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
Tomine
Norwegian
"twin"
Currently in the Norwegian Top 100, Tomine is a feminine form of the classic Tomas. Gentle yet tough, it was first used in Norway in the 18th-century. Sharing the Aramaic meaning of the Biblical…
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.…
Vindemiatrix
Latin
"female wine harvester"
Vindemiatrix is the third-brightest star in Virgo. Located 110 lightyears away, it marks the eastern lip of the large semi-circular pattern known as the "Bowl of Virgo", which is visible in spring.…
Talvi
Finnish, Estonian
"winter"
A sleek yet friendly name of Finnish and Estonian origin, Talvi is familiar in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden, but rare in English speaking countries. It comes from the Finnish talvi or Estonian talv ,…
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…
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.
Fenris
Norse
"fen-dweller"
Variation of Fenrir.
Zephan
Hebrew
"God has hidden"
This shortened form of Zephaniah makes an original Old Testament choice. It might plausibly make an honor name for Stephen or Stephan, and comes with the appealing short form Zeph.
Evanthia
Greek
"blooming"
A pretty and highly unusual relative of Evanthe, which would fit right in with the popular Ev- family of names while standing out for its rarity.
Pacifica
Spanish
"tranquil"
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
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…
Shanti
Hindi, Sanskrit
"peace"
A gentle Hindi name, ultimately from the Sanskrit śāntī , Shanti may equally refer to a state of mental and physical peace, maintained despite any stresses or difficulties and Hindu prayers for…
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…
Moon
Word name
The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
Castalian
Greek
"clean, spotless; to stitch, to sew"
An intriguing, mythological choice that may appeal to fans of Caspian, Cassian, and Castiel, Castalian is the name of a sacred spring in Greek legend, situated near Delphi. The spring is said to be a…
Lillemor
Scandinavia
"little mother"
Lillemor is a relatively recent coinage in Scandinavia, where it was most popular in the 1930s and '40s, especially in Sweden. As such, it is considered rather dated in Scandinavia, but it would…
Meriadoc
Breton
"sea brow"
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…
Lillemor
Scandinavia
"little mother"
Lillemor is a relatively recent coinage in Scandinavia, where it was most popular in the 1930s and '40s, especially in Sweden. As such, it is considered rather dated in Scandinavia, but it would…
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,…
Grenadier
Word name
" assault-specialist soldier; grenade"
A bold word name, a grenadier refers to a soldier who throws grenades during battles. Originally, when it started being used as a term in the 18th century, it referred to those who threw hand…