Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys

  1. Kobi
    • Description:

      Kobi is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Hebrew, it's a diminutive of Jacob (meaning 'supplanter') or a variant of Koby, sometimes used as a nickname for Yaakov. The name gained recognition through basketball legend Kobe Bryant, though his name has different Japanese origins. Kobi also appears in African naming traditions, particularly in Ghana. The name is appreciated for its brevity, modern sound, and cross-cultural appeal. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Kobi has seen increased usage since the 1990s. Its international versatility and contemporary feel make it attractive to parents seeking a name that works well across different cultures while remaining distinctive and memorable.

  2. Alondra
    • Origin:

      Pet form of Alejandra or Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "lark"
    • Description:

      A Spanish TV show made this one popular, along with single-named Mexican singer, Alondra.
  3. Elska
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      This name looks like a sister to the names Elsa and the Czech name for girls Eliška, a popular diminutive of Elizabeth — and sometimes it is (in German, for example). But it is also a word in Old Norse and some modern Nordic languages, meaning "love" or "to love".
  4. Rell
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of names containing rell or rella
    • Description:

      Typically seen as a pet form of names with the -rell or -rella suffix, such as Estrella and Mirella. One famous bearer is Rell Sunn, an international surfing champion and leader in women's professional surfing. Her given name was Rell itself.
  5. Shasta
    • Origin:

      Place-name, Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "teacher, guide, ruler"
    • Description:

      A Californian mountain name revered by healers and spiritualists, Shasta has a New Age, cowboy feel. The mountain takes its name from the Indigenous American tribe, the Shasta people - though this name is believed to have been given to them either by white people, or by the nearby Klamath people.
  6. Evita
    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Eva
    • Description:

      There's only one Evita.
  7. Evgenia
    • Origin:

      Greek; Russian; Bulgarian
    • Meaning:

      "wellborne, noble"
    • Description:

      The Greek and Bulgarian form of Eugenia, or an alternate transcription of the Russian Yevgeniya.
  8. Kiona
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "brown hills"
    • Description:

      Striking and accessible choice.
  9. Ivana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ivan
    • Description:

      A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
  10. Ulani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly inspiration; heavenly beauty"
    • Description:

      Likely of Hawaiian origin, Ulani could be a variation of U'i lani, meaning "heavenly beauty", Ululani meaning "heavenly inspiration" or perhaps Alani meaning "orange tree".
  11. Sita
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "furrow"
    • Description:

      Sita's off-beat meaning becomes more powerful once you remember that Sita is the Hindu goddess of the harvest - therefore somewhat of a life-force.
  12. Esmaria
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name, combining Esme and Maria
    • Description:

      We think Esmarie rolls off the tongue better.
  13. Kalena
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian or Danish variation of Katherine or Karen
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Kalena is one of those names that has a pleasant-if-synthetic feel. Research turns up a range of origins and meanings, but the most reliable peg it as a derivation of Katherine.
  14. Sabela
    • Origin:

      Galician variation of "Isabella"
    • Meaning:

      "Isabella"
    • Description:

      Isabel and Isabella are everywhere - but here is a variation that is both unusual and familiar.
  15. Livinia
    • Description:

      Livinia appears to be a variant of Lavinia, a feminine name with ancient Roman roots. In Roman mythology, Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus and the wife of Aeneas, playing a significant role in Virgil's 'Aeneid.' The name possibly derives from Latin, referring to the ancient Italian city of Lavinium. This spelling variation with an 'i' instead of an 'a' gives the classical name a slightly different sound and visual appearance. While not as common as Lavinia, Livinia maintains the romantic, elegant quality of the original. The name carries literary and historical associations that might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical depth. With its flowing sound and feminine ending, Livinia fits with other vintage names experiencing renewed interest.

  16. Ishani
    • Description:

      Ishani is a feminine name with Sanskrit origins, carrying rich cultural significance in Hindu tradition. The name means 'ruling' or 'powerful' and is associated with Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Ishani is specifically one of the eight forms (or aspects) of Parvati known as the Ashta Matrikas. The name combines melodic sounds with profound meaning, representing feminine strength and divine energy. While traditional in India, Ishani has gained modest international recognition as parents increasingly seek names with cultural depth and spiritual significance. The name is appreciated for its relatively straightforward pronunciation despite its exotic origins, making it accessible to Western speakers while maintaining its authentic Indian roots. Ishani offers the perfect balance of uniqueness and accessibility.

  17. Arli
    • Description:

      Arli is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including as a diminutive of Arlene or as a modern, simplified spelling of Arlie. This concise, playful name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to more traditional naming patterns. Arli has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek shorter, gender-flexible names with a friendly quality. The name's brevity makes it cross-culturally accessible, while its soft sounds create a gentle impression. Arli combines modern minimalism with a touch of vintage charm, particularly in its connection to early 20th century names. Its simplicity makes it work well internationally, and its unusual status ensures distinctiveness without complexity.
  18. Brinhilda
    • Description:

      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.
  19. Avelina
    • Origin:

      Spanish, place name
    • Description:

      The feminine form of Avelino, a Spanish name after the Italian saint Andrea Avellino (which in itself comes from an Italian town also named Avellino). It was fairly well-used in Spain in the first half of the 20th century
  20. Leja
    • Description:

      Leja is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Slovenia and other Eastern European countries. The name may be derived from the Slavic word 'leja' meaning 'woodland' or 'forest glade.' In some contexts, it can also be related to the word for 'pouring' or 'flowing.' Leja has a delicate, melodic quality that contributes to its appeal. While not widely used internationally, it remains a cherished traditional name in its regions of origin. The name carries connotations of natural beauty and serenity, evoking images of peaceful forest clearings. Its simplicity and distinctive sound make it both memorable and elegant as a given name for girls.