Every parent hopes their child will grow up smart and clever. They want their kids to do well in life and make them proud. So, if you're searching for baby names that mean clever or brainy, your search stops here. Being smart and clever can help your child do great things and find success. It will make your child stand out and be remarkable.
Picking a popular baby name might seem like a good idea, but what if your baby has the same name as four of her friends in class? To help you out, we've put together a list of unique baby names (that aren't too hard to spell). Keep reading for 100 uncommon baby names that will make your little boy or girl unique.
80+ Unique Baby Names That Will Make Your Little One Unique
1) Cordelia: Cordelia has Latin and Celtic roots, which mean "heart" and "daughter of the sea." She's a character in Shakespeare's play, "King Lear," known for her kindness. Anne of Green Gables also liked this name.
2) Guinevere: This Welsh name means "white shadow." Guinevere is famous as the beautiful but tragic Queen of Camelot. It's different from the more common name Jennifer.
3) Agatha: Agatha, or Agathe in French, means "good woman" in Greek. Agatha was the daughter of William the Conqueror and a patron saint of firefighters and nurses. It's also the name of the famous mystery author, Agathie Christie.
Also Read:Â Why Does Your Baby Name Have To Be Unique?
4) Indigo: Just like the color blue, Indigo comes from the Greek word "Indikon," which means "from India."
5) Charity: Charity is a name based on a virtue. It's not as common as Hope and Faith but has appeared in stories from Charles Dickens to Harry Potter and Two Broke Girls.
6) Yvette: In French, Yvette means "yew tree." So, if you like nature-related names but want something different from flowers, Yvette is a good choice. Yew trees are known for being tough and living a long time.
Also Read:Â Numerology and Unique Baby Names: What's in a Number?
7) Brennon: Brennon is a unique variation of the name Brennan. It comes from an Irish surname, à Braonáin, which means "rain," "teardrop," or "moisture." This could be a good pick if your family has Irish roots or if you like names with a Celtic origin.
8) Leonie: In Latin, Leonie means "lion." Other forms of this name include Leona and Leonia. Leonie appears in the book "Remembrance of Things Past" by Marcel Proust, where his aunt is a significant character in the story.
9) Allegra: If you're into music, you might know that "allegro" means you should play with a "quick, lively tempo." Similarly, the Italian name Allegra, which is often given to baby girls, means "joyous."
10) Sebastian: While it's still not very common for boys in the United States, Sebastian has been a popular name in Europe for a long time. Saint Sebastian, who lived in the third century, was a martyr, and the name Sebastian means "from Sebaste," which was a town in what's now Turkey. In Greek, it means "venerable."
11) September: In the old Roman calendar, which had ten months, September was the seventh month of the year. The word "September" comes from the Latin word "septem," which means "seven." As the month when fall begins, September brings to mind colors, change, and fresh beginnings.
12) Augustina: A variation of the name Augusta, Augustina means "great" or "magnificent" in Latin. These are qualities you'd wish for your little girl to have.
13) Atlanta: Atlanta may sound like the name of a charming Southern city, but it has Greek origins. It means "secure" or "immovable" and comes from the ancient Greek name "Atalanta." In Greek mythology, Atalanta was a huntress who said she'd only marry the person who could beat her in a foot race.
14) Hernan: Let's travel back to medieval Spain for this name! Hernan comes from the name Hernando, which was an older version of the more common name Ferdinand. It means "daring" and "brave." Hernan is a unique and creative name that suits an adventurous baby boy who loves knights and castles!
15) Anise: Anise is a spice known for its star shape and mild sweetness. While it's a popular spice, it's not as common as a name. It can be a fun choice for a baby who adds fun and flavor to your life.
16) Enzo: Enzo is a name that's quite popular in Europe. It's the short form of names that end in "enzo," like the Italian names Lorenzo or Vincenzo. It's also the historical version of the name Heinz, which is a nickname for the German form of Henry (Heinrich). Heinrich means "home-ruler."
17) Delta: In Greek, the word Delta means "fourth." It's the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. Delta is also a symbol of "positive change" in mathematics. Additionally, it brings to mind the calm and strength of a river mouth.
18) Marlowe: Marlowe is a name that can be used for boys or girls. In English, it means "Driftwood," and it's a great choice for an adventurous spirit. You can also spell it as Marlo or Marlow. Some famous people, like Jason Schwartzman and Sienna Miller, have chosen this name for their daughters.
19) Caspian: Caspian is the name of a sea located between Asia and Europe. It's also a character in C.S. Lewis's Narnia stories. The word "Caspian" comes from Latin, where "caspii" means "white." Originally, it was a term used for people in Central Asia who came from the Caucasus region. In any case, this name is full of adventure.
20) Ulysses:Â This isn't a very common baby name, but it has some interesting meanings. It's considered the Greek version of Odysseus, which means "epic voyage" or "adventure." In Latin, it can be translated as "wrathful." In literature and history, it's also the title of James Joyce's famous modernist work and the name of the 18th U.S. president.
21) Arlo: Arlo is a unique and old-fashioned name for baby boys, and its origins are a bit mysterious. Some think it might be related to the Irish town Aherlow, which means "between two highlands." Others believe it's connected to the fictional "Arlo Hill" from the epic poem written by Edmund Spenser in the sixteenth century, The Faerie Queene.
22) Brody: During the 14th and 15th centuries, Brody referred to a medieval clan in Moray, Scotland, which is known today for its scotch and whiskey distilleries. Sounds like a fun historical time!
23) Shiloh: In Hebrew, Shiloh means "abundance, peacefulness." It's a name that can be used for boys or girls and historically represented a place known for its tranquility and beauty. In the Bible, it's where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
Also Read:Â Using a Character Name Generator: Writing Tips for Authenticity
24) Magdalena: In Greek, Magdalena means "woman from Magdala." It's a name that has appeared in Spanish, German, and Slavic countries, often spelled as Magdalene and connected to Saint Mary Magdalene. In ancient Greek, "magdala" means "great and elegant."
25) Emmaline: Emmaline comes from the German word for "work." It can also be spelled as Ameline and Amelina, hinting at a strong work ethic.
26) Paloma: In Latin and Spanish, Paloma translates to "dove." This name is famously associated with one of Pablo Picasso's daughters and symbolizes peace.
27) Reagan: Reagan is an Irish name that means "little king." It's a name suitable for both boys and girls, evoking majesty, promise, and youthfulness.
28) Opal: Derived from Sanskrit, Opal means "gem." In ancient Greece, it was believed to be the tears of Zeus after his victory over the Titans. Opals symbolize hope and good fortune and were reportedly Queen Victoria's favorite gemstone.
29) Murphy: Don't limit Murphy to just a surname! In Irish, Murphy means "sea warrior" and is a well-liked last name. Consider using it as your baby's first name, taking inspiration from Murphy Cooper, the scientist in the popular sci-fi movie Interstellar who helps save humanity.
30) Clementine: Coming from the Latin word "Clemens," meaning merciful, Clementine is the feminine form of Clement. It also brings to mind the cheerful orange color of the citrus fruit.
31) Dallas: This gender-neutral Scottish name means "from the dales" and "the valley meadows." In Irish, it's associated with skillfulness.
32) Khaleesi: All credit goes to George R. R. Martin for this one. In his fictional Dothraki language, Khaleesi means "queen" and was the title of Queen Daenerys, Mother of Dragons. With that background, it's a powerful name for your baby girl.
33) Amalia: Before the names Emily and Amelia became popular, there was Amalia. It has roots in Hebrew, German, and Italian. Notably, it's the name of Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange, the heir to the Dutch throne. In history, Anna Amalia was a respected European duchess and supporter of the arts.
34) Quinn: With origins in Irish, Celtic, Gaelic, and Latin, Quinn is a unisex name that means "wise." In Latin, it translates to "girl who is as pretty as two." It's also reminiscent of Quinn Fabray from the hit TV series Glee.
35) Fatima: In Arabic, Fatima means "captivating." In Islam, Fatima was the daughter of the prophet Muhammad and is described in the Qur'an as one of four perfect women, similar to the Virgin Mary. The name also signifies "chaste," "motherly," and "shining one."
36) Serafina: Also spelled as Seraphina, this name means "angel" or "fiery." It comes from the Hebrew word "seraphim," which describes celestial or angelic beings.
37) Macauley: Picture Macauley Culkin's Home Alone expression! This Scottish name means "son of righteousness." But beyond the Hollywood connection, it suggests a bit of adventure and mischief too.
38) Dara Dara is a Hebrew name that means "nugget of wisdom." In the Old Testament, Dara was known for his wisdom and was a descendant of Judah. While originally a male name, it has a feminine touch that modern English speakers may appreciate. You can also consider the alternative spelling, Darda.
39) Alvis:Â Alvis is a name from the Old Norse language, and it means 'all-wise.' It comes from Norse mythology, which tells the story of a dwarf named Alviss who fell in love with Thor's daughter. In the United States, it's ranked at #595 in popularity.
40) Boman:Â Boman is a name from Persia, and it means 'great mind.' Matthew Modine chose this name for his son, and in India, it's well-known because of Boman Irani, a famous Bollywood actor.
41) Cato:Â Cato is a name with Latin roots, and it means 'intelligent and all-knowing.' In Roman history, Cato the Elder, originally named Marcus Portius, was a very perceptive and clever Roman diplomat during Julius Caesar's time.
42) Conroy:Â Conroy is an Irish name, and it means 'wise advisor.' This name starts with 'con' and might sound a bit old-fashioned, but it's a good choice if you find the name Connor too common. It suits a child who is gifted and clever. Conroy Black, an American football player, is a well-known person with this name.
43) Hugo:Â Hugo is a name derived from Latin, and it means 'mind' or 'intellect.' We believe Hugo sounds more energetic and substantial than the original name, Hugh. The 'o' at the end of Hugo makes it even more appealing. It also has a rich history.
44) Ethan:Â In the Old Testament, there was a man named Ethan the Ezrahite who was known for his intelligence and wisdom. The name Ethan means 'strong' in a literal sense. Ethan Allen, an American patriot and leader during the Revolutionary War, had this name.
45) Ronald:Â Ronald is a name with Norse origins, and it means 'wise counselor.' It used to be one of the top 10 names in the late 1930s to mid-1940s and is strongly associated with U.S. President Ronald Reagan. It currently ranks at #433. Ron and Ronnie are good nicknames for Ronald.
47) Favian:Â Favian is a variation of the Latin name Fabian, and it means 'man of wisdom.' Englishmen introduced this name to Latin countries in the 17th century. Except for a few earlier appearances, Favian has consistently remained a popular name in Europe.
46) Reginald:Â The name Reginald has been on the list of popular names in the United States since 1880. In its full form, Reginald was common during the Middle Ages, but nowadays, people often use the nickname Reggie. Reginald Owen, an English actor, is a notable person with this name.
47) Frode: Frode is an Old Norse name, derived from the Old Norse word Fróði, and it means 'wise.' This name was held by several Danish kings in various texts, including the famous Anglo-Saxon epic poem "Beowulf."
48) Mendel:Â Mendel is a Yiddish version of the name Menachem, and it means 'wisdom and learning.' The famous Gregor Mendel, known as the father of modern genetics, was an Austrian priest in the 19th century. It was also the name of a U.S. Congressman from South Carolina.
49) Raghnall:Â Raghnall is a Latin name, and it means 'wise and powerful.' It might bring to mind a boy in a 1930s drawing room wearing a smoking jacket. You can also use the nickname Reggie for Raghnall.
50) Socrates:Â Socrates is a Greek name, and it means 'wisdom.' It belongs to one of the most famous philosophers in history. While it's still popular among Greek families, some Americans might hesitate to use this name.
51) Tallis:Â If you're looking for a Persian name, consider Tallis, which means 'wisdom.' Gorden James Tallis, a former Australian League player, is a famous person with this name.
52) Vivek:Â Vivek is a Hindu and Sanskrit name that means 'judicious wise or intellect.' This gentle and thoughtful name became popular in the United Kingdom in 2014, in part due to the large Indian population there.
53) Hakim:Â Hakim is a baby name of Arabic and African origin, and it means 'wise and intelligent.' It's one of the 99 names based on the attributes of Allah. Notable individuals with this name include Hakim Ajmal Khan, an Indian physician, and Hakim Muhammad Saeed, a Pakistani medical researcher.
54) Quinn:Â Quinn, which means 'counselor and intelligent man,' is becoming more popular for both boys and girls, although it's still more commonly used for boys. Sharon Stone also chose this name for her son. Other famous Quinns include Quinn Alman, an American guitarist, and Quinn Marcus, a football player.
55) Raymond:Â Do people still love the name Raymond? Yes, parents who appreciate classic names still do. Although Raymond hasn't been very common lately, some parents, like Jack Nicholson, still find it cool, especially for its nickname, Ray. This name was introduced by the Normans in England.
56) Shannon:Â Shannon is the name of an Irish river, an Irish county, and an Irish airport. The less common variation, Shanahan, is also an option. Both names mean 'old and wise,' although Shanahan sounds a bit more energetic and masculine.
57) Alfred:Â The numbers might not currently favor this British name, which means 'wise counselor,' but we're pretty confident it will become more popular soon. Using 'Fred' as a nickname can give your child's name a cool touch.
58) Nester:Â Nester was the legendary wise ruler who helped the Greeks win the Trojan War. This adventurous name is also related to the Lester-Hester family. The meaning of Nester is 'traveler.'
59) Albert:Â Albert is a German name that means 'intelligent.' This name has remained stylish for over eight decades now, but it's often associated with a studious and serious image. The impact of this name can be seen in Albert Einstein, the world-renowned genius.
60) Mika:Â Mika is a multicultural name with the shine and sparkle of the metallic mineral Mica. It originated in Scandinavia but is popular in Germany and the Netherlands. Mika means 'intelligent raccoon.'
61) Alden:Â Alden is an English name that means 'wise friend.' It could be a unique alternative to names like Holden and Aidan. Alden Caleb Ehrenreich, the American actor, is a famous person with this name.
62) John:Â The fact that John is one of the most common names might explain why it's a top choice for boy geniuses. Among the 352 genius Johns, there is John Locke, the philosopher who influenced our Founding Fathers.
63) Charles:Â Charles is another common name for boy geniuses. Well-known individuals with this name include Charles Darwin, the naturalist, and Charles Thomas Bolton, the astronomer.
64) Aakil:Â If a name's meaning could determine destiny, Aakil would set a child on the right path. Aakil is a Hindi name that means 'smart and intelligent.'
65) Apollo:Â Apollo is the Greco-Roman god of wisdom and knowledge. NASA's Apollo program also adds a cool association to this name. Gwen Stefani even chose this name for her son.
66) Kendry:Â It's not often we come across a name from Madagascar that works well in English. Kendry means 'wise man' and could be a great choice for children born during Christmas.
67) Rainier:Â Rainier is a royal European name that means 'wise army.' To Americans, this name might bring to mind the stunning mountain in the state of Washington.
68) Zeki:Â Zeki, which means 'clever' in Turkish, could also be used as a nickname for Isaac, Zachary, and Ezekiel.
69) Senan:Â Senan, also spelled as Seanan, is an Irish name that means 'old and wise.' Since this name is less common in the United States, it could be a nice update to the name Sean.
70) Solomon:Â Although the name Solomon means 'peace,' this Biblical king was renowned for his wit and wisdom. He succeeded his father David as the king of Israel.
71) Solon:Â The name Solon, which means 'wise one,' gained recognition through the wise Greek lawmaker. It might not be widely known, but it's not entirely unheard of. Solon Bixler, the musician, is another person with this name.
72) Conrad:Â Conrad means 'wise counsel' and has a masculine image. It has consistently been on the popularity list since 1920.
73) Aldo:Â Aldo is a spirited German name, popular in Italy and occasionally heard in America. It means 'old and wise' and pairs well with an Anglo surname.
74) Redmond:Â Redmond is the Irish variation of the name Raymond and means 'wise protector.' Redmond OâHanlon, the charismatic outlaw, would make a cool modern namesake. You can use 'Mundy' as a nickname.
75) Beowulf:Â Beowulf is an Old English name that means 'intelligent wolf.' Its bearer is the hero of the epic poem, "Beowulf," which is believed to be the oldest poem ever.
76) Bertrand:Â Bertrand is a French name that means 'intelligent and glorious.' It belongs to the famous mathematician, philosopher, and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell. Another individual with this name is Bertrand Tavernier, a French director.
77) Louis:Â In the French version of the German name "Ludwig," Louis means 'famous warrior.' It was the name of no less than 14 French kings, so your baby is in good company.
78) Zigmund:Â Zigmund means "victorious protector" in German. It's a fun name, and people often call someone with this name "Ziggy."
79) Salvia:Â Salvia is another word for the herb sage. People usually use it as a name for girls. It sounds more modern than the original name. If you have twins, you can name one baby Sage and the other Salvia.
80) Alberta:Â Alberta is a girl's name, and it's the feminine version of the name Albert. It means "bright and intelligent." The name became popular in England when Queen Victoria's daughter, Louise Caroline Alberta, had it.
81) Sonia:Â Sonia is a name from Europe that became famous in the 1940s because of a Norwegian ice skating movie. Even though Russian names are getting more popular, Sonia is not as common now. The name Sonia means "wisdom."
82) Declan: Declan is an Irish name, and it means "man of prayer." It's the English version of the Irish name Déaglán. This name was used by a famous saint in the fifth century.
83) Marquis:Â Marquis is a French name, and it means "nobleman" or "lord of the borderlands." You can also spell it as Marquez to make it unique.
84) Hendrix:Â If you think your baby is going to be a rockstar, Hendrix is a cool name. It comes from the German name Heimirich, which means "ruler of the home." It's similar to the English name Henry.
85) Kai:Â Kai is a name that can be for boys or girls, and it has different meanings in different cultures. In Hawaiian, it means "sea," in Japanese, it means "shell," and in German, it means "warrior."
86) Atlas:Â Atlas doesn't mean a book of maps. In Greek, it means "to carry." In mythology, Atlas was a Titan who held up the world on his shoulders.
87) Monique:Â Monique is a French version of the name Monica. It's becoming more popular in European countries. Some famous people with this name include Monique Jacobson van Vooren, a Belgian-American singer and actor. Monique means "wise counsel."
88) Michiko:Â Michiko is a Japanese name, and it means "child of beautiful wisdom." The first commoner to become an empress in Japan had this name. You can call someone with this name Michi or Michee for short.
89) Saffi:Â Saffi is a Greek name, and it's a variation of Sophia. It means "wisdom." People in Greece and English-speaking countries like this name because it sounds feminine and has a beautiful meaning.
90) Minerva:Â Minerva is a Latin name, and it means "the mind or intellect." In Roman mythology, Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom. She's like the Greek goddess Athena. Minerva was also a character in a novel by Dickens.
91) Pallas:Â Pallas is a Greek name, and it means "wisdom." It's another name for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. This name is great for parents who love literature.
92) Sage:Â Sage is a Latin name, and it means "wise." It's also the name of a herb that's connected to wisdom. Sage used to be a name for boys but is now more popular for girls.
93) Minda:Â Minda comes from the name Melinda and means "love and knowledge." In the 18th century, it was trendy to have names that ended with "inda," like Dorinda, Florinda, Belinda, and Melinda.
94) Mackenzie:Â Mackenzie is an Irish or Gaelic name, and it means "son of the wise ruler." It was mostly a name for boys, but actress Mackenzie Philips made it popular for girls too.
95) Kayla:Â Kayla is an Arabic name, and it means "wise child." It became well-known because of the TV show "Days of Our Lives" and was popular in the 80s.
96) Akilah: Akilah is an Arabic name, and it means "logical and intelligent." It's a variation of the name Akili. Akilah Russell, an English journalist, has this name.
97) Athena: In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of war and wisdom. She was the daughter of Zeus and is also known as the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena means "wise," and it's a name for parents who value intelligence.