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Unique and Elegant Baby Names

  1. Thelonius

    • Origin:

      Latinized form of German Tielo or Till

    • Meaning:

      "people"

    • Description:

      One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited it from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960s--just a sprinkling of baby boys receive the name each year. Monk's middle name Sphere is pretty unique too--a cousin of Cosmos and Cosmo. Some other jazz names to consider: Bix, Ellington, Ella, Etta, Mingus, Dexter and Calloway. :
  2. Ambrosia

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine form of Ambrose

    • Meaning:

      "Immortal"

    • Description:

      Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
  3. Helios

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      The name of the young Greek sun god, brother to the moon goddess Selene, who rode across the sky each day in a chariot pulled by four horses.
  4. Eurydice

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wide justice"

    • Description:

      Despite (or because of) her tragic story in Greek myth--Eurydice was poisoned by a snake and condemned to the underworld, where her husband, musician Orpheus, tried and failed to bring her back--she has provided creative inspiration in the arts, namely as the subject of operas by Monteverdi, Haydn and Gluck, in an eponymous play by Jean Anouilh, and the myth was the inspiration for Tennessee William's drama Orpheus Descending. Paintings by Titian, Rubens and Poussin also focus on Eurydice.
  5. Isadore

    • Origin:

      Variation of Isidore, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"

    • Description:

      A classic variation of the name Isidore, both Isadore and Isidore were equally popular at their peak in the 1910s. They were historically used among Jewish families — Isidore and Isadore were often used as Americanizations of Jewish names such as Israel and Isaac.
  6. Antigone

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "worthy of one's parents, in place of one's parents"

    • Description:

      In Greek mytholgy, Antigone was the noble and courageous daughter of Oedipus, who acts as his guide after he blinds himself. Antigone is also the eponymous heroine of a play by Jean Anouilh.
  7. Saxon

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "people of the dagger"

    • Description:

      Saxon is unusual word name that nevertheless feels right on trend, with that sharp X in the middle and that two-syllable-ending-in-n pattern. Reminiscent of Roman but not yet so popular, Saxon is one to watch out for.
  8. Cymbeline

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "sun lord or sun hound"

    • Description:

      The title of a Shakespeare play based on legends featuring the early Celtic King Cunobelinus, whose name derives from the Gaulish sun god Belenus.
  9. Kezia

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "cassia tree"

    • Description:

      This lively Old Testament nature name (belonging to one of the three beautiful daughters of Job) may be missing from the current US Top 1000 list, but it ranks highly here on Nameberry — making it one to watch!
  10. Tejas

    • Description:

      Tejas is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'radiance,' 'brilliance,' or 'splendor.' In Hindu culture, it refers to the spiritual essence that represents energy, vigor, and mental power. Tejas is also the Sanskrit word for 'fire' and is associated with light and illumination. The name has gained popularity among Indian families globally who appreciate its cultural significance and positive connotations. In the United States, Tejas has additional significance as the original name for Texas, derived from a Native American Caddo word meaning 'friends' or 'allies.' This dual heritage makes Tejas an appealing cross-cultural choice with meaningful connections to both South Asian traditions and American geography. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality.

  11. Satine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "smooth, shiny"

    • Description:

      Satine, the name of the Nicole Kidman character in Moulin Rouge,, is, by definition satiny smooth. Jacinda Barrett named her daughter Satine Anais.
  12. Aphrodite

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "foam or born from the sea"

    • Description:

      The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion for goddess names, we may see more little Aphrodites in the playground with Jupiter and Juno. Nineteen baby girls received the name in the US last year.
  13. Anoushka

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Ann

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      A lively, affectionate Russian pet name that is never given as a full name in its homeland, but has found some popularity in upper-crusty British society. It's also a surprising cultural crossover name due to its resemblance to the Indian name Anushka. British-Indian musician and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi, is a famous bearer.
  14. Sinjin

    • Origin:

      Phonetic spelling of St. John

    • Description:

      The name St. John is much more usable in its phonetic spelling — similar to the way St. Clair evolved into Sinclair. St. John has some literary cred — St. John Rivers is a cool character in Jane Eyre.

      St. John has been attached to a number of notable men — not as a first but as a middle name, one shared by Evelyn Waugh, Basil Rathbone, Richard Harris and Brian Eno.

  15. Antheia

    • Description:

      Antheia derives from ancient Greek origins, where it was the name of the goddess of flowers, gardens, and flowery wreaths. She was one of the Charites (Graces) associated with vegetation, blossoms, and human fertility. The name comes from the Greek word 'anthos,' meaning 'flower' or 'bloom.' Antheia remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, appealing to parents drawn to names with classical roots and meaningful nature associations. Its melodic quality with the soft 'th' sound gives it an ethereal, feminine feel. The name offers the charming nickname option of 'Thea,' which has gained popularity independently. For those seeking a name with ancient heritage, botanical connections, and a distinctive yet accessible sound, Antheia represents a beautiful choice.

  16. Marmaduke

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "devotee of Maedoc"

    • Description:

      One of the ultimate teasable names, an Irish saint's name now associated with the oversized comic-strip dog. Scottish adventurer Bear (born Edward) Grylls took up the challenge when he used it for his son.
  17. Jacaranda

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Tupi-Guarani flower name

    • Meaning:

      "fragrant"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.
  18. Milos

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "gracious, dear, beloved"

    • Description:

      Milos, typically spelled Miloš, derives from various names including the Slavic element, milŭ , such as Miloslav, Bogomil, or Milrad. Popular in the Czech Republic, the name is also used in Serbia, Croatia, and Slovakia
  19. Anatole

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from the east, rising sun"

    • Description:

      Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more closely with France. Anatole Kuragin is a dashing, roguish prince in Tolstoy's War and Peace.
  20. Azaria

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Azariah

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh has helped"

    • Description:

      A Biblical name with a modern feel, Azaria is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name, Azariah. Used as a masculine name in the Bible, this spelling is now more commonly used on girls.