, writers, regulars, and visitors have so many favorite unique names that any list is certain to miss thousands of wonderful suggestions.
These are drawn from the answer to a forum question we asked recently, asking people to nominate their favorite unique names for the list on our home page.
The berries came up with magnificent ideas of unique, uncommon, and unusual names for babies. From wild word names to ancient names, from unisex choices to literary options, you can view them all below.
The names
Ebba
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Odelia
Hebrew, German
"I will praise the Lord or wealth"
Pretty Hebrew name that would create a strong but feminine impression, as well as a variant of the Germanic name Odilia or Ottilie.
Hettie
Diminutive of Henrietta, English
"estate ruler"
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
Cinda
Diminutive of Cynthia or Lucinda
Cindy for the 21st century, with a word adjacent feel.
Ethie
Diminutive of Ethel, Elizabeth, Elspeth, or similar
"noble; pledged to God"
Similar to Ettie and Effie, Ethie is usually used as a diminutive of the old-fashioned but cosy Ethel, however, it may also make sense as a nickname for Elizabeth, Elspeth, or even Elswyth. It ranked…
Merlin
Welsh
"sea fortress"
This name of the famous fifth-century sorcerer and mentor of King Arthur may or may not be a bit wizardy for a real-life modern child. Its most noted modern bearer: football star turned actor Merlin…
Mercer
French occupational name
"a merchant"
Mercer is an attractive possibility which is an occupational name that doesn't sound like one. Mercer and its cool, sophisticated short form Merce project a super creative image via their artistic…
Trula
Variation of Trudy or Truly
A variation of Trudy, blended with the sounds of Lula, Beulah, Eula, and Zula, Trula has the possible meanings of "strength" or "strength of the spear" from Trudy and Gertrude, or, as a compound…
Cecily
Feminine variation of Cecil
"blind"
Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily…
Elva
Feminine form of Alf or anglicized form of Ailbhe, Danish, Icelandic, Irish
"elf; bright, light, white"
Elva is a multicultural choice, being both an anglicization of the Irish Ailbhe and an feminine form of the name Alf, meaning "elf". Popular in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, it…
Jules
French form of Latin Julius
"youthful; soft, downy"
Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it is a current hit in its native France—where it's currently in the Top 10—and we can definitely see it making a comeback here,…
Cricket
Nature name
Nickname name from the era of Father Knows Best , though we can see it making something of a comeback, a la Clover and Pippa. Cricket has new potential especially since it has recently been chosen by…
Ruska
Finnish
"autumn foliage"
Ruska is a Finnish word referring to autumn foliage — often specifically autumn in Lapland, Finland where the colors are vibrant and magical.
Moon
Word name
The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
Shanti
Hindi
"peace"
This Hindi word which is used in prayer is one of the prime names that mean peace , always a nice message to impart to a child. Nick Nolte used it for his daughter.
Mirabai
Sanskrit
"ocean"
The Hindu princess and poetess Meera, was also known as Mira Bai. Mira Bai was a Rajput princess, the only child of Ratan Singh, younger brother of the ruler of Merta. Her royal education included…
Runo
Finnish
"poem"
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…
Farrier
Farrier is a masculine name derived from an occupational surname. A farrier is a specialized craftsman who trims and shoes horses' hooves, combining aspects of blacksmithing and veterinary knowledge.…
Pacifica
Spanish
"tranquil"
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
Lunéciel
French
"moon and sky"
At first glance, this looks like a name straight from Middle Earth, however, it actually comes from the French phrase, lune et ciel , meaning "moon and sky". Atmospheric and poetic too, Lunéciel,…
