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*1 list you'll never forget (a list of interesting names)

littlemonster985
By littlemonster985
Updated Thu Jan 01 1970
These are names that stand out and make you notice them. Whether it's the origin, meaning, or how it sounds, these names all have something interesting about them.
  1. Abelia

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "sigh, breath"

    • Description:

      This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
  2. Addison

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"

    • Description:

      Newly fashioned but familiar and with an on-trend, unisex feel, Addison seems like the perfect solution for anyone who can't decide between Madison, Adeline, and Alison.
  3. Adeline

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations — with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular — that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  4. Adria

    • Description:

      Adria is a feminine name with multiple origins. It derives primarily from the Adriatic Sea, which was named after the ancient city of Adria in northern Italy. The name has Latin roots, connecting to 'Hadriaticus,' meaning 'dark' or 'from Hadria.' Adria is used across several European cultures, including Spanish, Catalan, Italian, and Slavic languages. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage as an elegant alternative to more popular names like Adriana or Adrienne. The name has a graceful, Mediterranean quality and carries associations with the sea. Adria peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains a relatively uncommon choice with timeless appeal.

  5. Aiyana

    • Origin:

      Arabic or African

    • Meaning:

      "large eyes, or time, or beautiful flower"

    • Description:

      Aiyana is a name that could easily cross cultures. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1999 and hovers near the bottom of the Top 1000.
  6. Akira

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "bright, intelligent"

    • Description:

      A popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games and because of its international feel. It was a fast rising choice in 2024, when it entered the Top 1000.
  7. Alani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "orange tree"

    • Description:

      One of those names you may not even be aware of if you haven't been paying attention to recent naming trends, Alani was given to more than 700 baby girls in the US in one recent year, to be the second most popular feminization of Alan after Alana. It's certainly the most modern-sounding female version of Alan.
  8. Alden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "old, wise friend"

    • Description:

      Hot young actor Alden Ehrenreich, the new Han Solo, gives this formerly-stodgy surname name an attractive new image, making it a fresh successor to Aiden or Holden. Before it got this fresh shine, Alden was among the classic Thanksgiving baby names.
  9. Alethea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "truth"

    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  10. Alice

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
  11. Alijah

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Elijah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      Elijah is in the US Top 10 and is popular across New Zealand, The Netherlands, and The UK. Spelling variation Alijah however only appears in the US charts, where it has ranked in the Top 1000 since 2001. Given to 700 boys in a recent year, for every one baby Alijah, there are 16 Elijahs.
  12. Alston

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "elves' town"

    • Description:

      Originally a family name and place name found primarily in England, it transitioned to occasional use as a first name. Alston carries an air of refinement and tradition, evoking images of English countryside estates and heritage. While never reaching mainstream popularity as a given name, it appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name has aristocratic associations in British culture and provides the friendly nickname "Al" while maintaining a formal, dignified full version for professional settings.
  13. Amara

    • Origin:

      Igbo, Sanskrit, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "grace, immortal, tribe"

    • Description:

      Strong, attractive, and stylish, Amara is a true multicultural choice enjoying some popularity in both the US and the UK. In the US Top 1000 since the turn of this century, Amara has been holding steady in the rankings between overly popular and obscure.
  14. Ambrosia

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine form of Ambrose

    • Meaning:

      "Immortal"

    • Description:

      Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
  15. Amelia

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Amelia is one of the hottest girls' names, a successor to the megapopular Emma and Emily. Amelia, the Number 2 choice in England, is now also comfortably ensconced in the US Top 10, where it ranked as the third most popular name for girls in 2024.
  16. Amity

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "friendship"

    • Description:

      Amity--what nicer gift to give your little girl than a name that signifies friendship and harmony? This virtue name is also more rhythmic and feminine than the single-syllable Hope, Faith, and Grace.
  17. Anala

    • Origin:

      Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "fire"

    • Description:

      Indian choice meaning fire in step with American styles.
  18. Anisa

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "good-natured"

    • Description:

      Phonetic spelling of the Muslim Aanisah, chosen by singer Macy Gray for one of her daughters.
  19. Annaliese

    • Origin:

      German, combination of Anna and Liese

    • Meaning:

      "grace and pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Annaliese is a distinctly German smoosh name that's found some popularity in the US, especially with the simpler spelling Annalise.
  20. Anneliese

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "grace + oath"

    • Description:

      Anneliese is a German and Dutch combination of Anna and Liese (a form of Elizabeth) with an Old World feel but modern appeal. The Anglicized Annalise spelling in in the US Top 500, but this authentic German version has only ever broken into the US Top 1000 once, back in 2005.