There’s nothing worse than realizing that everyone in your kid’s class has the same name. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a Brian, a Jackson, or a Harper, but if you’re the kind of parent who doesn’t want your baby’s name to be too common, this could really get under your skin.
Some parents really do want something that’s just a bit out there. Nothing too crazy, but definitely something that will stand out and not be like everyone else’s baby name. Those parents might want something that’s a little bit cooler — something with a little edge. Don't worry, there are baby names out there that will ensure that your baby will never be confused for someone else’s kid.
Every parent deserves to get a baby name that they really like and feel good about. Maybe you’re influenced by music or alternative culture and want a baby name to reflect that. Or maybe you’re just bored of the baby names that are already out there. Don’t worry, we completely have you covered. We’ve put together a list of names that are straight-up cool, quirky, and totally different from what’s already out there.
ATLAS
The first name on our list is for explorers and Greek mythology fans only. Atlas is definitely the name of the well-traveled, but according to Greek mythology Atlas was a Titan punished by Zeus to hold the sky away from the Earth. He is the god of astronomy and travel, who “held the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
PERSEPHONE
Another name taken from Greek mythology, Persephone is both unusual and super feminine. In Greek mythology, Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and the goddess Demeter. She is also the protagonist is a well-known fable, in which she is kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld and eventually marries him.
ZEPHYR
A name for parents who aren’t afraid of anything, Zephyr is both cute and totally original. I mean, how many Zephyrs do you already know in real life? This is another name that has its origins in Greek mythology and this time it comes from the Greek god of the west wind and summer breeze. Sounds super cool to me.
OTTOLINE
If you consider yourself a hipster parent (I know, I know, deeply uncool to call yourself a hipster) then this name might be perfect for you — despite the fact that it isn’t really super twee. In fact, the name Ottoline means “prospers in battle” which is actually pretty fierce and evokes a sense of strength, leadership, and tenacity.
FOX
Clearly a name for outdoorsy parents, Fox is a great name for boys or girls. The letter x has been trendy in baby names for the past few years, but that’s mostly because it’s so unusual and original! Taken from Old English, as a name Fox is thought to refer to a fox-catcher or a fox’s den. But doesn’t the name just evoke a sense of cunning, wit, and charm? Sounds pretty cool to us.
RAVEN
Another name taken from nature, Raven is a name for one cool chick. To some, the name will evoke the image of the large black birds found in gothic novels and Edgar Allen Poe poems. While others might think of famous Ravens, including Raven-Symoné or Raven Darkholme, aka Storm from the X-Men series.
RYKER
The letter y has also become popular in baby names and Ryker is a great example of exactly why it’s so trendy. Ryker is a unique and edgy name that also has a luxurious vibe. In German the name means “rich” and in Danish the name means “powerful ruler,” which is perfect for parents who want to evoke a sense of strength.
DIABLO
This name is definitely edgy, and for some it might push them over the edge. Diablo, meaning “the devil” in Spanish might sound perfectly evil, but still could be a fitting name for your little angel. If you need a little convincing, think about writer/director Diablo Cody, who is fearless and unafraid to push boundaries.
MADDOX
Most of us know the name Maddox because it’s the name of Angelina Jolie’s eldest son — which in and of itself is pretty cool. Maddox was not really popular at all in the US before Angelina Jolie gave the name to her son, and has been steadily growing in popularity ever since. Originally, it was a Welsh surname and means son of God, son of the Lord, fortunate person, beneficent.
REBEL
Another name that has a celebrity flair, Rebel is the coolest name for a little boy or a little girl. It also is the name of comedic actress, Rebel Wilson. Of course, Rebel comes from the vocabulary word rebel, which according to Merriam-Webster dictionary means “opposing or taking arms against a government or ruler” — pretty cool, right?
HAWK
If a child named Hawk was in my child’s class, I’d immediately think they were the coolest kid in the whole entire school. Taken from the bird of the same name, Hawks are known for being smart and have a keen sense of sight. And there are some pretty cool celebrities named Hawk, which is how you’ll know your baby is in good company, like Ethan Hawk and Tony Hawk.
HARLEY
Harley for a boy is pretty cool, Harley for a girl is absolutely wicked (in a good way). Originally an English name meaning “of the hare meadow,” which is pretty tame if you asked me. Harley got its edge after it became part of one of the largest motorcycle company’s name — Harley-Davidson. It’s also the name of one of Gotham’s greatest villains, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn.
OZ
Naming your baby Oz is not only cool, it’s absolutely a power move. I mean, Oz? Short and sweet, but definitely not boring. Meaning "strength, courage” in Hebrew, Some people might like the name Oz as an ode to the children's series by L. Frank Baum, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” It’s also the name of one of Buffy’s friends on the show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
TALON
Another name that evokes a sense of the danger, Talon is a sharp and edgy name that any parent would love. Of course, the name Talon has natural origins. Taken from the name of the talon, or claw, of a bird, the talon can be extremely dangerous. As a name for you baby, it's probably less of a threat, but don't worry, it still has that edgy flair that so many parents want.
ALASKA
The name of America’s 49th state, Alaska comes from the Aleut phrase, aleyska, and means “the mainland,” or "the object toward which the action of the sea is directed." Any one with the name Alaska will have a strong sense of independence as it is a name that isn’t frequently used — but don’t let that scare you. Alaska is a beautiful name that works for both boys or girls.
DIESEL
It goes without saying, but this name has a lot of muscle. And it’s a good masculine pick for a baby boy. Diesel comes from the German scientist, Rudolph Diesel, who created the diesel engine. It’s also part of the name of actor Vin Diesel, which is a plus for fans of the Fast and the Furious franchise.
JEZEBEL
A baby name that’s definitely not for wallflowers. Jezebel was derived from the Hebrew īzebhel and means “impure, wicked.” In the Bible, Jezebel is the wicked wife of King Ahab. Some truly powerful women have been named Jezebel and it’s also the name of a 1938 film starring Bette Davis. Chose this baby name only if you want a little girl who is fearless.
STEELE
A tough name, for a tough little guy, Steele is my personal pick for best baby name with attitude. Sure, Steele can also be associated with being stubborn or inflexible, but it can also evoke a sense of fortitude, strength, and power. This is definitely an unusual name, some might even associate it with '80s soap operas, but that shouldn’t put you off from the name completely. Give the name a chance to steal your heart (see what I did there?).
PANDORA
Some people might think this name sounds a little posh, but trust me, a girl named Pandora is nothing but powerful. According to Britannica.com, in Greek mythology Pandora was the first woman. She also had a jar full of all the misery and evil in the world. She would later open the jar and unleashed evil upon the world — pretty hardcore, right?
BOWIE
This name had to make our list. Who is cooler than David Bowie? No one. That’s who! A baby named Bowie is sure to be boundary-pushing like the Starman himself and will evoke that rock 'n' roll vibe. Bowie was also once a Scottish surname and meant "yellow" or "fair-haired," which is perfect for for parents of blond bubs.