16 Unique Baby Names That Aren’t Nouns
The baby name business has gotten a bit out of hand. While we love unique names, sometimes names like Toaster or Tree just don’t have the same ring as, say, Leila or Patrick. But we totally get the desire to have a name that differs from the mainstream. After all, our names are Olivia Taylor and Jasmine Williams…which are very popular.
People are literally paying Baby Name Consultants, like TikToker Colleen, to generate a list of top names for their little bundle of joy.
This concept isn’t all that new, but the idea of paying thousands of dollars for a list of names certainly is. The Wall Street Journal reported on the rise of baby name consultants and “the art of ‘branding’ your newborn” in 2007. With the boom in baby naming books circa early 2000s and the rise in funky celeb baby names like Apple Martin and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (and today’s celeb baby names like Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette, Pilot Inspektor and Exa Dark Sideræl), baby-naming has become a source of stress and incredible importance. So stressful, in fact, that a few thousand dollars doesn’t look so bad.
Don't worry though – we definitely won’t charge you $10k for your baby’s unique name. Instead, here are 16 baby names that are cute and unique, and might be the perfect fit for your little one.
Unique Baby Names for Girls
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- Aria — All we can think about is, "Here comes Queen Aria," whenever we see this name. Similar to Arielle's name from The Little Mermaid, Aria is synonymous with something melodic.
- Iris — Just like the iris of your eye, this name means your daughter will more than likely have a bright and colorful personality!
- Maia — Instead of the traditional spelling of Mya, this name has Latin roots and means "great."
- Ayla — Your daughter will have sturdy characteristics thanks to her Hebrew name!
- Asha — Let your little girl's name remind you that there's much to be hopeful about.
- Naomi — Take a cue from famed model Naomi Campbell and let your daughter's name introduce her beauty to the world.
Gender-Neutral Unique Baby Names
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- Campbell — This Scottish name means "beautiful field" so we're sure it means your son's being will be full of beautiful traits and perspectives .
- Reese — There's a reason why Reese Witherspoon has such a enthralling personality. Her name means "passion" and "enthusiasm."
- Greer — We can hear Beyoncé's song "Protector" playing when we say this name because it means "guardian."
- Lennon — There's a reason the world was so drawn to John Lennon's name. Lennon means "dear one" and we know that's how you'll feel about your newborn!
- Sterling — "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" has nothing on the name Sterling. On second thought, it could serve as your baby's unofficial theme song.
Unique Baby Names For Your Son
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- Lennox — Trade the 'n' in Lennon for an X to get this Scottish name. It rolls off the tongue, making it easier for others to pronounce.
- Adler — Your little eagle is sure to soar high under your watchful eye.
- Rowan — Have a cute baby that was born with a head full of red hair? Name him Rowan which means "little Red one." While you're at it, check out these lucky Irish baby names for more ideas!
- Banks — If you feel drawn to water during your pregnancy, there's a good chance there's a reason why. Banks translates to "edge of the river."
- Rigg —Whether you choose this as your baby's first or middle name, it'll be easy for others to remember it!
We know this process can be stressful, but don’t worry. As a new parent, you have so many other things taking up space in your mind, and this shouldn’t be one of them. Whatever baby name you go with, we’re sure it will be amazing.
Got any other unique baby name ideas? Share them with us in the comments!
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This post has been updated.
Lead image via Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash