Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys

Bodhi is a Sanskrit name translated as "enlightenment" or "awakening" which relates to a Buddhist concept, wherein Bodhi is synonymous with the state of nirvana, being freed from hate, greed and ego. The Bodhi tree is a large fig tree under which the founder of Buddhism received enlightenment. Spelling variations include Bodie and Bode.

Brinhilda is a feminine name derived from Germanic origins, representing a variant of Brunhilda or Brynhildr. The name combines elements meaning 'armor' or 'protection' (brun/bryn) with 'battle' or 'conflict' (hild), creating a powerful meaning of 'armored battle maiden' or 'ready for battle.' In Norse mythology, Brynhildr was a legendary Valkyrie and shield-maiden of extraordinary strength and beauty. The name carries associations of courage, strength, and warrior spirit. This uncommon variation maintains the heroic qualities of its root name while offering a slightly softened pronunciation. Though rare in modern usage, Brinhilda appeals to parents drawn to names with mythological significance, strong feminine characteristics, and connections to Germanic or Scandinavian heritage.

Cai is a name with rich multicultural origins. In Welsh, it means 'rejoice' and is a form of the Arthurian knight Sir Kay. In Chinese, Cai (蔡) is a respected surname and can also be a given name meaning 'talent' or 'ability.' The name has gained modest popularity in Western countries as parents seek short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal. In Scotland and Ireland, it may be a shortened form of Cailan or related Celtic names. Cai's simplicity and strong sound make it an increasingly attractive choice for boys, especially among parents looking for names that are brief yet meaningful and easy to pronounce across languages.

Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.

Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.

After half a century, this otherwise feasible name has at last started to lose its link to the friendly ghost; it certainly didn't scare model Claudia Schiffer, who chose it for her son, as did Atomic Kitten Jenny Frost. Iconoclastic namer Jason Lee switched genders and called his daughter Casper. Also related to the revived Jasper, Caspar seems headed towards the path to a similar resurgence.

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.

The Spanish word for sky, Cielo, was one of the fastest-rising girl names of 2022, cracking the Top 1000 after Luisana Lopilato and Michael Bublé used the name for their daughter. The variation Ciela was used in much smaller numbers, but has plenty of potential to continue to rise.

While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.

Nine little goddesses got this lovely name in the US in 2021, making it a usable yet unusual entry in the popular mythological category. Devika is a diminutive of Devi, the head goddess of Hindu mythology. English speakers might make Devi the short form.