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Interesting but NMS

  1. Aarav

    • Origin:

      Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Aaru

    • Origin:

      Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful"

    • Description:

      Egyptian mythology place-name with an intriguing sound and appealingly peaceful meaning. Update for Aaron?
  3. Alinta

    • Origin:

      Australian Aboriginal

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Alzira

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Amoret

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Aneurin

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Aniceta

    • Origin:

      Latinized feminine form of Ancient Greek

    • Meaning:

      "unconquerable"

    • Description:

      A delicate name with strong roots, Aniceta is most often used in contemporary Spain. Saint Anicetus was an ancient pope and martyr.
  8. Aristeia

    • Origin:

      Literary term from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Ariza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Astera

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Axton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Ayla

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, or Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Azaiah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Banner

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "flag bearer"

    • Description:

      An undiscovered option among occupational names, as of 2023, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. It does have charm however, much due to its associations with fêtes and phrases like "a banner year".
  15. Bertille

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Briallen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Brisa

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "breeze"

    • Description:

      Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.
  18. Buckley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of the deer"

    • Description:

      Mama's boy.
  19. Caia

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Caius

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  20. Callaghan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "lover of churches"

    • Description:

      A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.
  21. Calloway

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pebbly place"

    • Description:

      Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.
  22. Camellia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Czech surname

    • Meaning:

      "Kamel's flower"

    • Description:

      Camellia is a rare flower name with distinct roots related to the Camille/Camila group and has varied associations to the moon, water, wealth, and perfection. It could be thought of as a floral replacement for Amelia.
  23. Carbry

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "charioteer"

    • Description:

      A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare Irish names for boys virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.
  24. Cleary

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "cleric"

    • Description:

      This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.
  25. Cliona

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "shapely"

    • Description:

      Attached in Irish mythology to a Cliona who was, among other things, an inspirer of poets. Cliona is well-used in modern Ireland, along with Irish form Cliodhna, though it's largely unknown in the rest of the world.
  26. Corentin

    • Origin:

      French, Breton

    • Meaning:

      "tempest, hurricane"

    • Description:

      Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
  27. Cormac

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "charioteer"

    • Description:

      Both offbeat and upbeat, this evocative traditional Irish name that runs through Celtic mythology is known here via award-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy (born Charles). The author's adopted name is related to Cormac Mac Airt, one of the great legendary high kings of Ireland.
  28. Cynara

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "thistly plant"

    • Description:

      Poetic though thorny.
  29. Danner

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the fig tree"

    • Description:

      The authentic pronunciation brings it perilously close to Donna, but most English-speakers would rhyme it more attractively with tanner or manner. A nature name for boys that's both unusual and handsome.
  30. Donar

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "ancient thunder god"

    • Description:

      Futuristic, in a 1930s kind of way.
  31. Edina

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"

    • Description:

      Edina is an infectious-sounding Minnesota place-name, featured in the British cult hit TV show "Absolutely Fabulous." Edina is also a poetic name for Edinburgh and is a common name in contemporary Hungary. Though some sources list its origins as Hungarian, more peg it as a variation of Edwina, the feminine form of Edwin, an English name.
  32. Egon

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "strong with a sword"

    • Description:

      Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.
  33. Eimear

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "swift"

    • Description:

      Sometimes spelled Emer and pronounced "EE-mer," the legendary wife of Cuchulainn possessed the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework. A fresh alternative to Emma, but the two have the potential to be frequently confused.
  34. Eliakim

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God will raise up"

    • Description:

      Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.
  35. Elowen

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "elm"

    • Description:

      A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
  36. Emiland

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "rival or emulator"

    • Description:

      An almost forgotten, but rather dashing, medieval French member of the Emil- family of names.
  37. Fane

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "happy, joyous"

    • Description:

      Fane, used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone with a cheerful disposition, is one of the more offbeat members of the Zane-Kane family.
  38. Farida

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "unique, precious pearl"

    • Description:

      Farida is a Muslim name more distinctive than the Americanized Farah/Farrah.
  39. Fate

    • Origin:

      Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name

    • Meaning:

      "faith; predestined, destiny, chance"

    • Description:

      Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word name among English speakers, akin to Destiny, Chance, Blessing, and Chosen. Around six boys are given the name Fate each year in the US, though 2023 saw it rise a little, with ten babies receiving the name.
  40. Fflur

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "flower"

    • Description:

      Why bother to invent a new name or spelling when there are intriguing oddities like this in existence. Also in the Welsh encyclopedia of names: Ffion, Ffiona, and Ffraid, the Welsh form of Brigid.
  41. Fionnuala

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "white shoulders"

    • Description:

      This lovely Gaelic name, very popular in the Emerald Isle, has inspired a whole host of diminutives (including Nuala and Nola) and variant spellings, from Finola to Finula to the Scottish and English Fenella. In Irish legend Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir who were transformed into swans for 900 years.
  42. Galloway

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "stranger"

    • Description:

      A rare but distinguished Scottish name. The original Galloway is a region in south-west Scotland, and the meaning ("stranger-Gaels") refers to its mixed population of Scandinavian and Gaelic-speaking people. It later became a surname and a sturdy breed of cattle. Galloway could be a fresh addition to better-known Scottish places like Murray and Ross.
  43. Gwythyr

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Gwythyr is sometimes used as the Welsh equivalent of Victor. However, his role in mythology is much more ambiguous, representing the never-ending struggle between summer and winter.
  44. Hadley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "heather field"

    • Description:

      Hadley, most famous as the name of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, is more sophisticated, professional, and modern than cousins Harley, Haley, or Hayden. The hit book The Paris Wife, a novel by Paula McLain told from the point of view of Hadley Hemingway (born Elizabeth Hadley Richardson), has helped popularize the name, which also appears on the vampire show True Blood. Hadley could become this generation's Hailey. Adley, a mashup of Hadley and Addie, has also appeared on the scene.
  45. Halloran

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "male descendant of a pirate or stranger from overseas"

    • Description:

      Halloran could be your solution if you love the nickname Hal, but not Harold or Henry.
  46. Hartigan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Arthur"

    • Description:

      In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.
  47. Heliodor

    • Origin:

      Gemstone name

    • Description:

      Also known as green beryl, Heliodor is the name of a sun-kissed colored gemstone. The name is reminiscent of other -dor names such as Theodore, Esidore, Isidor, Landor, Salvador etc.
  48. Holt

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of the unspoiled forests"

    • Description:

      Has that blunt masculine feel -- à la Cole and Kyle -- that many modern parents are drawn to.
  49. Idony

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "love again, renewal"

    • Description:

      Idony was the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, and variants of her obscure name could come under consideration with the rest of the fashionable I pack.
  50. Idra

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "fig tree"

    • Description:

      Idra is one of the less obvious botanical names. In ancient times, a fig tree was a symbol of learning, peace, and prosperity.
  51. Imre

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, from German

    • Meaning:

      "strength"

    • Description:

      Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.
  52. Inessa

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Ines; Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, chaste"

    • Description:

      Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.
  53. Irati

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "fern field"

    • Description:

      For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.
  54. Ivria

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "from the land of Abraham"

    • Description:

      Perhaps to honor an ancestral Abraham, but presents a confusing image.
  55. Ixidor

    • Description:

      Ixidor is a distinctive masculine name with a mysterious quality, likely of modern invented origin rather than traditional usage. The name may draw inspiration from fantasy literature, gaming, or creative fiction where unusual letter combinations and exotic-sounding names are popular. The combination of the uncommon initial 'Ix' and the mythological resonance of the ending creates a name with a magical or otherworldly quality. Ixidor gained some recognition among gaming communities through a character in Magic: The Gathering. As a given name, it remains extremely rare, appealing primarily to parents seeking names with fantastical associations or unique phonetic qualities. The name has a melodic pronunciation despite its unusual spelling, combining distinctiveness with a somewhat accessible sound pattern.
  56. Keela

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "slender"

    • Description:

      Is Keela distinct enough from Kayla to sound fresh and new? Maybe, though its similarity to the trendy cluster of names that also includes Kaylie and Kylie and Kelly may be enough to turn you off. Keela, a relative of the less serious Keely and the male Keelan, is used in modern Ireland.
  57. Kendry

    • Origin:

      Malagasy

    • Meaning:

      "wise man"

    • Description:

      How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?
  58. Kensington

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Description:

      A posh area of London, as well as being a section of Brooklyn, Kensington would make an overly formal, butlerish boy's name. There are several preferable paths to the nickname Ken, including KENYON, KENDALL and KENNEDY.
  59. Kenton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "the royal settlement"

    • Description:

      Although Kenton has the trendy K beginning and on ending, and a jazz reference to Stan Kenton, it still manages to sound stiff and old-fashioned.
  60. Kynaston

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "royal peace settlement"

    • Description:

      A dignified yet gentle surname name occasionally heard in England and the West Indies.
  61. Larae

    • Description:

      Larae is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation or combination of names like Lara, Laree, or Loree. Its exact origins are not clearly defined, but it has a French-inspired sound and aesthetic. The name has a delicate, graceful quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Larae emerged primarily in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice. The name carries a certain musical quality and elegance that appeals to parents seeking something that sounds refined yet accessible. Its uniqueness allows individuals named Larae to stand out while still having a name that's relatively easy to pronounce.

  62. Leafy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Relief, word name

    • Meaning:

      "relief"

    • Description:

      It sounds like a modern nature name, but Leafy was coined as a Puritan nickname for the girls' name Relief, which referred to the relief of Christ.
  63. Leire

    • Origin:

      Basque place name

    • Description:

      Also spelled Leyre and taken from the name of a monastery fortress, the popular and lilting choice in Spain will pose pronunciation problems elsewhere. Among the Top 100 girls' names in Spain, Leire was given to only a handful of baby girls in the US last year.
  64. Leith

    • Origin:

      Scottish river name

    • Meaning:

      "wet"

    • Description:

      This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt Laith in Scotland itself, which happens to correspond to an Arabic name meaning 'lion'.
  65. Leonora

    • Origin:

      Italian diminutive of Eleonora or Eleanor, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Its mellifluous sound makes Leonora--which has a rich history and a tie to the popular Leo names-- a keen possibility for revival. Though it's been hiding below the Top 1000 since the 1940s, Leonora is being rediscovered by stylish parents in the US and Europe.
  66. Lilla

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, diminutive of Lívia and Lídia; Italian

    • Meaning:

      "lilac"

    • Description:

      An underused member of the Lily group of names. The spelling makes it clear you want it to rhyme with Willa.
  67. Linnet

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "flaxen haired"

    • Description:

      Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
  68. Livana

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the moon, white"

    • Description:

      Pretty and unusual, Livana may find a lot more fans as parents look for alternatives to Number 1 Olivia. Livana was used for only seven baby girls in the US last year.
  69. Locke

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "enclosure or fortified place"

    • Description:

      Usually adding an e to the end of a name makes it more feminine, but Locke is at most recent count used only for baby boys. Still, this stylishly strong one-syllable name is theoretically gender-neutral.
  70. Loic

    • Origin:

      French variation of Louis or Lucas

    • Description:

      While there is some disagreement over the origins of this name, it's clearly fashionable and a new idea, for English speakers, of a way to spin either an old classic or a familiar favorite. Still, Loic is one of those French names for boys that is rarely heard outside its native land.
  71. Lonan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "blackbird"

    • Description:

      This name of several early Irish saints makes a nice Logan/Conan alternative.
  72. Ludivine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "friend of the people"

    • Description:

      This rare French name was made a little more familar via French soccer player Ludivine Diguelman, golfer Ludivine Krautz and actress Ludivine Sagnier.
  73. Maelie

    • Origin:

      Breton

    • Meaning:

      "Princess"

    • Description:

      The French Miley? This trendy choice from Brittany, which is pronounced either as Miley or May-lee, is related to the traditional (male) saint's name Mael, traditionally feminized as Maelle.
  74. Maida

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Old English name as outmoded as the use of the word maid for a young girl.
  75. Maybeth

    • Origin:

      Hybrid name

    • Description:

      There's Mary Elizabeth, there's Mary Beth, there's Marybeth, and then there's Maybeth, a smoosh of two vintage short forms of Mary and Elizabeth that has a country twang and not much modern appeal.
  76. Mazarine

    • Origin:

      French color name

    • Description:

      Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.
  77. Melora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "golden apple"

    • Description:

      Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.
  78. Mora

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "blackberry"

    • Description:

      Intriguing derivation, though people will assume it's a simplified form of Maura.
  79. Muireann

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "sea white, sea fair"

    • Description:

      The popular Irish name Muireann comes from a mythical mermaid who was tranformed into a woman by a saint. Pronunciation is like the surname of the actress Helen Mirren, but with the spin of a w sound after the initial M.
  80. Naarah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "girl, maiden"

    • Description:

      Another rarely heard biblical name, with some possible pronunciation confusion.
  81. Nahla

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "a drink of water"

    • Description:

      Nahla is a lovely name chosen by Halle Berry for her daughter. Not to be confused with the Disneyfied Nala.
  82. Nerida

    • Origin:

      Greek; Aboriginial

    • Meaning:

      "sea nymph, mermaid; red waterlily"

    • Description:

      This is one of the more unusual examples of a group of Greek names connected to the sea, which makes sense for a nation of coastline and islands. The Nereids or water nymphs were the daughters of sea god Nereus.
  83. Ngaio

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "reflections on the water"

    • Description:

      New Zealand writer Ngaio (born Edith Ngaio) Marsh is the best-known bearer of this Maori nature name, properly pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-oh. It is the name of a tree indigenous to New Zealand, also called the Mousehole Tree.
  84. Nizana

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "a flower bud"

    • Description:

      Has a pleasantly fizzy, effervescent feeling.
  85. Nuria

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "place between the valleys; light"

    • Description:

      Deriving from the Catalan title for the Virgin Mary, Nostra Senyora de Núria , meaning "Our Lady of Nuria", this distinctive name is a popular choice in Spain and Portugal.
  86. Nye

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Aneurin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
  87. Olivine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "olive"

    • Description:

      A gem named for its green hue.
  88. Orev

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "raven"

    • Description:

      Idiosyncratic Hebrew choice.
  89. Orinthia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to excite, to stir the mind"

    • Description:

      A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'
  90. Ostadar

    • Origin:

      Basque, rainbow

    • Description:

      Ostadar is one of the few names relating to rainbows that is definitively masculine in its original language. Beyond its lovely meaning, Ostadar has a fabulous ring to it and is ripe for greater use outside of the Basque region of Spain.
  91. Ovidia

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ovidius, Roman family name

    • Meaning:

      "shepherd or sheep"

    • Description:

      Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is another variation.
  92. Ozias

    • Origin:

      Greek, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my strength is God"

    • Description:

      A cool Biblical option that currently sits just outside the US Top 1000, Ozias gets extra points for its user-friendly nicknames Oz and Ozzie. Given to around 200 boys in 2023, it has quadrupled in use since 2013.

      Deriving from the Hebrew Uzziah, Ozias is the name of several minor figures in the Greek and Latin Bible, most notably the king of the ancient Kingdom of Judah. It also has a literary connection in the form of the wonderfully named Ozias Midwinter from Wilkie Collins' 19th century sensationalist novel Armadale. Several characters in the novel describe the name as "horrible", claiming that "no sane human being would assume such a name as Ozias", but we — and a growing number of parents —would disagree.
  93. Paladin

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "of the palace"

    • Description:

      This title of honor given to Charlemagne's twelve best knights would be prized as a name by most sword-loving little boys.
  94. Papatya

    • Origin:

      Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "daisy"

    • Description:

      A virtually unknown choice in the U.S and rare in its native Turkey too, Papatya is nevertheless attractive and usable for the baby namer who truly wants something different, but with a familiar and floral meaning. It comes directly from the Turkish word for "daisy".
  95. Patrin

    • Origin:

      Romani

    • Meaning:

      "leaf trail"

    • Description:

      Patrin is a truly unusual yet easily comprehended choice.
  96. Piran

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "little dark one"

    • Description:

      It may be a longshot – especially since it was given to less than 5 boys in the US in 2021 – but Piran could conceivably be a future Kieran, which is shaping up to being the next Kevin. Piran is the patron saint of miners and of Cornwall.
  97. Raziela

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord's secret"

    • Description:

      Most graceful of the Raz names, relates to Graziella.
  98. Rhian

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
  99. Rhonwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "slender, fair"

    • Description:

      The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both unusual and traditional, classically feminine yet strong.
  100. Sade

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Nigerian and Yoruba, diminutive of Folashade

    • Meaning:

      "rain; honor bestows a crown"

    • Description:

      The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."
  101. Shulamit

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Shulamit--which has a variety of different spellings--is a serious-sounding Old Testament name that appears in the Song of Songs. Its common nickname is Shula, which is sometimes used on its own. Toni Morrison used the sleeker variation Sula in one of her novels.
  102. Sixten

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "stone of victory"

    • Description:

      Nope, not a misspelling of Sexton or a number name. This Old Norse name is actually a name denoting victory and in the Swedish Top 100..
  103. Struan

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "stream"

    • Description:

      A strong, eminently usable which is currently highly fashionable in its native Scotland, but little known elsewhere. With its cool two-syllable, n-ending shape and attractive nature meaning, Struan is a fresh Scottish name that feels ripe for import.
  104. Swain

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "knight's attendant"

    • Description:

      Old-fashioned, conjuring up an ardent suitor in a bow tie and straw boater.
  105. Swithin

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Swithun

    • Description:

      Saint Swithin or Swithun is best known for his feast day, July 15, which according to legend will determine the weather for the next 40 days.
  106. Swithun

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "quick, strong"

    • Description:

      Variously spelled Swithun or Swithin, and associated with St. Swithin's day, July 15th, which is famous as a weather predictor a la Groundhog's Day: supposedly, the weather on his feast day will continue for forty days. This would certainly make a unique choice.
  107. Taffeta

    • Origin:

      English, from Persian, word name

    • Description:

      A few boys have adopted fabrics like Denim and Suede; here's a singular one for the girls, with a distinctively silky sheen.
  108. Tanwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "holy fire"

    • Description:

      Tanwen is a far more singular and colorful alternative to Bronwen.
  109. Tariq

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "the one who knocks at the door"

    • Description:

      A strong and confident name growing in popularity, in numerous spellings.
  110. Toivo

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Estonian

    • Meaning:

      "hope"

    • Description:

      This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.
  111. Uzziah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my power is Yahweh"

    • Description:

      Uzziah was an Old Testament king of Judah, among other personages. The initial U is a bit funky for modern tastes; we don't see this one enjoying a revival ala Isaiah and Noah anytime soon.
  112. Vardon

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "green knoll"

    • Description:

      Pleasant-sounding French surname.
  113. Vazul

    • Origin:

      Hungarian form of Basil

    • Meaning:

      "royal"

    • Description:

      Vazul is a variation of Vászoly, which originates from the Greek Basil. It was most famously the name of a member of the House of Árpád, a grandson of a Grand Prince of the Hungarians - fitting, given it's meaning.
  114. Vero

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "true"

    • Description:

      The o ending and the positive meaning in many languages makes this a winner, and with the feminine Vera making a surprise return, and the new love for the letter 'V', this becomes a name that has definite possibilities.
  115. Vevina

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "sweet lady"

    • Description:

      This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.
  116. Viator

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "voyager"

    • Description:

      Viator is a late Latin name, which belonged to a 4th-century Italian saint. Similar in sound to the word Aviator, this name has a slightly space-agey vibe.
  117. Vionnet

    • Origin:

      French designer name

    • Description:

      This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.
  118. Voss

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "fox"

    • Description:

      Voss is a German name, that is seen in Norway and Australia (in the former it is associated with a region, in the latter it is associated with the protagonist of Patrick White's novel by the same name). Voss is an interesting alternative to Fox.
  119. Wilfred

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "desires peace"

    • Description:

      Wilfred is one of those Old Man Names that still sounds fusty in the US but is fashionable in the UK. It comes with readymade short forms Will or Fred and might make an adventurous alternative to the ubiquitous William. The central character of Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Wilfred Owens was a well-known British poet.
  120. Xandy

    • Description:

      Xandy is a modern, playful name that can serve as a unisex option, though it's more commonly used for girls. It likely originated as a diminutive or variation of Alexandra/Alexander, names derived from Greek meaning "defender of the people." The distinctive 'X' beginning gives the name a contemporary edge while maintaining connections to its classic roots. Xandy may also be viewed as a creative spelling of Zandy or Sandy. The name has never been widely popular, remaining uncommon enough to feel unique without seeming completely unfamiliar. Its upbeat, friendly sound carries a sense of approachability and cheerfulness. For parents seeking something with recognizable elements but a distinctive presentation, Xandy offers a bright, modern option with subtle ties to traditional naming.

  121. Zale

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sea-strength"

    • Description:

      Appealing sound and meaning, but there is that discount-store association.
  122. Zelenka

    • Origin:

      Czech

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
  123. Zera

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "seeds, beginnings"

    • Description:

      More than zero, but perhaps too close to Vera.
  124. Ziza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "splendor, abundance"

    • Description:

      A lively, zippy name that is surprisingly rare in the US. It was the name of two men mentioned in the Bible, but is feminine in modern times.