The unusual and the odd

  1. Massai
    • Origin:

      African tribe; also Italian
    • Meaning:

      "owner of land and farms"
    • Description:

      Unusual name chosen for her son by actress Nia Long, who combined it with the even more unusual literary middle name, Zhivago.
  2. Cleone
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "glorious"
    • Description:

      An unusual Greek mythological name belonging to a fresh-water nymph, also known as Cleona, Kleone, and Kleona.
  3. Emani
    • Origin:

      Variation of Iman, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "faith"
    • Description:

      Emani is more popular than the original Iman, for girls at least. About 200 baby girls were named Emani in the US last year, while 80 girls were named Iman. Iman is quite gender-neutral, with 60 baby boys given the name, while only a handful of baby boys were named Emani.
  4. Halona
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "happy fortune"
    • Description:

      Resonant and unusual.
  5. Ashira
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "I will sing"
    • Description:

      Unusual name with stylish, silky feel.
  6. Fana
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "light or jungle"
    • Description:

      Simple, delicate, and unusual.
  7. Renon
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "place and surname"
    • Description:

      Straightforward but very unusual choice, deriving from a place name in Italy.
  8. Othello
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "he has the sound of God"
    • Description:

      Shakespeare's moor has exclusive ownership of this name.
  9. Saar
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "storm"
    • Description:

      With its appealing double-a configuration, this is the name of an Israeli kibbutz on the Galilee beach. For girls, Saar is a popular modern name in the Netherlands, a shortened form of Sarah.
  10. Nasim
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "breeze, fresh air"
    • Description:

      A traditional Arabic choice, used on girls and boys, with a bright, fresh, and nature connected meaning. Naseem is an alternative Arabic and Urdu form, while Nesim is used in Turkey. Though unisex, Nasim leans masculine in Lebanon, Indonesia, Iran, England, Palestine, and Iraq, but is more evenly split in India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. TikTok star and rapper Nasim Nabi is a notable bearer.
  11. Kamaria
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"
    • Description:

      Lush and unusual.
  12. Varda
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "rose, pink"
    • Description:

      Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
  13. Ramira
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "judicious"
    • Description:

      Pretty and unusual, worth consideration.
  14. Patrin
    • Origin:

      Romani
    • Meaning:

      "leaf trail"
    • Description:

      Patrin is a truly unusual yet easily comprehended choice. In Romani culture, Patrin refers to the signs and markers that were left behind for other travellers to follow. Piles of leaves and grass were often used to mark their way, making this a symbolic name in Romani culture. Ultimately, the name may derive from the Sanskrit pattra meaning "leaf".
  15. Hania
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Polish
    • Meaning:

      "encampment; grace"
    • Description:

      This very unusual name, also related to Hannah, was chosen for his daughter by Vin Diesel.
  16. Calida
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "heated"
    • Description:

      Unusual but accessible Hispanic choice with stylish sound.
  17. Kacia
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Acacia
    • Description:

      Intriguing and unusual.
  18. Nevis
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Highly unusual name of a small, tranquil island in the Caribbean; chosen for her daughter by singer Nelly Furtado.
  19. Shada
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "pelican"
    • Description:

      Pretty and unusual bird-related name.
  20. Zesiro
    • Origin:

      Luganda
    • Meaning:

      "older of twins"
    • Description:

      Unusual and attractive name, might be worth considering if you're expecting twins.