Truly Unusual Names for girls and boys

This Hindi name for the fifth element, related to the male Akash which means "open sky," was used by Anne Rice in her Vampire Chronicles.

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.

Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.

Ayat is a Quranic name for girls that literally translates to "sign" or "clue" but in the context of the name, it refers to signs of God, manifestations of the divine, or verses from the Quran. In Islamic tradition, Ayat al-Kursi, or "The Throne Verse", is considered the greatest in the Quran and is often displayed and memorised, giving this name a powerful feel.

This medieval sounding name is a modern invention, used in the video game Final Fantasy.

Babba is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from various world cultures, including as a form of 'Baba,' which means 'father' or 'elder' in many Slavic and Middle Eastern languages. The doubled 'b' gives it a distinctive quality. In some contexts, Babba might be used as an affectionate nickname or diminutive form. The name has a warm, approachable sound with its repeated soft consonants. While rare as a formal given name in Western countries, it may have more traditional usage in specific cultural contexts. The simplicity and rhythmic quality of Babba give it a gentle, nurturing feel, potentially appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with a soft sound and multicultural resonances.

Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.

Cyane is a mythological Sicilian nymph who lived in a pool and whose name is an intriguing twist on the color name trend.

A Damian relative and the name of an ancient Spanish pope with modern possibilities.

Obscure, though legitimate, name that could be used to honor a relative named Barton or Martin.

Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.

Eldrich is a rare masculine name with Germanic and Old English roots, closely related to the word 'eldritch,' which means strange, eerie, or otherworldly. The name evokes ancient mysticism and supernatural qualities, harking back to folklore and gothic traditions. Historically uncommon, Eldrich has maintained a mysterious presence in name usage, occasionally chosen by parents drawn to names with magical or arcane connotations. Its distinctive sound combines elements that suggest both wisdom and enigmatic power. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Eldrich appeals to those seeking a name with depth, historical resonance, and a touch of the mysterious for their sons.

A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially in the Favour spelling.

Ghislaine still sounds unusual to us, even though in France this name is dated. It can also be spelled Ghislain.

A name with an obvious meaning, for a long time associated with Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Nickname Goldie seems to be catching on in the celebrity community.

A rare name in Thailand.

A worldly and attractive choice for a child of any background. Two early New World explorers were Hernandos — de Soto and Cortés.

Like a large proportion of traditional Hawaiian names, Hoku can be used for both girls and boys.