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Unique Names

meowing_cake
By meowing_cake
Updated Fri Mar 24 2023
A list of my favorite names that you don't hear too often, plus interesting spellings. Don't count seeing Emma or Sarah in there.
  1. Acacia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "thorny"

    • Description:

      Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
  2. Aleks

    • Description:

      Aleks is a feminine name with Slavic origins, serving as a shortened form of Aleksandra (the feminine version of Alexander). The name ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning "defender" or "protector of mankind." This streamlined spelling variant offers a modern, international feel while maintaining the name's strong historic roots. Popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia, Poland, and Serbia, Aleks has gained modest global appeal for its simplicity and cross-cultural adaptability. For English speakers, the name provides an intriguing alternative to traditional Alexandra or Alexis. Parents often choose Aleks for its blend of strength and femininity, its distinctive spelling, and its easy pronunciation across multiple languages.
  3. Aprelle

    • Description:

      Aprelle is a feminine name derived from April, which itself comes from the Latin "aperire" meaning "to open," referring to the opening or blossoming of flowers in spring. This elegant variation adds a French-inspired flair to the traditional month name with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation. While April has been a popular name choice since the 1940s, Aprelle remains considerably rarer, offering uniqueness while still being recognizable. The name evokes the freshness of spring, new beginnings, and natural beauty. Though uncommon in historical records, Aprelle began appearing more frequently in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought distinctive variations on familiar names.

  4. Aquarius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "water carrier"

    • Description:

      Astrological name retains a hippielike Age of Aquarius feel.
  5. Arantxa

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "thornbush"

    • Description:

      Basque names, indeed the entire Basque language, are unrelated to any other. Arantxa is a diminutive of Arantzazu. This obscure choice was made known by tennis player Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.
  6. Artemisia

    • Origin:

      Greek, variation of Artemis

    • Description:

      You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an esteemed Italian Baroque painter, unusual in an era when not many women were acknowledged. Artemisia is also a genus of plants which include sagebrush and tarragon.
  7. Aelita
    • Bliss

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Description:

        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.
    • Calixta

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "most beautiful"

      • Description:

        Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.
    • Candida

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "white"

      • Description:

        Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.
    • Claea

      • Description:

        Claea is an uncommon feminine name with possible Greek or Latin roots. It may be related to Clea, derived from the Greek 'kleos' meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' with an altered spelling. The name could also be connected to Latin 'clara,' meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' With its unusual letter combination and melodic pronunciation, Claea has remained exceptionally rare, making it a truly distinctive choice. The name has a delicate, classical sound that evokes ancient civilizations while still feeling fresh and modern. Parents might be drawn to Claea for its uniqueness, its pleasant phonetics with the flowing 'ae' combination, and its subtle connections to classical languages that suggest illumination and distinction without being obviously tied to any particular cultural tradition.

    • Clea

      • Origin:

        Literary name

      • Description:

        An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet.
    • Calla Lily