Nameberry's Favorite Unique Names

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.

Ingeborg (and all Germanic and Scandinavian names beginning with Ing-) references the ancient fertility god Ing. Ing, later known as Freyr, is one of the primary gods in Old Norse mythology.

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.

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.

With a sunny, airy sound, a clunky-cool look, and a lovely, nature-inspired meaning, Solfrid was popular in its native Norway back in the mid-20th century, but has been out of the Top 100 since the 60s and has yet to catch on elsewhere. Made up of the Old Norse elements,sól meaning "sun" and fríðr meaning "beautiful" or "beloved", notable bearers include Olympic weightlifter, Solfrid Koanda, actress Solfrid Heier, and content creator, known as Solfrid ASMR.

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

A diminutive of Ecaterina, the Romanian form of Katherine. A famous bearer is the Romanian model Catrinel Menghia.

Over the top for even the most ardent Anglophile. Sacheverell Sitwell was a member of the prominentliterary Sitwell family.

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.

Like a blend of vintage-style Edie and popular Katie, Keedie is either an invented name, a variant of the Scottish surname Keddy, or possibly a short form of Katherine.
In the case of Soprano singer Keedie Babb, her name was a creation of her father's, inspired by his love of pop star, Kiki Dee. As a variation of the Scottish surname, Keedie would ultimately derive from the Gaelic Mac Adaidh, meaning "the son of Adam" or "son of the red earth". As a diminutive of Katherine, Keedie likely draws inspiration from Kitty, Katie, Kadie, or Kiki.

A well-to-do London neighborhood, English surname, and potential route to the nickname May. Mayfair has everything going for it, and yet it couldn't be rarer.

The habitational -brook suffix sends Hazel to gender-neutral territory, giving it a last name as a first name vibe. It feels in tune with outdoorsy and adventurous names, such as Hawthorne, Peregrine, Forrest, Fisher, and Sorrell. Yet to be used in the US, it's a bold compound name that combines popular sounds into one unexpected name.

Gresham is more common as a surname than a first name, where it originally denoted one from the village of Gresham in Norfolk, England. These days, Gresham is also a city in Oregon, neighborhood in Chicago, and country in New South Wales, Australia.

A variation of Jotham, an Old Testament name.

Sweet, soft and devotional, this Hebrew name can also be spelled as Emunah. In Jewish tradition, Emunah denotes the principles of faith, and the word amen derives from it. Literally translating to faith or trust in God, Emunah is better described as an innate and fairly held belief and trust in the truth of God. It may be enhanced by study and learning, but exists without this.

Combining the sounds of familiar Ellie with the spark of contemporary Clover, Clovelly has a hint of Everly, Chloe, and Romilly about it too. Currently a very rare choice, and likely to remain so for now.

Swedish and Norwegian form of the Old Norse name Asketill.

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

An imposing meaning, an appealing sound.