U-nique
- Ulysses
Origin:
Latin variation of Odysseus, GreekMeaning:
"wrathful"Description:
Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero of The Odyssey, the eighteenth US president Ulysses Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which makes it distinguished, if a little weighty, for a modern boy.
- Unique
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"one of a kind"Description:
Finding a really distinctive name is probably a better way to make sure your child stands out, but then again, is choosing Unique really any different to parents choosing Saint, Messiah, Chosen, Dream, Miracle, or Blessing?
- Uma
Origin:
Sanskrit, HebrewMeaning:
"light, peace, nation"Description:
Uma is a sweet, strong name for a Hindu goddess... and a Hollywood one. But as popular as Uma Thurman is, other parents have not yet picked up on her name, making it a rarity.
- Urban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the city"Description:
Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
- Ursula
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
A saint's name with a noteworthy literary background, including uses by Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Much Ado About Nothing, by Ben Johnson, Walter Scott, Longfellow, D. H. Lawrence and Neil Gaiman. In real life, her two most well known representatives are writer Ursula Le Guin and actress Ursula Andress. In literature, there is also Ursula Iguaran, a key, long-lived character in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's major work, One Hundred Years of Solitude.
- Uriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield. Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine. These negative connotations may be wearing off, however. (Perhaps because people don't read as much Dickens as they used to.)
- Uri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my flame, my light"Description:
This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names.
- Uriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
It's the name of an Old Testament archangel that's symbolically given to boys born during Chanukah, but the possibility of unsavory nicknames (urinal?) make the short form Uri a better bet.
- Ute
Description:
Ute is a feminine name with Germanic origins, particularly associated with German culture. This concise, powerful name derives from the Old High German word 'uot,' meaning 'heritage' or 'prosperity.' Ute has been used in Germany for centuries, with consistent popularity throughout the mid-20th century. The name is also connected to the Native American Ute tribe, though this is an entirely separate etymological origin. Characterized by its brevity and strong sound, Ute is appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and historical depth. While relatively uncommon outside German-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive option that combines simplicity with cultural richness. The name projects strength and heritage in its short but meaningful form.
- Uinseann
Description:
Uinseann is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of the name Vincent. It derives ultimately from the Latin name Vincentius, which comes from 'vincens' meaning 'conquering' or 'prevailing'. The distinctive spelling reflects the Gaelic orthography's approach to representing sounds not native to the Irish language. Pronounced roughly as 'IN-shawn' or 'WIN-shawn', it represents a deep connection to Irish linguistic heritage. Uinseann remains relatively rare even within Ireland, where the anglicized version Vincent is more commonly used. The name embodies Irish cultural preservation and linguistic tradition, often chosen by families with strong ties to Gaelic heritage or those seeking to honor Irish ancestry. Its uniqueness makes it a distinctive choice that immediately communicates cultural identity.
- Ula
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"gem of the sea"Description:
Ula is among the unusual U names that may have a range of origins and meanings, from the Celtic one given here to its possibilities as a short form of Eulalia or Ursula. Ulla is a Scandinavian name usually an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika.
- Ulla
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"will, determination"Description:
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its own or be an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika; Ula may be seen as another spelling.
- Umeko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"plum-blossom child, patient"Description:
Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.
- Ulric
Origin:
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"Description:
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
- Uaithne
Description:
Uaithne is a rare masculine name from Irish mythology, pronounced approximately as "OO-an-ya" or "WAHN-ya." In Irish legend, Uaithne was the name of the dagda's magical harp, which could produce music causing listeners to feel different emotions. The name has deep Celtic roots and maintains a strong connection to Irish cultural heritage and musical tradition. Extremely uncommon even in Ireland, Uaithne represents one of the more obscure choices from Irish mythology. Those who choose this name often have strong ties to Irish heritage or a particular interest in Celtic mythology. With its unusual pronunciation and spelling, Uaithne offers a distinctive choice that carries ancient mystical associations.
- Ulrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage"Description:
Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.
- Ulana
Origin:
Kyrgyz, Hawaiian, SlavicMeaning:
"young girl; heavenly, woven; sky father, youthful"Description:
A multicultural option with a familiar yet unusual sound, Ulana may appeal as an alternative to Alana, Una, and Luna, while still offering familiar nicknames Lana or Lani.
- Udo
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Udo is the Igbo word for peace, and, in Nigeria, is a name usually reserved for men. Related names include Akudo, Udoka and Udo-Amaka.
- Undine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"little wave"Description:
Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
- Ulises
Origin:
Spanish variation of UlyssesMeaning:
"wrathful"Description:
Although Ulysses is the more recognizable spelling — the Latin name for epic Greek hero Odysseus, as well as the first name of US President Grant — Spanish Ulises is the more popular choice in the US. Ulises was at its highest in the early 2000s, and has since been on a downswing.