Life

Courtesy of Ni'Kesia Pannell
17 Unusual Names Your Kid Won't Hate You For, Because Being Unique Is Cool

by Ni'Kesia Pannell

Growing up with an unusual name is far from easy. People will always stutter along when it comes to pronouncing your name on the attendance sheet or at awards banquets, or — if they're just not interested in trying — ignore the full name and attempt to give you a nickname that you don't ask for. Though this is totally true, having a unique name can be kind of cool. That's why unusual names your kid won't hate you for is a good list to have.

Speaking from my own experience, growing up with a name like Ni'Kesia was kind of the pits. There weren't too many people at my school with unusual names, so I always felt like I drew attention to myself without even asking for it. Although it took me a while to become comfortable with the uniqueness of my name, I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade having a name as unusual as mine for anything now.

Sure, people still have problems pronouncing it and others that I've known for over 10 years still mispronounce it, but whatever I do in the world, people will always remember. Having an unusual name means that people will never confuse you with someone else or more importantly, confuse how great you and your work are either.

If you're looking for a few cool names to divvy out to your soon to come bundle of joy, these 17 names should be on your radar.

1

Ambrosia

If you're looking for a unique name fo ryour baby girl, try naming her Amborsia. Then name comes from Greek and Roman origin and means "food of the gods."

2

Wystan

Though the name Wystan may be an unusual boy name, it could be perfect for your little one this year. Meaning "battle stone," Wystan is perfect for the little warrior to be.

3

Ismay

Noted as a possible variation of Esme, Ismay means "esteemed, beloved" and would be a great name for a baby girl.

4

Abra

Searching for a meaningful, yet unique name for your baby girl? Try Abra, which means "father of multitudes" and is a feminine variation of the Hebrew name Abraham.

5

Bronte

Though it sounds like a more masculine name, the name Bronte — which has a Greek meaning of "thunder" — is meant for a girl.

6

Salinger

The name Salinger is of French descent and can be noted as a literary tribute from The Catcher in the Rye. No definition of the name has been given, but you've got to admit, it's kind of cool.

7

Roald

If you're a fan of the novels Matilda, The BFG, or James and the Giant Peach, then then name Roald is not new to you. Having a Norwegian origin, the name Roald means "famous ruler."

9

Keats

I've never heard the name Keats, but if you're interested in using it, it can be used for a boy or a girl. The name has a meaning of "kite" and an English literary name origin.

10

Zandra

Hoping that your little girl will be the strongest of them all? Try giving her the name Zandra because it means "defending men."

11

Merce

Merce is a diminutive of the name Mercer and means "a merchant." Not sure if it will be a good name for your son? No worries, it can be used for your daughter, too.

12

Orson

The name Orson means "bear cub" and has an English and Latin origin.

13

Maisie

Maisie may not be too unusual, but it's still not on the top of the list for baby girl names. The name is a Scottish diminutive of Margaret and means "pearl."

14

Huxley

Huxley means "inhospitable place" and comes from an English background. If you're into giving your little boy a name that's sure to stand out, this may be what you're looking for.

15

Nyx

If you're a fan of the Nyx lipstick brand, this could be the ultimate way to pay homage by naming your baby girl the same. The name has a meaning of "night" and comes from a Greek origin.

16

Perpetua

The name Perpetua means "perpetual" and comes from a Latin origin. Surely not the most unusual, but it definitely hits the list.

17

Inigo

Need a cool and impressionable name for your little boy? The name Inigo, which means "fiery," may be what you're looking for.