Unique Baby Names
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Choosing a name for a newborn can be a challenging task for parents. Many look for names that are unique and original, but the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, a curated list of distinct names for boys, girls, and unisex options has been put together.
These names are carefully selected to provide fresh choices for parents who want something different for their child.
20 Unique Baby Names for Your Baby Girl
Aminah
Aminah is an Arabic name meaning “feel safe.” It was the name of the Prophet Muhammad’s mother. Alternate spellings include Aamina, Aaminah, or Amina.
Belinda
The origin of Belinda is uncertain, but it may come from the Italian word “bella” which means beautiful and the German word “lind” meaning gentle. It gained popularity in the 17th century through a poem by Alexander Pope.
Chantria
Chantria is a name from the Khmer language, which means “moonlight.” It’s a magical name choice for your daughter.
Cinzia
Cinzia is the Italian version of Cynthia. It has a unique pronunciation with a “ch” sound. Cynthia comes from Greek, meaning “woman from Kynthos,” and was also a name for Artemis, the goddess of the moon.
Cressida
Cressida is a name found in mythology. She was a Trojan woman who left her lover, a story retold in Shakespeare’s “Troilus and Cressida.”
Dionne
Dionne is the feminine form of Dion, a short version of Dionysios, the Greek god of wine. Even if you’re not a wine lover, this name presents a unique option for your baby girl.
Haruko
In Japanese, Haruko means “spring child.” It is a perfect name if your daughter is born in the spring. The name can be shortened to Yoko or Youko.
Houda
Houda is an Arabic name meaning “right guidance.” It can also be spelled Huda or Hooda.
Imani
Imani is a Swahili name of Arabic origin that means “faith.” It’s a simple yet meaningful name.
Inez
Inez is the English form of Ines, the Spanish version of Agnes. Agnes comes from Greek, meaning “chaste.”
Jacinta
Jacinta is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Hyacinthus, a name with Greek roots. It’s also the name of a fragrant spring flower, making it an elegant choice.
Luella
Luella is a modern name that fuses Lou and Ella. It can also be spelled Louella and makes a lovely tribute if those names are in your family.
Mercedes
Mercedes, meaning “mercies,” is a Spanish girl’s name. Besides being a popular car brand, it’s derived from a title of the Virgin Mary.
Minnie
Minnie is a cute name, short for Wilhelmina. Wilhelmina is the female version of Wilhelm, the German form of William.
Nadine
Nadine is the French version of Nadia, a Slavic name meaning “hope.”
Odilia
Odilia has German roots meaning “wealth” or “fatherland.” Saint Odilia, the patron saint of Alsace, France, was said to have been born blind and gained her sight after being baptized. This name pairs well with Ophelia or Olivia.
Preethi
Preethi is a Sanskrit name that means pleasure, joy, or love. It can also be spelled Preeti or Priti. The name sounds like “pretty,” adding to its charm.
Rosalind
Rosalind derives from German words that mean horse and soft. Another form, Rosalinda, means beautiful rose in Latin. The name has been featured in works by Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare.
Tien
Tien is a Vietnamese name that means immortal, transcendent, celestial being, or fairy. It’s a special name fit for any little girl.
Timea
Timea has Romanian, Slovak, and Hungarian origins and is based on a Greek word meaning “cheerfulness.” It would make a lovely name for a cheerful baby.
20 Unique Baby Names for Your Baby Boy
Anders
This modern name is the Scandinavian version of Andrew. It’s good if you want to honor a family member named Andrew but prefer a slight twist.
Axel
The medieval Danish form of Absalom, meaning “my father is peace” in Hebrew. It can also be spelled Aksel.
Bertram
In German, this name means “bright raven.” It was introduced to the English-speaking world by the Normans and appears in Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well.
Ciaran
Irish in origin, pronounced with a k sound, and can also be spelled Kieran. It means “black” in Irish.
Deacon
Originally a surname and a clerical position in the church, Deacon also works as a strong and wholesome first name.
Egon
A German name meaning “edge of a sword,” making it a brave and unique option for a boy.
Farley
Originally a surname meaning “fern clearing” in Old English. Ideal for nature lovers seeking a distinctive name.
Geoffrey
This is the original spelling of the now more common Jeffrey. Popular in the Middle Ages and among the English nobility.
Homer
Refers to the ancient Greek poet of the Iliad and the Odyssey, or the animated sitcom character. Either way, it’s a unique name for a boy.
Iskander
This Malay, Indonesian, and Arabic version of Alexander means “defender of men” in Greek. A strong and respectable name.
Jamal
This Arabic name means beautiful, making it a perfect choice for a beautiful little boy.
Kahlil
Meaning “friend” in Arabic, Kahlil is also the name of the famous poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet.
Keoni
The Hawaiian form of John, this name has a unique sound and offers a classic option.
Rakesh
In Sanskrit, this name translates to “lord of the full moon,” adding a touch of mysticism.
Santiago
Stemming from the Spanish words santo and yago, meaning Saint James. It’s a name rich in history and options for nicknames like Diego or Tiago.
Stone
This English form of the Swedish name Sten means “stone.” It evokes strength and resilience.
Tariq
An Arabic name meaning “he who knocks at the door” or the morning star. Unique on either count and can be spelled Tarek or Tarik.
Yoshi
A Japanese name that translates to “good luck,” “righteous,” and “respectable,” perfect for a beloved son.
Yves
A medieval French name that maintains a modern charm despite its ancient origins.
Zeke
Short for Ezekiel, meaning “God will strengthen” in Hebrew. Zeke is playful, ideal for a boy with a big personality.
20 Unique Unisex Baby Names
Akira
A name of Japanese origin, Akira can mean “bright” or “clear.”
Averill
Originally a surname from Old English, Averill translates to “boar” and “battle.” Despite its ancient roots, it has a modern, elegant sound perfect for any child.
Chrisley
Chrisley started as a surname but has grown popular as a first name over the last decade. It works well for any gender and can be easily shortened to Chris.
Dallas
With origins in Old English and Gaelic, Dallas means “meadow dwelling.” It’s also a city in Texas, making it a familiar, yet unique choice.
Dell
Dell means “small valley” and was originally a surname for those living in a valley. It makes an excellent nature-inspired unisex name.
Gio
Short for Giovanni or Giovanna, Gio is an Italian name meaning John. This short, catchy name is a great unisex option.
Kamala
Kamala is a beautiful name that means lotus or pale red in Sanskrit. It appears in the Hindu epic Mahabharata and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.
Leith
Leith is the name of a river and a district in Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally a surname, it stands out as a distinctive first name for any gender.
Makena
In the Kikuyu language, Makena means “happy one.” It’s also the name of an area in Maui, Hawaii, making it a cheerful and exotic choice.
Ofir
A biblical name also spelled Ophir, Ofir’s meaning is not fully known, adding an air of mystery to its charm.
Parris
Parris originally referred to someone from Paris, France. Whether spelled Paris or Parris, this name is popular for both boys and girls.
Peta
A diminutive of Petra and Petr, meaning stone in Greek, Peta can be used for any gender. It’s a Czech variation that offers a unique twist.
Raven
Raven, a stylish and mystical name, is linked to the bird revered in Native American and Scandinavian cultures. It’s also associated with the Norse god Odin, perfect for lovers of mythology.
Roshan
In Persian, Roshan means light or bright, a fitting name for a new addition who lights up your life.
Sky
Sky is a modern name with an ancient twist. In Old Norse, it also means cloud. It’s a wonderful name for dreamers with limitless horizons.
Thando
In the languages of Xhosa, Zulu, and Ndebele, Thando means “to love.” It’s a name full of affection and warmth.
Tinashe
In Bantu, spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Tinashe means “we are with God.” It’s a name with deep spiritual meaning.
Yannick
Yannick comes from the French or Breton name Yann, derived from John. Though connected to a common name, Yannick stands out as unique and uncommon.
Yun
A Chinese name, Yun can mean “cloud” or “consent.” As “cloud,” it symbolizes a heavenly, serene presence.
Zorion
From the Basque language, Zorion means “happiness.” This name embodies joy and positivity, ideal for any child.