30 Rare Baby Names

They may be less popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re anything less than perfect for your little one.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

The most popular baby names are popular for a reason—they’re great! However, if you don’t want your child to go by their first name and first initial forever like generations of Ashleys, Jasons, Kaitlins, Liams and Olivias, you may want to think outside of the top 100 list and look for something rarer. Maybe that’s a name that was popular decades ago but has slowed since or a family name you want to bring back as a way to honor the past.

There are many ways to find rare baby names: going through family albums and historical logs; digging up old-school names from classic literature; browsing Reddit forums; or checking out the Social Security Administration’s Popular Baby Names by Decade list, which begins tracking all the way back in the 1880s. For this list, we also consulted the SSA’s Change in Popularity list, looking for names that decreased in popularity from 2000 to today.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite rare baby names for boys and girls that will make your child stand out in a crowd.

Related: These Dark Academia Baby Names Inspire Moodiness and Mystery

Rare Baby Names for Boys

Chester

This vintage name hasn’t ranked in the top 1000 names since 1995, so it’s safe to say there won’t be a ton of Chesters in your child’s kindergarten class.

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: Fortress

• Famous Namesakes: President Chester Arthur, Chester Cheetah (had to!)

• Peak Popularity: 1919

Vernon

Vernon had a brief comeback in the early 2000s, but hasn’t cracked the top 1000 since then. It’s a fairly common surname but feels timeless for a first name too.

• Origin: English, French

• Meaning: Alder tree grove

• Peak Popularity: 1920

Cornelius

Cornelius most recently peaked in 2003, but it’s due for a comeback! This is a strong, classic first name that will grow with a child.

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: horn

• Peak Popularity: 1904

Claude

Claude just feels chic and stylish, doesn’t it? We love it as a first name or a middle name; it adds a certain a je ne sais quoi. 

• Origin: French

• Famous Namesakes: Composer Claude Debussy, actor Claude Rains

• Peak Popularity: 1901

Ernest

Little Ernie! Though Ernest was a favorite in the early 20th century, its popularity has dipped quite a bit since — all the more reason to bring it back for 2024 and beyond!

• Origin: German

• Meaning: Serious

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Earnest, Ernie, Ernestine

• Famous Namesakes: Ernest Hemingway

• Peak Popularity: 1906

Barnaby

Looking for something super unique? Why not give Barnaby a spin? It’s a rare first name that peaked in the early 1900s, which means it’s highly unlikely your child will have a classmate who shares their name.

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Son of consolation

Eben

Though this could be a shortened version of Ebenezer, Eben is great on its own. Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach of The Bear may give it a bump in popularity, so get ahead of the trend now!

• Origin: Hebrew

• Meaning: Stone, rock

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eban, Ebon

• Famous Namesakes: Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Isidore

Isidore or Isadore has an old-fashioned appeal and can be used for children of either sex.

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Gift of Isis

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Isadore, Isadora, Izzy

• Peak Popularity: 1912

Cecil

If you love the names Cecilia or Cecily but you’re having a boy, why not go for the root name, Cecil?

• Origin: Welsh

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cecilia, Cecily

• Famous Namesakes: Director Cecil B. DeMille

• Peak Popularity: 1902

Blaine

Blaine has a preppy, coastal vibe. It’s simple but impactful and also works well as a middle name.

• Origin: Scottish, Irish

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Blane

• Meaning: Yellow

• Peak Popularity: 1989

• Fun Fact: The name Blane features prominently in the ‘80s classic Pretty in Pink, as it’s the name of Andrew McCarthy’s character.

Bishop

Throw it way back with Bishop, a strong, powerful first name that peaked in 1900.

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Guardian

• Peak Popularity: 1900

• Fun Fact: Actor Jamie Foxx’s real name is Eric Marlon Bishop!

Clarence

We’re a little surprised Clarence isn’t more popular, as it feels so classic!

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: Clear

• Famous Namesakes: Lawyer Clarence Darrow

• Peak Popularity: 1905

Casper

Friendly ghost associations aside, Casper is a cool, unique first name with a little edge.

• Origin: Persian

• Meaning: Bringer of treasure

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Caspar, Jasper

• Peak Popularity: 1907

Ulysses

If you love Greek mythology, Ulysses is a great way to nod at the works of Homer; it’s the Latin equivalent of Odysseus.

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Wrathful

• Famous Namesakes: President Ulysses S. Grant

• Peak Popularity: 1907

Ferris

It may be the influence of the beloved ‘80s movie or the iconic amusement park ride, but the name Ferris just feels like fun! It works well for either sex and is a great alternative to the more popular Paris.

• Origin: Irish

• Meaning: Of iron

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ferriss, Feris

• Famous Namesakes: Ferris Bueller, of course!

• Peak Popularity: 1902
  

Related: 130 Baby Names Inspired by Fictional Characters

Rare Baby Names for Girls

Cordelia

Old-fashioned baby names are coming back into vogue in a big way, but Cordelia has yet to pick up in the same way as Ruby and Beatrice.

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: Heart

• Peak Popularity: 1900

• Fun Fact: This name is perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables, as it’s the name Anne wishes she had.

Yvette

Yvette had a brief peak in 2006, but hasn’t ranked since — all the more reason to give your little one this Frenchy first name.

• Origin: French

• Meaning: Yew tree

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Yves, Yvetta

• Peak Popularity: 1967

Bernice

Bernice was a popular name throughout the early 20th century, but hasn’t returned to the spotlight. If you love the name Beatrice but want something a bit more unique, this is a great similar option. (Beatrice has made quite the return in recent years.)

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Bringer of victory

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Berniece, Bernie

• Peak Popularity: 1921

Rowena

If you like Ramona but want something a bit less common, Rowena is a cool and unique option for a little girl.

• Origin: Welsh, German

• Meaning: Spear

• Peak Popularity: 1917

Petunia

Floral names are always a sweet option, and Petunia is less common — but no less adorable! — than its fellow florals Rose, Daisy, Lily and Violet.

• Origin: South America

• Meaning: Trumpet-shaped flower

• Fun Fact: Harry Potter’s aunt is named Petunia.

Rosella

Stop and smell the roses with this flower-inspired first name. You could easily shorten it to “Rose” or “Ella” if desired.

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: Rose

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rose, Rosalie

• Peak Popularity: 1916

Ione

Take a page from Greek mythology with this gorgeous first name, inspired by a sea nymph. It has an artsy vibe to set your child up for future free-spirited adventures.

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Violet flower

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Iona

• Famous Namesakes: Actress Ione Skye

• Peak Popularity: 1917

• Fun Fact: It can be pronounced like “eye-own” or “eye-own-nee.”

Aster

Another less common floral name is Aster, the pretty pale purple-blue blossom that resembles a daisy.

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Star

• Fun Fact: Aster is the flower of the month for September.

Petra

The feminine form of Peter, Petra is a lovely name that feels a bit historic but still very modern.

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: Rock, stone

• Famous Namesakes: Director Petra Collins

• Peak Popularity: 1929

Minnie

Minnie was traditionally used as a nickname for a variety of first names, including Wilhemina, Minerva, Miryam and Mary, among many others, and it varies in origin from German to Hebrew. We think it’s perfect on its own!

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Minny, Minne

• Famous Namesakes: Minnie Mouse, Minnie Pearl, Minnie Driver

• Peak Popularity: 1900

Ida

Simple but strong, Ida is a thoughtful name that was particularly popular at the turn of the century but definitely deserves a resurgence today.

• Origin: German

• Meaning: Hardworking, industrious

• Peak Popularity: 1900

Joan

Joan is the feminine version of John and has a folky allure that makes it perfect for anyone who lives a boho chic lifestyle.

• Origin: English, Hebrew

• Meaning: God is gracious

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Joanie, Joni

• Famous Namesakes: Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading, Joan Kennedy, Joan Jett

• Peak Popularity: 1933

• Fun Fact: Joni Mitchell’s real name is Roberta Joan.

Betty

Not Elizabeth, not Betsy, not Margaret — just Betty! We expect this one may have a slight bump in popularity due to Taylor Swift’s popular song of the same name, but for now it remains a sweet old-fashioned pick.

• Origin: Hebrew

• Meaning: Oath/promise of God

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bettie, Bette

• Famous Namesakes: Bette Davis, Bettie Page, Betty Grable

Mildred

Mildred may feel a little old-fashioned, but we think it’s only a matter of time until this beloved name of the past makes a big return to the top 1000. Use Millie as a nickname.

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Gentle strength

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Millie

• Famous Namesakes: Singer Mildred Bailey

• Peak Popularity: 1900

Fauna

Outdoorsy parents, meet your perfect baby name! Fauna conjures up visions of lush meadows and adorable animals frolicking around.

• Origin: Latin

• Famous Namesakes: The fairy in Sleeping Beauty, of course!

• Meaning: Young deer

Dara

Dara has a variety of origins, making it a great choice for a variety of families. In Hebrew, it translates to “compassionate,” while in Serbian, it means “gift.”

• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Darra, Darah, Darrah

• Peak Popularity: 1981

Related: 30 Baby Names Inspired by Taylor Swift Songs

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