Gorgeous and Rare Baby Names that Should Be Popular
By JoleaNatalia
Updated Thu May 18 2023
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A collection of my favorite weird and out-there names from years of scouring lists for perfect names for my various characters.
- Ardenia
Description:
Ardenia is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from "ardens" meaning "burning," "passionate," or "glowing." It may also relate to Arden, an English surname and place name referring to a valley with a forest. The name carries an elegant, floral quality reminiscent of garden flowers like the gardenia, though they're etymologically unrelated. Ardenia has a romantic, vintage charm with its flowing syllables and melodic quality. The name conveys strength and warmth simultaneously, suggesting someone with passion and intensity. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Ardenia appeals to parents seeking a feminine name with classical roots yet distinctive enough to stand out. Its rarity offers uniqueness without sounding invented, and its -ia ending places it among traditional feminine naming patterns.
- Areminta
Description:
Areminta is a feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Araminta, which first appeared in 17th-century literature. It may have Greek roots relating to 'defender' or could be a creative literary invention. The name has an antique, Southern charm, reminiscent of plantation-era America where it occasionally appeared among aristocratic families. Areminta offers a rare combination of delicacy and strength, with its flowing syllables and uncommon status. Though never widely popular, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a uniquely vintage name with literary connections. Areminta provides the familiar nicknames Minty, Minta, or Arie, adding versatility to this elaborate and graceful choice.
- Ariane
Description:
Ariane is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing the French form of Ariadne. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth. The name carries connotations of intelligence and helpfulness, derived from its mythological roots. Ariane has been moderately popular in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, appreciated for its elegant sound and classical heritage. The name has gained additional modern recognition through its connection to European space programs, with the Ariane rockets named after this celestial-sounding moniker. With its combination of mythological depth, melodic pronunciation, and cross-cultural appeal, Ariane offers a sophisticated yet accessible option that balances traditional roots with contemporary style.
- Astoria
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
Long more associated with the New York Waldorf- hotel and the neighborhood in Queens than as a baby name, Astoria is finally beginning to emerge from their shadow and find favor with parents looking to move beyond Brooklyn. The name Astoria is drawn from the surname of titan of industry John Jacob Astor, theorized to mean "hawk."
- Baro
- Cerise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"cherry"Description:
Infinitely preferable to the tease-inspiring English version of the word.
- Eilonwy
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"river melody"Description:
Eilonwy is a rare and poetic Welsh name first recorded in the late 19th century and used by Lloyd Alexander for his novel series The Chronicles of Prydain. The character appeared in Disney's adaptation of the series. In both the books and on the screen, Eilonwy is a feisty yet kind character. Read more about Eilonwy and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
- Erimentha
- Germani
Description:
Germani is a feminine name likely derived from the Latin 'germanus,' meaning 'genuine' or 'authentic.' It may also relate to Germania, the ancient Roman term for the region now known as Germany. The name carries connotations of sincerity and cultural heritage. While relatively uncommon, Germani has a melodic quality with its soft 'g' and flowing ending that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name offers an interesting alternative to more common names like Harmony or Melody with its similar musical sound pattern. Germani combines an ancient root with a contemporary feel, making it a unique choice that bridges historical depth with modern appeal.
- Idony
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"love again, renewal"Description:
Idony was the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, and variants of her obscure name could come under consideration with the rest of the fashionable I pack.
- Jacinda
Origin:
Variation of JacintaMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Jacinda, a form of the lovely and unusual Spanish and Portuguese flower name Jacinta (for Hyacinth), was first popularized by the Australian actress Jacinda Barrett. Today, the girls' name Jacinda is most notable as the name of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, one of the first world leaders to give birth in office, widely credited with her strong and compassionate leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Jordan
Origin:
English from HebrewMeaning:
"flowing down"Description:
Jordan became one of the top unisex baby names in the heyday of basketball's Michael Jordan, and is still among the most popular unisex names starting with J. The name was originally given to those baptized in holy water brought back by Crusaders from the River Jordan, the only river in Palestine, and the one in which Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.
- Keane
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
- Keywan
- Leilani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly flower"Description:
Lyrical, lively and bold, Leilani is a name that feels fresh, floral, and summery. Sharing sounds with the popular Lillian, Layla and Luna, Leilani is a fairly recent addition to the US Top 100.
- March
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
March has never been popular as a month name, possibly because of its slightly abrupt sound. But with all kinds of month (and season, day, and holiday) names, from January to December, Sunday to Easter, Winter to Midnight, coming to the fore, March is beginning to seem eminently baby-ready.
- Merewen
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"sublime delight"Description:
This Anglo-Saxon gem was borne by a few medieval women including Saint Merewen, Abbess of Romsey Abbey. It has also been used in literature, for example in Kit Berry's Stonewylde series. Merewen has the mellifluous vowels and Celtic charm of other current favorites like Elowen and Meredith.
- Pele
Origin:
Hawaiian goddess of fireDescription:
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple, rare, and lovely name Pele has mythological roots.
- Rhiannon
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"divine queen"Description:
Most of us had never heard this lovely Welsh name with links to the moon until we heard the 1976 smash hit Fleetwood Mac song of that name, with lyrics by Stevie Nicks. That same year it popped onto the U.S. Top 1000 at Number 593.
- Sterling
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"of the highest quality"Description:
A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets. Sterling is more commonly a male name or surname, but is occasionally used for girls as well.