Let’s face it: No one wants their kid to be the fifth one with that name in their class. (My youngest daughter has three Emilys and three Olivias in a class of only 60 kids!) But it’s tricky, because you also do not want to be that mom that creates the name that makes everyone else in the class cringe and say “huh?”
We’ve got you covered. Here are a dozen cool baby names that are pronounceable and relatively well known — but very rarely used.
For Boys
Gulliver
This lively Irish name is borne most famously by the hero in Jonathan Swift’s masterpiece, and by Gary Oldman’s son.
Stellan
This Swedish name means “calm,” and feels close enough to “stellar” to make it perfect for your little star.
Indigo
The deep blue-purple hue makes a cool color name for a boy. (Pick it in lieu of Gray/Grayson.)
Kit
Actor Kit Harington (the eye candy known as Jon Snow in “Game of Thrones”) brings a touch of cool to this short-and-sweet yet uncommon baby name, sometimes used as a nickname for Christopher.
Winston
While currently on an uptick, Winston’s still outside the top 500 — so odds are great that your son will be the only one with this name.
Thelonius
If your kiddo’s cool enough to take on this moniker, he’ll be linked with jazz great Thelonious Monk.
For Girls
Aviva
This vibrant name means spring, and has a sprightly feel to it. If you like Vivienne, but don’t like how popular it’s become, give this unusual baby name a try.
Fiorella
This melodic name means little flower in Italian, and makes a nice alternative to all those Isabellas and Fionas out there.
Jemima
Ignore the pancake syrup and think instead of stylish “Girls” actress Jemima Kirke and the fact that this lovely Hebrew name means “dove.”
Ione
This Greek name is perfect for a February birthday, as it means violet stone (like the month’s amethyst birthstone). Actress Ione Skye (of Say Anything fame) is the most famous person with this name.
Rue
Short and sweet, Rue is a nature name (after an herb), as well as a tragic figure in the Hunger Games trilogy.
Delphine
This pretty name makes a nice alternative to Evangeline and Angelina — it’s a French name that means dolphin.
More baby name ideas:
Photo: Getty
