Cool Baby Names That Start with U

A title given to the elf Arwen in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, meaning "evening star" and usually rendered poetically as Evenstar. Like her revered ancestor Lúthien, Arwen chooses to become mortal in order to marry her human love, Aragorn.

We're always looking for cool new U names (it's the least common initial for first names!) and Uzochi is our latest favorite find. It's an Igbo name derived from the components uzo, meaning "road" or "way," and Chi, referring to God. Uzochi is most frequently used in Nigeria.

An uncommon Latin and Italian name which would make a fitting choice for a final baby – but be aware that many would associate it with the cosmetics brand or the Ultimo brand of lingerie.

Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from uhlan meaning "cavalry, lancer".

The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.

Umbria is a lovely, virtually unused Italian name for girls, reflecting the beautiful rolling hills of the area's countryside. And since it's right next door to Tuscany, in which Siena resides, maybe Umbria could be a follow-up to the popular Siena-Sienna.

One of the most unusual of the biblical iah-options, this was the name of a long-reigning king of Judea, and just might appeal to the parent looking for a quasi-unique Old Testament choice. And it avoids the negative Dickensian aura of the other New Testament U-name, Uriah.

A rich brown hue, but can be misheard as Amber, said with a pretentious accent.

As a Japanese name, Umina derives from umi, meaning "sea", combined with a range of other kanji characters.

This would make a startling but likable choice; poet Dylan Thomas used it for a character in his play "Under Milk Wood."

One of several three-letter U-a names -- Uda, Ula, Uma, Una -- take your pick.

Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.

Uduak is a name from the Ibibio language, native to Southern Nigeria.

In China, the ox represents patience and determination, a commendable combination.

If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.

A creative spelling of Uriah, possibly without the negative connotation. Biblically, Urijah was a prophet mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.

Most Americans would take the easy way out and spell it Willem, as in artist de Kooning and actor Dafoe.