Unusual, Rare, and Unique Baby Names
350+ Best Unique Baby Names
Across 25 pages
of 25
Bessie
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky. Bessie has been in use since…
Bethania
Greek
"house of figs"
The Greek variation of the Biblical place name Bethany was given to a handful of baby girls in 2022.
Beto
Short form of any name that ends in -berto
To the Anglo ear, Beto may not make sense as a short form of Gilberto, Roberto, or Alberto. But it is, and the o-ending makes is friendly, sleek, and modern.
Bettina
Diminutive of Elizabeth
"God is my oath"
Bettina is a dainty ballerina version of Betty, that has not been heard much since its 1950s-60s heyday. Bettina appeared in the Danielle Steele novel Loving, and in real life as one of Grace Kelly's…
Bijou
French
"jewel"
Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.
Bina
Diminutive of Sabina and other -ina names, Yiddish or Hebrew
"bee or understanding"
Sources say that Bina, which is close to the word for bee in Yiddish, was once used as a translation for the Hebrew Deborah, which means bee. On its own, it also means "understanding" in Hebrew.…
Birch
Tree name
Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree. The best known bearer of the name is former high-ranking Democratic Senator…
Bisan
Arabic or Palestinian place name
Notably borne by Palestinian journalist, activist, and filmmaker Bisan Owda, Bisan is a name of Arabic origin, with a concise look and bright sound. The exact meaning of the name is unknown, however…
Bluma
Yiddish
"flower"
This floral name, related to bloom and Blossom, is common in the Jewish community, but not often heard outside it. Other Yiddish nature names are Ita (star), Masha (rising water), and Mayim (water).
Bravery
Virtue name
This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so…
Breaker
English word name
One of the aggressive new boys' names, ala Tracker and Heller, that have become fashionable among parents who are courting trouble.
Breslin
Irish
"son of Breasal"
An Irish surname choice that could very well make its way into first name territory, though its father name Breasal is virtually unknown in the US.
Brio
Italian
"vivacity, zest"
Musical term with a lot of energy.
Briony
Spelling variation of Bryony, Greek
"to sprout, to swell"
Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400…
Brontë
Greek
"thunder"
Bronte is the lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name; a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. An extra element of Bronte's appeal: the…
Bruna
Italian
"brown"
Possibility for a dark-haired babe.
Cai
Vietnamese
"feminine"
Cai, as distinguished from the boys' name Kai, is international, simple, unusual.
Caldwell
English
"cold stream"
English place name turned handsome surname name.
Calvert
English word name
"calf herder"
More common as a surname, a handful of boys get this bovine equivalent of Shepherd each year in the US. It may gain more exposure as one of the occupational names that are one of the most popular…
Aberdeen
Scottish place-name
This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.