Unique Word Names for Babies

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.

A botanical, masculine name, Ruzmarin is the Serbian word for the strong smelling shrub and herb. It is rarely used as a given name however.

The name given to a short novel, often light, romantic and sentimental, a novelette is longer than a short story but shorter than a novella or novel, while still having a complete narrative. In music terms, it refers to a short piece of lyrical music.

A word name in several languages, Bluette is an arty sounding and colorful name. In French, it comes from beluette, translating to "little spark". It can then refer to a brief flash, a trace of something, an unimportant thing, or a short, straight forward novel. In Italian, it is a shade of blue, somewhere between electric and sky blue, while in English, it is occasionally used to refer to a book, a play, or a piece of music that is short, but witty and brilliant.

A word name with grandeur, musicality, and a hint of spirituality, Requiem could have the nickname Remi. Associated with remembrance, Catholic Mass, and music for the dead, it more literally means "rest". It has never been used as a name, as yet.

A word name with grandeur, musicality, and a hint of spirituality, Requiem could have the nickname Remi. Associated with remembrance, Catholic Mass, and music for the dead, it more literally means "rest". It has never been used as a name, as yet.

Clementine, Peaches, Cherry, and Pepper (and more occasionally, Apple) are all in use for girls, while the name of the largest citrus fruit, Pomelo, might be a more unisex option if you want something both rare and from the fruit bowl.

Reverie, Revel, Rebel, and Jubilee have seen increased use in recent years and Revelry encapsulates the sounds or feel of all four. While some might think too much of raucous parties, others might find it joyful and exuberant.

A rare word name with both a futuristic feel and a spiritual undertone. While its similarity in sound to the word "rival" and the rarity might put some people off, it has seen usage in South Africa, Malawi, and Nigeria.

A plausible and solid sounding word name that is reminiscent of Annika and Bianca, Anchor is both grounding and bold as a name. Plus, familiar nickname Annie is there as an option.

A rarely used and distinctive word name with artistic flair, Mosaic has joins other creative choices, like Painter, Poem, Poet, Boheme, Story, Carver, and Monet. Appearing for the first time in the US stats in 2022 when it was given to 5 boys, it has yet to rank for girls. Nicknames could be Mo, Mick, Micky, Zay, or Maisie.

A distinctive word name or a short form of the Italian Bonaventura, Venture could make a bold choice, similar in style to Knight, Worthy, Brave, Truth, and Valor. It has been given to around 10 boys each year since 2020.

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.