Exotic Baby Names - Girls and Boys
By Lin!
Updated Thu Jul 27 2023
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Some rare, uncommon, and unusual baby names I have found over the years. Hope you enjoy!
- Aamina
Description:
Aamina is a feminine name of Arabic origin, commonly spelled Amina, meaning 'trustworthy,' 'faithful,' or 'honest.' It carries significant historical and religious importance as the name of Prophet Muhammad's mother in Islamic tradition, making it particularly meaningful in Muslim communities worldwide. The double 'A' spelling variation adds a distinctive touch to the traditional form. Aamina has grown in popularity in diverse communities beyond its traditional cultural contexts, appreciated for both its beautiful sound and virtuous meaning. The name has a gentle, flowing quality that translates well across language barriers. As global naming patterns become more diverse, Aamina represents a choice that honors ancient heritage while feeling perfectly at home in contemporary multicultural societies.
- Abriana
Origin:
Italian feminine variation of AbrahamMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
This lovely name is all but unknown outside Italy but fits perfectly in with the fashions for vowel-starting names that are elaborately feminine. Might make a distinctive alternative to Angelina or Arianna. Downside: People will inevitably mistake it for Adriana.
- Adamka
Description:
Adamka appears to be a masculine diminutive form of Adam, likely with Slavic or Eastern European origins where the suffix '-ka' is commonly used to create affectionate or diminutive versions of names. Adam itself is one of the oldest known names, derived from Hebrew 'adamah' meaning 'earth' or 'ground,' referring to the biblical first man who was created from the earth. While Adam is universally popular across many cultures, Adamka remains quite rare and regionally specific. The diminutive form adds a sense of warmth and endearment to the traditional name, making it feel more intimate and distinctive while maintaining connection to its ancient roots. Its usage is primarily found in families with Eastern European heritage.
- Adira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"strong"Description:
Adira is one of those names that feels familiar without being overused. Simple but with subtle flair, Adira crosses different languages easily and could provide an alternative option tor the likes of Ava, Ariana, Adeline, and Anna.
- Agueda
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, from GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Traditionally spelled Águeda, this is a Spanish & Portuguese form of Agatha.
- Alondra
Origin:
Pet form of Alejandra or SpanishMeaning:
"lark"Description:
A Spanish TV show made this one popular, along with single-named Mexican singer, Alondra.
- Alora
Origin:
Variation of Eliora, HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord is my light"Description:
Alora feels like a hybrid name – part authentic, part synthetic – maybe because it is. It squeaked onto the Top 1000 in 2017 as part of the trend for girls' names starting and ending with A, and has since increased its popularity, recently entering the Top 200. It is likely a spelling variant of Elora, but also sounds a lot like the Italian word allora, meaning "so, then, therefore, well".
- Amalia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"work"Description:
Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. It can be pronounced ah-MAH-lee-a or ah-mah-LEE-a.
- Amiah
Description:
Amiah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Amaya, which has Basque origins meaning 'the end' or 'high place,' or it could be related to the Hebrew name Ammiah, meaning 'God is my people.' Some see it as a modern variation of names like Amelia or Mia. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, reflecting parents' interest in names with vowel-rich sounds and international flair. Amiah offers a balance of uniqueness and familiarity—uncommon enough to be distinctive, yet simple to pronounce and spell. Its melodic quality, with the soft 'm' sound and flowing vowels, gives it a gentle, feminine appeal that works well across cultures.
- Amira
Origin:
Hebrew, ArabicMeaning:
"princess"Description:
This shimmery name, often given to girls born on the harvest feast of Shavuot, and also used in the Muslim community, is increasing in popularity. Amira is of Hebrew and Arabic origin, meaning "princess", and fits in well with a variety of trending names like Amara, Amaya, and Mira. Amira is in the Top 100 in several countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and Hungary. In the US, Amira entered the Top 1000 in 1998 and has been rising since, now in the Top 250. Overall Amira is a gorgeous multicultural choice.
- Anika
Origin:
Nordic diminutive of Anne or African, HausaMeaning:
"sweetness of face"Description:
Anike is an attractive name with ties to several cultures, both African and Scandinavian. The African pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable while the Nordic one emphasizes the first. While there will be inevitable confusion over pronunciation, either form is "correct".
- Arli
Description:
Arli is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including as a diminutive of Arlene or as a modern, simplified spelling of Arlie. This concise, playful name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to more traditional naming patterns. Arli has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek shorter, gender-flexible names with a friendly quality. The name's brevity makes it cross-culturally accessible, while its soft sounds create a gentle impression. Arli combines modern minimalism with a touch of vintage charm, particularly in its connection to early 20th century names. Its simplicity makes it work well internationally, and its unusual status ensures distinctiveness without complexity.
- Aron
Origin:
Hebrew and Spanish variation of AaronDescription:
This shortened variation of Aaron—it was Elvis's middle name—is now a widely used choice.
- Avalon
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"island of apples"Description:
Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
- Avelina
Origin:
Spanish, place nameDescription:
The feminine form of Avelino, a Spanish name after the Italian saint Andrea Avellino (which in itself comes from an Italian town also named Avellino). It was fairly well-used in Spain in the first half of the 20th century
- Avivah
Description:
Avivah is a beautiful feminine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'spring' or 'renewal.' This lyrical name carries connotations of freshness, rebirth, and vitality. While relatively uncommon in mainstream Western naming practices, Avivah has maintained consistent usage within Jewish communities. The name is related to the Hebrew word 'aviv,' which refers to the season of spring and appears in the name of the Israeli city Tel Aviv ('Hill of Spring'). Avivah offers a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual significance and a connection to natural cycles of renewal and growth. Its melodic sound features soft vowels that create a gentle yet distinctive impression.
- Ayat
Origin:
Arabic, PersianMeaning:
"sign"Description:
Ayat is a Quranic name for girls that literally translates to "sign" or "clue" but in the context of the name, it refers to signs of God, manifestations of the divine, or verses from the Quran. In Islamic tradition, Ayat al-Kursi, or "The Throne Verse", is considered the greatest in the Quran and is often displayed and memorised, giving this name a powerful feel.
- Aamadu
- Altagracia
- Amaley