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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