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Unusual and On-Trend

  1. Adel

    • Origin:

      Persian, Arabic, German

    • Meaning:

      "fair, honest; noble"

    • Description:

      As a Persian and Arabic name, Adel derives from adala meaning "to act justly", linking it to honesty and fairness — aspirational qualities for anyone to possess. From its Germanic origins, Adel comes from the element adal, meaning noble, making it a variation of Adele, Adelaide, Adelbert, and similar.
  2. Mirra

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Mira

    • Description:

      The Mira spelling was given to nearly 500 girls last year while this variation was used for only nine in the US.
  3. Temple

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the temple"

    • Description:

      Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin.
  4. Abijah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"

    • Description:

      Abijah, which you might think of as Abigail with rhythm, is the name of both female and male personages in the Bible. A biblical Queen Abijah was the daughter, wife, and mother of kings. The name is pronounced with a long i, to rhyme with Elijah.
  5. Mailer

    • Origin:

      Occupational name, English or French

    • Meaning:

      "enameler"

    • Description:

      Mailer is one of the more unusual of the on-trend occupational surnames. Recommended for fans of the macho writer Norman Mailer.
  6. Aleda

    • Description:

      Aleda is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the German name Adelaide, meaning 'noble kind' or 'noble type,' offering a more streamlined variation. Alternatively, it could be connected to Alida, with Germanic roots meaning 'small winged one,' or to the Latin word 'alae' meaning 'wings.' In some contexts, it's considered a variation of Aleida or Alyda. Aleda has a delicate, flowing quality that combines vintage charm with contemporary appeal. The name enjoys occasional use across several European countries and in North America but remains uncommon enough to be distinctive. Its brief three-syllable structure gives it a melodious sound that's easy to pronounce across various languages. Aleda might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots that isn't frequently used.
  7. Glenna

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "glen"

    • Description:

      Honoring a male relative. Be bold and go with Glenn.
  8. Chanson

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "song"

    • Description:

      This musical name would have to be spoken with a French accent--otherwise it would sound like a trendy boy's name, a la BRANSON.
  9. Auriella

    • Description:

      Auriella is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It can be viewed as an elaborate form of Aurelia or a combination of Auri (golden) with the popular feminine suffix 'ella.' This elegant, melodious name has gained modest attention in recent years as parents seek names with both classical roots and contemporary appeal. Auriella's four syllables create a flowing, romantic quality that fits current trends for elaborate feminine names. While still uncommon, it has seen increasing usage in the United States since the 2010s. The name carries associations with precious materials, light, and brightness. Its golden meaning conveys qualities of value, radiance, and warmth, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with both substance and beauty.
  10. Japeth

    • Description:

      Japeth is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Japheth, who in biblical tradition was one of Noah's three sons in the Book of Genesis. The name is of Hebrew origin and is thought to mean 'enlarge' or 'expand,' with some interpretations suggesting 'beautiful' or 'may he have space.' This alternate spelling is much less common than the traditional Japheth. The name carries significant religious and historical weight in Judeo-Christian traditions, where Japheth is considered an ancestor of various European and Asian peoples. While never extremely popular in modern times, the name has maintained a steady presence among those who appreciate biblical names or are looking for something with ancient roots and spiritual significance.

  11. Jessenia

    • Origin:

      Variation of Yesenia, Spanish nature name

    • Description:

      Jessenia and Yesenia are drawn from the Spanish name for a South American tree, making them new nature names.
  12. Clarry

    • Description:

      Clarry is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Clare, Clara, or Clarissa, all derived from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' This charming nickname-turned-given-name has an approachable, vintage quality that's seen occasional revivals in English-speaking countries. Particularly popular in Australia and the United Kingdom during the early to mid-20th century, Clarry carries a warm, friendly sound while maintaining feminine associations. The name has a nostalgic appeal that fits with the trend of reviving vintage diminutives as standalone names. Clarry feels simultaneously familiar and uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality without being difficult to pronounce or spell. It evokes qualities of cheerfulness, simplicity, and unpretentious warmth.

  13. Valina

    • Description:

      Valina is a feminine name with a delicate, melodic quality. It may have developed as a diminutive form of names containing the 'Val' element, such as Valentina or Valerie, which derive from the Latin 'valens' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' In some contexts, it might be connected to the Greek word 'galene' meaning 'calm' or 'serene.' Valina has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something recognizable yet unique. The name has a romantic, flowing sound with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. While not widely used in any particular region, Valina occasionally appears across various cultures, lending it an international appeal.

  14. Vicenza

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      This name of an architecturally glorious Italian city makes a romantic and evocative possibility.
  15. Briona

    • Origin:

      Variation of Briana, English

    • Meaning:

      "strong, virtuous and honorable"

    • Description:

      Briona is another of the increasingly popular Bri picks, a cross between Briana and Briony.
  16. Currier

    • Origin:

      English occupational surname

    • Meaning:

      "person who dressed leather after it was tanned"

    • Description:

      Has a fresh occupational name feel, combined with old-fashioned Currier & Ives charm.
  17. Elula

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, female form of Elul, month name

    • Description:

      Elula, female derivation of Elul, the name of the sixth month on the Hebrew calendar, was used by Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen for their second daughter. The couple kept their unusual choice under wraps for several months, perhaps to get a head start on the hordes of fans who might adopt the fashionable-yet-unusual double-l name for their own. Reminiscent of (though not actually related to) Eulala, the stylish pick of Marcia Gay Harden for her daughter. Lula, Lulu, or Lu could be short forms.
  18. Amadore

    • Description:

      Amadore is a rare feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'amare' meaning 'to love.' It can be interpreted as 'lover' or 'beloved one.' The name embodies affection and devotion, making it a deeply romantic choice. While uncommon in modern usage, Amadore carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables. It shares roots with the more familiar masculine name Amadeus, which gained recognition through the composer Mozart. Amadore offers parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name an option that conveys warmth and tenderness while maintaining an elegant, classical sound.
  19. Avita

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Avita sounds like a drug name. In fact, it is! (It's an acne medication.) While that may not be enough to stop you, you might want to consider Aviva, Vita, or Evita (which has issues of its own) instead.
  20. Dorrin

    • Origin:

      Manx

    • Meaning:

      "sullen; tempest"

    • Description:

      This name stems from an Irish word meaning sullen, but in the Isle of Man is used to refer to sullen weather, rather than sullen people (hence the tempest meaning). It's a cute and spunky name that could easily work outside Manx circles.

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