Unusual / Interesting names
- Iyabo
Origin:
African, YorubaMeaning:
"mother has returned"Description:
A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.
- Kahlil
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend"Description:
Kahlil, spelled in various ways, was first brought into the American consciousness by the poet Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet.
- 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
- Marzia
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"of Mars"Description:
A fresher, feistier Italian variant of Marcia.
- Anahita
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"immaculate"Description:
Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls.
- 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.
- Calida
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"heated"Description:
Unusual but accessible Hispanic choice with stylish sound.
- Tamayo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"generation jewel"Description:
Japanese name with a special crossover/creative touch via its association with the colorful paintings of acclaimed Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo.
- Aurinda
Origin:
American invented nameMeaning:
"gold"Description:
The Early Americans invented names too, sometimes variations of classical or biblical favorites. This one appears in Colonial rosters; the Aur beginning is Latin and means "gold."
- Ruzena
Description:
Ruzena is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Czech and Slovak cultures. It derives from the word for "rose" (růže in Czech), symbolizing beauty and femininity. The name is essentially the Eastern European equivalent of Rose or Rosalie. Throughout Czech and Slovak history, Ruzena has maintained steady popularity, though it's considered somewhat traditional today. The name often evokes images of natural beauty and carries a gentle, floral quality. While not widely used outside Slavic countries, Ruzena occasionally appears in other European regions. The name combines feminine delicacy with a strong cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with both authentic Slavic roots and universal floral symbolism.
- Rashida
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"righteous"Description:
Rashida is an evocative and alluring name, currently represented by Rashida Jones, daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones, who has been featured in The Office, Parks & Recreation, and The Social Network.
- Keeva
Origin:
Irish, phonetic spelling of CaoimheMeaning:
"gentle, beautiful, precious"Description:
Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.
- Arianwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver, white, fair, blessed"Description:
Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen combines the pretty Welsh element gwen with the silvery arian, giving it a metallic and shining meaning. The name is sometimes listed as one of the daughters of the legendary fifth-century king and saint, Brychan Brycheiniog.
- Nicasia
Origin:
Latin, female variation of NicasioMeaning:
"victorious"Description:
An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.
- Mimosa
Origin:
Latin plant nameDescription:
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
- Arlenis
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Arlenis Sosa, the hot young supermodel from the Dominican Republic, is popularizing this lovely and unusual choice, related to Arlen or Arlene.
- Marzena
Origin:
Polish, from GreekMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved; pearl; dream"Description:
A Polish name that most likely originated as a nickname for Maria or Małgorzata, the Polish form of Margaret, or possibly from the Polish word marzenie meaning ‘dream’.
- Rosario
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rosary"Description:
Anglo parents are taking note of this Hispanic classic, thanks to actress Rosario Dawson and a character on Will & Grace. Poetic and powerful, it comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to vocal and mental prayer in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
- Pelagia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the sea"Description:
The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a cave on the Mount of Olives. Because of her early vocation, she is the patron saint of actresses.
- 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.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
