Unusual / Interesting names
- Crisanta
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Graziella
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of Grazia or variation of GraceMeaning:
"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.
- Caradoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"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.
- Socorra
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"one who helps"Description:
Popular Spanish choice that refers to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help -- or Perpetuo Socorro.
- Mirja
Origin:
Finnish form of MiriamDescription:
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.
- Arava
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"willow"Description:
Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning.
- Zilla
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"shadow"Description:
Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
- Oluchi
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"work of God"Description:
Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.
- Irati
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"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.
- Alondra
Origin:
Pet form of Alejandra or SpanishMeaning:
"lark"Description:
A Spanish TV show made this one popular, along with single-named Mexican singer, Alondra.
- Aloisia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous fighter"Description:
Inventive female form of Aloysius.
- Ainhoa
Origin:
Basque place nameDescription:
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.
- Haidee
Origin:
Literature, EnglishMeaning:
"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".
- Lucida
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lucid, clear"Description:
Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.
- Eliyahu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Paccia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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
- 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.
- Damiane
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to tame"Description:
A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.
- Kahlo
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Arabesque
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"ornate design"Description:
Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.