Search 30000 Baby Name Meanings

And get more name ideas later on.

Exotic Baby Name Ideas and Meanings

Written by Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick

When you’re in search of an exotic or uncommon baby name for your child, you may find your greatest inspiration when you embrace a far-off culture. Honor your heritage, dig deep into your family tree or merely select a name that embraces a way of life that may be foreign to you, but which carries great meaning no matter what cultural boundary it crosses. Browse through our list of exotic baby name ideas and meanings to help you find the perfect name for your baby.

Chinese Baby Names

The Chinese way of life is deeply connected to nature, and this link is the inspiration for many of their beautiful names. Chinese culture is a large part of the Western world and one very specific element sets this culture’s names apart – you could define them as quiet but powerful. One-syllable names abound, and they are not especially outrageous, but they do evoke strength of character. The boy names Li (strong) and Yu (universe) and the girl names Lin (fine jade) and Mei (beautiful) are titles your baby could proudly live up to.

German Baby Names

With almost a quarter of Americans of German descent, this is one culture that has permeated society and gifted us with a delightful collection of baby names. You might actually be surprised to discover that what are often considered very “American” names are actually of German persuasion. Emily and William can be traced back to their German roots of Amalia and Wilhelm. Other unique throwbacks are Johann and Caspar, Erna and Margarete.

Italian Baby Names

The Italian culture is rich with multi-syllable names that roll off the tongue. Your little lady will hear “bella” wherever she goes with a “beautiful” Italian name like Mia or Liliana. Your tough young lad will brim with verve when blessed with a moniker such as Dante or Santino.

Irish Baby Names

Blarney! Did you know that one of the latest hot trends in baby naming is to go green? Irish boy names in particular are topping the charts with the multitude of variations that exist for Aiden, Aidan, Ayden and Aden. And whether you’ve got a baby boy or girl, you’ll be lucky to find unisex names in the Irish lexicon like Ryan, Sean and Connor.

Japanese Baby Names

From sushi to anime cartoons, Americans are great fans of the Japanese culture. Now you can show your reverence for the Eastern world by granting your child a Japanese baby name. Get inspired by top boy names like Yuuki, Kenji and Toshiro. Or help your little lady stand out from the crowd with a popular signature such as Noriko, Hina or Akiko.

Spanish Baby Names

Dora the Explorer may have the lock on toddlers, but you don’t have to know anything about this character, or even have Latin roots, to give your baby a name derived from the romance language of Spain. Maybe there are names you love but feel are too Americanized. Let the Spanish influence find its way into titles like Alexander, Rose, Anthony and Frances by altering them to Alejandro, Rosario, Antonio or Francesca.

Arab Baby Names

Though the Arab world may sometimes be scrutinized and misunderstood through American eyes, there is no denying that this part of the world offers up a glorious collection of name possibilities for your baby. Whether you want a name that celebrates the natural world or infers wisdom, you have a wide selection, from the boy names Randa (desert tree) and Basir (wise) to the girl name Zahara (flower).