User-created list
Really Unusual Names That I Love!
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Clelia
Italian, Latin
"famous"
The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome, likely derived from the Roman family name, Cloelius. It is believed to come from the Latin word cluere , meaning "to have renowned…
Argenta
Latin
"silvery"
More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.
Iekeliene
Dutch
Dutch model Iekeliene Stange is a famous bearer of this one-of-a-kind name. Its meaning is unknown, but it may be a combo name formed from Ieke + the common suffix -liene.
Baldassare
Baldassare is a traditional Italian masculine name derived from the Babylonian name Balthazar (or Belshazzar), which means 'Baal protects the king' in ancient Assyrian. In Christian tradition,…
Fabia
Latin female variation of Fabian
"bean grower"
Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian.
Irissa
Irissa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Iris, the Greek name meaning 'rainbow' and associated with the goddess who served as messenger of the gods and…
Ilona
Hungarian variation of Helen, Finnish
"shining torch; light; joy"
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in…
Zerynthia
Greek, place name
Zerynthia is one of the alternate names of Hecate, deriving from one of the caves in which she appeared. Zerynthia is also the name of a set of strikingly-coloured Spanish butterflies. This is one…
Biaggio
Italian variation of Blaise
"one who stutters or lisps"
Surprising relative of the French saints' name Blaise, which is definitely easier on the English ear than vowelsome Italian version. Also spelled BIAGIO.
Saija
Finnish diminutive of Sarah
"princess"
This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.
Ambrosia
Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
"Immortal"
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the…
Rimona
Hebrew
"pomegranate"
Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here.
Najila
Arabic
"bright eyes"
Pretty and feminine Arabic name.
Kinga
Hungarian, Polish
"brave"
Though the name Kinga has penetrated the international consciousness via the Slovakian model Kinga Rajzak, it's a rare choice for American baby girls: Only six were named Kinga last year. Is that…
Katarzyna
Polish variation of Catherine
"pure"
Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative…
Senara
Variation of Azenor, Breton
"light"
The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…
Aquila
Latin
"eagle"
An evocative ancient word that's used as a first name in the New Testament, among other places. It's also the name of an eagle-shaped constellation. That said, contemporary interest in the name…
Azura
English, Persian
"sky blue, lapis lazuli"
A sparkly elaboration of the color name Azure, Azura is a vivid choice that may appeal to those who enjoy Azaria, Aurora, Astrid, and Alara. Used in English to mean "sky blue", azure ultimately comes…
Imre
Hungarian, from German
"strength"
Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.
Ceil
Short form of Cecilia or Celia
"blind or heavenly"
With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback. Ceil had a few years of recorded popularity in the first decade of the…