Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names

This Dutch name stems from the Greek root word "philos" meaning "love". It is relatively common in the Netherlands.

A common animal name in Finland, it could work as an alternative to Otto or Otis.

Swinging London songbird Petula Clark claims that this name was her father's invention; in any case it hasn't seen much copycat usage.

Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis. Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter. Try Pippa or Millie for short.

Sprightly name popular in Israel with beachy meaning and international flex.

Cygnus is a northern constellation of the Milky Way, derived from the Latin word for "swan".

Feminine spin on Moses and European river name that's also the name of a wine.

Pleasant sound, but too tied to the racetrack.

A neglected surname name that could substitute for the more common Gordon, which has in the past associated with the milk company and Elsie the Cow.

A French surname with a witchy vibe — Marie Laveau was a dedicated practitioner of Voodoo, healer, midwife, and herbalist in the 1800s.

Sazz is a name invented for the nonbinary character played by Jane Lynch in Only Murders in the Building. While no actual babies have received this name yet, they will.

Derived from the Welsh place name Brynmawr, this adventurous sounding name, feels at once as rugged as its meaning but with a hint of gentleness, thanks to the unisex Bryn.

A rare form of Llywellyn/Llewellyn, influenced by Latin Leo "lion".

A distinctive Polish short form of Krystyna, ultimately deriving from Christian, Krysia has a similar feel to Sasha, but with a bit of kick from the K sounds.

A relatively rare English place and surname, Hallam could make a distinctive but usable boy's name. Hallam was the surname of the beloved Cambridge friend whose death Alfred, Lord Tennyson, mourns in his famous poem In Memoriam. A.H.H. Tennyson's eldest son, whom he named Hallam, became a Governor-General of Australia.

This ancient name, belonging to a 4th century BCE Greek statesman and general, would be one of those unique baby names with lots of more down-to-earth nickname potential, including Tim and Leon. Another notable bearer is Timoleon Jimanez, former leader of the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

This title of honor given to Charlemagne's twelve best knights would be prized as a name by most sword-loving little boys.