Exotic & Unique Names

Seanna is a feminine name that combines elements of Sean (the Irish form of John) with a feminine ending, creating a melodic, gender-adapted variant. Pronounced either 'SHAWN-a' or 'SEE-anna' depending on preference, this name has Irish and Gaelic roots, with the original Sean meaning 'God is gracious.' Seanna gained modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, appreciated for its lyrical quality and clear pronunciation. While not among the most common names, it offers a familiar sound without being overused. Parents often choose Seanna for its gentle flow, Irish cultural connections, and modern feminine feel while maintaining traditional roots. The name works well cross-culturally and carries a sense of warmth and approachability.

Sebastian is an ancient martyr's name turned literary, and Little Mermaid hero—think Sebastian the Crab—that's more popular than ever, as a classic-yet-unconventional compatriot for fellow British favorites T Theodore and Oliver.

Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.

Shaquil is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through association with basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. It's a variant spelling of Shaquille, which has Arabic origins meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful.' The name emerged in American culture in the late 20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1990s when Shaquille O'Neal rose to fame. This alternative spelling offers a slightly simplified version while maintaining the same pronunciation. Though less common than Shaquille, Shaquil carries the same strong, distinctive sound and positive meaning. The name conveys strength and individuality, often associated with athletic prowess due to its famous namesake. It remains a distinctive choice that stands out while having recognizable cultural references.

Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.

Simone, the elegant French feminization of Simon, strikes that all-important balance between unusual and familiar, and it's oozing with Gallic sophistication. A dated choice in its native France, gymnast Simone Biles brings new bounce and spark to name.

Sky is an ambigender nature name that was first legitimized as the character of Sky Masterson in the 1950 musical Guys and Dolls, played in the film version by Marlon Brando. It's a name we appreciate for its clear, wide-open feel, less hippyish than others like Rainbow and Starlight, and makes an appealing middle name possibility.

Skylar is a name with a hint of both edginess and whimsy and it makes for a nature-inspired choice that is neither too wordy nor too floral. Popular since the 90s, Skylar has remained in the US Top 100 for over a decade and is the most popular spelling of the name for girls.

Soraya is a Persian name made famous in the Western world by the one-time empress of Iran, who settled in Europe, primarily in France. Soraya is derived from Thurayya, the Arabic name of the Pleiades, a group of stars in the constellation Taurus.

The temperature is definitely rising for this popular seasonal name, which began being used in the seventies, and has been heard consistently ever since.

This spelling variation of Sunny is as bright and cheerful as can be. Given to 100 girls in the Us in 2023, Sunni (along with Sunny) is on the rise. This spelling holds cross-cultural appeal, being a short form of the Scandinavian Sunniva, and it also coincides with a denomination of Islam.

Sunshine was seen as a quintessential hippie name of the 70s, reaching as high as Number 536 in 1975. Now such names are making a bit of a retro comeback, seen, for example, as a character on Glee.

A lovely Japanese alternative to Tamara.

Tarin is a gender-neutral name that has been more commonly used for females in recent decades. It has multiple possible origins, including derivation from the Scottish surname Taryn, or as a variation of Tara with the added '-in' suffix. Some sources suggest it may have Gaelic roots meaning 'hill' or 'rocky outcrop.' In Sanskrit, a similar name means 'savior.' Tarin gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to parents seeking modern-sounding names with traditional elements. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to nature through its potential meaning. With its crisp sound and straightforward pronunciation, Tarin offers simplicity and strength. The name works well internationally and crosses cultural boundaries easily, making it versatile for diverse families.

Taryn is an offshoot of Tara that has a variety of meanings in a variety of cultures. In 1953, Taryn was presented to the public as an invention by actors Tyrone Power and Linda Christian for their daughter's name, at which point it gained a short spurt of popularity. Taryn returned to the Top 1000 in 1974, peaking in the 1980s, and has remained on the list ever since.

Tatum is strong, distinctive, energetic, and recommended, especially if your last name is as congenial as O'Neal. The name is now used for both genders, with the balance running about two to one in favor of the girls.

Taylor is one of the prime unisex surnames used for girls and has also been a soap opera favorite. Taylor was in the Top 10 for the last several years of the twentieth century, so that now it tends to feel a little nineties – though Taylor Swift is keeping it in the spotlight and Tay is a charming nickname. Garth Brooks and Bryan Cranston have daughters named Taylor; Taylor Schilling portrays lead Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black.