Unique and Elegant Baby Names
- Milos
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"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
- Ludovic
Origin:
English and Scottish variation of LudwigMeaning:
"famous warrior"Description:
Euro-cool. Heard more in Scotland than in England or the US, Ludovic Lesly is a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Quentin Durward and Sir Ludovic Kennedy was a noted Scottish broadcaster and writer. Cute nickname: Ludo.
- Cassander
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"light of man"Description:
Cassander is the masculine form of Cassandra, and the name of an ancient king of Macedon from the 3rd century BC. It could make a nice alternative to Alexander or a refreshing way to honour a female relative named Cassie/Cassandra/Sandra.
- Kezia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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!
- Caedmon
Description:
Caedmon is a masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin with deep historical roots. It gained prominence through Caedmon, a 7th-century English poet considered the earliest known English poet whose name is recorded. According to the Venerable Bede's historical accounts, Caedmon was an illiterate herdsman who received divine inspiration to compose religious poetry. The name likely derives from Celtic elements meaning "wise warrior" or "battle wisdom." Though rare in modern usage, Caedmon has seen modest revival among parents seeking unique names with historical significance. It appeals to those drawn to medieval English heritage, literature, and names with scholarly associations. The name carries connotations of creativity, wisdom, and inspired eloquence.
- Hyperion
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the high one"Description:
In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).
- Mayuri
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"peahen"Description:
Mayuri is the feminine version of the name Mayur, which means peacock. The name has a mellifluous sound to it, which makes it well placed to make the transition to the West. Dancer and chorerographer Mayuri Upadhya is a notable bearer of this name.
- Forsythia
Origin:
Flower name, from English surnameMeaning:
"Forsyth's flower"Description:
This yellow harbinger spring bloom was named for Scottish botanist William Forsyth, and is even more unusual than such species as Acacia and Azalea.
- Brunhilda
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"armed for battle"Description:
Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.
- Melisende
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.
- Ambrosius
Description:
Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.
- Tamarind
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"tree and spice name"Description:
A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.
- Tamerlaine
Origin:
Turkic, MongolMeaning:
"iron"Description:
Although Tamerlaine, especially with the addition of an i, feels more feminine than masculine these days and is occasionally used for girls, the original Tamerlane was a fierce Mongol warrior.
- Azaria
Origin:
Spelling variation of AzariahMeaning:
"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.
- Hawthorn
Origin:
Spelling variation of HawthorneDescription:
The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category: Hawthorn is a type of hedge.
- Abyssinia
Origin:
African place-nameDescription:
Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.
- Ursa
Origin:
Short form of Ursula, LatinMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
Ursa might be a good choice if you're looking for a bear name for your daughter but want to avoid the She Witch curse placed on Ursula by Disney's The Little Mermaid. Too bad, because Ursula is a classic and lovely name, but Ursa has less baggage.
- Isadore
Origin:
Variation of Isidore, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Gardenia
Origin:
Flower name, from English surnameMeaning:
"Garden's flower"Description:
More uncommon and powerful than garden varieties like Rose and Lily. Named for Scottish botanist Dr Alexander Garden.
- Saer
Description:
Saer is a masculine name with medieval origins, derived from Old French occupational terms meaning 'carpenter' or 'woodworker.' It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest and appears in historical records as both a surname and given name. In some Middle Eastern contexts, similar names may have different etymological roots related to Arabic origins. Saer has a strong, concise sound that's simple to pronounce despite its uncommon nature. The name carries historical weight and craft associations, evoking images of skilled artisans and medieval guilds. It has remained extremely rare in modern times, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something with historical depth yet simplicity. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it practical despite its rarity.