New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas brought his Latinate name into the spotlight, and he has an equally unusual middle name--DONQUAIL.

Adalius

Adelicia

Adhara is the name of one of the brightest stars in the sky. Also known as Adara, this name is perfectly suitable for a child. 
 
Adhara leaped into the US top 1000 for the first time in 2023, rising 812 spots, making it one of the fastest rising girl names of the year. It currently ranks at number 769.
 
Adhara Pérez Sánchez is an engineer from Mexico, best known for having an IQ higher than Einstein and for pursuing her Master's degree at just 11 years old.

Adhara

Adira is one of those rare names that's both little-used and simple, and crosses languages easily. Pronounced ah-DEER-ah, Adira is given to only a handful of girls in the US each year and could make a worthy substitute for such overexposed favorites as Ava and Ariana.
 
Serena Williams recently named her daughter Adira River, which is guaranteed to boost this name's profile.

Adira

Adwoa is a given name used for women born on Monday in Western Africa, particularly Ghana and some parts of Togo and Ivory Coast. The male equivalent is Kwadwo.
 
The most famous people with this name are probably Canadian-Ghanaian beauty pageant contestant Adwoa Yamoah and English-Ghanaian model Adwoa Aboah.

Adwoa

Aeronwy

There once was a moralizing fabulist who tried to make it as a baby name...and failed. 

Aesop

Airin

Alberik

Alisa is variation of Alice with a touch of international flair. Used in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia and Poland, it is also familiar in English speaking countries too. As a Hebrew name, Alisa has a bright, cheerful meaning, that adds another layer to the name. 

Alisa

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. 

In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the food and drink of the gods, said to confer immortality. The Ancient Greek word ambrosios, meaning immortal, gave rise to the Latin name Ambrosius, which became the modern Ambrose.

Only a dozen baby girls were named Ambrosia in the US in the most recent year counted.

Ambrosia

As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great <a href="https://nameberry.com//list/614/names-for-aquarius-babies">names for Aquarius babies</a> or <a href="https://list/630/70-lovely-names-for-february-babies">names for February babies</a>.
 In the M.M. Kaye children's novel The Ordinary Princess, the protagonist is Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne of Phantasmorani — Amy for short — who has been given the "gift" of ordinariness.

Amethyst

Amilia

This lovely name from Spenser's The Faerie Queene is borne by a character who represents married love. A related unusual-yet-usable choice: Amabel.

Amoret

Son of Zeus known for musical abilities, an edgy choice for music-minded families. 

Amphion

Andone

One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
 Andromeda Tonks (nee Black), is a Harry Potter character
 Cousin name Andromache belonged to the tragic wife of the Trojan Hector, appeared in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida and was the subject of plays by Euripedes and Racine.

Andromeda

Angaros is a rarely used unisex name related to Angel.

Angaros

A religious name, referring to the announcement by the Virgin Mary that she was with child. 

Annunciata

Sounds too much like the name of a hotel. 

Ansonia

An evocative ancient word that's used as a first name in the New Testament, among other places. It's also the name of an eagle-shaped constellation. 
That said, contemporary interest in the name Aquila probably stems from its use as the name of Facebook's secretive drone project. If that takes off, and its name doesn't change, Aquila could take a hit, like Siri and Alexa before it.

Aquila

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

Aquilina

If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it.  Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.

Aquitaine

Basque names, indeed the entire Basque language, are unrelated to any other. Arantxa is a diminutive of Arantzazu. This obscure choice was made known by tennis player Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. 

Arantxa

More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.

Argenta

A romantic take on Ariadne, who in Greek mythology was the daughter of King Minos of Crete. She saw over the labyrinth, where she later helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur.
 
Ariadna is one of the most <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular-names/spain">popular names in Spain</a>.

Ariadna

Aristella

Italian, Portuguese and Spanish variation of Arthur that makes the original feel more romantic and dashing.

Arturo

Aubria

An unusual name for a child with golden hair.  Auron is a Welsh female name with the same meaning.

Auryn

This alluring Spanish word name has the quirky meaning "hazelnut". Avellana has a beautiful sound, although it may be misheard as the trending Avianna.

Avellana

Averyll

A Biblical name with a modern feel, Azaria is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name, Azariah. Used as a masculine name in the Bible, this spelling is now more commonly used on girls. 
 
Azaria first appeared in the US Top 1000 in 2005 and has lingered near the lower end of the charts ever since. In 2023, it climbed more than 40 places and is now given to around 350 girls every year. 
 </br?
With its trending letter '"Z", it's similarity to other rising names such as Sarai and Azalea, and its more (conventionally) feminine spelling, Azaria may continue to rise in the future. This variation might also appeal to fans of The Simpsons as a nod to voice actor, Hank Azaria, however, for others, it might remain too closely associated with the tragic death of Azaria Chamberlain to be an option. 
 
For now then, the unisex Azariah remains the more popular option, given to more than 1000 babies each year, while the diminutive, Azari made its debut in the Top 1000 and outranked Azaria in 2023.

Azaria

Azura

Baldassare

Bartalan

Surprising relative of the French saints' name Blaise, which is definitely easier on the English ear than vowelsome Italian version.  Also spelled BIAGIO.

Biaggio

You say Bryn, he says Bryana -- here's a name you might agree on. 

Brynna

If you love Calliope and Callista, you'll love Calanthe, which combines the trendiness of the Greek 'cal' names with the equally fashionable "the" ending (like Xanthe and Evanthe) and a connection to the beautiful Christmas Orchid. Color Calantha one of the more unusual and captivating <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/412/christmas-baby-names">names for Christmas babies</a>.

Calanthe

Most names that start with Cam- are on the upswing, so why not this obscure term for Wales as well as for a prehistoric time period. 

Cambria

With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback.
 Ceil had a few years of recorded popularity in the first decade of the twentieth century, peaking in 1905. Today, fewer than five baby girls receive the name, meaning it doesn't even make the US extended list.
 One prominent bearer was fashion designer Ceil Chapman (born Cecilia),who was a favorite of actresses from the forties to the sixties--she was one of Marilyn Monroe's favorite designers. She also provided the trousseau for young Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding.
 Caveat: Might be misheard as Seal.

Ceil

The unusual (to English speakers) name Cendrillon is French for Cinderella, though most Americans wouldn't recognize it as such. This might make an excellent middle name for those who are looking for something rare, whimsical, fantastical, and literary. But you must insist on the lovely French pronunciation — if you're choosing a name this uncommon, why not go all the way.

Cendrillon

The apostle Simon was called Cephas by Jesus because he was to be the rock upon which the Christian church was to be built.  In most versions of the New Testament, Cephas is translated into Petros in Greek, Peter in English.

Cephas

Little known name of the goddess of the harvest — her name literally means nourishment, and is the origin of the word cereal. A possibility for the parent seeking something original, but with the aura of Roman myth.  Her Greek counterpart is Demeter. 


Ceres

The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.


Clelia

Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover. 
 Clover also has a long association with good luck, via the four-leaf clover, and through the shamrock symbol of Ireland. It first came to wide notice via a couple of soap opera characters.
 In the movie The Good Shepherd , Angelina Jolie's character is called Clover--but her birth name was actually Margaret.

Clover

Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet.  As Cora -- which has another root and means maiden -- rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.

Coralia

Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.

Crescent

Damyenne

Deirdra

Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem. 

Diarra

Dionysus

Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
 Eden entered the Top 1000 in 1989, and got a real bump in visibility when Desperate Housewives' Marcia Cross used it for one of her twin girls. There have been also Edens on the old soap opera Santa Barbara and the shows Heroes and Extras.
 Pronounced ED-en, Eden is also a Hebrew name for boys, though as EE-den it's gaining ground in the US for boys, now given to one boy for every four girls.

Eden

Edita

Eigra is a name with a great mythological and literary past - it is the Welsh version of Igraine/Ygraine, who was the mother of King Arthur.

Eigra

Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah and as a Yiddish form of Eleanor.
 The name became best known in the U.S. via the Berlin-born Elke Sommer,a popular actress and pin-up girl in the 1960s.

Elke

One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family. 

Enrico

Eos -- that's pronounced with a short e like eros without the r -- is the Greek Titan of the dawn. Any ancient name with a sleek modern feel has definite revival possibilities. Eos could be an inventive way to honor grandma Dawn. 
 
Eos is also a Welsh bird name that is occasionally given to girls in Wales — pleasingly the nightingale, so this name covers both morning and night.

Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.  

Erendira

Erramun

Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
 
This Portuguese and Spanish version of the jewel-like Emerald has long been popular with Hispanic parents. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling named their first daughter Esmeralda, inspired by the Victor Hugo novel. Read more about Esmeralda and other <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/disney-princess-names">Disney Princess Names</a> in our featured blog.

Esmeralda

Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.

Estefania

The attractive Euan and Ewan are just coming onto the U.S. radar, via actor Ewan MacGregor and Harry Potter's Euan Abercrombie.

Euan

Eulia

Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.

Euphemia

Evzen

Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian. 

Fabia

Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice.

Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE. 

Felice

Ferenc is well used in Hungary, where it has the intriguing nickname Ferko, it has been associated with the playwright Molnar.

Ferenc

This unusual (to non-Welsh speakers) is near the top of the charts in Wales, carried by the recent taste for native Welsh names. Those in Wales say it's already on the way down, but for outsiders wanting to honor their Welsh heritage, it still makes an intriguing choice.

Ffion

Fiore

The name of the great Renaissance astronomer and mathematician would make a distinctive hero-middle-name for the son of parents involved in those fields. 

Galileo

One case where the English version -- Josephine -- is far preferable. 

Giuseppina

Gracinha

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany. 

Gustav

Hadeon

Queen Hecuba was the legendary queen of King Priam of Troy, mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. Euripedes' tragedy Hecuba depicts Hecuba's grief over the death of her daughter Polyxena, and the revenge she takes for the murder of her youngest son Polydorus.

Hecuba

Hendrika

This punchy little name, reminiscent of Latin Io, has a whimsical and beautiful fable behind it. According to legend, the Cornish saint Ia was an Irish princess who sailed across the sea to Cornwall on a leaf. She was martyred and buried at the spot where the church of St Ives (called Porth Ia - "St Ia’s cove" - in Cornish) now stands. EE-ah is the Cornish pronunciation, but EYE-ah is also accepted.

Idony was the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, and variants of her obscure name could come under consideration with the rest of the fashionable I pack. 

Idony

Dutch model Iekeliene Stange is a famous bearer of this one-of-a-kind name. Its meaning is unknown, but it may be a combo name formed from Ieke + the common suffix -liene.

Iekeliene

This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
 
In Finland, it's a Top 50 choice, associated with the word ilo meaning "joy".

Ilona

Distinctive Native-American choice with forceful meaning. 

Imala

Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen is as pretty and classy as it is distinctive.
 
Though never in the American Top 1000, Imogen may be more popular in your hip neighborhood than that statistic would suggest. A contemporary classic in England and Wales, Imogen has ranked in the Top 100 ever since detailed naming records began in 1996. It's also a Nameberry favorite, consistently among the Top 100 most viewed girl names on our site.
 
The story goes that Imogen originated as a Shakespearean printer's misspelling of the traditional Celtic name Innogen, used by him for a character in one of his last plays, Cymbeline. The Innogen of legend, who Shakespeare’s character was based on, was the wife of Brutus of Troy, the first king of Britain. Earlier versions of her name, including Ennoguent, Innoguend, and Innoguent, were found in Brittany from the 9th-11th centuries. They are probably derived from the Gaelic word inghean, meaning "daughter" or "maiden," and possibly have a connection to the Proto-Celtic word for "white," from which the suffixes -gwyn and -gwen evolved.
 
Even if Shakespeare did happen upon Imogen by accident, he wasn't the first person to use the name. The Latin name Imogenis, meaning "lowest-born," existed centuries before Shakespeare, and was first recorded in the 13th century.
 Imogen gained attention in recent times through its link to Grammy-winning musician Imogen Heap. Other pluses: Imogen has the wonderful namesake photographer Imogen Cunningham and also a meaning that can't be topped. Immy is the cute diminutive; in the book and movie Fried Green Tomatoes, the character Imogene's nickname was Idgie.

Imogen

Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.

Imre

Isla is hot, Iona is cool – maybe it's time Iola got a second look? Last heard from on Carol Burnett's Mama's Family show, Iola feels like just the sort of uncommon, vowel-rich, vintage name that should be ripe for rediscovery.

Iola

This unusual Greek flower and color name has gained considerable recent attention via actress Ione Skye, who is the daughter of sixties folksinger Donovan.
 Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs — Nereids — in ancient Greek mythology.
 Parents attracted to newer I-names like Isla might want to consider the distinctive Ione. The English pronunciation usually starts with the long I, while in the Latin languages such as Italian it starts with the long E sound.

Ione

Beautiful Arabic name that's important in Islamic culture — Iqra is the name of a chapter in the Quran.
 
Iqra is a Top 500 name in England and Wales.

Iqra

Irissa

This is one elaboration of the ubiquitous Isobel that we think should be chosen more often and would work well in many languages.

Isamar

The name of an ancient country located in South Asia Minor, perfect for someone looking for a rare and feminine name with history.

Isaura

Isdro

Iyishah

Jeroen

Jirina

Justine is a French name that's never reached the popularity we think it deserves. Like its far-more-common brother Justin, Justine is sleek, and sophisticated, but still user-friendly. 
 Justine has had a very erratic popularity path in this country. It first was noticed in the late 1950's via the eponymous novel that was part of Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quarter, but reached its highest peak--at Number 175-- in the eighties, during the TV run of Family Ties, featuring Justine Bateman. Justine is still a Top 60 name in its native France.

Justine

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative with the name might want to consider Kasia, Katarzyna's lovely (and much more English-friendly) nickname.

Katarzyna

Definite twenty-first- century possibilities, with its stylish K opening, strong first syllable, and softer second. 

Kellam

Khaleesi is an invented name introduced to the world by inventive and prolific author George R. R. Martin for his wildly popular Game of Thrones series—it's Dothraki for "queen" and is one of the titles of the character Daenerys. It entered the US Top 1000 in 2014.
 Martin's series is having a powerful influence on the baby name culture, with sister name Arya the fastest rising <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls’ name</a> in the US in 2012.
 We can't help feel, however, that this name is going to date about as fast as a pointy-toed boots or feathered hair. Advice: look for another name.

Khaleesi

Myn's list "Really Unusual Names That I Love!  " of 200 great name ideas: Adalius - Étoile!