Interesting but NMS
Share
Copy link
Names that I like or at least interest me for some reason, but which I would probably never really use for a child. (Maybe a character, but not a child!)
- Aarav
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"peaceful"Description:
Aarav is derived from the Sanskrit root "rav," which is related to peace and music. Aarav is also associated with the concept of wisdom. It has traditionally been a common name among Hindus, who intentionally select names to inspire particular values in their children.
- Aaru
Origin:
EgyptianMeaning:
"peaceful"Description:
Egyptian mythology place-name with an intriguing sound and appealingly peaceful meaning. Update for Aaron?
- Alinta
Origin:
Australian AboriginalMeaning:
"fire, flame"Description:
This Noongar girls’ name has a dainty sound that belies its fierce fire meaning and could easily cross over into the American or European context.
- Alzira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"ornament"Description:
Alzira found its highest degree of popularity in the mid-nineteenth century after Giuseppe Verdi created an opera of the name Alzira, after its romantic heroine. Despite Verdi using the name for a Peruvian princess, Alzira is an arabic name Verdi's opera, despite the name's arabic roots, the name was given to a Peruvian princess. Alzira is also the name of a Spanish city in Valencia.
- Amoret
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
This lovely name from Spenser's The Faerie Queene is borne by a character who represents married love. A related unusual-yet-usable choice: Amabel.
- Aneurin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"honor"Description:
Rarely heard in the US, Aneurin is best remembered in the UK as the Welsh politician, Aneurin "Nye" Bevan, who was instrumental in setting up the National Health Service when he was Minister for Health.
- Aniceta
Origin:
Latinized feminine form of Ancient GreekMeaning:
"unconquerable"Description:
A delicate name with strong roots, Aniceta is most often used in contemporary Spain. Saint Anicetus was an ancient pope and martyr.
- Aristeia
Origin:
Literary term from GreekMeaning:
"the best"Description:
In epic poetry, the term aristeia is used to denote the climactic point where the hero/heroine has their finest hour. Aristeia feels at home with other big Greek names like Atalanta, Cassiopeia and Galatea. We think this name has potential for parents who think Poem, Saga and Rhapsody are too obvious.
- Ariza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"cedar panels"Description:
Its meaning refers to the rich wood that lined the walls of King Solomon's temple. Well used in modern Israel, it's pronouced ah-REE-zuh.
- Astera
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Aster"Description:
Pronounced as-TAIR-ah, this is one of many frequently heard Israeli flower names. Other floral choices popular in Israel include Dafna, which means laurel; Dailia; Irit, which means daffodil; and Vered, which means rose.
- Axton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sword stone"Description:
Macho to the max. But with the rise of x as a fashionable letter anywhere it appears in a name, ala Jaxson or Maxon, we may be hearing more of Axton.
- Ayla
Origin:
Hebrew, or TurkishMeaning:
"oak tree, or halo, moonlight"Description:
Bright, fresh, and sunny, Ayla is a fashionable choice for girls. Reminiscent of other trending names such as Layla, Isla, and Ava, Ayla has recently found its place in the Top 100.
- Azaiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my strength is Yahweh"Description:
With Azariah and Azriel in the Top 1000, and Ezra, Josiah, and Isaiah in the Top 100, it makes sense that this lesser known Hebrew choice is being quietly revived in the US. Most likely deriving from Uzziah or Azaziah, Azaiah was given to around 170 babies in 2023.
- Banner
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"flag bearer"Description:
An undiscovered option among occupational names, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. But Banner has undeniable charm, much due to its associations with fêtes and phrases like "a banner year".
- Bertille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"heroine, bright maiden"Description:
The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
- Briallen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"primrose"Description:
Unusual floral name which would be perfect for a spring baby girl, if you can pronounce the Welsh double L correctly. It's a tricky sound for non-native Welsh speakers, kind of halfway between an H and an L.
- Brisa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"breeze"Description:
Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.
- Buckley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow of the deer"Description:
Mama's boy.
- Caia
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of CaiusMeaning:
"to rejoice"Description:
Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.
- Callaghan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"lover of churches"Description:
A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.