60 Rare Baby Names You'll Completely Fall In Love With

Traditional baby names aren't for everyone. Maybe you're a free spirit, or maybe you just don't want your kid to have to share a name with several people in their class when they start school. Whatever the reason, you don't want to give your baby just any name. If you're trying to veer away from more commonly used names, we've got the scoop on some gorgeous monikers that are really rare, according to statistics.

So, whether you're looking for a stunning nature-inspired moniker, a name that is literally legendary, or a title that puts a new spin on an old classic, give these names a try. You just might find the perfect choice for your little one.

This nature-inspired name comes from the Roman goddess of fertility, women, and healing. The Latin meaning of the name translates to "young deer." As for the popularity of the name Fauna, it reached its peak back in 1978 and steadily declined each year until around 2015, when it began to make a comeback. Despite the fact that more people are using it these days, this pretty, earthy name is still a relatively rare one.

Imara is a Kiswahili name that means "firm" or "strong." Unlike other, more common girls' names like Audrey and Valerie, which have similar meanings of strength or power, Imara is a very unique name that is rarely used in the United States. In 2018, only 11 out of one million babies were named Imara, making it a great choice for people looking for a rare baby name.

The name Gable is of German extraction and means "God is bright," according to Baby Names. Another interpretation of the name's meaning is that it comes from the Ashkenazi name for a fork merchant, called a "Gabel." Additionally, people who hear the name Gable will likely think of Clark Gable, the old Hollywood actor, so this name has an old-fashioned feel, similar to names like Brando and Chaplin.

For lovers of old-fashioned baby names, Orla could be a favorite. Its sound is similar to classic names like Twyla and Clara, but it's even more unique — the name is hardly used at all in the United States, with only 50 babies given the name in 2021. Orla comes from the Irish name Órlaith, which means "golden ruler," according to Behind the Name. This name was frequently given to Irish royals, so that definitely adds to its appeal.

The name Zosia is of Polish origin and is a diminutive of another Polish name, Zofia. The meaning of Zosia is "wisdom," and though it is a rare baby name, it has gained a little popularity since around 2012. You may have heard the name Zosia if you watched HBO's "Girls," since actress Zosia Mamet played one of the main characters in the show.

Addax is a unique baby name that refers to the white antelope native to the Sahara Desert, according to Nameberry. Addax is a modern-sounding, gender-neutral name that is great for parents looking for something a little different, since it is rarer than more popular names that have a similar sound, like Maddox and Jax.

Baby names ending in '-lynn' are increasingly popular, with names like Raelynn and Evelyn being common choices. Ezlynn is in a similar vein, but certainly more unique; as of 2023, only 8 out of a million babies were given the name. Though some may think of Ezlynn as a more contemporary-sounding name, it is actually a Sri Lankan moniker coming from Ezlynn Deraniyagala, who was known for her feminist activism in the 1960s, per Nameberry.

This gender-neutral name is of Irish descent and has the powerful meaning of "lord" or "master." Tierney is often seen as a surname, but can make a great first name as well, especially for parents looking to honor their Irish lineage. It also offers the benefit of being quite unique; it reached its peak popularity in 1993, but even then, it was a rare name to come across.

Odessa is an elegant girl's name that has Greek roots. Though Odessa technically means "wrathful," or "one who receives pain," it's derived from the name of the Greek hero Odysseus, who showed immense strength as he went through many trials and tribulations — and looking at the name in that context definitely makes it a more of a powerful name than a wrathful one. Odessa was somewhat popular in the early 1900s, but steadily decreased until around 2016, when it became slightly more popular.

Penn is a boy's name with English roots that means "lives by the hill" or "enclosure." While the name's meaning isn't necessarily impressive, the name itself is simple and distinctive. Plus, many impressive people hold the name, including actors Penn Badgley and Sean Penn, who has the name as his surname. This moniker is a good option for those who want a memorable yet elegant name.

Avani is a name that means "earth" in Sanskrit, making it a good choice for parents who like nature-inspired names. Most often used for girls, it is a moniker that exudes a sense of warmth while still remaining classic, since it's somewhat similar to more common names like Ava and Avery.

Yuri is a unique boy's name that means "farmer." It has Russian roots, but is found in Japanese, Hebrew, and Korean cultures as well. If you want your baby to have an out-of-this-world legacy, Yuri could be a good option: The first human to ever travel to outer space was Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet pilot who went to space in 1961.

The name Stormi has gained some traction over the years, likely thanks to Kylie Jenner's daughter with Travis Scott. Following in the tradition of this name is the less tempestuous but equally weatherful Raini, which is a variation of Rainey. While Raini is a seldomly used name for girls, it could also potentially be used as a masculine variation of the male name Rainer, making it a gender-neutral name.

Meaning "from the Sabines," the masculine Latin name Sabian could be used as an alternative to Fabian, which has seen a fair amount of use in the U.S. and several European countries. Sabian could also be used as an alternative to another similar-sounding name, Sebastian, which has become an exceedingly popular handle in the U.S. in the 21st century, holding steady in the top 20 baby names for boys since 2018.

Taking its cue from the more common names Selina and Selene, Solena is a rare baby name that rolls right off the tongue. It's perfect for those looking to pay tribute to the late Latina singer Selena Quintanilla or French Canadian songstress Celine Dion. This uncommon spelling variation invokes beauty and grace while remaining distinct enough to not be mixed up with more popular versions of the name.

Fans of the "Harry Potter" books by J.K. Rowling will no doubt recognize Lupin as the all-too-fitting surname of the professor and werewolf Remus. Lupin, according to Nameberry, derives from Latin and means "pertaining to the wolf." Lupines are also flowers that are sometimes referred to as bluebonnets. Lupin sees limited use as a masculine name, as does its feminine counterpart, Lupine.

While there was a time when the name Lera consistently ranked in the top 1000 names for baby girls in the U.S., it hasn't been seen on baby name charts since 1925, making it more than ready for a revival. A similar-sounding moniker, Lyra — coming from the name of a constellation of stars — has been climbing the ranks since 2015, but Lera remains infrequently used in the U.S., as does the name that it is derived from, Valeriya.

Joining other tree-inspired names like Willow, Aspen, and Ash is Banyan. While the banyan tree is commonly found in tropical areas, as a given name, it doesn't have very deep roots. Small numbers of parents have been seeing the appeal of the name, though, branching out from more popular names and giving this handle to their baby boys. A type of fig tree, the banyan is celebrated as the national tree of India.

For an epic name for your baby girl, consider Saga. This name has Norse origins, according to Behind the Name, and is the name of the goddess of wisdom. Saga is also a word for a dramatic tale or story, typically of prodigious length. Saga's roots make it a fitting name for lovers of Viking history or literature.

Names like Darren and Derek are classic and common names for baby boys. If you are looking for something that is a bit more off the beaten path, though, consider the similar-sounding but less frequently spotted Adarian. Mummy Pages says that Adarian is a variation of the name Hadrian, which means "rich" or "dark," but it can also be seen as a variation of Darian, which Behind the Name notes is likely a variation of the more widely used Darren.

Names ending with a "lee" sound are a baby name trend that we can't seem to shake. Many babies have been given names like Paisley, Riley, and Kinsley over the years, and it can be tricky to find names that fit this modern-sounding trend that don't also feel overused. Ainslie — a variation of Ainsley — is one way to do just that. 

According to The Bump, the name Ainslie comes to us from Old English and refers to a "hermitage wood or clearing," making it an ideal pick for nature lovers. While Ainslie is a gender-neutral name, its few usages have been among parents of baby girls.

Like the mythical creature that it takes its inspiration from, Phoenyx is a baby name that is on the rise — albeit slowly. This gender-neutral spelling variation of the more common Phoenix hasn't been spotted on the baby name charts, unlike its more traditional counterpart. While the name is hardly ever seen given to babies — regardless of gender — when it is used, it tends to end up more on the birth certificates of baby boys than of girls. 

In mythology, the phoenix is perpetually caught in a cycle of rebirth, dying in a blaze of fire before being reborn from its own ashes. Behind the Name notes that it comes from a Greek word that means "dark red."

According to Behind the Name, Ardyn comes from the Latin "ardēns," meaning "burning, brilliant, ardent, passionate." It's also a spelling variation of the gender-neutral name Arden, which was originally an English last name. Arden is a name that has seen limited use, but Ardyn is even more rare, having only been given to a handful of babies.

Vivian is a name that has a long history. Per Behind the Name, it can trace its roots to the Latin word "vivus," which means "alive." With such deep significance, it's not surprising that Vivian was once commonly used as a gender-neutral name. It declined in popularity among baby boys some time ago, but it remains widely used for baby girls. For a more modern alternative to this classic, try Vianne, which has not seen very much use.

There is no shortage of beloved names ending in "yn" — think Evelyn, Madelyn, and Brooklyn — but there are some options if you love the sound of the suffix but don't want to give your baby a name that sounds too common. Consider Lenyn, a spelling variation of Lennon, made famous by Beatles member John Lennon. While technically a gender-neutral name as other spelling variations of the name are, Lenyn has only been given to a handful of girls and is doled out even less to boys. According to Behind the Name, the name Lenyn ultimately comes from the Irish Leannán, which means "lover."

Colmán is an Irish name that comes from the name Colum which, per Behind the Name, is the Old Irish word for "dove." If that sweet legacy weren't enough already, it's also the Irish version of the Latin name Columba, which was borne by many saints. Colman removes the accent from the name, changing the pronunciation slightly, but also making it that much rarer as well as a good alternative to the name Coleman, which sees more use.

The seldom-used name Mave is rooted in Celtic folklore. According to the tales, Queen Medb (also spelled Maeve) was a powerful and feared ruler. The name has seen many incarnations over the years, in part thanks to translations from Irish to English. Mave is a variation that isn't utilized very often and is a perfect way to subtly honor Irish roots or feminine strength.

Sergey is a well-loved name for baby boys in parts of Europe, but few parents in the United States have given this handle to their own little ones. This strong-sounding name has ambiguous roots. It is derived from the Roman family name Sergius, which Behind the Name notes could come from the Latin word for "servant," but is probably derived from Etruscan.

Sergius has a long history and was the name of several Christian saints as well as four popes. Still, as prized as Sergius has been throughout history, Sergey stands apart as a distinct and far from ordinary name.

Magda, a shortened form of the elaborately lengthy name Magdalena, sees frequent use in Brazil, Czechia, and Poland, but in the U.S. this sweet baby name remains quite rare. That makes Magda a good alternative to the lengthier variation of the moniker, which is in the top 1000 baby names for girls in the U.S. as well as in several other countries.

You might recognize the ancient city of Jericho as the site of the Biblical Battle of Jericho. Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world and still exists today in Palestine's Israeli-occupied West Bank. The meaning of the city's name is uncertain, but it could come from the Hebrew word for "moon," per Behind the Name.

Jericho is a fairly uncommon name, but one that has seen a decent amount of use for baby boys. Spell it Jeriko, though, and you've got a distinguished baby name that comes packed with history.

Oracles are believed to convey prophecies and wisdom. Coming from the Latin root "orare" meaning "to pray" or "to speak," per Britannica, this name has long roots, although its use as a given name is quite recent — not to mention infrequent. While some of the most famous oracles of history were women, such as ancient Greece's Oracle of Delphi, the name Oracle is gender-neutral.

Despite the '90s hit sitcom of the same name and a 2023 reboot, both starring Kelsey Grammer, Frasier isn't a very conventional given name. This could be because people are so accustomed to hearing it used as a last name (it's a spelling variation of Fraser). Grammer's "Frasier" character, Frasier Crane, is proof that the moniker works wonderfully as a first name as well, though, and you can be one of the few parents to help popularize it with your baby boy.

You are no doubt familiar with the name Reese thanks to "Legally Blonde" actor Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon has undergone a stunning transformation, as has her name, which has seen many forms. Rhyse is a variation of the name that doesn't see much traction. Per Behind the Name, both monikers come from Rhys, a Welsh name that is believed to derive from an Old Welsh word that means "ardor" or "enthusiasm."

This direct and regal-sounding name feels quite modern, although it has deep roots. While Rhyse has primarily been given to baby boys, it could just as easily be used as a gender-neutral name as other spelling variations are.

Striking the balance between old-fashioned names and modern monikers that still capture the melodic flow of the ornamental names of days gone by can be tricky. Amalina is a name that sounds like it could have been given to your grandmother but is, in fact, hardly ever used, never popping up on the U.S. baby name charts. A variant of the name, Amelina, was quite loved by parents in France in the early 20th century, but either version of this name will leave your baby girl in rare company in the modern era.

Some of the most unique names are ones that originated as last names. Take Harlow, for instance. Made famous by the actress Jean Harlow in the 1920s and 1930s, the name began gaining traction as a given name after reality star Nicole Richie gave it to her daughter — who has grown up to look just like her — in the aughts. As a gender-neutral given name, Harlow is already pretty rare, but Harlowe is even more uncommon — especially for boys.

For those who are looking for something other than a run-of-the-mill name, Kassia is a sweet feminine moniker that comes to us from the ancient Roman surname Cassius. Another lovely variation of this moniker is Cassia. This underused name makes a good alternative to endearing but far more commonly used names such as Cassandra, Cassie, and Casey, all of which are recognizable enough to make Kassia feel classic and modern at the same time.

While the name Lumi is a cherished name in Finland, its place of origin, it is quite rare in the U.S. The word "lumi" means "snow" in Finnish and, while it's used primarily as a feminine name in the Nordic nation, it is seeing use as a gender-neutral name in the U.S. Lumi is given to a few dozen girls in the U.S. each year, but parents of boys are starting to recognize how unique this crisp-sounding name is — albeit in very small numbers.

The letter "z" can make a name feel classic without dooming it to sounding stuffy and old-fashioned, and that holds true for the name Zarena. This elegant name is distinguished without being overused, making it a good alternative to the more widely given name Serena, which has been around since ancient Rome and regularly ranks on baby name lists in the U.S.

The name Kobe has been on baby name charts for boys since the late '90s, likely thanks to basketball legend Kobe Bryant who rose to fame playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Variations of this name remain quite rarely used, though. Interestingly, one variation of the name, Cobie, is used more frequently for girls than it is for boys, although it is seldom used regardless of gender. That it's on parents' radars at all could be because of the actor Cobie Smulders, one of the main stars of the popular sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."

Following in the steps of other monosyllable names ending in "-ed" such as Ted, Fred, and Jed is the short and sweet Zed. Zed is the pronunciation of the last letter of the alphabet among many English speakers outside of the U.S. As a name, though, The Bump notes that Zed is a shortened version of the Hebrew name Zedekiah and means "the Lord is just." The name Zed made a brief appearance in the baby name rankings in the U.S. in 1894, when it came in as the 857th most popular name for boys that year, but it hasn't appeared on the baby name charts since then.

Names that start with the letter "x" aren't very common, so you're already off to a good start in terms of picking an uncommon name when choosing one for your baby. While more and more Baby Center users are seeing the beauty in the name Xyra, it seems that few parents have been adventurous enough to give it to their baby girls yet — perhaps you can be among the first.

Pronounced just like "time" — something that will go by all too quickly once your precious baby is in your arms — Thyme joins other herb-inspired names like Rosemary, Sage, and Basil. Its limited use has been among baby girls, but Thyme can be used as a gender-neutral name. Consider the name Thyme if you're a lover of nature, or perhaps fine cuisine.

According to The Bump, the name Alinda has a few meanings, including "beautiful" and "noble shield." Its similarity to names like Alina, Linda, and Rosalinda makes Alinda a good fit for parents looking for a name that feels familiar but also hasn't been given to too many babies. Plus, tried and true nicknames like Allie and Linnie still work for this seldom-seen name.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, helped launch the name Archie — typically a nickname for Archibald — into the mainstream as a given name when they named their firstborn child Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019. Given the massive fan base of the British royal family across the globe, it's not a surprise that Archie has been chosen by parents for their baby boys. If you love Prince Archie's name but want your little one to stand out a little more, consider Archi as an alternative.

Danielle, Dani, and Daniela are all feminine variations of the name Daniel that you have probably heard before. Daniel — a Hebrew name meaning "God is my judge," per Behind the Name — is beloved all over the world, too. With so many incarnations of this moniker ranking on baby name charts, you might think that there is no way for it to feel fresh, but Daneli is a lovely feminine alternative that only a few baby girls in the U.S. bear.

If you're a fan of Arthurian legend or the fantasy show "Once Upon a Time," you have no doubt heard the name Lancelot. Sir Lancelot was one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and the legendary ruler's right-hand man. The name dates back to the 12th century but, despite its long, literary roots, it hasn't ever really caught on as a name in the English-speaking world. Maybe your chivalrous baby boy will be the one to change that.

Floral names like Rose, Lily, and Iris are age-old standbys, but there is a whole bouquet of baby names out there that don't get enough love. Enter Orchid, a floral moniker that is as sweet as your baby girl that you won't be able to help falling in love with. According to mindbodygreen, orchids have carried deep meaning for various cultures over the years and are often linked to love. Like babies, orchids tend to require a lot of nurturing, making it an apt name choice for a blossoming little one.

Sharing an ending with Alexander, a traditional name that makes top baby name lists in more than a dozen countries is Isander, a very infrequently used alternative that you will want to snag up for your little boy. While Alexander is given to thousands of boys every year, Isander is given to just a handful. You can still use some of the nicknames for Alexander, too, such as Sandy or Zander.

While Embry is a name that could be used for your baby regardless of gender, it is especially rare for baby boys. That being said, this name is quite uncommon, so its uniqueness is assured. Originating from a last name, Stephenie Meyer used this name in her "Twilight" series. Embry is a good alternative to the far more popular Ember, but no less lovely.

Just one letter off from the far more common Travis is Tavis, an Irish name and Gaelic name that comes to us from Tavish. According to Behind the Name, Tavish can be traced back to the beloved baby name Thomas, which means "twin," but it could also come from the Scottish last name McTavish. Whatever the roots of the name, what is certain is that this is a scarce and powerful title that you will love for your baby boy.

Whether you want to pay homage to Taylor Swift's tenth studio album or you have a special fondness for the witching hour, Midnight is a distinctive baby name choice that evokes the mystery and majesty of those late night/early morning hours. If you do choose this gender-neutral name for your baby, though, be prepared for them to push for their curfew to match their name when they get older.

A rook is a type of crow and also a piece in chess, so bird watchers and board game aficionados alike might want to try this powerful name for their baby boys. Rook is already a rare baby name, but add an "e" to the end of the handle and you have one that is even more unlikely to make its way onto a list of popular names.

While the chances of your baby boy becoming a knight are slim, there's no reason not to name him Knighton, a name that is even scarcer than real-life knights are. Although the few times the name Knighton has been given out have marked it as a masculine name (for now), variations of this noble name such as Knightly and Knightley have been given to girls.

Noah has been a tried and true baby name for centuries and is so popular that it began seeing growing use as a gender-neutral name in the U.S. in the 2020s. If you like the sound of the name but want something that is a bit more current, consider the infrequently used Zoah, which does not see much use regardless of gender. That one letter makes all the difference, taking Noah from its ancient Hebrew roots (meaning "rest," per Behind the Name) into the 21st century.

Names like Nikki, Rikki, and Bobbie are feminine names that take their cue from masculine monikers. In that same vein is Nikko, a name that has been used for babies of all genders but is exceptionally unusual for baby girls. Nikko is ultimately derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which Behind the Name explains means "victory of the people." You'll definitely feel like a winner after picking this seldom-seen name for your little one.

Rick — a diminutive of Richard — is a well-known nickname, but there are some uncommon monikers that incorporate it. Merrick, a Welsh surname, saw a brief surge of use as a given name in the late 2010s. Even more rare is Herick, a masculine name with German roots meaning "war ruler," per Nameberry. The name Herick is also a good alternative to the name Eric, although you could still use it as a nickname.

Names ending in -ayden are having their heyday, with monikers like Brayden, Zayden, and Ayden popping up on baby name charts all the time. While all of these names are masculine, Layden is gender-neutral — albeit far more popular among baby boys than baby girls. That being said, you won't see this name very often regardless of gender, so it's a safe choice for a unique title.

Marie Antoinette might be an important historical figure, but the second half of her name is nowhere near as popular as the first. Marie regularly makes baby name charts, but Antoinette hasn't ranked in the U.S. since 2000. If you want a really rare version of this classic name, though, check out Antonieta. Both monikers are feminine forms of the ever-popular Anthony.

While the name Kendall — which was originally a surname — has seen quite a bit of use among babies of all genders, likely thanks in part to Kendall Jenner of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" fame, Kindall is a similar but scarce variation that has seen minimal use for baby girls. Still, this moniker could also be used as a gender-neutral name just like its more common counterpart is.

As beautiful as the stars in the night sky are, they will certainly dim in comparison to the radiance of your baby girl. Why not give her a name that matches her brightness and one-of-a-kind personality? Starly is a celestial moniker that will no doubt help your baby shine and encourage her to reach for the stars that are her namesake.