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Unusual, Uncommon, and Creative

Skye Clearwater
By Skye Clearwater
Updated Tue May 02 2023
This is basically a list compiled of names I have either created on my own or have come across that I find to be particularly creative and interesting. Many of the names in this list that I have created, are either similar to other names, or are a combination of other names. However, a few names on this list are names that I just happen to really like.
  1. Oliver

    • Origin:

      Germanic, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "elf army; ancestor's relic; olive tree"

    • Description:

      Oliver is an international star, ranking near the top of the charts throughout the English-speaking world and in a host of European and Latin American countries, from Norway to Chile, Slovenia to Switzerland. Why? Because Oliver is energetic and good-natured, stylish but classic, with a meaning symbolizing peace and fruitfulness.
  2. Ellis

    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Elijah or Elias or Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "benevolent"

    • Description:

      Ellis is a former Old Man Name turned gender-neutral choice for the 21st century. It's one of the less used names in the currently popular El-family.
  3. Zachary

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord has remembered"

    • Description:

      Zachary, a Top 20 name throughout the 90s, is now sliding down the rankings though it remains in the Top 200. With its ancient roots and modern feel, it's easy to understand why Zachary has been such a longtime winner.
  4. Emmeline

    • Origin:

      Old French form of archaic German Amal

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!
  5. Piper

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "pipe or flute player"

    • Description:

      Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
  6. Reuben

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "behold, a son"

    • Description:

      Reuben is derived from the Hebrew words ra’a, meaning "to see, to understand," and ben, "son." As a phrase it translates to "behold, a son." In the Bible, Reuben is Jacob's first-born son by Leah and the founder of one of the tribes of Israel.
  7. Octavia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "eighth"

    • Description:

      Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.
  8. Vienna

    • Origin:

      Place-name: the capital of Austria

    • Meaning:

      "forest stream; white foundation"

    • Description:

      Vienna is one of the more popular of the European place-names, with a particularly pleasant sound, evoking elegant images of the Blue Danube, of castles and cafes, sweets and sausages and Strauss waltzes—and Sigmund Freud. It could be a possible substitute for the popular Sienna or Vivienne, though it has been climbing the charts itself.
  9. Quentin

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fifth"

    • Description:

      Quentin, an offbeat name with lots of character, relates to the Latin for the number five and is by far the subtlest and most usable of the Latin birth-order names, masculine as well as stylish and distinctive. It was borne by a third-century saint and came to England with the Normans.
  10. Blair

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on the plain"

    • Description:

      One of the first generation of cool surname names, now largely used for girls in the US, but still popular for boys in its native Scotland. A prominent association for Brits is former prime minister Tony Blair, who was leader at the time of the Iraq War.
  11. Morgana

    • Origin:

      Female version of Morgan, Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "sea-circle"

    • Description:

      Since Morgan is used as--or more--frequently for girls as for boys, this feminization has fallen by the wayside. It drew some brief attention via the pop singer Morgana King.

      The similar Morgiana appears in Tales from the Thousand and One Nights.

  12. Clio

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

      Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic o-ending.
  13. Sailor

    • Origin:

      Occupational word name

    • Description:

      A word name that has sailed onto birth certificates of both genders, especially since Liv Tyler used it for her son. For boys, Saylor and Sailor are used about equally, but were together given to about 100 baby boys last year....and 1000 baby girls.
  14. Emmett

    • Origin:

      English; Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "truth; universal"

    • Description:

      Emmett has had an interesting and unusual gender history. A long-obscure masculinization of Emma, Emmett is now rising as a boys' name as a companion to the very popular Emma and Emily. And at the same time, Emmett itself is seen by a handful of parents as a new spin for girls on those uber-popular choices. While the Emmet spelling might still seem most masculine, the extra T in Emmett does make it seem girl-appropriate. Emmette is an even more feminine spelling. But don't be too alarmed: There were over 3000 boys named Emmett in one recent year compared to only 13 girls.
  15. Nika

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Veronika; Slovenian; Croatian, feminine form of Nicholas

    • Description:

      Enticing modern nickname name possibility.
  16. Anatolia

    • Description:

      Anatolia is a feminine name derived from the ancient Greek word "anatolē," meaning "sunrise" or "east." It refers to the geographic region now comprising most of modern Turkey, historically called Asia Minor. The name carries rich historical and geographical significance, evoking images of ancient civilizations and the meeting point between East and West. As a personal name, Anatolia remains quite rare, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its melodious sound with alternating consonants and vowels creates a rhythmic, flowing pronunciation. The name's connection to sunrise symbolically represents new beginnings, hope, and illumination. For families with Turkish heritage, it might also serve as a meaningful cultural connection.
  17. Morena

    • Origin:

      Slovak, Macedonian

    • Meaning:

      "brown-haired"

    • Description:

      Morena is the goddess of seasonal rites and rebirth worshipped in Central Europe.
  18. Neiva

    • Description:

      Neiva is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In Portuguese, it may derive from 'neve' meaning 'snow,' suggesting purity and beauty. It could also have Brazilian origins, possibly connected to indigenous languages. In some Slavic contexts, it might relate to the Neva River in Russia. Neiva remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. The name has a melodious flow with its two syllables and soft consonants. Parents might choose Neiva for its uniqueness and international flair, as it works well across different cultures and languages. Though rare, it shares qualities with more popular names like Neva, Nina, and Nevaeh while maintaining its own distinct identity.

  19. Zaraphina
    • Avyiel