Unusual / Interesting names

  1. Crisanta
    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "golden flower, chrysanthemum"
    • Description:

      Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
  2. Graziella
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Grazia or variation of Grace
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.
  3. Caradoc
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "amiable, beloved"
    • Description:

      Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
  4. Socorra
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "one who helps"
    • Description:

      Popular Spanish choice that refers to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help -- or Perpetuo Socorro.
  5. Mirja
    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Miriam
    • Description:

      If you are looking for an unusual way to honor an ancestral Mary or Miriam, Mirja might make a good choice. Zero baby girls were given this name in the US in 2014. The rising popularity of Anja has schooled English speakers that the j is pronounced like a y.
  6. Arava
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "willow"
    • Description:

      Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning.
  7. Zilla
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "shadow"
    • Description:

      Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
  8. Oluchi
    • Origin:

      Igbo
    • Meaning:

      "work of God"
    • Description:

      Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.
  9. Irati
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "fern field"
    • Description:

      For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.
  10. Alondra
    • Origin:

      Pet form of Alejandra or Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "lark"
    • Description:

      A Spanish TV show made this one popular, along with single-named Mexican singer, Alondra.
  11. Aloisia
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous fighter"
    • Description:

      Inventive female form of Aloysius.
  12. Ainhoa
    • Origin:

      Basque place name
    • Description:

      The name of the French town where a vision of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, this name is in the Spanish Top 100 and was, until recently, virtually unheard of elsewhere. Now however it is familiar in Puerto Rico and Chile, and as of 2019, it has been a feature in the US Top 1000.
  13. Haidee
    • Origin:

      Literature, English
    • Meaning:

      "modest, reverant"
    • Description:

      While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the Greek word aidoios meaning "modest, reserved".
  14. Lucida
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lucid, clear"
    • Description:

      Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.
  15. Eliyahu
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      Eliyahu is the Hebrew form of the increasingly popular Biblical prophet name Elijah, also found in forms Elias and Eli. There were 100 boys given the name Eliyahu in the U.S. in 2012. Its upside is that it's one of the most distinctive forms of the name, but that final yahoo may prove difficult.
  16. Paccia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      Many parents these days are responding to names meaning peace, and this is one of the more unusual ones (more often heard as a surname). Pronounced PACH-ee-a, it relates to such other peaceful names as PAZ, PAX, and PAXICO
  17. Neza
    • Description:

      Neza is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly found in Slovenia where it's a diminutive form of Agnes. The name Agnes itself derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Neza has a soft, melodic quality that makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends. While not widely used outside of Slavic countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common Agnes derivatives. The name carries connotations of purity, innocence, and gentleness. In Slovenia, it's appreciated for its cultural heritage and simple, feminine sound pattern.
  18. Damiane
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to tame"
    • Description:

      A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.
  19. Kahlo
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bald"
    • Description:

      Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.
  20. Arabesque
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "ornate design"
    • Description:

      Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.