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Unique Names for Your Main Character

kaylb616
By kaylb616
Updated Sat May 20 2023
Names that are cute but rare. I literally just made some of them up but they're not bad. In fact, they should be more common.
  1. Xander

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Xander is a diminutive of Alexander, the Latin variation of the Greek Alexandros. Its meaning, "defending men," is taken from the Greek roots aléxein, "to defend," and andros, "men." Zander, pronounced the same way, is an alternate spelling.
  2. Asha

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit; Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "hope; life"

    • Description:

      Asha is an Indian name that comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or desire, but it is also a Swahili name derived from Aisha, meaning life. Since the ascendance of Ashley through the 1980s and 90s, all baby names Ash-related have been used in the U.S. for both girls and boys, from Ashlyn to Ashby, Ashton to Asher. Despite its separate roots, Asha is part of this group.
  3. Iona

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      This name of a small island off the coast of Scotland is trending upwards along with other I names.
  4. Serenity

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful"

    • Description:

      Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.
  5. Cataleya

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Cattley's flower"

    • Description:

      Cataleya is the name of a genus of orchids that gained visibility as a baby name after it was used for the character played by Zoe Saldana in Colombiana. Part Caitlin, part Aaliyah, and part Leah, Cataleya is a trendy choice that just might transcend its momentary popularity. It is a spelling adaptation of Cattleya, named after the British horticulturalist William Cattley.
  6. Tobin

    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Tobias

    • Meaning:

      "God is good"

    • Description:

      Tobias-related name that makes an attractive and modern-sounding form of the biblical original. It was recently chosen by Karolina Kurkova for her son.
  7. Hadassah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "myrtle tree"

    • Description:

      This Hebrew name of Queen Esther is well used in Israel (especially for girls born around the holiday of Purim), and in the US is the name of a Zionist women's philanthropic organization. Formerly shunned as hyper-religious, this name entered the Top 1000 in 2007 and has since climbed into the Top 700. Nickname Haddie feels like a natural companion for Addie and Maddie.
  8. Xavian

    • Description:

      Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
  9. Audric

    • Origin:

      French variation of Aldric, Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "old, wise ruler"

    • Description:

      A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.
  10. Khalil

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "friend"

    • Description:

      Spelled in various ways, this name was first brought into the American consciousness by the Lebanese-American poet and artist Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet.
  11. Camilo

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant"

    • Description:

      The increasing popularity of Camila may have pushed this underrated Spanish name into the Top 1000 — though it remains far less popular than its feminine counterpart. A perfect familiar-but-rare choice.
  12. Arsenio

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "virile, strong"

    • Description:

      Long considered Mr. Hall's exclusive property, it's now ready to be adopted by others.
  13. Exie

    • Description:

      Exie is a vintage feminine name that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often used as a nickname for names beginning with 'Ex-' or as a diminutive for Elizabeth or Exilda, it has a quaint, old-fashioned charm. The name nearly disappeared from usage by the mid-20th century, making it extremely rare today. Its brevity and distinctive sound give it potential appeal to modern parents seeking truly uncommon vintage names. Exie has Southern American associations, as it appeared more frequently in Southern states during its peak usage. The name's simplicity and unique 'x' sound offer a combination of antique appeal and contemporary phonetic interest.
  14. Ishani

    • Description:

      Ishani is a feminine name with Sanskrit origins, carrying rich cultural significance in Hindu tradition. The name means 'ruling' or 'powerful' and is associated with Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Ishani is specifically one of the eight forms (or aspects) of Parvati known as the Ashta Matrikas. The name combines melodic sounds with profound meaning, representing feminine strength and divine energy. While traditional in India, Ishani has gained modest international recognition as parents increasingly seek names with cultural depth and spiritual significance. The name is appreciated for its relatively straightforward pronunciation despite its exotic origins, making it accessible to Western speakers while maintaining its authentic Indian roots. Ishani offers the perfect balance of uniqueness and accessibility.

  15. Avry

    • Description:

      Avry is a modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a contemporary spelling variation of Avery, which derives from the Old English 'aelf' (elf) and 'ric' (ruler), originally meaning 'ruler of the elves.' This streamlined version has gained popularity as parents seek shorter, distinctive names. Avry could also relate to the French name Avril, meaning 'April.' With its crisp sound and fashionable 'v' consonant, Avry appeals to parents looking for a name that feels fresh yet familiar. While still uncommon, it fits with current naming trends favoring short, gender-flexible names with a contemporary flair. The simplified spelling gives this traditional name a modern edge.

  16. Keilah

    • Origin:

      Biblical place-name

    • Description:

      A city of the Shephelah that works as a first but you'll be forever explaining why it's not Kayla.
  17. Javaughn

    • Description:

      Javaughn appears to be a modern variant spelling of the name Javon or Javohn, which may combine elements of 'Jay' with 'Vaughn' or 'Von.' The prefix 'Ja-' is found in various contemporary given names. Vaughn is a Welsh surname meaning 'small' that has transitioned to use as a given name. This combined name emerged in the late 20th century in the United States. Usage data shows it becoming modestly visible in American naming records during the 1990s and 2000s. The name has maintained consistent but limited popularity, suggesting it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with recognizable elements. The spelling variation with 'gh' shows how traditional naming elements can be customized with alternative orthography while maintaining similar pronunciation.
  18. Jessiah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Josiah and Jesse

    • Description:

      Combining two established names into one original new one is one route parents go in their search for unique baby names.
  19. Ginnie

    • Description:

      Ginnie is a feminine diminutive of Virginia, with roots in Latin meaning 'maiden' or 'pure'. As a nickname, it offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal versions like Virginia or Ginger. While less common as a standalone name than in previous generations, Ginnie retains a sweet, vintage charm that occasionally appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. The name peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Ginnie conveys warmth and friendliness, often associated with Southern charm in American culture.
  20. Amaiah