Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Unique
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), English· “unique, one of a kind”
- Meaning
- unique, one of a kind
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- yoo-NEEK
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,456
- US babies 2025
- 73
- Best rank
- #790 (1996)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Unique
Unique is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “unique, one of a kind”.
Unique comes directly from the English word meaning one of a kind, which traces back through French to the Latin unicus, meaning single or sole. As a given name, it emerged in the United States in the late twentieth century as part of a trend for word names with positive meanings. The name carries a clear message about individuality and specialness. Unique has a bright, confident sound, with stress on the second syllable. It feels bold, modern and expressive. Nikki is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Unique first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 10 different years, starting in 1995. Its best national rank was #790 in 1996, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 292 were named Unique. In 2025, 73 babies were named Unique, and it ranked #2,456 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,067 in 1980, #890 in 2000, #1,091 in 2010, and #2,456 in 2025. Of the 7,615 US girls named Unique since records began, 33% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,039 babies. Since 2010, 2,189 more have been named Unique.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kylah, Laniyah, Kamora, Sanai, and Cloe.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Unique ranked highest in Georgia, Indiana, and Illinois.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 89% of US babies named Unique over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Unique is usually pronounced yoo-NEEK, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with U and ends in “-ue”.
Middle names for Unique
A few middle names that flow with Unique: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Unique
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Lists that include Unique
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Unique mean?
Unique is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “unique, one of a kind”.
What is the origin of the name Unique?
Unique has modern American and English roots. Unique comes directly from the English word meaning one of a kind, which traces back through French to the Latin unicus, meaning single or sole.
Is Unique a popular name?
Not especially. Unique ranked #2,456 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Unique a boy or girl name?
Unique is mainly a girl's name. About 89% of US babies named Unique over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Unique?
Unique is usually pronounced yoo-NEEK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings