This article was originally published on March 6, 2018. It was updated on February 10, 2021 by Ariane Signer. 

Parents are constantly on the hunt for rare baby names that are slightly unusual, without being outright bizarre. Celebrities are definitely setting the standard this generation, finding very unique and individual names for their children. All parents want to give their new baby the perfect name, but selecting one can be a challenging process! Uncommon baby names are quite trendy these days, with inspiration being drawn from flowers, mythology, and even science fiction. Finding a name that has not been over-used and is not overly odd isn't easy, but with the right amount of creativity and research, you're bound to find something that fits!

30 Rhys

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Traditionally spelled, Rhys, unisex name is more often spelled as Reese. Rhys didn't enter the American list of the top 1000 names until 2004 when it claimed spot #979. According to Nameberry, it currently sits at spot #442, it's most popular ranking this century! Rhys is a Welsh name, and means, "ardor". It's a popular surname in Wales as well as a given name. The Tudor's Henry VIII was played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Welsh actor Rhys Ifans is another contemporary celebrity with this name. Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block named his son Rhys. Rhys, Reese, and Reece are all great choices, but the traditional Welsh spelling is especially unique.

29 Millicent

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This German moniker hasn't had a great history of success in the United States. It entered the American list of popular names in 1880, had a ton of ups and downs on the chart, broke into the top 500 once, then was booted out completely in 1965. Recently, it has made a bit of a comeback. Millicent is a German-derived name that means "strong in work." Millicent came into use in the Middle Ages. The English variation of Millicent derives from the French name Melisende. Millicent has been used in literature, like in the novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, written by Anne Bronte as well as in the Harry Potter series. It's also Barbie's middle name. Millicent is an old fashioned name that has now become super rare and nostalgic. The nickname Milly is definitely a bonus for this one.

28 Bruno

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The name Bruno hasn't been overly popular in the United States in recent years, though it is one of the top 100 boy's names in over 5 other countries. Bruno had a pretty steady start in America when it entered the top names list in 1880. It hit position #259 by 1915, but by 1948 it had dropped to almost completely out of the top 1000. In early 2021, Bruno is resting at position #583, according to Nameberry. Bruno is German for "brown." Saint Bruno of Cologne founded the Carthusian order of monks in 1084. Bruno is a character in Irish novel Bruno's Dream and Sylvie and Bruno. Dancing with the Stars Bruno Toniolo and singer Bruno Mars are two famous celerity name bearers. Bruno is a modern sounding name with a rich and surprising history that dates back to the year 1084.

27 Aviva

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This Hebrew name has only been seen on the American charts since last year, and at its peak, it was ranked in at spot #765. This moniker has been severely overlooked, especially by parents looking for a Biblical name. Aviva is the feminine variation of the male name, Aviv. It is Hebrew for "spring like, fresh, dewy." Aviv was borrowed from the Hebrew word abib, which means "a time of year when the ears come into grain." It's also a day during Passover called Holiday of Aviv. Aviva is a fresher take on trending names Vivian and Vivienne. Aviva is light and beautiful, not to mention, ancient and sophisticated. It's the perfect name for a baby girl born or conceived in the spring.

26 Soren

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Soren is a Danish import that made its way to America in 2003, ranking in at position #955 on the charts. It's risen to position #551 last year on the American Top Ranked Boys Names list. Soren is the Danish and Norwegian variation of Severus, meaning "stern." A harsh meaning for such a likable name, but its softness makes up for it. One notable historical person with this name is Soren Kierkegaard, the 19th century philosopher, poet, religious author and theologian. More contemporary name bearers are the characters in The Matrix Reloaded, Guardians of Ga'Hook, Charlie and Lola, and Underworld. Soren is definitely a unique name that's on its way to the top.

25 Zadie

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This moniker is surprisingly older than it sounds. It may sound like a modern invented name, but it's actually been around for much longer than that. It entered the American list in 1881, never broke into the top 500, and then was completely kicked out of the top 1000 by 1910. Zadie is a variation of Sadie that means "princess." Zadie hasn't received much attention until the British writer, Sadie Smith, changed her name to Zadie when she was fourteen years old. Sadie is actually not as old as Zadie, and originated as a nickname for the name Sarah, but of course stands on its own today. Now Zadie is back in the top 1000, but still only at the #776, making it rare and distinct enough to be a perfect addition to this list!

24 Cleo

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Though this one is doing very well in Sweden, it hasn't quite caught on in the United States. It was added to the Social Security Administration Top 1000 names in 1880, and started off pretty well at position #406. It was in the Top 500 until 1945, and left the Top 1000 ten years later. Cleo is Greek for "glory." It is traditionally a short form of Cleopatra, but can also stand on its own. Cleo Laine was a famous musician and Cleo was also used for characters on Law and Order and ER. It was also recently chosen by Friends star, David Schwimmer, for his daughter, which might give it a boost in popularity.

23 Stellan

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Stellan is another Scandinavian import that has made its way to our shores. Stellan hasn't been on the American list until recently, when it finally entered the Top 300. Stellan is Swedish, but its meaning isn't quite known for sure. It is said to possibly mean "calm." It could also be used as the masculine form of the name Stella, which means "star." The first namesake recorded was from Germany and landed in Sweden in the year 1597, but the name isn't used much in Germany today. Actor Stellan Skarsgard is one contemporary name bearer. Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany chose Stellan for their son. Stellan is an old name with a modern feel that parents are beginning to appreciate!

22 Roscoe

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Roscoe is an old fashioned name that was popular at the turn of the 20th Century, but then declined drastically. It began its American journey in 1880 at position #118. It didn't leave the Top 500 until almost 60 years later. By 1978 it completely left the Top 1000 and didn't come back until last year when it hit position #692. Roscoe is Norse for "deer forest." It was originally used as a place name and surname, but has stood on its own for quite some time now. Roscoe is finally beginning to get some appreciation and is starting to join trendy "R" names like Roman, Rowan, Remy and Rufus. Roscoe was used as a character on The Dukes of Hazzard and Roscoe Arbuckle was an American silent film actor. Roscoe is a fun yet strong name that has an outdoorsy meaning that nature loving adventure seeking parents will love!

21 Penn

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Penn had not appeared on the Social Security Administration's Top 1000 baby names until last year when it finally entered at position #572. Penn's connection to geography, history and writing is appealing to a wide variety of parents, and just might start to gain popularity in the coming years. Penn is English for "enclosure." Comedian, Penn Jillette, and Penn Badgely from Gossip Girl and actor Sean Penn are three contemporary name bearers. Penn also has a deep rooted history, especially the Penn surname. William Penn, Irving Penn, and Arthur Penn are just a few name bearers. Penn is a short and sweet name that has a distinct pedigree perfect for parents looking for a name with a little sophistication. Penn is still rare, but we don't expect it to be for much longer!

20 Dorothea

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Another Greek name has made our list, but this one hasn't been resurrected by parents just yet. In fact, it hasn't been getting much love at all since it dropped off the charts in 1970. Dorothea entered the American list in 1880 at position #425, and was in the Top 500 until 1954. Today, Dorothea is ranked at position #710. Dorothea is Greek for "gift of God." Dorothea has a rich history. In literature, it was used for a character in Don Quixote and Middlemarch. Dorothea Lange was a documentary photographer and Dorothea Dix was a civil war nurse and American activist, and First Lady, Dorothea Todd Payne Madison. Dorothea is a pretty and feminine Victorian option that is overdue for a revival! It even has a ton of nicknames to choose from like Thea, Dottie, Dory and Dot.

19 Edison

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Edison is another historical name that most people associate with a surname, due to the universal popularity of inventor, Thomas Edison. This name has actually been on the charts as a first name since 1881. It has never broken into the Top 500 until recently when it hit position #365 last year. Edison is English for the "son of Edward," which would be perfect for an actual son of an Edward! It can also be spelled Eddison. Edison has a noble and classic sound that appeals to many parents. It's uniqueness and rarity make it a perfect choice!

18 Celia

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Celia is slightly different than the more popular Cecilia. Cecilia is actually completely unrelated to Celia, and has a completely different meaning. Celia is another name on our list that has been around since 1880, but this one actually had a pretty successful start. It was in the Top 500 until 1964, when it dropped to position #858 by 2015. Celia is beginning to be revived, however, and hit position #229 last year. It's also a Top 50 name in Spain. Celia is Latin for "heavenly." Shakespeare was a huge fan of this moniker. It was he who is credited for introducing the name to the world in his play As You Like It. George Eliot and Lionel Shriver also used the name in some of their works.

17 Pascal

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This moniker has been basically non-existent in the U.S., even though it entered charts in 1889, it didn't stay around for long. By 1910 it left the American list and only reemerged recently, when it finally reached position#513 last year. Pascal is French for "Easter." It was traditionally used for boys that were born on Easter, and would be perfect for a boy born around the Easter season. It was derived from the early Medieval period, and was used even earlier in the 9th century in other forms when it was used for boys born on the feast of Pentecost. Pascal is a great option for parents name-searching in the seasonal and Biblical categories. It hasn't done extremely well on charts in the past, but its recent jump from out of nowhere to the Top 600 makes us think this one might start to be a fast riser!

16 Juniper

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Juniper didn't hop onto the American list until 2011 when it entered at position #970. It's had a pretty slow and steady climb up the charts and made it to position #352 in 2016, though it did rise 500 spots since 2012, it dropped back down to position #445 last year. Juniper is a nature-themed name that would appeal to a wide variety of parents. The Juniper tree is a deep evergreen shrub that is part of the cypress tree family and often used as Christmas trees. Juniper was mentioned in the Old Testament and was often used as a symbol of chastity. It was the name of the saint of comedy and is pretty rampant throughout literature. Junie B. Jones' real name is Juniper and Margaret Wise Brown uses Juniper Sage as a pen name. The berries on the Juniper tree are used for flavor in gin.

15 Ellington

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"El" names are a huge trend right now, on both the boy's and girl's side. Ellington hasn't joined its friends on the list yet, but we think it will pretty quickly! Ellington is an English location name and surname that means "Ellis town." Ellington has an undeniable sophistication and pedigree, but is also a fun jazzy musical name. American composer, pianist and band leader, Duke Ellington, is a probably the most familiar and famous name bearer, and a great one too. Ellington is the perfect pick for parents looking for something musical and deep rooted. It's that rare name that is familiar, yet uncommon and distinctive. It could, perhaps, be the next Elliot.

14 Olympia

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Olympia is the feminine form of the Greek Olympus, the mountain in Northern Greece known as the home of the Greek gods. In 1865 Edouard Manet painted a work he called Olympia. Olympia Snowe was the former Republican senator from Maine and Olympia Dukakis is an actress. Olympia is a more exotic and intriguing choice than names like Olivia and Amelia, one that might just start taking their place at the top. We've been waiting for a name to start competing with them and this one just might be it!

13 Poet

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Poet is new to the roster and as rare as they come. It hasn't made it onto the American list yet, at least as a first name. It is a popular surname though, which makes it a familiar, yet uncommon. This unisex moniker is definitely one to keep your eye on. Poet is an English word name that can be used for a girl or boy. Punky Brewster, also known as Soleil Moon Frye in real life, chose Poet for her daughter. Po would be an adorable nickname too. Occupational names like Sawyer, Tanner and Bailey are a huge trend right now, why shouldn't we add a name from the creative side? If Forest Whitaker can use Sonnet for his daughter, we can definitely consider Poet as a viable option too!

12 Sacha

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Sacha is the Russian variation of the Greek name Alexander, which means "defending men." Jerry Seinfeld chose Sacha for his daughter, while Sacha Baren Cohen is a male name bearer. Sasha Cohen is an Olympic gold medalist and Sasha Alexander is a character on the tv show Rizzoli and Isles. While Sasha has made it to the Top 500 list, it remains a rare and distinct choice. In Russia, both spellings are used more commonly for males, but here they translate well for any gender.

11 Collins

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Collins is a cool girl name that has broken into the Top 1000. It was traditionally used for boys and entered their side in the late 1800's, but dropped off the charts not long after. Collins wasn't used for girls until 2012, and has reached position #647 since. Collins is a surname that derived from Nicholas, which means "people of victory," or the Scottish surname Colin, which may derive from Nicholas as well, but may also mean "young pup." The Welsh derivation is Collen and means "hazel." Its earliest use in England dates back to the 12th Century. Collins as a first name doesn't have as long of a history, especially for girls. It's just beginning to gain some popularity and has a long way to go before making it to the top, but we have no doubt that it will get there soon!