As a mum of two who’s spent far too many nap times Googling baby names I thought were rare (only to meet three other kids with the same name at soft play) I know the struggle. If you’re looking for uncommon baby names that actually feel unique (and not just for five minutes), you’re in the right place.
Naming a baby is kind of like naming a start-up. You want it to stand out, have meaning and not sound like a bad TikTok trend in five years.
WATCH: Unique Baby Girl Names Starting with ‘M’ | Rare & Beautiful …
Don’t skip the list below if you’re after really unique names that aren’t just “unique” in theory. I’ve included a mix of rarest names, some weird funny names (but in a cute way), traditional but uncommon baby names and unique English names with meanings you might just fall in love with.
Here’s what worked for me
Naming my first was easy. Naming my second? Absolute chaos. We wanted something special but not strange, meaningful but still familiar and definitely not something trending on every baby board out there.
So I made a list. Then another. Then I went deep into name meanings origins and how they sounded when shouted across the kitchen (mom-life test, right?).
If that’s you right now (half-inspired, half-frustrated) this list of uncommon baby names is your shortcut.
10 Uncommon baby girl names
These uncommon baby names with meaning are beautiful, bold and surprisingly underused.
- Liora – Hebrew for “light”
- Zephyra – A Greek name meaning “west wind”
- Amaris – “Promised by God” in Hebrew and Spanish origins
- Elowen – A modern Cornish name meaning “elm tree”
- Thalassa – Greek word for “sea”
- Romilly – A French name that’s charming and rare
- Aven – Inspired by the mountain Aven in Ireland
- Isolde – A romantic name of Welsh origin
- Sunniva – Norwegian for “sun gift”
- Brontë – Literary and edgy
10 Uncommon baby boy names
These really unique names are strong, stylish and flying well under the radar.
- Caius – Roman origin, powerful sound
- Elio – Italian for “the sun,” gentle and bright
- Oswin – Old English, means “God’s friend”
- Leif – Scandinavian, adventurous feel
- Torin – Irish, meaning “chief”
- Ansel – German origin, calm and classy
- Orin – Hebrew, meaning “light”
- Cassian – A softer alternative to Cassius
- Quillan – Irish, meaning “cub” or “pupil”
- Hale – Old English for “hero” or “healthy”
10 Gender-neutral uncommon baby names
These names work beautifully no matter your baby’s gender and they’re all unique without being out-there.
- Marin – Calm and oceanic
- Blythe – Cheerful, vintage revival
- Ellis – Elegant and simple
- Shiloh – Peaceful, soft biblical vibes
- Fen – Nature-inspired, modern edge
- Auden – Poetic and brainy
- Noa – Hebrew name that’s trending for girls, still rare for boys
- Indra – Hindu god of the skies; rare and powerful
- Hollis – Trendy but timeless
- Vesper – Latin for “evening star”
Traditional but uncommon baby names
If you love vintage but don’t want something overused, these bring old-school charm without the crowd.
- Eulalie – French, melodic, rare
- Isidore – Ancient but oddly modern again
- Minerva – Roman goddess of wisdom
- Lysander – Strong, Shakespearean
- Agatha – Retro revival, still very rare
- Cedric – Underused British classic
- Pearl – Glamour meets gentle
- Reuben – A soft classic, still a hidden gem
- Winifred – Sweetly quirky
- Linus – Smart and vintage
Funny but surprisingly cute baby names
Some weird funny names walk the line… and you’ll kind of love them for it.
- Fig – Unexpected but has earthy charm
- Moxie – Gutsy and yes, real celeb baby name material
- Ziggy – Fun and rockstar cool
- Banjo – Aussie favourite, musical and lively
- Pixie – A magical little spark
- Tig – Minimalist and punchy
- Bear – A surprisingly popular quirky pick
- Clover – Soft and whimsical
- Cricket – Bizarrely cute
- Scout – Tough and thoughtful (thanks, To Kill a Mockingbird)
Ready to make a decision?
Finding the perfect uncommon baby name can feel like a lot. You’re not alone in this though and it can be fun, especially when you take your time and let the names settle before rushing to decide.
Do you need help shortlisting? I always tell other moms: write your favourites on sticky notes and leave them around the house. You’ll be shocked how quickly your top pick will jump out at you.
READ: The Most Unique Names for baby Starting with M
Final thoughts…
You don’t have to go ultra-trendy or totally out-there to find a name that’s memorable and meaningful. Use this list to explore new sounds, uncover stories and most importantly find something that feels like your baby.
If this post helped even a little, I’d love for you to share it with another mum stuck in the naming loop.
What’s the most unusual name you’ve heard lately?
FAQs about uncommon baby names
What is the rarest baby name?
Names like Zephyra, Indra or Quillan are extremely rare in most Western countries, especially when compared to trending baby names.
What are some cool uncommon baby names?
Cool and rare? Try Elio, Blythe, Romilly or Vesper—they feel modern without being overdone.
Are unique names harder for kids growing up?
It depends! Some unique names are easy to pronounce and spell, while others might need a little explanation. A good balance is choosing something distinctive and accessible.
What are some unique English baby names?
Try names like Ellis, Isolde, Cedric and Hale. All English-rooted but underused.
Are old-fashioned names coming back?
Absolutely. Names like Winifred, Reuben and Agatha are making slow but stylish comebacks among parents looking for that classic charm.
Bookmark this post and check back for more themed baby name lists coming soon. You’re not alone in this journey and you don’t have to settle for another Ava or Liam if you don’t want to.
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