Rare Baby Names Worth Rescuing

These rare baby names are in the charts, but only just. They were each given to only five babies, the minimum before the name disappears from the records completely.

If you’re looking for unusual name inspiration way down at the bottom of the US popularity charts, it can be daunting. There are just so many to wade through: in 2020 there were around 2400 girl names and 2000 boy names used just five times (which is as low as the rankings go). And so many are slight variations on a theme — your eyes start to blur between Ahlena, Ahlonni, Ahmoni, Ahriya and Ahviana.

But among them are some real gems. We’ve picked out the most interesting, stylish and (we think) underused names that were only given to five girls or boys in 2020, so you don’t have to. They encompass some of the coolest trends — such as surnames, word names, and elaborate names — and prove that there are always fresh options.

Some of these are rare because they’re on the way out, like former Top 200 names Jess and Vicki. Others only joined the charts recently, like Versailles and Glacier. And some have long been in steady but low-key use, like Sabrine and Barnaby. Whatever your style, we’re sure you’ll find some rarities here that make you go “wow!”

Rare Nickname Names

Looking for nicknames for the birth certificate, beyond Charlie and Ellie? These sweet little diminutives were only given to five girls or boys.

Uncommon Surname Names

The top of the charts are full of surnames — like Mason and Harper — but there are still plenty left that not many people are using. Whether any of these last names as first names are in your family tree, or belongs to a hero of yours, or just makes your heart sing, here’s a selection: