Word names — basically, words used as names — are a growing class as parents rush to find truly unique baby names for their children. Now, formerly one-of-a-kind names such as Maverick and Serenity can be found in Kindergarten classrooms around the country! But don't worry — there are still plenty of undiscovered choices.
 
Along with Serenity and Maverick, other word names in the US Top 500 Include Crew, Genesis, Major, Meadow, Baker, Sage, Melody, and Ember. Cool, one-of-a-kind word names used for fewer than 5 babies at last count include Whimsy, Ballad, Reader, and Flair.
 
While you'll find word names among nature names and day names and occupational names and color names and spiritual names, most of those collected on this list don't fit neatly into any category. You'll find even more word names in our lists of <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/329/Nature-Baby-Names">Nature Names</a>, <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/334/Place-Names-for-Babies">Place Names</a>, and many other lists in the category <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-name-lists/category/nature-place-word-names">Nature, Place, and Word Names</a>.
 
Finally, a word on gender: English words are not gendered and so most of these word names can work for both boys and girls, even if we have only one gender noted here.
 
<h2>Word Names for Babies</h2>

Word Names for Babies

Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle.
 If you'd prefer to take the longer route to the name, you can consider the surnames Oakes or Oakley.

This rarely used boys name is one of the few gem names for a boy. Obsidian is actually a type of volcanic glass, formed when lava cools very quickly. This ultra-cool name might spark a love of volcanoes and geology in a little boy.

Obsidian

Ochre is an exceedingly rare name, found only a few times since the nineteenth century, and not showing up in any current data. Yet it means much the same thing as popular Sienna (another clay coloured with iron oxide) and sounds similar to fashionable Oakley. A strong earthy nature name that is both unusual and evocative.


Ochre

If Story and Poet and Sonnet can be names that work as well for girls as for boys, why not Ode?

Ode could be part of the extended Otto/Otis family, or it might be a literary term, referring to an elaborate lyric poem, such as Keats's Ode to a Nightingale..

A very distinctive musical choice, but be aware that many people will think you've named your child Oprah. 

Opera

Unisex word and surname with an upbeat feel and a possible future as a more distinctive substitute for Grace or Page. 

Pace

Calm, straightforward, patrician sounding: Pace is one new-style name that's well-grounded.
 
Sarah Palin has a grandson named Pace.

Royal names are on the rise. Along with names such as King, Prince, and Royal, why not Palace? Why not indeed.

Palace

Along the same lines as Fable or Madrigal, Parable is a cute choice for literary families. It might also be considered as a pseudo-biblical name, given the fame of the Biblical parables.

Parable