100+ Unique Boy and Girl Names
Updated Feb 03, 2024
Here are a few of our favorite unique boy names and unique girl names to help you pick a baby name for your peanut!
Finding the perfect name for your peanut is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. The options are just about endless. Zeroing in on the best name for your baby girl or baby boy may take time, but we have a tip. Get creative! Cute, unique girl names and uncommon boy names are special and will make your child shine.
When choosing a unique baby name, consider how it will represent your childโฆforever. You may want to go for something one-of-a-kind. Perhaps you like a unique name that weโve heard before but is still relatively rare. There are plenty of factors to mull over before the baby arrives. From the origin to how you will spell it, your unique babyโs name requires discussion. Hopefully, it doesnโt lead to a debate!
You are about to create the best memories of your life. And it all starts with the name you choose for your baby. A unique baby name that you may not have considered before could wind up your favorite.
Keep in mind that there is a lot that goes into a name. Have patience while selecting and one will eventually stand out. These ideas and unique baby name suggestions will help you get started. Get your potential baby name list out and add to it!
Consider the Meaning/ Origin of Unique Girlโs Names and Unique Boyโs Names
What is in a name? Names have meanings, origins, and histories. If you look up a name online or in a baby name book, you will often see the nameโs meaning and place of origin.
For example, the name Aria is simple and sweet. In Italian, an aria is a song. The Greek interpretation of the name Aria means โlioness.โ This is considered a gender-neutral name in Persian, meaning โnoble.โ No matter which meaning you go with, the name is strong, and it wonโt go out of style.
Zuri is a Swahili girlโs name that means โbeautiful.โ Your baby girl can have a unique name that embodies everything about her.
How about Maverick for an uncommon baby boyโs name? American in origin, the name Maverick means โindependentโ and โone who avoids conformity.โย
Read More >> 67 Gender Neutral Names: The Pros, Cons, & Considerations
What Will Your Babyโs Initials Be?
Deciding upon an uncommon baby boy or baby girl name can be a challenge in itself. Now, also consider their initials particularly if you choose a middle name too.
Say if your last name is โOโConnell.โ The unique baby boy name, Ulysses may be on your โTop 5โ list. But if his middle name is Frank, you wind up with โU.F.O.โ as his initials. You may want to rethink your choice and go for something less celestial! Not to mention, Ulysses means โto hate.โ
While โU.F.O.โ probably wonโt be too traumatic, there are lots of initial combinations that can be questionable. Amity, for example, is a lovely unique baby girl name, meaning โfriendshipโ in Old English. But if her middle name is Sharon and her last name is Smithโฆsee where this is going?
If you plan on a unique name for your baby, pairing it with a more common middle name is a nice combination. Cadewyn is a gender-neutral unique baby name. The Welsh name means โWhite Battle.โ Pair it with the middle name Beth for a girl or Jake for a boy. You may not want to have a middle name at all, especially if the first name is on the longer side.
Choose a Unique Baby Boy or Baby Girl Name of a Specific Descent
You can look to your family tree for baby name inspiration. If you have an African background, for example, Chiedza, a unique African baby girlโs name, means โlight.โ
Here are more unique boy and girl names with their meanings that fit into this category:
Unique Boy Names (Descent/Nationality/Origin)- Alfan โ โThe Artโ โ German Origin
- Brannagh โ โBlack Ravenโ โ Irish Origin
- Edek โ โGuardian of Propertyโ - Polish Origin
- Izel โ โOnly Oneโ โ Mexican Origin
- Mitsuki โ โBeautiful Moonโ - Japanese Origin
- Amulya โ โPricelessโ โ German Origin
- Cesia โ โThe Moon. Heavenlyโ - Polish Origin
- Eiley โ โShining, Brilliantโ - Irish Origin
- Kiyomi โ โPurity, Beautifulโ - Japanese Origin
- Tepin โ โLittle Oneโ โ Mexican Origin
Turn to Places and Nature to Come Up with Your Unique Baby Name
Think of celebrities like Paris Hilton (meaning โfrom Paris, Franceโ โ Greek) and Dakota Fanning (meaning โfriend, allyโ โ Native American) who have names that are also places. Choose an uncommon baby boy or unique girl name that is also a place you love to visit or a name inspired by nature. You may even want to use the name of your hometown. Also, look at the world around you and find a name in nature.
Here are more unique baby names with their meanings that fit into this category:
Unique Boy Names (Places/Nature)- Banyan โ โThe God Treeโ - Indian Origin
- Birk โ โBirch Treeโ - Scottish Origin
- Hudson โ โSon of the Huddโ - English Origin
- Rio โ โRiverโ โ Spanish/Portuguese Origin
- York โ โYew Treeโ - Celtic Origin
- Aspen โ โTrembling of Leavesโ โ English Origin
- Calla โ โElegant Flowers, Most Beautifulโ โ Greek Origin
- Eira โ โSnowโ - Welsh Origin
- Holland โ โRidge Landโ โ Old English Origin
- Vegas โ โMeadowsโ - Spanish Origin
Go Biblical with Your Unique Baby Name
If you are seeking a religious name for your baby boy or girl, the Bible can be your go-to guide. Biblical names hold great significance. Choosing one of the unique biblical names makes it extra special. For instance, Elon Musk has become a household name - Elon meaning โoak treeโ in Hebrew.ย
Here are more unique baby names with their meanings that fit into this category:
Unique Boy Names (Biblical)- Aram โ โHigh-Elevatedโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Barnabas โ โSon of Consolationโ โ Aramaic Origin
- Lemuel โ โDevoted to Godโ - Hebrew Origin
- Nicodemus โ โVictory of the Peopleโ โ Greek Origin
- Zimri โ โMy Music, My Praiseโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Bethsheba โ โDaughter of an Oathโ - Hebrew Origin
- Drusilla โ โFruitful, Watered by the Dewโ โ Latin Origin
- Jael โ โMountain Goatโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Junia โ โYouthโ โ Greek Origin
- Salome โ โPeaceโ โ Aramaic Origin
Read More >> Are Gender Reveal Parties Still Relevant?ย
Name Your Baby Boy or Girl Something Old-Fashioned/Vintage
Whatโs old is new again! Unique names that used to be popular are resurfacing. Consider some of these โoldies but goodies.โ Great Aunt Harriet (meaning โestate rulerโ, French) will be delighted to share her name with your newborn.
Unique Boy Names (Old-Fashioned)- Arthur โ โTo Bearโ - Celtic Origin
- Elmer โ โNoble, Famousโ โ Old English Origin
- Franklin โ โFreemanโ โ English Origin
- Lloyd โ โGrayโ - Welsh Origin
- Silvester โ โOf the Woods, Forestโ โ Roman/Latin Origin
- Agatha โ โGoodโ โ Greek Origin
- Dolores โ โSorrowโ - Spanish Origin
- Ethel โ โNobleโ โ Old English Origin
- Gladys โ โCountryโ โ Welsh Origin
- Winifred โ โFair, Peaceโ โ Old English Origin
Unique Baby Name with a Common Nickname
Get the best of both worlds when you choose a unique baby name with a popular nickname. These unique baby boy and baby girl names can be shortened for simplicity:
Unique Baby Boy Names/ Common Nickname- Alastair (Al) โ โDefender of the Peopleโ - Scottish Origin
- Benaiah (Ben) โ โBuilt by Godโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Dansby (Dan/Danny) โ โFrom the Farmstead of the Danesโ โ Old English Origin
- Jovan (Joe/ Joey) โ โGod is Graciousโ โ Slavic Origin
- Nicanor (Nick) โ โVictory of the Peopleโ - Greek Origin
- Alodie (Ali) โ โWealthyโ - French Origin
- Amethyst (Amy) โ โAgainst Intoxicationโ โ Greek Origin
- Maisha (May/Missy) โ โLifeโ โ African Origin
- Patience (Pat/Patty) โ โAct of Being Patientโ โ Old English Origin
- Wenhui (Wendy) โ โLiterature, Writingโ - Japanese Origin
The Top Baby Boy and Baby Girl Names of 2021
If you are looking for a unique name, steer clear from these top baby names.ย While they are all beautiful names, your child wonโt be the only one in class named Olivia or Noah. BabyCenterโs rankings list is out, with Olivia at the top for baby girls and Liam as the most popular for baby boys.
Rounding out the top 3 for girls itโs Olivia, Emma, and Amelia. And for the boys, they list Noah, Liam, and Oliver. Perhaps you can use one of these top baby names as your childโs middle name, paired with an uncommon first name, as suggested earlier.
Take a Cue from the Celebrity Kidsโ World
There are many celebrities whoโve named their children something off the beaten path. Would you do it too?
- Apple โ โAppleโ โ (Parents: Actress, Businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow and Musician Chris Martin)
- Blue Ivy โ โThe Color Blue/ Sadโ โ American (Parents: Musician, Actress Beyonce and Musician Jay-Z)
- Bronx โ โBronxโs Land โ American (Parents: Musician, Actress Ashlee Simpson and Musician Pete Wentz)
- Denim โ โStrong Clothโ โ French (Parents: Musician, Actress Toni Braxton and Musician Keri Lewis)
- Genesis โ โBirthโ โ Latin (Parents: Musician Alicia Keys and Musician Swizz Beats)
- Maple โ โPiece of Clothโ โ (Parents: Actor Jason Bateman and Actress Amanda Anka)
- Northโ โGeographical Directionโ - English (Parents: Television and Media Personality, Businesswoman Kim Kardashian and Musician Kanye (โYeโ) West)
- Sparrow - โSmall Bird in the Finch Familyโ โ English (Parents: Actress, Television Personality Nicole Richie and Musician Joel Madden)
- Story โ โDweller by Large and Rough Waterโ โ Viking (Parents: Actress Jenna Elfman and Actor/Producer Bodhi Elfman)
- Sunday โ โBorn on Sundayโ โ American (Parents: Actress Nicole Kidman and Musician Keith Urban)
More Unique Cute Baby Girl and Baby Boy Names and Meanings
More Unique Baby Boy Names- Advik โ โUnequalled, Unique, Exclusiveโ - Hindu Origin
- Anders โ โBraveโ โ Scandinavian Origin
- Asher โ โHappy One, Fortunateโ - Hebrew Origin
- Axl โ โFather of Peaceโ โ Scandinavian/German/ Hebrew Origin
- Bowie โ โYellow-Hairedโ โ Irish Origin
- Briggs โ โBridgesโ โ Old English Origin
- Colter โ โColt Herderโ โ English Origin
- Delancy โ โCreative and Uniqueโ - French Origin
- Ezekiel โ โGod Will Strengthenโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Ford โ โRiver Crossingโ โ English Origin
- Grady โ โNobleโ - Irish Origin
- Jasper โ โBrings Treasureโ โ Persian Origin
- Jenson โ โGod is Graciousโ โ Hebrew Origin
- Leland โ โMeadow Landโ - English Origin
- Percival โ โPierce Valleyโ โ French Origin
- Rhett โ โAdviceโ โ Dutch/English Origin
- Ronin โ โWell-Advised Rulerโ โ German Origin
- Ryker โ โRichโ โ German Origin
- Tanner โ โLeather Workerโ - English Origin
- Zain โ โHandsomeโ โ Arabic Origin
- Aino โ โUnique, The Only Oneโ โ Finnish Origin
- Alora โ โThe Lord is My Lightโ โ Hebrew (Also means โMy Dreamโ โ African) Origin
- Andromeda โ โRuler of Menโ โ Greek Origin
- Blossom โ โBloom, Flowerโ โ English Origin
- Cleo โ โGloryโ - English Origin
- Cressida โ โGoldโ โ Greek Origin
- Delta โ โBorn Fourthโ - Greek Origin
- Farren โ โAdventurousโ โ English Origin
- Goldie โ โMade of Goldโ - English Origin
- Juniper โ โYoungโ โ Latin Origin
- Kenna โ โFire Born, Good-Lookingโ โ Irish/American Origin
- Liberty โ โFreedomโ - American Origin
- Linnea โ โLime Treeโ โ Scandinavian Origin
- Mylah โ โSoldierโ - English Origin
- Oceana โ โFrom the Seaโ โ Greek Origin
- Paisley โ โChurch, Patternโ โ Scottish Origin
- Poppy โ โRed Flowerโ โ Latin Origin
- Riya โ โSingerโ โ Sanskrit Origin
- Seren โ โStarโ โ Welsh Origin
- Taya โ โYoung, Valley Fieldโ โ Japanese Origin
Additional Unique Baby Naming Tips
Get used to it
You may have a unique baby name in mind. Before making a commitment, โpracticeโ using the name. Write it down. How does it look? Say it out loud. How does it sound along with the name(s) of their sibling(s)?
Get feedback
Share your unique baby name with people you trust. If you value their opinion, they will provide constructive feedback. Of course, what you name your baby is your decision, but getting othersโ reactions can be valuable.
Spell a common name in a unique way
You can be unique in your own way by spelling a more popular name in an uncommon way. For example, the name Jennifer can be spelled โJennipher.โ Lisa can be โLeesa.โ Change Melissa to โMelysa.โ Keep in mind that your child may have to correct people who misspell their name in the future.
Name your baby after someone special
You may have a former teacher who changed your life. Perhaps you can name your baby after a relative to keep the family tradition alive. A characterโs name from a book youโve read may stand out. If any of these names are unique, they may be in the running.
Think about your favorite stars
These actors, musicians, models, and other famous people below have uncommon names. You may love one of these 30 names for your baby. Unique names for boys and girls arenโt just for celebrities.
- Alanis (Morissette)
- Ashton (Kutcher)
- Busy (Phillips)
- Charlize (Theron)
- Cher
- Coco (Rocha)
- Colbie (Caillat)
- Drake
- Eboni (K. Williams)
- Forest (Whitaker)
- Halle (Berry)
- January (Jones)
- Jewel
- Kanye (West)
- Kendall (Jenner)
- KeKe (Palmer)
- Niall (Horan)
- Rami (Malek)
- Rebel (Wilson)
- Sanaa (Lathan)
- Scout (Willis) โ P.S. โ Weโve got a Posh Peanut Scout collection that is as cute as can be!
- Selita (Ebanks)
- Shania (Twain)
- Shia (LaBeouf)
- Sterling (K. Brown)
- Taye (Diggs)
- Tiger (Woods)
- Tilda (Swinton)
- Uma (Thurman)
- Zayn (Malik)
Final thoughts
These baby unique names and ideas will inspire you to think of something exceptional. When you are bold enough to think outside the box, your babyโs name wonโt be forgotten!
Did you give your baby a unique name? What are your favorite names for boys and girls?
Be sure to catch up on all of the new items in the shop dropping weekly! Want to continue the conversation? Join our V.I.P. Mamas group here. Be sure to follow Posh Peanut on Instagram and Facebook for the latest product releases, to enter giveaways and be the first to know about upcoming sales events!
Editors Note: This post was originally published May 19, 2020, and has been completely updated and revamped for accuracy and comprehensiveness.ย