Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys

  1. Kennon
    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish
    • Meaning:

      "ancient"
    • Description:

      This is one of several similar sounding Gaelic surname names that would make perfectly acceptable choices--others are Kennan, Keenan and Kenyon. Another possible meaning is "descendant of the fair ones," referring to the Norse invaders.
  2. Kiana
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.
  3. Kiona
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "brown hills"
    • Description:

      Striking and accessible choice.
  4. Kira
    • Origin:

      Russian feminine variation of Cyrus
    • Meaning:

      "throne"
    • Description:

      Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
  5. 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."
  6. 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.

  7. Kaalim
    • Kai-Marie
      • Karmin
        • Kenta
          • Kitri
            • Kyrian
              • 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.
              • Lena
                • Origin:

                  English, Scottish, Dutch, German, and Scandinavian, diminutive of various names ending in -lena
                • Description:

                  This pet form of Helena and other ena-ending names, long used as an independent name, is attracting notice again as an option both multicultural and simple. Lena was a Top 100 name from 1880 to 1920.
              • Lenore
                • Origin:

                  German variation of Leonora, Italian derivative of Eleonora, meaning unknown
                • Description:

                  A "modernization" of Leonora that has suddenly come back on the radar along with the many other Leo names--both male and female. With literary cred via a famous eponymous poem by Edgar Allan Poe (and also in his even more famous The Raven,) Lenore was steadily in the top half of the popularity list until the mid-fifties, falling off in 1973. Cameron Diaz played a Lenore in The Green Hornet.
              • Lia
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of names ending in -lia or Italian, Portuguese and Greek variation of Leah
                • Meaning:

                  "weary"
                • Description:

                  Short, sweet, and clear, Lia is used throughout Europe, across America, and in some areas of Asia and Africa, making it a truly international and versatile choice.
              • Liana
                • Origin:

                  Short form of -liana names, Portuguese, Italian, Georgian, French
                • Meaning:

                  "to climb like a vine"
                • Description:

                  Liana is a pretty, graceful and simple name that doesn't fall flat. The name of a flowering tropical vine that grows in forests, it's an international gem that works well in multiple languages.
              • Lio
                • Origin:

                  Variation of Leo, Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "lion"
                • Description:

                  This alternative spelling of Leo is popular with German-speaking parents. It's rare in English-speaking areas, which could be a burden, but the advantage is that it could be short for (or honor) a name such as Julio or Lionel.
              • 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.

              • 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.