Find Surprising Inspiration From the 100 Least Popular Baby Names of the Year

Annually, the Social Security Administration (SSA) releases a list of the top boy and girl names of babies born the previous year using data from social security applications. The list is searchable by the top 1,000 names by year and always offers fascinating data on baby name trends.

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After the list is released, the top 50 boy and top 50 girl names obviously get the most buzz. But, when looking for a unique baby name, an underrated place to look is the bottom 50 boy and girl names from the list. Here’s where you find some true gems. Skimming through this part of the list means coming by unique spellings of more common names, along with truly rare baby names altogether. A few notable strong and beautiful names include Vance, Thatcher, and Cullen for boys and Lilia, Paloma, and Sariah for girls (how cute!). 

If you’re set on choosing an uncommon baby name for your new little one, check out the 50 least used boys and girls names below from the SSA top 1,000 list for inspiration on a lovely but distinct moniker to use.

Trends from the Bottom 50 Names

There are, of course, many stunning names at the top of the SSA baby names list that you hear more frequently. But when reading through the list of the bottom 50 names, it’s obvious that there are so many truly lovely but rare baby names out there. If one of the more popular names is one you love but you want something more distinct for your child, the bottom of the list is the perfect place to look, as many of these are a twist or spelling variation of something more common. Some of them are a different culture’s spelling or version of a name, so those should be used with consideration. Consider some of these alternatives for more commonly used monikers:

For Boys:

• Asaiah (#957) instead of Isaiah (#56)
• Kelvin (#964) instead of Kevin (#186)
• Yaakov (#966) instead of Jacob (#26)
• Henrik (#976) instead of Henry (#8)
• Jeremias (#977) instead of Jeremiah (#92)
• Kole (#155) instead of Cole (#155)
• Karsyn (#983) instead of Carson (#111)
• Mikael (#989) instead of Michael (#16)
• Kody (#995) instead of Cody (#306)

For Girls:

• Elouise (#954) instead of Eloise (#80) or Louise (#586)
• Emiliana (#955) instead of Emily (#18)
• Annika (#956) instead of Anna (#79)
• Lilia (#957) instead of Lily (#20)
• Mazie (#958) instead of Maisie (#293) or Maisy (#791)
• Aleyna (#961) instead of Alaina (#218)
• Kassidy (#962) instead of Cassidy (#496)
• Layne (#968) instead of Lainey (#54) or Laney (#663)
• Malayah (#969) instead of Malaya (#847)
• Hayley (#972) instead of Hailey (#90) or Haley (#687)
• Allyson (#979) instead of Allison (#100) or Alice (#65)
• Laylah (#982) instead of Layla (#30) or Laila (#312)
• Violette (#983) instead of Violet (#16)
• Leanna (#985) instead of Liana (#479)
• Clare (#991) instead of Claire (#67) or Clara (#99)
• Elisabeth (#995) instead of Elizabeth (#15)
• Sariah (#996) instead of Sarah (#91) or Sara (#189)

There are other considerations in choosing a variation on a more popular name. Consider if you’re firm on picking something that is easy to pronounce and spell or if you’re open to something harder to pronounce and spell. There are pros and cons to both choices when deciding what to bestow upon your new addition. 

Whether you choose a name from the top 1,000 list or the end or somewhere in between, your child is sure to have a name perfect for their wonderful, individual self. 

The 50 Least Popular Baby Boy Names of 2023

950. Ahmir

This name of Arabic origin means “prince” and couldn’t be a better fit for a new addition to the household.

951. Mordechai

A distinctive name of Hebrew origin, Mordechai means “follower of Marduk.” Marduk is a Babylonian god known for ruling with compassion.

952. Nova

This moniker comes from the Latin word “novus,” which means “new.” This name ranks #35 on this year’s list of girl names.

953. Randy

Randy has retro vibes and is the shortened version of the Old English name Randall, meaning “shield” and “wolf.”

954. Shepard

This classic British name means “sheep herder.”

955. Talon

A strong, tough name, Talon means “bird claw.”

956. Vance

This handsome English name is originally a surname meaning “marshland.” Baby will even have a notable namesake of Vance Joy, an Australian singer-songwriter best known for the song Riptide. 

957. Asaiah

A Hebrew name meaning “the Lord hath made,” Asaiah is a lesser-used alternative to the name Isaiah, which ranks #56 on this year’s list of boy names.

958. Boaz

This notable name means “strength” and is of Hebrew origin from the book of Ruth in the Bible.

959. Kenai

Coming from the Dena’ina word “ken,” this name means “flat meadow.” The Dena’ina are Alaska Native Athabaskan people.

960. Jones

This classic English surname means “son of John” and makes a strong first name.

961. Carl

With Germanic roots, this classic name means “free man.”

962. Stefan

This name is the German form of Stephen, which is originally derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning “crown.” 

963. Deandre

This modern boy’s name means “strong” and “courageous.”

964. Kelvin

A Scottish name meaning “narrow or wooded river,” Kelvin can be an alternative to the more common name Kevin, which ranks as #186 on this year’s list of boy names.

965. Leighton

This gender-neutral name comes from the Old English word “leac,” meaning “leek.” This name is also on the top 1,000 girl names list at #357.

966. Yaakov

The Hebrew form of the name Jacob, this name means “he who supplants.” Jacob is #26 on this year’s list of boy names.

967. Foster

This handsome British name means “keeper of the forest.”

968. Rishi

This poetic name of Sanskrit origin means “sage.”

969. Yisroel

A strong Hebrew name, Yisroel means “God contended.”

970. Darwin

This wise Old English name has the profound meaning of “dear friend.” This name may bring to mind Charles Darwin, one of the most well-known scientists in history for his theory of evolution by natural selection. 

971. Neo

This modern name is derived from the prefix meaning “new.” A little one of this name will be exceptionally cool, as he’ll share a title with Keanu Reeves’ character in The Matrix—a hacker that goes by Neo.

972. Titan

This tough name hails from Greek mythology and means “defender.”

973. Maurice

Of Latin origin, this name means “dark skinned” and “from the Moor people.”

974. McCoy

This notable Irish name has the feisty meaning of “fire.”

975. Alfonso

A name of Spanish origin, Alfonso means “ready for battle.”

976. Henrik

This name has Old Germanic roots from the words for “home” and “ruler.” This is one of the of variations on the name Henry, which is #8 on this year’s list of boy names.

977. Jeremias

A variation of the name Jeremiah, which ranks #92 on this year’s list of boy names, Jeremias is a Hebrew name that means “Jehovah exalts.”

978. Kole

A name meaning “victory of the people,” Kole is also a spelling variation on Cole, which ranks #155 on this year’s list of boy names.

979. Mael

Meaning “chief” and “prince,” this French name originates from a Breton saint.

980. True

Meaning “real,” “genuine,” and “loyal,” this virtue name with a clear meaning makes a lovely choice for a new little one. 

981. Veer

This is a Sanskrit name that lovingly means “brave.”

982 Jadiel

This name is the Spanish version of the Hebrew name Yehudiel, which means “one who will judge.”

983. Karsyn

This spelling variation of Carson, which ranks #111 on this year’s list of boy names, is a Scottish name meaning “son of Carr.”

984. Mekhi

This name has American and Hebrew origins and means “Who is like God?”

985. Atharv

Meaning “knowledgeable,” this name has Hindi roots.

986. Darren

This is a lasting name of Irish origin with the profound meaning “little great one.”

987. Eliezer

This Hebrew name means “God is my help.”

988. Gordon

A timeless moniker, this name is Scottish and means “great hill.”

989. Mikael

This is a Hebrew name meaning “Who is like God?” and is a variant on the always-popular Michael, which is #16 on this year’s list of boy names.

990. Stone

This notable nature-inspired name of British origin means “dweller by the rocks.”

991. Wren

This gender-neutral English name means “small brown songbird” and ranks as #196 on this year’s list of girl names.

992. Ephraim

This Hebrew name means “fruitful, fertile, and productive.”

993. Osman

Of Arabic origin, this name means “wise” and “most powerful.”

994. Ulises

The Spanish variant of the name Ulysses, this tough name means “famous warrior.”

995. Kody

This sweet name of Irish origin means “helpful” and is a spelling variant of Cody, which ranks #306 on this year’s list of boy names.

996. Thatcher

This English name comes from the occupation “thatcher,” which is someone who covers roofs in straw.

997. Abner

Meaning “father of light,” this moniker is of Hebrew origin.

998. Cullen

This handsome Irish name means “son of the holy one.” Long standing fans of Twilight will recognize Cullen as the surname of main character Edward, the eternal teen vampire played by Robert Pattinson. 

999. Damari

This gender-neutral name means “gentle.”

1000. Hollis

This English name has medieval roots and comes from the words meaning “holly” and “nearness.”

The 50 Least Popular Baby Girl Names of 2023

950. Xyla

This whimsical Greek name means “wood-dweller.”

951. Cadence

This musical Latin name means “rhythm.”

952. Reya

Of Greek origin, this sweet name means “flow.”

953. Blessing

Meaning “divine gift,” this English name is perfect for a rainbow baby.

954. Elouise

This tough German name means “famous warrior” and is a spelling variation on the more commonly-used version Eloise, which is #80 on this year’s list of girl names. It is also a twist on Louise, which is #586 on the list.

955. Emiliana

This lovely Spanish name means “striving, excelling, and rivaling” and is a variation on Emily, which is #18 on this year’s list of girl names.

956. Annika

This Swedish name means “grace” and “elegant” and is a diminutive of Anna, which is #79 on this year’s list of girl names. This name also has Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Arabic roots.

957. Lilia

This beautiful moniker comes from the Latin word for “lily” and can be used as a variation of that name, which is #20 on this year’s list of girl names.

958. Mazie

This Scottish name means “pearl” and is a spelling variation on Maisie, which is #293 on this year’s list of girl names, and Maisy, which is #791.

959. Saoirse

A beautiful Irish moniker meaning “freedom,” this name is pronounced either “sair-sheh” or “seer-sheh.” Actress Saoirse Ronan is known for her roles in Little Women, Lady Bird, and Atonement. 

960. Aura

This soft and delicate Greek name pays homage to the goddess of the breeze.

961. Aleyna

This name means “bright shining light” and is a spelling variation of the more common Alaina, which is #218 on this year’s list of girl names.

962. Kassidy

This sweet name is from the Gaelic words for “clever” and “curly-headed.” The name Cassidy is also on this year’s list of girl names at #496.

963. Carla

This is the feminine version of the German masculine name Carl, meaning “free man.”

964. Indigo

This funky name means “deep blue dye.” You may associate this name with The Indigo Girls, a folk rock duo whose 1989 song Closer to Fine had a resurgence thanks to the 2023 Barbie movie. 

965. Saanvi

This Indian girl’s name means “follower of Lakshmi,” who is the Hindu goddess of luck.

966. Tru

This short and simple name means “loyal one.” This name is also on this year’s list of boy names with the alternate spelling True at #980.

967. Winifred

This distinct Old English name means “friend of peace.” Perfect for an October baby, Winifred is also the name of the eldest Sanderson sister in Hocus Pocus played by Bette Midler. 

968. Layne

This classic gender-neutral English name means “path” and can be a variant of the name Lainey, which is #54 on this year’s list of girl names, and Laney, which is #663. As a boy’s name, Layne is #649.

969. Malayah

This beautiful Filipino name means “free” and is an alternate spelling to Malaya, which is #847 on this year’s list of girl names.

970. Dana

With English, Celtic, and Scandinavian roots, this name meaning “gift” or “wise” is perfectly gender-neutral, though it has dipped in popularity as a boy’s name and is no longer in the top 1,000.

971. Deborah

This Hebrew name meaning “bee” was at the height of its popularity from the 1950s-70s.

972. Hayley

With British and Gaelic roots, this name is from the surname Haley, which means “hay clearing.” This name is also on this year’s list of girl names as #90 spelled as Hailey and #687 spelled as Haley.

973. Sapphire

Perfect for babies born in September to honor their blue birthstone, this name comes from the Greek word “seppheiros” or the Hebrew word “sappı̂yr.”

974. Seraphina

This stunning Hebrew name means “burning ones.”

975. Kahlani

With Hawaiian origins, this name is a nod to nature and means “sea and sky.”

976. Nyra

This name means “beauty of Saraswati.” Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of wisdom, music, speech, art, and learning.

977. Quincy

This sweet gender-neutral name has French origins and is #676 on this year’s list of boy names.

978. Soleil

A stunning French name, Soleil means “sun.” Actress Soleil Moon Frye started out as a child star in 1984 as the iconic main character of Punky Brewster. 

979. Allyson

This timeless German and French name means “little Alice.” The alternate spelling Allison is on this year’s list of girl’s names at #100 and Alice is #65.

980. Paloma

This lovely name originates from the Latin word for “dove,” a universal sign of peace.

981. Whitney

Meaning “by the white island,” this moniker has Old English roots.

982. Laylah

This name has Arabic and Hebrew roots and means “born at night.” The spelling variant Layla is on this year’s list of girls names at #30 and Laila at #312.

983. Violette

This French name signifies the purple flower and is a lovely alternate spelling of Violet, which is high on this year’s list of girl names at #16.

984. Kairi

Meaning “majestic sea,” this gender-neutral name has Japanese origins.

985. Leanna

This name has Latin, English, and Irish roots and means “light.” The spelling variant Liana is on this year’s list of girl names at #479.

986. Natasha

A holiday-inspired name, this Russian moniker means “born on Christmas day”.

987. Ainhoa

This name has religious significance as Ainhoa is a town in France where a shepherd had a vision of the Virgin Mary.

988. Alaiya

With Arabic roots, this name means “exalted” and “sublime.”

989. Esperanza

This lovely and notable Spanish name means “hope.”

990. Amyra

This Arabic name is perfect for the new addition to your family as it means “princess, commander, leader.”

991. Clare

Meaning “bright,” this name is also an Irish coastal county. The spelling variant Claire is on this year’s list of girl names at #67 and Clara is #99.

992. Neriah

This Hebrew name originates from the words meaning “lamp” and “God.”

993. Araya

This name has various cultural roots, including originating from the Sanskrit name Arya.

994. Aadhya

This lovely Sanskrit name means “first power.”

995. Elisabeth

This Hebrew name means “God’s promise.” The more common spelling Elizabeth is high on this year’s list of girl names at #15.

996. Sariah

Meaning “princess” or “God is my ruler,” this Hebrew name is related to Sarah, which is on this year’s list of girl names at #91, and Sara, which is #189.

997. Shay

This simple gender-neutral Gaelic name means “admirable” and “fortunate”

998. Angelique

This beautiful moniker comes from the Greek word meaning “messenger.”

999. Ayah

Meaning “sign,” this light and flowy name has Arabic origins.

1000. Aylani

This name has a variety of origins, and one meaning is “orange tree.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brigette Marshall, Contributing Writer

Brigette is a mom of two little girls and works full-time in project management, both at home and in the office. She loves book clubbing, antique shopping, watching documentaries, and convincing her husband to cook gourmet meals for her.

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