Unique Baby Names

An uncommon name lets a child stand out without feeling strange. The names here are recognizable and easy to pronounce, but they are used by relatively few families, so your child is unlikely to share a classroom with another child of the same name.

Many of these names had a moment in the past and have since quieted down. Jada, Jillian, Marissa, Breanna and Haylee were familiar to many parents during their own childhoods, while Karen has become much less common as a baby name over time. Braden, Brendan and Brennan share Irish roots and a similar sound, which makes them easy to swap if you like the style but want a slightly different feel.

Some names carry clear meanings. Cadence and Kaydence refer to rhythm in music, and Justice is a virtue name used for both boys and girls. Ashlynn, Addyson and Jayda show how spelling variations can take a familiar name in a new direction. Choosing a less common name has practical advantages, such as fewer mix-ups at school and a name that feels personal. The trade-off is that some spellings may need explaining. If you find a name here that you love, test it with your surname and a possible middle name, and think about how it will sound when your child is grown.