Unique Word Names for Babies
Our favorite unique word names for babies include those that are used in very small numbers, like Samurai and Solstice, as well as those that have never appeared on the US baby names list at all, like Epoch and Everglade. None of the 200 original word names in this list has ever been given to more than 15 babies in any given year.
Along with Solstice and Everglade, other unique nature names for babies that make this list include Acre and Apricity, Fennel and Freesia, Pinto and Pipistrelle. Unique geographical names we think have great baby name potential include Bayou, Islet and Caldera. And rare modern virtue names like Kindred, Parity and Zeal set the right tone for the 2020s and beyond.
If you love word baby names but want to look beyond the obvious Rowan, Ruby and Rose, this list of uncommon and unconventional word name ideas compiled by our wonderful Berry community is for you!
Along with Solstice and Everglade, other unique nature names for babies that make this list include Acre and Apricity, Fennel and Freesia, Pinto and Pipistrelle. Unique geographical names we think have great baby name potential include Bayou, Islet and Caldera. And rare modern virtue names like Kindred, Parity and Zeal set the right tone for the 2020s and beyond.
If you love word baby names but want to look beyond the obvious Rowan, Ruby and Rose, this list of uncommon and unconventional word name ideas compiled by our wonderful Berry community is for you!
Obsidian
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
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.
Kismet
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"fate"Description:
The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
Serendipity
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"unexpected good fortune"Description:
A unique virtue name with a sound as happy and lively as its meaning.
Elysian
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"of Elysium; blissful"Description:
The Elysian Fields of Greek mythology was the home of the afterlife for the blessed. As spiritual names and mythological names continue to rise, Elysian is a name to watch.
Solstice
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"when the sun stands still"Description:
Solstice graduated from word to official first name when author Lionel Shriver used it for a character in her novel Big Brother. But of course, there were people named Solstice before: 7 baby girls and 6 boys were given the name in the US. in 2018.
Nebula
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"mist"Description:
Could be the next Nova, now that celestial baby names are in the ascendent.
Sonder
Origin:
Invented nameMeaning:
"the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own"Description:
A neologism coined for the 2012 Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, which aims to come up with new terms for emotions that currently lack words
Aviatrix
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"female aviator"Description:
Aviator is equally appropriate for a girl, of course, but lovers of Beatrix and Bellatrix might appreciate the spiky sound of this unique occupational name.
Bard
Origin:
Irish variation of Baird, ScottishMeaning:
"minstrel, poet"Description:
Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
Acre
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Acre feels at home with other modern, fresh word names like Rumor, Snow and Ace. But with the feeling of wide open spaces and nature, Acre also offers a softer, earthier tone that will appeal to those seeking a unique name with a distinctly Americana feel.
Quartz
Origin:
Mineral nameDescription:
This may be a bit quirky to make it as a name, especially in first place. If you love it, you might try it in the middle.
Bronco
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rough, unbroken horse"Description:
For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.
Madrigal
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"song for unaccompanied voices"Description:
Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.
Freesia
Origin:
Flower name, from German surnameMeaning:
"Freese's flower"Description:
A rare, free-feeling flower name for the parent who wants to move far, far beyond Rose and Daisy. Named for German physician Friedrich Freese.
Fennel
Origin:
Vegetable and herb nameDescription:
In the garden of herb names, Rosemary and Basil are perennials and Sage is a new upshoot, but Fennel is a real rarity. The aniseed-tasting plant, used to add flavor to dishes around the world, gets its name from the Latin word feniculum, meaning "little hay". With a wholesome nature feel and a similar sound to Finn, Fennel would be an interesting name to bring to the table.
Comet
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Soaring astral name has a great gender-free feel. It also has a pleasing christmas connotation, courtesy of the reindeer listed in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Meridian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"midday / pinnacle"Description:
In geography, a meridian is a line drawn around the curve of the Earth between the North and South Poles. The term comes from Latin meridianus, meaning “pertaining to midday”, and the association with midday has led to the word gaining an added figurative meaning of “pinnacle; culmination”.
Orison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"prayer"Description:
An archaic word name meaning "prayer", derived from Latin via French. As a given name, it has been used occasionally from the 19th century onwards, but remains a rare choice with on-trend sounds and spiritual appeal.
Whimsy
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Whimsy is a new entry to the ever-expanding word name lexicon, sister for Pixie and Bliss. While it has an undeniable offbeat English aristocratic charm (maybe we're thinking of Dorothy Sayers' fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey, whose middle name was Death?), we see this as more fitting for a middle than a first name.
Selkie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"seal folk"Description:
In Scottish folklore, selkies are mythical creatures that resemble seals in the water but assume human form on land.
Paladin
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the palace"Description:
This title of honor given to Charlemagne's twelve best knights would be prized as a name by most sword-loving little boys.
Talisman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"religious rite; lucky charm"Description:
An object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.
Zircon
Origin:
Gem name from GreekMeaning:
"gold-hued"Description:
Although Zircon means "gold-hued," the gem comes in a variety of colors.
Sonata
Origin:
Music nameDescription:
Undiscovered musical form melodious enough to be a hit on the name charts.
Lazuli
Origin:
Persian place nameDescription:
Now deeply associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, Lazuli is derived from one of the places where the stone was first mined. The word Lazuli is the root for words like azure. Lapis Lazuli is a deep and rich blue color and was used for pigments and jewellery. Lazuli can be used for a boy or a girl.
Reason
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.
Imagine
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If you like such uplifting New Age word names as Peace and Justice, the evocative and pretty Imagine should definitely be on your short list.
Auric
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Auric is an Ian Fleming anti-hero, better known as Goldfinger. Better to go with James. Or even Bond.
Alpenglow
Origin:
German, “the rosy light of the setting or rising sun on high mountains”
Nightingale
Origin:
Bird name from GermanMeaning:
"night singer"Description:
Charming nature name made even more appealing by the connection to iconic nurse and statistician Florence Nightingale.
Calyx
Origin:
Botanical name from LatinMeaning:
"chalice"Description:
A cup-shaped flowerhead in botany, which could lead to the super cool nickname Cal.
Rosegold
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pinkish gold"Description:
Rosegold, or rose gold, is actually an alloy of gold and copper, used in jewellery for its warm, pinkish hue. It would make for a pretty and quirky girl name, with sweet short forms Rosie and Goldie.
Akita
Origin:
Japanese place nameMeaning:
"field of rice"Description:
Also a dog breed
Apricity
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"the warmth of the sun in winter"Description:
Part-April, part-Felicity, but with the wonderfully whimsical feel of Serendipity.
Coriander
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bed bug"Description:
This herb is also known as cilantro. It's meaning, "bed bug" is on account of its smell, characterized by the ancient Greeks as bed bug-like.
Cleome
Origin:
English flower nameMeaning:
"spider flower"Description:
A pretty plant with pink or lilac flowers.
Theory
Origin:
English word name from GreekMeaning:
"idea, speculation"Description:
Could be an unconventional route to Theo.
Bayou
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender.
Arabesque
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"ornate design"Description:
Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.
Glacier
Origin:
Nature name, FrenchMeaning:
"ice"Description:
Nature names are often associated with Spring and Summer, but Glacier is ideal for a winter baby.
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