Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names

Swedish and Norwegian form of the Old Norse name Asketill.

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

This simple and pretty name means "goddess" in Brazilian Portuguese, and was given to a few dozen girls in 2022.

With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.

A name of both Japanese and Hindi origin, Saya has a bright, sharp sound, reminiscent of Maia and Kaia. Borne by Olympian BMX racer, Saya Sakakibara, wrestler Saya Kamitani, and by weather presenter, Saya Hiyama who went viral after a clip of her switching from light-hearted banter to an earthquake warning became an internet phenomenon, Saya has also been used for characters in a variety of Japanese media.

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

Both Naj and Nai rank in the Slovenian Top 100 as of 2023, along with similar options, Tai, Taj, Mai, and Kai. The exact etymology of Naj and Nai is unknown, but, given that the feminine Naja is often seen as a diminutive for Anastazija or Natalija, Nai might have come about in a similar way. Potentially a short form of Nikolaj, it makes a cool, cotemporary feeling choice.

Used by Emily Brontë in her novel Wuthering Heights , Hareton is a distinctive, rugged and literature-inspired choice. With the sounds of an English place name and the vibes of a last name as a first name, Hareton was likely an invention of Emily Brontë's, which she created by changing up the name of a neighbourhood family, The Heatons.

Hesperus or Hesperos is a figure in Greek mythology who is the personification of the Evening Star or Venus, the son of the dawn goddess Eos. There's a Longfellow poem about a tragic shipping voyage called The Wreck of the Hesperus. An archaic name that with the revival of many old mythological names might just have a chance at revival.

Ursula, while beautiful, still carries a whiff of the Disney sea witch. Perhaps Ursuline smells a bit sweeter?

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.

Combine elements of the sophisticated Flora with chic French Fleur, and you've got Fleura. Simple and stylish with a flowery flair.

With Clover rising up the charts, and Everly, Emberly, Waverly and Oakley on trend, it is possibly that this English surname may catch on, especially with its whimsical meaning.

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.

Most modern parents would probably prefer the cooler Rowan.

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

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

Part Cameron, part Amber, Camber may be a new name but it feels right for our times. As a word, camber means a slightly arched surface.