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Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys

  1. Marguerite

    • Origin:

      French variation of Margaret; also a flower name

    • Meaning:

      "pearl; daisy"

    • Description:

      Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here.
  2. Itzel

    • Origin:

      Mayan

    • Meaning:

      "rainbow lady"

    • Description:

      This name, stemming from the Mayan mythological figure of the Rainbow Lady, is a surprising pop hit, primarily among Hispanic parents.
  3. Luciana

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Lucianus

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      Lushly elaborate name that makes Lucy more grownup and sensual. Carnie Wilson chose it for her daughter. Lucianus is an ancient Roman family name and Lucianus of Samosata was an early satirist. Heard most often in the Italian and Spanish cultures, Luciana is usually pronounced loo-chee-anna.
  4. Maris

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"

    • Description:

      Maris is an unusual and appealing name that has never appeared in the U.S. Top 1000, overshadowed by its twentieth century elaboration, Marisa/Marissa. It derives from the phrase "Stella Maris," star of the sea, one of the many epithets of the Virgin Mary, and became familiar via the unseen (but unliked) character of sitcom Frasier's ex-sister-in-law.
  5. Liya

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "I am with God"

    • Description:

      The first name of Ethiopian supermodel Liya (pronounced like Leah) Kebede is also a Russian variation of Lia and Lily. Rather than using Liya, English speakers will do better to call a child Leah or Lia.
  6. Anika

    • Origin:

      Nordic diminutive of Anne or African, Hausa

    • Meaning:

      "sweetness of face"

    • Description:

      Anike is an attractive name with ties to several cultures, both African and Scandinavian. The African pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable while the Nordic one emphasizes the first. While there will be inevitable confusion over pronunciation, either form is "correct".
  7. Tiernan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little lord"

    • Description:

      Tiernan is the slightly edgier and sharper cousin of Kiernan. This is one Irish surname that is attractive but distinctive; Tierney is another, related, option.
  8. Kaira

    • Description:

      Kaira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a beautiful synthesis of meanings across traditions. In Hindi, Kaira means 'peaceful' or 'peaceful place,' while some associate it with the Sanskrit word for 'crown.' In African traditions, particularly Yoruba, it can mean 'peaceful soul.' The name also appears as a variation of the Irish Keira (meaning 'dark-haired') or the Greek Kyra ('lady' or 'mistress'). Kaira has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet melodious names with positive meanings. Its gentle sound combined with strong meanings of peace and leadership makes it appealing across cultures. Though not among the most common names, Kaira offers a balance of uniqueness and accessibility that continues to attract parents seeking a meaningful yet contemporary choice.

  9. Elisa

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Description:

      Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe and Latin America.
  10. Thais

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, bandage"

    • Description:

      A paramour of Alexander the Great and the heroine of a Jules Massenet opera based on the life of a fourth century Egyptian saint, this name is nothing if not dramatic. Often spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut -- aka two dots -- over the letter i, Thais is a Top 100 girls' name in France and is also popular in Spain.
  11. Melia

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name, diminutive of Amelia, or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree; honey; work; plumeria"

    • Description:

      This is a rich, melodic shortening of the popular girls' name Amelia that can stand on its own. There are several figures in Greek myth named Melia, most notably a daughter of Oceanus. The Meliae are nymphs associated with trees.
  12. Cerelia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "relating to springtime"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Short form of Eleanor

    • Description:

      A sweet, breezy short form of Eleanor, that happens to coincide with the name of an ancient Italian town. It is a popular choice in Switzerland, Finland, and France, though the spellings Eléa and Éléa are currently preferred in the latter country. Typically pronounced like Ella, you could pronounce it eh-lee-uh, it basing it on the ancient place name, though choosing Ellia would probably avoid confusion.
  14. Samira

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "companion in evening conversation"

    • Description:

      Shiny cousin of Samara with an intriguing meaning. Increasingly associated with the charming Samira Wiley, a perennial scene-stealer on "Orange is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale."
  15. Imani

    • Origin:

      Arabic, Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Another strong Arabic name, related to Iman. Imani one is popular throughout the Muslim world but especially East Africa. It was chosen for her daughter by actress Jasmine Guy.
  16. India

    • Origin:

      Place name, from the River Indus

    • Description:

      Euphonious and long stylish in England, India was one of the fastest-rising names on the 2013 list, after jumping 240 spots back into the Top 1000.
  17. Sarai

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "princess"

    • Description:

      Sharp but sweet, ancient but with a contemporary sound, Sarai has been rising steadily up the US charts since the 90s and now sits comfortably in the Top 1000. In the Old Testament, God changed Sarai's name to Sara, so this would make a clever and legitimate honor name for an ancestral Sarah.
  18. Ilse

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Ilsa

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
  19. Sonali

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "gold, beautiful color"

    • Description:

      Especially used in Bengal and Bangladesh, Sonali is nowadays considered to mean "golden". Bengali actress Sonali Chowdhury is a notable bearer of this name.
  20. Verona

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....

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