With the world population reaching over 6.6 billion, it's
no wonder that parents are constantly looking for unusual names
for their children. Fortunately, unusual doesn't have to be wacky,
weird or downright outrageous.
We've found some of the coolest baby names that won't leave
your kids hanging their heads in shame when they're older.
Girls' names
Alaia
Pronounced A-lay-ah, this pretty name is of Arabic origin and means
'Sublime'. Stephen Baldwin named his daughter this.
Why we like it…lyrical and haunting, this name is very feminine
yet incredibly rare, not even making the top 1000 in baby name popularity.
Perfect for your unique little pink bundle.
Bay
This unusual name, of French origin, was historically used as a
boys' name, shortened from Bayard, meaning 'Auburn haired'. Although
still very rare, it is now becoming popular as a name for baby girls.
Its alternative meaning is 'Born on a Saturday'.
Why we like it… gorgeously feminine, it's unusual but pronouncable,
and short so it can't be shortened.
Elsie
This traditional name, meaning 'My God is a vow', was once used
as a pet name for Elizabeth but is now coming back into fashion
as a name in its own right.
Why we like it…soft and lyrical, it conjures up romantic
images of Victorian England.
Finn
This Gaelic name is equally suited to both girls and boys, although
it is slightly more unusual for girls. Meaning 'Fair' it can also
be spelled 'Fynn'.
Why we like it…this is a perfect representation of the English
rose complexion. It's also feminine enough to bestow on any little
girl, but not too feminine that it won't suit her should she turn
into a bit of a tomboy.
Florence
This Latin name was inspired by Florence Nightingale, who was named
after the Italian city where she was born. Meaning 'flowering and
in bloom', it was very popular in the Victorian era, and has seen
a new popularity in recent years.
Why we like it…traditional but pretty, and the absolute
epitomy of olden times chic. If you like pet names, some variants
include Flo or Florrie.
Jema
Pronounced Jay-ma, this Tibetan name quite simply means 'Beautiful'.
Why we like it…as a variant of the more traditional English
spelling of Jemma, the pronunciation and spelling of this name makes
it more unique without being too difficult to pronounce.
Maia
This beautiful name pronounced May-ah is of Greek origin and means
nurse and mother. It was also the name of the Greek goddess of spring,
mother to Hermes.
Why we like it…beautifully feminine, yet simple to pronounce,
an ideal choice if you like mythical names.
Rain
This name originated in America and has gained the elite status
of an acceptably unusual name, meaning 'abundant blessings from
above'.
Why we like it…although relatively modern, it's simple and
very pretty when used as a girl's name thanks to the images of Mother
Nature that the word conjures up.
Trinity
Most popular in Spanish cultures, this name gained recognition
following the lead female character in the blockbuster film The
Matrix. Of Latin origin, its meaning refers to the Holy Trinity
in Christian faith.
Why we like it…lyrical and feminine, it's an easily pronounced,
yet still unusual name.
Willow
Although once rarely used as a first name, Willow has gained in
popularity thanks to TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However,
it's still an unusual name which isn't heard very often. It's English
in origin, and means slender and graceful. Will Smith gave this
name to his daughter.
Why we like it…hauntingly feminine, and very pretty, although
it can be shortened it probably wouldn't be as it's easily spoken.
Boys' names
Alfie
Like many boys' names, Alfie has gained in popularity over recent
years, thanks to its 'cool grandad' feel. Originally from the Old
English Aelfraed, meaning elf counsel, it also means sage, wise
and handsome.
Why we like it…despite becoming more popular, this name
has a real vintage, old man cool feel about it.
Asher
First brought into English use by the Puritans, this name is of
Hebrew origin and means fortunate, lucky, blessed and happy.
Why we like it…it's unusual enough to be different, but
can be shortened to the more common form of Ash if your son wants
to be less unusual when he's at school.
Caleb
This Biblical name is of Hebrew origin and means dog. Caleb was
the companion for Moses and known for his fearlessness and astute
observation.
Why we like it…strong and masculine, this name suits all
ages.
Dax
This unusual name is of French origin, after a town in Southwestern
France that dates from before the days or the Roman occupation.
Why we like it…a good solid name, unusual but not weird,
and it can't be shortened.
Kalin
This name is Greek in origin and comes from the word 'kalos' meaning
beautiful. Made popular by several science fiction stories, it's
still not one you'll come across on a regular basis in the classroom.
Why we like it…a nice sounding name, cool enough to see
him through his teens and mature enough to cope with throughout
adulthood.
Luca
Derived from Luke, this name is Greek in origin and means from
Lucanus, a region in Southern Italy. It also has biblical references
after the writer of one of the four Gospels. Still rare in comparison
to Luke, it enjoyed a brief rise in popularity after a character
in US soap ER.
Why we like it…it gives a more exotic twist to the more
traditional Luke, but is short and simple and easily pronounced.
Maddox
This name, made somewhat trendy by Angelina Jolie, is Irish in
origin and means son of God.
Why we like it…despite its celebrity link, this strong name
remains relatively rare.
Seth
Hebrew in origin, this name was also given to the third son of
Adam and Eve and means appointed. Very popular in the USA, it is
gaining some popularity in the UK.
Why we like it…short, strong and masculine, but not overused.
Ted
This name is an English form of the Greek Theodore, meaning God's
gift, or a shortened form of Edward, meaning wealth protector.
Why we like it…short, easily pronounced and masculine, it
belongs to the nostalgic cool grandad names club.
Zinan
Japanese in origin, this cool name means second son. It has been
used in some sci-fi films.
Why we like it…powerful and masculine, with sci-fi links,
this name is the ultimate in cool.
