Celebrities have named their children all sorts of unusual and exotic names for a long time. Sometimes, they’re unusual as names but common as words, like Apple and North. Other times they’re pretty out there, like Elon Musk and Grimes’ baby, X Æ A-12. Of course, you can still give your child a distinctly different name without having to dip into the special characters section of your keyboard.
Having a playful name that feels different from the norm is all about finding that perfect match between beauty and meaning. And all of these names do just that. Whether you’re expecting a girl, a boy or are going to be surprised, there are lots of spectacular exotic baby names to get you inspired (and excited!).
Oriana
This Latin-based name comes from the same root as Aurora, and it means “sunrise” or “golden.”
It’s a great alternative if you love the name Aurora but don’t love how popular it has become in recent years.
Jocosa
For little ones who are full of laughter and set on making others crack up, this is quite a fitting name because it means “joking.”
It comes from Latin roots meaning “merry” and “playful.”
Yara
“Black-ish” actress Yara Shahidi made this name more popular in recent years.
It has Brazillian and Arabic origins, and translates to “water lady” or “small butterfly.”
Kofi
Kofi is a name from Ghana that means “born on Friday.”
Typically given to males, Kofi Annan made this name famous.
Pax
One of Angelina Jolie’s children is named Pax, and it’s an excellent unisex option for kids.
It is simple to spell and easy to say. Plus, it’s of Latin origins and means “peace.”
Fleurette
Just saying this French word makes you feel all fluttery inside.
The name means “flower,” and it is popular among unique baby girls.
Nova
If your child is already super, Nova is a great option — and not just because you can call them SuperNova.
It is a Latin-based word that means “new.” And in astronomy, it signifies an incredibly bright burst of energy.
Lazar
This is a popular last name that can hold its own as a first name and is popular in a number of countries across the world.
Usually given to boys, it means “God has helped.”
Finola
Finola is Gaelic and Irish for “white shoulder.” Its meaning is woven beautifully into mythology in that part of the world as well.
Plus, it has easy, cute nicknames like Fin or Nola.
Calithea
This Greek name means “beautiful view.”
And since Greece is filled with beautiful views, it’s only appropriate that there’s an extra-special name for something particularly stunning.
Aoife
If you’re especially fond of vowels, this name gets you almost all of them in one fell swoop.
It is usually given to girls and means “beautiful” or “radiant.”
Solange
Solange Knowles is likely the most famous Solange there is, but this name has been around for a very long time.
It is of French and Latin origins and means “angel of the sun.”
Joaquin
This name is packed with both mystery and meaning. It is originally a Hebrew name that means “established by God.”
Actor Joaquin Phoenix’s fame has made it easier for people to get the pronunciation right.
Svetlana
Svetlana is a popular name in Slavic countries like Russia and Bulgaria.
That’s likely because it comes from Slavic roots and has a lovely translation of “light” or “saint.”
Braxton
Braxton is a somewhat unusual name that seems really close to a lot of more common names like Brandon or Ashton.
It comes from Old English and means “Brock’s town” or “badger.”
Diamonique
As you might expect from a name that is a variation of the word “diamond,” the meaning behind Diamonique is just as precious.
It means “brilliant” or something that is “of high value.”
Ezekiel
Ezekiel may be somewhat common in some cultures, but it’s still exotic and unusual in many ways.
It’s fun to say and comes from old Hebrew Biblical origins, translating to “God’s strength” or “God will strengthen.”
Rhiannon
This name and its several variations wasn’t well known internationally until pop star Rihanna took over the world.
This originally Welsh moniker means “great queen” or “goddess.”
Linza
If you love the name Linda but don’t want a more distinct variation, Linza could be a great fit. It means “soft” or “tender.”
It is sometimes also translated as “clean” or “beautiful,” like the name Linda.
Acadia
Acadia has multiple origins, though it’s often associated with France.
It means “idyllic place” or “place of plenty” and is usually given to girls.
Morwen
Morwen isn’t very common, but it is quite beautiful. It’s a Welsh name that means “maid” or “great white sea.”
If this name resonates with you as you stare into the ocean, it just might be the right one for your baby.
Wanniya
Wanniya is an Arabic name that’s usually associated with Pakistan.
It translates to “spirit” or “courage” but also sometimes translates as “Allah’s gift.”
Dempsey
Though this is typically associated with boys, this name is also often a last name and can be easily made unisex.
It means “proud” and comes from old Gaelic origins.
Althea
Althea is a beautiful name that is sometimes also spelled Althaea.
It comes from Old English and Greek origins and translates to “healer.”
Zenon
There aren’t many names that start with “Z.” But Zenon is an Ancient Greek name that people who love Greek myths will especially enjoy.
Usually given to boys, it means “gift” or “gift of Zeus.”
Leilani
Leilani is a Hawaiian name that breaks down to mean “heavenly flowers” or “royal child.”
It is often given to girls.
Sunniva
You can probably guess what this name means just by breaking down its parts.
It has Old English origins and means “gift of the sun.”
Maleko
Maleko is a powerful name. It is Hawaiian and means “warlike.”
That’s not to say your Maleko can’t be cheerful and loving. But when they need to get the job done, you better believe this is the name that can help move mountains in order to do so.
Aurilia
This variation on the much more popular Aurelia has the same meaning of “golden.”
But it has just enough of a twist to make it feel more exotic.
Fabian
Fabian comes from Latin and was popular in Ancient Rome.
It means “bean grower” or “noble.”
Phoenix
There are a lot of beautiful names that mean “phoenix,” but what better than simply naming your child this awesome, powerhouse name?
It technically means “dark red,” but its bird mythology connotation is an awesome bonus.
Azize
This name is found in both Arabic and Hebrew cultures.
It is unisex and has all sorts of translations depending on the culture, including “beloved” and “valuable.”
Altagracia
This Spanish name quite literally has a heightened meaning. It means “high” or “high grace.”
If you feel like you’re already exalting your little one, why not choose this name to commemorate that feeling?
Bijoux
Any name that ends in an “X” feels exotic and very cool.
This French name (usually given to girls) certainly lives up to that translation and means “jewel.”
Ives
This name has origins in Old English, German and French.
It typically translates to “archer” or “archer’s bow.”
Evander
Evander means “good man,” so it’s perfect for a little boy you hope grows up to be just that.
It also has a number of easy nicknames, including Evan or Van.
Darcia
This name isn’t too far from the much more common Darcy, and it has multiple meanings depending on the culture or translation.
In Gaelic, it means “dark,” while in Kenya it means “beautiful and intelligent.”
Zalkei
This name is common in Persian cultures and in the Middle East. It’s not only fun to say, but it has a very cool meaning.
It means “brilliant one,” “lovely one” or “beautiful one” as well as means “well born child” in Swahili.
Dianthe
This primarily female name certainly smells as delicious as it sounds.
It means “flower of the gods.”
Philomena
There’s a powerful story about an ancient saint whose worship was forbidden in Rome.
Her name? Philomena. The meaning? “Powerful love.”
Slade
Just the name Slade itself feels very slick and modern. It means “valley” and is from Old English.
It also sometimes means “of the valley” and is usually given to boys.
Zelek
This name is becoming increasingly popular since it’s another innovative “Z” name that sounds very fashionable.
There are a number of translations, but it often means “the noise or shadow of one that laps or licks.” Even the translation is exotic!
Calisto
Sometimes spelled “Callisto,” this name has a delightful translation and mythology.
It means “most beautiful” and is associated with a mythical woman who transformed into a bear, then became the Great Bear constellation.
Ignatius
If you want to share a name with a famous saint, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, this is the name for you.
The name means “fiery one,” which is appropriate since it also sounds like “ignite.”
Soraya
For those who love to bedazzle everything, including your children’s names, Soraya may just be the name for you.
This Persian and Farsi name translates as “jewel” or “princess.”
Eydís
You can include the accent or just stick with Eydis for a simpler spelling.
Whatever you choose won’t take away from this Old Norse name, which means “goddess of the island” or “goddess of good luck.”
Chanel
You’ve likely heard of this name thanks to the famous French designer Coco Chanel.
But that doesn’t make it any less exotic. The name means “dweller near the canal” or “pipe.”
Faustus
This Latin name has a number of translations, largely due to its popularity over the years.
It typically means “lucky” or “fortunate” and is usually given to boys.
Lucienne
This gorgeous name has Latin origins and means “light.”
It also has a bunch of cute nicknames, like Luci, Cienne or even Nene.
Ramzan
If you want a name that has held power for centuries, this variation of the Ancient Egyptian sun god Ramses is for you.
The translation won’t surprise you, as Ramzan typically means “sun god,” but it can also mean “alive.”
Adina
The sweet name Adina has two origins. In Hebrew, the exotic name means “delicate,” while in Aboriginal Australian it means “good” or “pleasant.”
It’s also a popular name in Italy and Romania.
Alvis
Alvis sounds a bit like Albus, as in Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter, but it’s actually a Norse name meaning “all wise.”
In Norse mythology, Alvis was a dwarf who wanted to marry Thor’s daughter. He was less than successful (he turned into stone, actually), but the name is cool all the same.
Aisling
Can you guess where the name Aisling comes from? Bingo! Ireland. Aisling is an Irish girls name meaning “dream.”
It’s also the name of a type of poem that originated in Ireland in the 17th century.
Atticus
Atticus sounds like the name of a Greek god, doesn’t it? While it wasn’t used much in Greek mythology, the name is a variation on the Greek name Attikos, meaning “from Attica.”
It was also the name of the famous literary figure Atticus Finch, one of the main characters from “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Anisa
Anisa sounds similar to anise, the name of a star-shaped spice. It’s an Arabic name meaning “friend.”
This exotic-sounding baby name was also once the name of a township in what is now Turkey.
Beauden
Beauden sounds French, but it was actually invented in New Zealand. It draws from the French word “beau,” meaning “beautiful.”
It’s a relatively new name, gaining popularity in the past decade thanks to the rise of a New Zealand rugby player named Beauden Barrett.
Maeve
With ties to Irish mythology, the ethereal name Maeve means “intoxicating.”
A name for powerful queens or fairy folk, the name Maeve was once used in the superhero series “The Boys.” If it’s good enough for superheroes, it must be pretty good.
Cathal
Cathal, another Irish baby name, means “ruler of the battle.” If that seems too violent, why not reframe it? We all encounter battles in life, so why not prepare your kiddo to take them on?
To English speakers, Cathal looks like it would be pronounced “CATH-all,” but it’s really pronounced “KA-hal.”
Elvire
Elvire is like the name of Elvira, the host of a comedic horror film, but it’s actually a lovely French and Spanish name that was popular through the 1970s. In French, it means “truth,” while in Spanish it means “pale” or “white.”
While it lost favor during the 1980s, this exotic name totally deserves a comeback.
Dante
Dante is as Italian as a name can get.
It’s the shortened version of the name Durante, which translates to “enduring.”
Saoirse
Saoirse looks harder to pronounce than it is, but it’s well worth the effort to learn. It’s pronounced “sur-shuh,” and it’s a Gaelic name with a shining meaning: freedom.
It has grown in popularity since 2010 thanks to actress Saoirse Ronan, but even so, only 331 girls were named Saoirse in 2019.
Dechen
Dechen, a gender-neutral Tibetan name, is translated directly from Tibetan characters.
It’s a common name in Bhutan meaning “happiness.”
Freja
Freja is one of the most empowering, exotic girl names around. It means “noble woman,” and it’s also the name of the Norse goddess of love.
It represents feminine power and the strength of a warrior.
Ebrima
Ebrima is a Gambian name that means “the father of many.”
It came from the name Ibrahim, a Hebrew name that’s also found in the bible as “Abraham.”
Ginevra
Ginevra may be best known as the name of Ron Weasley’s younger sister in the Harry Potter series, but there’s a reason J.K. Rowling chose it.
Ginevra is the Italian version of the name Guinevere, meaning “white fairy.” Guinevere was also the wife of the legendary King Arthur.
Émile
Émile is the boy version of Emily. The French name sounds exotic to English speakers, but it’s quite common in France. The name means “rival,” but it’s also the name of a famous French writer, Émile Zola.
Zola flunked out of high school which held him back from pursuing a law degree, but if he had passed, the world would have missed out on his creative brilliance. An Émile that perseveres is a powerful rival, indeed.
Godiva
According to the stories, Lady Godiva was an English woman who rode through the streets on horseback wearing nothing but her long, dark hair as a protest against her husband, who was harshly taxing the townspeople.
While there may be other, warmer ways of leading a protest, her panache was legendary, and her name translates to “God’s gift.”
Mohan
The Indian name Mohan is an exotic, modern version of the name Mohana, a term that was frequently used to describe Hindu gods. The entrancing name literally means “bewitching.”
As if you won’t be obsessed enough with your new baby already!
Isi
To English speakers, Isi might seem like a generic nickname for Isabelle or Isadora.
It’s also, however, a Native American Choctaw name that means “deer.”
Florian
In the U.S., floral names are most often used for girls, not boys. In other cultures, this isn’t the case. With Germanic roots, the boys name Florian means “flower.”
It’s also occasionally used for girls, like Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O’Malley Armstrong, a singer better known as Dido.