Exotic & Unique Names

Any of the Y forms, which also include Yasmeen, Yasmin, and Yasmina, make this name more unusual and distinctive.

Honor is a somewhat more straight-laced virtue name than Hope or Grace, placing a high standard on any girl carrying it, but it's a goal worth setting. By choosing Honor for her daughter, Jessica Alba brought it very much into the modern world.

One of those names you may not even be aware of if you haven't been paying attention to recent naming trends, Alani was given to more than 700 baby girls in the US in one recent year, to be the second most popular feminization of Alan after Alana. It's certainly the most modern-sounding female version of Alan.

Adds a soupcon of French flair to some old classics with the currently trendy ae ending.

Jasiel and its alternate spelling Yasiel are gaining a following thanks to superstar baseball player Yasiel Puig, a Cuban native who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Biblical Jasiel was a warrior in David's army.

Nyah is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, giving it rich multicultural significance. In Arabic, it's related to 'Nia' meaning 'purpose' or 'intention.' In Swahili traditions, it connects to similar meanings of 'purpose' or 'resolve.' Some associate it with Hebrew origins meaning 'beauty' or consider it a variation of the name 'Nya.' The name gained visibility in Western countries in the early 2000s, partly due to increased interest in distinctive multicultural names with concise, flowing sounds. Nyah features prominently in contemporary naming trends that favor short, vowel-rich names ending in 'ah.' Its international roots and melodic quality make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both accessible and distinctive.

This much less popular variation draws more from Karin.

Zayne, Zayn, Zane and Zain are all enjoying tremendous popularity. While all the names sound the same, Zane is actually a variation of John via Shane, while Zayn and the others are rooted in the Arabic culture and mean grace or beauty. Zane is highest on the US popularity list, though the fame of former One Direction member Zayn Malik has narrowed the gap.

Eryn is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as a modern variant of Erin. While Erin derives from 'Éirinn,' the dative form of 'Éire' (the Irish Gaelic name for Ireland), Eryn represents a contemporary spelling adaptation. The name carries associations with Ireland's lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage despite its altered spelling. Eryn gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to parents seeking Celtic-inspired names with straightforward pronunciation but distinctive spelling. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and Celtic heritage while maintaining a modern feel. Though less common than its traditional counterpart Erin, Eryn continues to be chosen by parents drawn to its subtle uniqueness and pleasant sound.

What works for Paige just doesn’t work for Sage. The added i will likely create a lifetime of spelling mistakes.

Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism.

Attractive and equally intriguing alternative to Katya.

A sweet, uplifting and still fairly uncommon modern virtue name. Its single syllable makes it especially good as a middle name, but it would also make a big impact in the first spot; in fact, nearly 90 girls in the US were called Bliss in a recent year.

Kenyon is a very engaging British surname name, the middle y giving it a kind of southwestern canyonesque undertone.

Ariyah jumped into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013, probably because some American parents see it as a creative spelling of the popular Aria or Arya. But it's also an authentic Hebrew name in its own right, a feminine form of the Biblical Aryeh, heard in modern Israel..

There's only one Trenton, New Jersey, but it's a widely used name, more for its fashionable -on ending than the reference to the city. Since 2007, however, Trenton has been on a steady decline. Trenten is another popular spelling.

It's far cooler to drop the first syllable and go for Elle.

A Biblical place name and a unisex choice that has been on the rise in the US in recent years. With its bright sound and cool, zippy Z beginning, it blends religious significance and trendiness.

Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Brylee is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked back in 2012 when it was given to around 770 babies, but has since been in decline. Given to around 230 girls in a recent year, Brynlee and Oakley are now preferred.