Now that it's become more common for children to have unusual names, many expecting parents are searching for that perfect name to help their child stand out as an individual. But where can parents go for inspiration as they look for unusual names? And how can parents avoid choosing a "unique" name that suddenly escalates to the Top 10 baby names list? Here's a guide to help you pick out an unusual name, and to make sure it's as unique as you think.
Researching Name Popularity
As you search for unusual baby names, you need to do some research so you know exactly which names are popular and which are not. Find a reliable list of the top 100 (or preferably 1000) popular names in your country, If you live in the United States, check out the Social Security Popular Baby Name Index, which lists the top 1000 baby names of each year from 1992 to present.
You can use these lists to eliminate names that are popular, and also to look for names that are uncommon. Where you want the "cut-off' point to be is up to you, as you may want something that's not in the top 100 or you may want something that's not in the top 500.
As you search the lists, though, be careful: some names that aren't terribly popular now may be on their way to trendiness. You can predict which names are "up and coming' by looking at how popular that name has been over the last decade or so. If it's suddenly made a leap in popularity, it may be headed for the top of the list. Here are some of the up and coming trendy names for girls and up and coming baby names for boys.
In addition to official baby name lists, look for knowledgeable people in your community who can let you know what names are becoming trendy. Talk to anyone who spends time with young children, like preschool teachers, obstetricians, and parents of little ones.
Looking for Unusual Names
There are quite a few places where you can go to find names that are out of the norm. One place to look is back in time a few generations. Old-fashioned names that haven't become newly trendy can be a fresh and unusual choice for a baby name Here are some old-fashioned baby names for girls.
Another good way to find unusual names is to look beyond your immediate community and nation. Names from other cultures can be a delightful alternative, even if they are popular in the culture itself. Here's a list of popular international baby girl names and popular international baby boy names.
Literature and popular culture also are good sources of baby names. You'll probably want to avoid names that will link your child in everyone's mind to a popular character-- like Hermione or Dora-- but take a look at names in lesser known works. Science fiction can be a great source for beautiful names that are off the beaten track.
Need a good list of uncommon names? Here are some unusual baby names for girls and unusual baby names for boys.
