Baby Names That Are Rare and Special

Choosing a baby name is an exciting and meaningful decision. While some parents prefer classic names, others seek something unique and extraordinary. A rare name can give a child a sense of individuality and charm, making it a special choice.

With that in mind, here is a collection of 100 rare and special names for girls and 100 for boys, each with a unique meaning and background.

Rare and Special Girl Names

Adelise

Of French and German origin, Adelise means «noble» and «kind.» It has an elegant and timeless feel.

Alouette

Derived from French, Alouette means «lark.» This nature-inspired name is musical and poetic.

Amara

With roots in multiple languages, Amara means «eternal» in Sanskrit and «grace» in Igbo. It’s a name full of beauty and depth.

Amethyst

Inspired by the gemstone, Amethyst symbolizes peace and clarity. It’s a unique choice for those who love rare and nature-related names.

Apolline

Of Greek origin, Apolline is derived from the god Apollo, meaning «strength» and «light.» It has a mythological and sophisticated appeal.

Arianwen

This Welsh name means «holy silver.» It is an elegant and ethereal choice with a fairytale-like quality.

Astoria

Astoria has a regal and sophisticated charm, derived from the Greek word for «hawk.» It evokes grandeur and timeless beauty.

Azaria

A Hebrew name meaning «helped by God,» Azaria has a spiritual depth while remaining uncommon.

Beatrix

Meaning «bringer of joy» in Latin, Beatrix has a vintage yet vibrant feel. It is famously associated with author Beatrix Potter.

Bellamy

Of French origin, Bellamy means «beautiful friend.» It is rare but has a modern and stylish appeal.

Briar

Briar is an English name meaning «thorny bush,» often associated with nature and fairytales like Sleeping Beauty.

Briony

A floral name of Greek origin meaning «to sprout.» It has a delicate yet lively feel.

Calliope

In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of epic poetry, meaning «beautiful voice.» It is bold, elegant, and rare.

Calypso

Another Greek name, Calypso means «to conceal» and is linked to the nymph from Homer’s Odyssey. It is mysterious and enchanting.

Cassia

Derived from Greek, Cassia means «cinnamon.» This warm and exotic name has a sweet and spicy touch.

Celandine

A botanical name of Latin origin, meaning «swallow flower.» It has a delicate and poetic charm.

Celestine

From Latin, Celestine means «heavenly.» It is rare yet elegant, with a celestial feel.

Cleo

Of Greek origin, Cleo means «glory.» It is short, strong, and sophisticated.

Cressida

A Shakespearean name meaning «golden.» It is rare, lyrical, and timeless.

Damaris

A Greek name meaning «gentle.» It has a soft yet sophisticated feel.

Daphne

In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who turned into a laurel tree. The name means «laurel» and is both classic and rare.

Delphine

From French and Greek origins, Delphine means «dolphin» and carries a graceful and oceanic charm.

Eulalia

Of Greek origin, Eulalia means «sweet-speaking.» It has an elegant and melodic quality.

Evadne

A Greek name meaning «pleasant water.» It is rare, refined, and mythical.

Fable

An English word name, Fable is charming, whimsical, and perfect for a storybook-inspired choice.

Faustine

Derived from Latin, Faustine means «fortunate.» It has a vintage European elegance.

Freya

Of Norse origin, Freya means «lady» and is associated with the goddess of love and beauty.

Giselle

A German name meaning «pledge,» Giselle is graceful and refined, made famous by the ballet of the same name.

Guinevere

From Arthurian legend, Guinevere means «white phantom.» It has a regal and mythical allure.

Honora

Of Latin origin, Honora means «honor.» It is elegant, classic, and underused.

Isolde

Of Celtic origin, Isolde is best known from the tragic romance of Tristan and Isolde. The name means «ice ruler» and carries a mystical and timeless beauty.

Juno

In Roman mythology, Juno was the goddess of marriage and queen of the gods. The name is bold and regal.

Lilith

Of Assyrian origin, Lilith means «night monster» or «ghost,» often associated with folklore and mystery.

Lyra

From Greek, Lyra means «lyre» and is associated with the constellation of the same name.

Melisande

A French name meaning «strong in work,» Melisande has a fairy-tale feel.

Niamh

A Gaelic name meaning «bright» or «radiant,» Niamh has a mystical and timeless sound.

Odette

A French name meaning «wealth,» Odette is famous from the ballet Swan Lake.

Ophelia

Of Greek origin, Ophelia means «help» and is best known from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Persephone

A Greek name meaning «bringer of destruction,» Persephone was the queen of the underworld in mythology.

Rowena

Of Old English origin, Rowena means «fame and joy.» It has a medieval and noble feel.

Sapphira

A Greek name meaning «sapphire,» Sapphira is rare and gem-inspired.

Selene

From Greek mythology, Selene was the moon goddess, giving the name a luminous quality.

Theodosia

A Greek name meaning «gift of God,» Theodosia is grand and elegant.

Vesper

From Latin, Vesper means «evening star,» giving it a celestial and poetic appeal.

Yvaine

A literary name meaning «evening star,» Yvaine has a magical and medieval charm.

Stay tuned for 100 rare and special boy names!

Rare and Special Boy Names

Alaric

Of Germanic origin, Alaric means «ruler of all.» It has a strong and noble sound.

Ambrose

From Latin, Ambrose means «immortal.» It has a vintage charm with a timeless feel.

Ansel

Derived from German, Ansel means «divine protection.» It has an artistic and sophisticated appeal.

Apollo

In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of the sun, music, and poetry. This name radiates strength and creativity.

Ariston

From Greek, Ariston means «the best.» It has a strong yet refined sound.

Atlas

A Greek name meaning «to endure,» Atlas carries strength and worldly charm.

Aurelius

Derived from Latin, Aurelius means «golden.» It is a regal and classic choice.

Aziel

A Hebrew name meaning «God is my strength,» Aziel is rare yet powerful.

Balthazar

Of Hebrew origin, Balthazar means «Baal protects the king.» It has an exotic and mystical appeal.

Basil

A Greek name meaning «royal» or «kingly,» Basil is simple yet dignified.

Calix

Derived from Greek, Calix means «handsome» or «chalice.» It has a sleek and modern sound.

Cassian

A Latin name meaning «hollow,» Cassian has a sophisticated, timeless quality.

Cosmo

Of Greek origin, Cosmo means «order» or «beauty of the universe.» It has a futuristic and elegant feel.

Cyrus

A Persian name meaning «sun» or «throne,» Cyrus is bold and historical.

Dashiell

A French and Scottish surname, Dashiell has a literary and adventurous spirit.

Deveraux

Of French origin, Deveraux means «from the riverbank.» It has a noble and rare elegance.

Elio

Derived from Greek and Spanish, Elio means «sun.» It is warm and radiant.

Emrys

A Welsh name meaning «immortal,» Emrys is associated with Merlin in Arthurian legends.

Evander

Of Greek origin, Evander means «good man» and carries a heroic and ancient charm.

Finlo

A rare Manx name meaning «fair Lugh,» referring to the Celtic god of light.

Florin

Derived from Latin, Florin means «flowering» and has an elegant medieval feel.

Galen

A Greek name meaning «calm» or «healer,» Galen has a scholarly and peaceful quality.

Hawthorne

Of English origin, Hawthorne means «hedge of thorns.» It is literary and distinguished.

Ignatius

Derived from Latin, Ignatius means «fiery.» It has a strong and vintage appeal.

Indigo

A color-inspired name with Greek and Latin roots, Indigo is vibrant and artistic.

Isidore

Of Greek origin, Isidore means «gift of Isis.» It is classic and underused.

Jago

A Cornish name meaning «supplanter,» Jago has a bold and striking sound.

Leander

A Greek name meaning «lion-man,» Leander is both powerful and poetic.

Leif

A Scandinavian name meaning «heir» or «descendant,» famously associated with Viking explorer Leif Erikson.

Lucian

From Latin, Lucian means «light.» It has a soft yet intelligent feel.

Lysander

A Greek name meaning «liberator,» Lysander is heroic and rare.

Marcellus

A Latin name meaning «little warrior,» Marcellus is strong and classic.

Marlo

Of uncertain origin, Marlo is often associated with meanings like «driftwood» or «from the hill by the lake.»

Montague

A French name meaning «pointed mountain,» Montague has a romantic and literary charm.

Oberon

A name of Germanic origin meaning «noble bear,» Oberon is best known as the fairy king in Shakespeare’s «A Midsummer Night’s Dream.»

Octavian

A Latin name meaning «eighth,» Octavian was the name of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus.

Orion

From Greek mythology, Orion is a celestial name linked to the famous constellation.

Peregrine

A Latin name meaning «traveler» or «wanderer,» Peregrine has a noble and adventurous feel.

Phineas

Of Hebrew origin, Phineas means «oracle» and has a vintage charm.

Quillon

A Latin name meaning «crossing swords,» Quillon is bold and uncommon.

Rafferty

An Irish name meaning «prosperity,» Rafferty is charming and lively.

Remus

Of Latin origin, Remus is linked to the legend of Rome’s founders, Romulus and Remus.

Rhodes

A Greek name meaning «where roses grow,» Rhodes is sophisticated and strong.

Rune

A Scandinavian name meaning «secret» or «mystery,» Rune has a magical and ancient charm.

Seraphim

A biblical name meaning «fiery ones,» Seraphim has an angelic and majestic feel.

Solstice

Derived from Latin, Solstice means «sun standing still» and is perfect for those who love celestial and nature-inspired names.

Thaddeus

Of Aramaic origin, Thaddeus means «courageous heart.» It has a vintage and strong appeal.

Thelonius

A Latin and Germanic name meaning «lord,» famously associated with jazz musician Thelonious Monk.

Tiberius

A Latin name meaning «of the Tiber,» Tiberius has a regal and historical charm.

Ulysses

A Greek and Latin name linked to the epic hero of Homer’s «Odyssey.»

Valerian

Of Latin origin, Valerian means «strong and healthy.»

Wystan

An Old English name meaning «battle stone,» Wystan is rare and poetic.

Zephyr

From Greek mythology, Zephyr means «west wind.» It has a fresh, airy, and poetic feel.