Cool Baby Names That Start with U
Are there any cool baby names that start with U? It’s the most underused first initial of the baby naming alphabet! Only three U names rank in the US Top 1000, and all for boys — Uriel, Uriah, and Ulises. Ironically, the most common girl name beginning with U is Unique.
There are many cool international names that begin with U, such as the Teutonic Udella, Chinese Ushi, and Xhosa Unathi. A number of interesting place names start with U, such as Utah, Umbria, and Urbana. So yes, there are some cool baby names that start with U. Namely:
- Ulysses
Origin:
Latin variation of Odysseus, GreekMeaning:
"wrathful"Description:
Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero of The Odyssey, the eighteenth US president Ulysses Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which makes it distinguished, if a little weighty, for a modern boy.
- Uma
Origin:
Sanskrit, HebrewMeaning:
"light, peace, nation"Description:
Uma is a sweet, strong name for a Hindu goddess... and a Hollywood one. But as popular as Uma Thurman is, other parents have not yet picked up on her name, making it a rarity.
- Una
Origin:
Latin, Irish, or Old NorseMeaning:
"one; lamb; happy"Description:
In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity; this ancient name is popular in several European countries but less common in the US. The Oona spelling is slightly more popular but Una sleeker.
- Urban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the city"Description:
Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
- Ursula
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
A saint's name with a noteworthy literary background, including uses by Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Much Ado About Nothing, by Ben Johnson, Walter Scott, Longfellow, D. H. Lawrence and Neil Gaiman. In real life, her two most well known representatives are writer Ursula Le Guin and actress Ursula Andress. In literature, there is also Ursula Iguaran, a key, long-lived character in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's major work, One Hundred Years of Solitude.
- Uriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield. Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine. These negative connotations may be wearing off, however. (Perhaps because people don't read as much Dickens as they used to.)
- Uri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my flame, my light"Description:
This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names.
- Uriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
It's the name of an Old Testament archangel that's symbolically given to boys born during Chanukah, but the possibility of unsavory nicknames (urinal?) make the short form Uri a better bet.
- Ulla
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"will, determination"Description:
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its own or be an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika; Ula may be seen as another spelling.
- Umina
Origin:
Japanese or QuechuaMeaning:
"sea or emerald"Description:
As a Japanese name, Umina derives from umi, meaning "sea", combined with a range of other kanji characters.
- Umeko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"plum-blossom child, patient"Description:
Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.
- Ulric
Origin:
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"Description:
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
- Umbria
Origin:
Italian place name, from the Umbri, one of the chief tribes settling the Italian nationDescription:
Umbria is a lovely, virtually unused Italian name for girls, reflecting the beautiful rolling hills of the area's countryside. And since it's right next door to Tuscany, in which Siena resides, maybe Umbria could be a follow-up to the popular Siena-Sienna.
- Umbrielle
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one in the shadow"Description:
Pretty French sound, but there might be a lot of "umbrella" cracks.
- Undine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"little wave"Description:
Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
- Ulesi
Description:
Ulesi is a masculine name with African origins, primarily found in certain East African cultures. Though relatively uncommon in global usage, the name carries distinctive cultural significance in its regions of origin. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While specific meaning details vary according to precise cultural context, Ulesi generally conveys positive attributes in the communities where it is used. The name remains relatively rare in Western countries, maintaining its cultural distinctiveness. For parents seeking a name with authentic African heritage that is both pronounceable in English and uncommon, Ulesi offers an appealing option that honors African cultural traditions while having a contemporary sound.
- Urania
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.
- Ursa
Origin:
Short form of Ursula, LatinMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
Ursa might be a good choice if you're looking for a bear name for your daughter but want to avoid the She Witch curse placed on Ursula by Disney's The Little Mermaid. Too bad, because Ursula is a classic and lovely name, but Ursa has less baggage.
- Utah
Origin:
American place name, UteMeaning:
"people of the mountains"Description:
This would make a startling but likable choice; poet Dylan Thomas used it for a character in his play "Under Milk Wood."
- Unika
Description:
Unika is a distinctive feminine name that appears to be a modern creation inspired by the word 'unique.' The name naturally conveys individuality and originality through both its meaning and its uncommon status. With its melodic three syllables and flowing sound, Unika has an attractive rhythm and contemporary feel. While not derived from traditional naming conventions, it follows the pattern of modern invented names that express aspirational qualities parents wish for their children. The name remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries, making it a genuinely distinctive choice that lives up to its apparent meaning, perfect for parents seeking a name that stands out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell.