Unique Names Ive Met

This spelling variation of the Biblical place name Eden is beginning to rise as well. While Eden ranks for both girls and boys, the Edyn spelling is strictly feminine.

Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.

Eman is a spelling variation popular in some European countries of this gender-neutral Arabic name, made most famous by Mrs. David Bowie. In the US, there were about 60 baby girls named Eman last year to 18 boys. The gender balance is more even for Iman.

Emree is a modern feminine name that has gained modest popularity in the 21st century. It likely emerged as a creative spelling variant of Emery or Emory, names with Germanic origins meaning 'industrious leader' or 'brave power.' The distinctive spelling with double 'e' gives this name a contemporary feel while maintaining familiar sounds. Emree exemplifies the trend toward names with traditional roots but updated spellings. The name's short length and melodic quality (EM-ree) make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While still relatively uncommon, Emree has seen increased usage since the 2010s, particularly in the United States. Its sound connects it to popular names like Emma and Emily while its spelling offers individuality, making it a balance of familiar and unique.

This popular Turkish name has a very on-trend sound and is familiar to English speakers thanks to Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi novel Ender’s Game. The book has recently been turned into a movie, starring Asa Butterfield as Andrew "Ender" Wiggin.

Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.

Garett is a masculine name representing a spelling variation of Garrett or Gareth. Garrett traces back to Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning "spear strength" or "brave with the spear," while Gareth has Welsh roots from Arthurian legend. This alternate spelling maintains the strong, classic feel of the traditional forms while offering a slightly unique presentation. Garett peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in America but remains a steady choice for parents seeking a name with both traditional substance and contemporary style. The name evokes qualities of strength, courage, and dependability, and works well across various age groups. The single 'r' and 't' spelling gives it a streamlined appearance.

The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.

Gentry is a word name that's gaining ground for girls as a kind of updated Jennifer, especially in the Jentry (or Jentri or Jentree) spelling.

Considered ultra debonair in the silent-movie era, Gilbert then went through a nerdy phase, a la Gilbert Gottfried. Now though, like Albert and Alfred and Walter and Frank, it could be in for a style revival.

A name that's on the rise for boys but rarely used -- though possible -- for girls.

Like Greta, Gretchen is a German Margaret diminutive that has become an American quasi-classic, though not much used today, having dropped off the list in 2009. She was at her high point in the 1970s, making it into the top 200.

The kind of nouveau macho name favored by NRA-leaning parents. Killers' frontman Brandon Flowers gave it to his son in 2009. Gunnar is another spelling that makes the name a bit less militaristic.

One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.

This extra-trendy -ee suffix helped Hadlee ride the wave of Hadley's popularity into the US Top 1000 in 2013.

Once a macho biker name, Harley is now showing its softer side. In the UK, Harley is predominantly masculine, but it's currently more popular for girls than boys in the US.

Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.