Unusual, Rare, and Unique Baby Names
350+ Best Unique Baby Names
Across 25 pages
of 25
Hilde
Hilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names containing the element "hild" meaning "battle" or "strife." Popular in Scandinavian…
Hilinai
Hawaiian
"to trust, to rely on, to have confidence"
A Hawaiian word name, promoting community spirit and connection, the name Hilinai ranked in the Hawaii Top 100 Names for 2023 , but was not used anywhere else in the US, nor did it make the Top 100…
Hiroshi
Japanese
"generous"
Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.
Hiyabel
Tigrinya, Eritrea
"gift of God"
Derived from the Tigrinya elements hiyab , meaning "gift," and el , "God."
Hobbes
English variation of Robert
"bright fame"
All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one has the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association too. It may also be linked to philosopher Thomas Hobbes, giving it a more…
Hobson
English
"son of Robert"
An original way to honor an ancestral Robert. Hobson is outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for boys.
Holiday
English word name
"holy day"
A fun and confident choice, Holiday is a celebratory name, particularly associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and New Year, and with rest, leisure, and vacations more generally. Fitting…
Horace
Latin clan name
"timekeeper"
The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows. Its early popularity--it was in the Top 100 at the…
Horatio
English variation of Latin Horatius
"hour, time"
Like Horace, Horatio is a variation on the Latin Horatius, but its Shakespearean and optimistic Horatio Alger pedigree makes it an attractive up-and-comer, especially with its cool final o. A modern…
Howell
English variation of Hywel, an eminent Welsh king
A familiar and usable last name turned first. Or you could look at it as a homophone of the verb howl, which gives it a wilder feel.
Howie
Diminutive of Howard, English, Germanic, Norse
"high guardian; brave heart"
Old school Howard has fallen out of fashion in recent years, having been a Top 100 choice in the US from the 1880s until the 1960s. Short form Howie, however, might have more potential, with its…
Huckleberry
Word name and literary name
Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs.…
Hughes
English, Scottish, Irish surname
"mind, intellect; son of Aodh"
Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the…
Humphrey
German
"peaceful warrior"
Humphrey is an old name that might have faded completely were it not for that Bogie flair. A royal name in Britain, where it's used somewhat more frequently, Humphrey might just have some life beyond…
Idalis
Variation of Ida or Idalia, Latin Amerian
"work, labor"
An elaboration of Ida or Idalia, inspired by other similar options used in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as Odalis and Ivelis. Also spelled as Idalys, is can mean "work, labor" from the…
Idunn
Norwegian variation of Iðunn, Old Norse
"ever young, love again"
A Scandinavian up-and-comer taken directly from Norse mythology. Iðunn was the goddess of apples, fertility, and youth. Idun is another common spelling.
Iggy
Latin, diminutive of Ignatius
"fiery"
Iggy is the quintessential pop star name, though it's the nickname Cate Blanchett uses for son Ignatius. Iggy does bring any grander-sounding name down to earth.
Igor
Old Norse via Russian
"warrior"
Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
Imri
Hebrew
"to say, my statement"
One of the most modern-sounding Old Testament names, Imri is short and sweet enough to travel easily around the world. It is the name of two minor biblical figures, and also used by modern Hebrew…
Aberdeen
Scottish place-name
This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.