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  1. Hyacinth

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "blue larkspur; precious stone"

    • Description:

      Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name.
  2. Hephzibah
    • Iben

      • Origin:

        German, Frisian, and Scandinavian form of Ivo

      • Meaning:

        "yew wood"

      • Description:

        This unusual (to the American ear) unisex name is used throughout Scandinavia and Germany. It can be a Frisian and German variation of Ivo, derived from the elementiwa element, meaning "yew". It is also related to the Danish word ibenholt which means "ebony".
    • Idalah

      • Origin:

        Biblical place-name

      • Description:

        Idalah is a town in Zebulon that makes a distinctive first name for a modern girl. Where the boys get most of the ancient yet unusual Biblical names, Idalah is one for the girls' side.
    • Idalia

      • Origin:

        Greek, Germanic

      • Meaning:

        "behold the sun; work, labor"

      • Description:

        A pretty, if unusual choice for a summer baby, particularly a girl with an ancestor named Ida. An epithet of the goddess Aphrodite, Idalia is derived from the Greek place name Idalion.
    • Iekeliene

      • Origin:

        Dutch

      • Description:

        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.
    • Ieshea

      • Description:

        Ieshea is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of names like Iesha or Aisha. With likely African or Arabic roots, the original name Aisha means 'alive' or 'prosperous' in Arabic. This particular spelling variation emerged in the United States during the late 20th century as part of a trend toward creative and distinctive name spellings. Ieshea has a melodic quality when pronounced (usually ee-EE-sha or eye-EE-sha). While not among the most common names in the general population, it has been embraced by some communities seeking names with cultural significance combined with unique spelling. The name carries connotations of vitality, life, and resilience.

    • Ikea

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        Ikea is a down-market version of the Chanel/Tiffany/Porsche brand-name-as-first idea.
    • Ilanit

      • Description:

        Ilanit is a feminine Hebrew name meaning 'tree' or 'small tree,' derived from the Hebrew word 'ilan.' This nature-inspired name carries cultural significance in Israel, where it has been in use since the early 20th century as part of a movement to revive Hebrew names connected to the natural world. Ilanit beautifully symbolizes growth, stability, and deep roots within Jewish tradition. The name gained moderate popularity in Israel through the mid-to-late 20th century, partly boosted by famous Israeli singer Ilanit (born Hanna Drezner) who performed in Eurovision in the 1970s. Outside Jewish communities, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being accessible in pronunciation. Ilanit appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic Hebrew origins and natural symbolism that works well in international contexts.

    • Immaculata

      • Description:

        Immaculata is a feminine name with Latin origins, directly referring to the Catholic concept of the Immaculate Conception - the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. The name literally means 'immaculate' or 'spotless' and carries profound religious significance. Most common in devoutly Catholic communities, particularly those with Italian, Spanish, or Latin American heritage, Immaculata represents purity and spiritual devotion. While never widely used in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage in religious families. The name offers nickname possibilities like Imma or Maculata. With its distinctive rhythm and clear religious connection, Immaculata makes a bold statement about cultural and spiritual values.
    • Iridian

      • Description:

        Iridian is a feminine name inspired by 'iridescence,' referring to colors that appear to change when viewed from different angles, like those seen in opals, soap bubbles, or butterfly wings. This modern nature-inspired name evokes qualities of beauty, uniqueness, and transformation. Derived from Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iridian carries associations with colorful natural phenomena and celestial brilliance. While relatively uncommon, it has gained modest popularity among parents seeking distinctive names with positive meanings and natural connections. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining melodic elegance with its flowing syllables. Iridian appeals particularly to families drawn to uncommon names with scientific or nature-based origins that still sound feminine and accessible.
    • Izusa

      • Origin:

        Native American

      • Meaning:

        "white stone"

      • Description:

        Highly unusual; could be confused with the Isuzu automotive brand.
    • Jala

      • Origin:

        Arabic

      • Meaning:

        "great, illustrious"

      • Description:

        Simple, pretty, and delicate.
    • Jamaica

      • Origin:

        Native American place name

      • Meaning:

        "rich in springs"

      • Description:

        Among the least gimmicky, most appealing and colorful of all the names found in the atlas, Jamaica almost sings out the rhythms of the West Indies.
    • Jamia

      • Description:

        Jamia is a feminine name with Arabic and Muslim origins, meaning "gatherer" or "one who brings together." In some cultures, it can also refer to a university or place of higher learning, giving the name intellectual associations. Jamia shares phonetic similarities with names like Jamie and Jemima, but has its own distinct cultural heritage. In the United States, Jamia has maintained a consistent but low profile on name popularity charts since the 1970s, with occasional small spikes in usage. The name offers a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with international flair that remains relatively uncommon. Jamia combines cultural richness with contemporary appeal.
    • Janvière

      • Description:

        Janvière is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name "Januarius," which means "January" or "belonging to Janus." Janus was the Roman god of doorways, transitions, and new beginnings, making this name particularly meaningful for girls born in January. The name carries connotations of fresh starts and opening doors to new opportunities. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Janvière has maintained some popularity in French-speaking regions, particularly in Canada and parts of Europe. The name has a delicate, elegant quality with its soft pronunciation and graceful ending, giving it a timeless charm.
    • Jarvis

      • Origin:

        English variation of Gervase, meaning unknown

      • Description:

        Jarvis, one of the original two-syllable nouveau boys' choices, is a saint's name with a certain retro charm and a nice quirky feel. Though Jarvis peaked in the late 1880s, he is beginning to sound fresh again.
    • Jelsomina

      • Description:

        Jelsomina is an extremely rare feminine name that may be a variant of Gelsomina, which derives from the Italian word for jasmine flower ('gelsomino'). The name gained some recognition through Federico Fellini's 1954 film 'La Strada,' which featured a character named Gelsomina. The 'J' spelling variation adds uniqueness to this already uncommon name. Jelsomina has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a rare choice that appeals to parents seeking something truly distinctive with Italian flair. The name evokes the delicate beauty and sweet fragrance of jasmine blossoms, carrying connotations of innocence and natural grace. Its melodic quality, with four musical syllables, gives it an inherently poetic character.

    • Jennipher

      • Description:

        Jennipher is a creative spelling variant of Jennifer, which originated as a Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar (the original form of Guinevere). The name means "white fairy," "white wave," or "fair and smooth." This distinctive spelling with 'ph' instead of 'f' gives the classic name a unique twist while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. Jennifer became extraordinarily popular in the English-speaking world during the 1970s and 1980s, while alternative spellings like Jennipher have remained relatively uncommon, offering individuality. Parents who choose this spelling often appreciate the traditional name but desire something slightly unconventional that still honors the original name's heritage and meaning.
    • Jethro

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "excellence"

      • Description:

        Jethro, though the biblical father-in-law of Moses, has suffered for a long time from a Beverly Hillbilly image, but some really adventurous parents might consider updating and urbanizing it and transitioning it into the hip o-ending category.