User-created list
Unusual and Awesome names
Across 21 pages
of 21
Paula
Feminine variation of Paul, Latin
"small"
Paula still seems somewhat stuck in the era of duo Paul and Paula bopping out the song "Hey, Paula." Two pronunciations are possible—the English "PAW-la" and the Portuguese "POW-la." Modern bearers…
Lilia
Spanish, Italian and Russian
"lily"
Lilia is pretty double L name that makes for sparkly, floral choice with plenty of international flair. More distinctive that Lily, less popular than Liliana, Lia, and Lilian, Lilia was a new entry…
Aviana
Variation of Avis, Latin
"bird"
Aviana is a name that's like the megapopular Ava and Ariana, but not quite as popular as either. It entered into the mainstream back in 2010 however, after actress Amy Adams chose it for her…
Montgomery
Norman
"man power"
This image of this distinguished Anglo-Scottish surname, drawn from the French place name of the ancient castle of Saint Foi de Montgomery, is rapidly shifting from fusty and formal to cool. And…
Ephraim
Hebrew
"fruitful, fertile, productive"
Ephraim is an Old Testament name we would place high on the list of neglected Biblical possibilities, solid but not solemn. In Genesis, Ephraim is the second son of Joseph, and founder of one of the…
Ive
Ive is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a short form of the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew wood' (traditionally used for making bows, suggesting strength). It might also…
Everard
English spelling variation of Eberhard
"hardy"
An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the…
Villette
French
"small town"
Charming Gallic name uncommon in France, and unknown in this country, with literary credibility as the title of a Charlotte Brontë novel.
Nicasio
Spanish from Greek
"victory"
Closer to Nike than to Nicholas, this is an attractive, viable import. It's also one of several Italian and Spanish baby names that get you to the stylish and attractive nickname Nico.
Wagner
German occupational name
"wagon maker"
Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.
Witt
English word name
"a talent for banter or persiflage"
In the old days, this might have been a short form for Dewitt, but today it's more likely to appear as a witty word name. We approve.
Wally
English, diminutive of Walter or Wallace
A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?
Guy
French
"wood"
The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the…
Serafino
Serafino is a masculine Italian name derived from the Hebrew word 'seraphim,' referring to a category of celestial beings described as fiery, six-winged angels in biblical tradition. The name carries…
Victorine
French variation of Victoria, Latin
"victory"
Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.
Leola
Latin
"lion"
Leola is a feminine name of Latin and German origins. It can be a variant of Leola, meaning 'lioness,' derived from 'leo' (lion), or an elaboration of Leah or Lee. It was most popular in the United…
Berlin
German
"borderline"
Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.
Cabot
French
"to sail"
Cabot is an attractive English surname associated with the daring early Italian-born British explorer known as John Cabot; his birth name was Giovanni Caboto.
Christo
Slavic
"one who carries Christ"
This unusual name, which is jauntier than Chris when used as a diminutive of Christopher, is associated with the Bulgarian installation artist of that name, responsible for wrapping many public…
Ireland
Place name
Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin put Ireland on the map when they chose it as a first for their daughter, saying that geographic names were a family tradition. And it seems they were a bit ahead of the…