Unique Hollywood Names

Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.

In the past, Orson has felt like a one-person moniker, tied to film director Orson Welles, who dropped his given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle. While the Citizen Kane creator seemed to own the name during his lifetime, it's now an interesting possibility for any parent seeking an unusual yet solid name. It's started to appear to the celeb set too -- both Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose have little Orsons.

Damon is a name with a strong, pleasing aura (much like the persona of Matt D.) and extremely positive ancient associations. From the classical myth, Damon and Pythias have become symbols of true friendship, as Damon risked his life to save his friend from execution. And Damon of Athens was the fifth century philosopher who taught both Pericles and Socrates.

Fallon was one of the first of the unisex surname names, but thanks to "Dynasty" in the 1980s it now has a feminine image. For a boy, try Phelan instead.

Actress Sigourney -- born Susan -- Weaver made this unusual name (which she found in The Great Gatsby) famous, if not popular.

Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.

Liev Schreiber's birth name is Isaac Liev, Liev after his mother's favorite Russia author, Leo Tolstoy. Though Liev is increasing in popularity in the secular world thanks to the actor, it originated as a Yiddish diminutive.

Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable short form.

Linked to one of the great screen beauties, but has never appealed much to Americans.

The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, popularized by Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones -- Zeta was her grandmother's first name. Zeta can also refer to the letter Z, the last in the Roman alphabet, or be a spelling variation of Zita, a name with several possible origins and meanings.

Meryl is a name that's at once rare and famous, thanks to Meryl (born Mary Louise) Streep. Streep's name is an invented short form of Mary Louise, but Meryl might also be a contraction of the unique Irish name Meriel.

Actress Hargitay made us notice this one, it makes a robust, energetic Slavic impression.

Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.

Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.

Reiner is a traditional German masculine name derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'heri' meaning 'army' or 'warrior.' Its origins date back to medieval Germany, where it was often spelled as Rainer or Reginhar. The name carries connotations of wisdom in battle and strong leadership. Reiner gained moderate popularity throughout German-speaking countries and has remained a steady, classic choice there. Outside of Germanic regions, the name is less common but recognized, particularly in areas with German heritage. In recent decades, Reiner has maintained its traditional appeal without becoming overly popular in international naming trends.

We're not too surprised that Shelton Lee changed his name to Spike.

Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.

This lively pet name has recently been associated with Mexican-born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, acclaimed for her role in the 2013 film Twelve Years a Slave.

The mother name Guadalupe, literally "valley of the wolves," relates to Our Lady of Guadalupe, revered in Latino culture as a protector of the Mexican people.

Rogen is a masculine name with possible Celtic or Germanic origins. In Celtic contexts, it may relate to the Irish surname Ó Rogáin, meaning "descendant of Rogán" (little Rory). In Germanic traditions, it could connect to elements meaning "fame" or "glory." The name gained some recognition through Canadian actor and filmmaker Seth Rogen, though it remains uncommon as a first name. Rogen has a strong, concise sound with just two syllables, making it straightforward yet distinctive. The name balances masculinity with accessibility, avoiding overly complicated pronunciation while still standing out in a crowd. Its rarity gives bearers a unique identity while maintaining familiar phonetic elements that make it approachable across different cultural contexts.

Ferrell is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Irish and Gaelic origins. It derives from the Irish 'Fearghal,' meaning 'man of valor' or 'brave warrior.' As a first name, Ferrell gained some recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century but has always remained relatively uncommon. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its two syllables and emphasis on the first syllable. Contemporary associations include comedian Will Ferrell, which may influence some parents' perception of the name. Ferrell works well as a given name because it sounds familiar due to its surname usage while still feeling distinctive as a first name. It appeals to parents looking for a name with Celtic heritage and strong meaning without being overly popular.