Unusual Australian Places

Camden is a surprise hit, probably as a result of some star baby cred: it has been chosen by no less than four celebrity parents since 2012. Gentle but not flimsy, Camden could be an updated spin on Cameron, Callum, or Caden.

For centuries, this name had a romantic, windswept image due to its strong connection to the poet Lord Byron, who inspired its use as a first name. It is one of those surprise names that's appeared on the Top 1000 every year since 1880.

Though TV's "Frasier" made the name famous, and Frazier is a well-used variation, Fraser is the original, used mostly in Scotland.

Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes, Moira Shearer.

Innis is the name of an island (and Gaelic word for island) which became a Scottish surname and clan name before being used as a first. It hasn't been heard much in the U.S., but could attract more attention with the growing popularity of Latin s-ending boys' names such as Atticus.

Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.

Heron may feel like a very usable nature name -- the heron is a long-legged wading bird -- but it was also the name of a 1st century Greek inventor and of an Egyptian saint. Highly unusual yet easy to understand and meaningful on several levels, Heron is a fantastic choice.

Elsey is a feminine name with historical roots as a medieval diminutive of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath.' It can also be a transferred surname that originated as a place name in England. The spelling variant 'Elsey' offers a more distinctive alternative to the more common 'Elsie,' which experienced a significant revival as part of the trend toward vintage nickname-names. Elsey carries a sweet, nostalgic quality while its less common spelling gives it a unique touch. While not appearing on most popular name charts, it appeals to parents drawn to names that feel both antique and fresh. The name evokes a gentle, friendly personality with a touch of old-fashioned charm.

When Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman became one of the first Europeans to find Australia, he gave his name to a sea and to an island. in turn some parents have chosen to honor their homeland by choosing this name for their child. Tasma is the feminine version.

Sweet and southern-feeling, maybe thanks to Horton Foote, author of Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful, not to mention the Dr. Seuss connection.

Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.

Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon.

Ruthven is an unusual feminine name with Scottish origins, primarily known as a Scottish surname and place name. Historically, Ruthven was more commonly used as a masculine given name or family name in Scotland. The name derives from Gaelic elements possibly meaning 'red river' or may relate to the lands of Ruthven in Perthshire, Scotland. While rare as a first name, particularly for females, it carries a distinctive Scottish heritage and aristocratic associations due to its connection with the historical Ruthven family, who were prominent in Scottish affairs. The name has a strong, somewhat austere quality with its consonant-ending sound, which contrasts with more traditionally feminine name patterns. For parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and Scottish connections, Ruthven offers a bold choice that defies conventional gender-naming patterns.

Glenora is a feminine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots. It combines 'glen,' meaning 'valley,' with 'ora,' possibly derived from Latin for 'gold' or representing a feminine ending. The name evokes images of serene, golden valleys in the Scottish Highlands or Irish countryside. Glenora has a classic, somewhat old-fashioned charm that connects to nature and Celtic heritage. Though never extremely common, it appeared more frequently in the early 20th century and has remained in limited use since. The name Glenora also appears as a place name in several locations with Celtic connections, including areas in Canada and Scotland.

All names ending in ville are in nowheresville.

MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay.