Rare Place Names for Babies

Most parents would prefer London for their daughters.

This legendary Andalusian city, according to myth founded by Hercules, is an undiscovered baby name destination.

Son of Sicily.

Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.

If you're tired of Olivia, you could be the first on your block to introduce this unique sound-related place-name with Latin flair.

Austria is an nteresting, appealing, unexplored geographic destination, much fresher than American cousin Austin.

There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.

If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it. Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.

Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations. The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).

The place name Ethiopia was derived from the Greek word for an Ethiopian, Aithiops, from the components aithō, "I burn" and ōps "face." As a noun, it takes on the meaning of "Burnt-face," which the Greeks used to distinguish between those in Africa and those from the Middle East, who had lighter skin. In adjective form, Aithiops means "red-brown."

An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.

South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.

A phonetically attractive place-name that can be used for babies but rarely is.

Some parents are turning to rivers and other bodies of water in the search for undiscovered place-names, and this has the feel of a Viennese waltz.

Unexplored Moroccan place name, conjuring up images of camels and palm trees and domed minarets.

A geographical name that does the samba...and was also borne by a Celtic saint: a winning combination. Well used in the Creole community.

A globetrotting placename — Diani Beach is a popular tourist destination on the Indian Ocean in Kenya. It's similar enough to Dion and Diana to feel namelike, although it is actually very rare in the US.

The name of an island in the English Channel that might make an attractive first name, but would work better for a boy.

Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. brought this spirited geographic name to the fore.

Unlikely to make it onto the name map.