Unique Word Names for Babies

A wild word name with a poetic and fantastical feel, Stargazer fits in with celeb-style choices such as Whimsy, Poetry, Brother, Romance, and Locket. While it might not be practical as a first name, it could work as a bold middle name to honor someone who is into astronomy or astrology.

An (understandably) rare word name, Kite nevertheless has the sounds of two favorites — Kai and Kit. The word kite possibly derives from Proto-Indo-European roots and means "screech", however, it is better known as the name of a bird of prey and a toy designed to be flown in the wind. It might also be used to describe a fraudulent bill, cheque, or receipt.

From an archaic English word, Loveness is a distinctive yet gentle name, popularly used in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Meaning "love and affection", the "-ness" ending helps it feel more name-like, reminiscent of Agnes, Ines, Tess, or even Constance. Notable bearers include jeweller and business owner Loveness Lee and bodybuilder and fitness trainer Loveness Tarimo.

While Blessing is familiar in the US and the UK, this compound, spiritual word name is predominantly used in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Moby is sometimes used as a short form.

Used as a surname and as a first name, Lovemore is predominantly given to boys in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. It is a virtue name with spiritual undertones, and may be used alongside names such as Loveness, Moreblessing, and Gracious — names that may feel bold elsewhere but are familiar in southern Africa. Notable bearers include footballer Lovemore Mokgweetsi, boxer and solicitor Lovemore N'dou, writer Charles Lovemore Mungoshi, and politician and activist Lovemore Madhuku.

Industry was turned from a word into a name by pronatal activists Malcolm and Simone Collins, who gave the name to their fourth child and second daughter, Industry Americus. The Collinses are believers in nominative determinism — your name shapes the person you become. The couple's oldest daughter is named Titan Invictus.

Unusual word names with a strong, sometimes last-name feel are on the rise, from Chosen to Valor, to Wilder, Ford, and Ledger. With similar sounds to Jake and Waylon, and with a stirring meaning, could Wake be one more parents turn to in coming years?

Weather inspired choices from Sunny to Stormi are currently in vogue, and Hazy could be a contender to replace 70s star Misty. Referring to fog and dry, dusty air, "haze" is an atmospheric phenomenon in which the visibility of the sky is obscured, in turn evoking imagery of hazy, summer days. Alternatively, it might be used a diminutive of popular Hazel, inspired by the likes of Daisy and Maisie.

Holder, part occupational name and part Holden, is a rare word name. It brings to mind holding onto someone or something, which itself suggests a love for or connection to whatever is being held on to.

While Pearl is predominantly used as a feminine name, it ranked in the US Top 1000 for boys from the 1880s until the 1930s, reaching the Top 200 on several occasions. Pearl fell out of style in general back in the 80s, but has been making a resurgence for girls in recent years.

Worn round the neck and close to the heart, lockets are often used to hold small items of sentimental value, like a photo, a lock of hair, or a letter. Used as a surname, but rarely as a given name, Locket could have potential given its similarity in sound or letters to Lottie, Laurel, and Scarlett — and because of its sentimental meaning.

Worn round the neck and close to the heart, lockets are often used to hold small items of sentimental value, like a photo, a lock of hair, or a letter. Used as a surname, but rarely as a given name, Locket could have potential given its similarity in sound to Lochlan, Beckett, and Luka.