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Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys

  1. Elvira

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"

    • Description:

      Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.

      Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.

  2. 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.
  3. Solace

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      A rare unisex word/virtue name that is currently given to around 10 babies of each gender per year in the US. It could make for an unexpected route to bright, easygoing nickname Sol (or trendy nickname Ace).
  4. 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.
  5. Ilaria

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hilary

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"

    • Description:

      Hilary may feel too connected to a single personality, but this version offers a fresh and interesting alternative.
  6. 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.
  7. Zella

    • Origin:

      African, Bobangi, Libyan place name, diminutive of Rosella, Marcella, Gizella, or Isabella

    • Meaning:

      "lacking nothing, one who knows the way"

    • Description:

      Sunny, sassy, and stylish, Zella is a multicultural and versatile choice which works across multiple languages. Popular back in the early 19th century, Zella is now catching the attention of cotemporary parent as a rival to Ella, Stella, and Della.
  8. 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.
  9. Adira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      Adira is one of those names that feels familiar without being overused. Simple but with subtle flair, Adira crosses different languages easily and could provide an alternative option tor the likes of Ava, Ariana, Adeline, and Anna.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Caspar

    • Origin:

      Dutch and German variation of Casper and Jasper, Persian

    • Meaning:

      "keeper of the treasure"

    • Description:

      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.
  15. Aron

    • Origin:

      Hebrew and Spanish variation of Aaron

    • Description:

      This shortened variation of Aaron—it was Elvis's middle name—is now a widely used choice.
  16. Kalani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the heavens"

    • Description:

      Kalani is a rhythmic name that can be used for either gender though it is predominantly used on girls in the US. With its celestial meaning, and cool K beginning, it only entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Now in the Top 400, it joins Kai and Leilani as popular choices with Hawaiian origins.
  17. Kirsi

    • Origin:

      Hindi, Finnish diminutive of Kirstina and Kirsten

    • Meaning:

      "amaranth blossoms; Christian, frost"

    • Description:

      This attractive multicultural name is found in India and Finland, where it is also a word meaning "frost."
  18. Esteban

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
  19. Saanvi

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "follower of Lakshmi"

    • Description:

      This beautiful girl name is a popular choice in India. It is connected to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of luck and prosperity. Lakshmi is composed of the elements sā, referring to Lakshmi, and anvi, meaning "follow."
  20. 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.

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