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. While the top boy and top girl names obviously get the most buzz, if you’re looking for a unique baby name, an underrated place to look is at the bottom of the list. Here’s where you find some true gems.

Skimming through the least popular names means coming across unique spellings of more common names, along with truly rare baby names altogether. A few notable names include Anders, Damari, and Wallace for boys and Corinne, Annika, and Scout for girls (how cute!). If you’re set on choosing an uncommon baby name for your new little one, check out the 100 least used boys’ and girls’ names below from the SSA top 1,000 list for inspiration on a lovely but distinct moniker to use.

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In this article

1 Trends from the least popular baby names of the year

2 The 50 least popular boy names of the year

3 The 50 least popular girl names of the year

4 About the SSA baby names list

Trends from the least popular baby names of the year

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 100 names, it’s obvious that there are so many truly lovely but rare baby names out there. If 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. Others have a similar sound or meaning to the year’s most popular picks (i.e., girls’ names Laken and Lily both start with “L” and have ties to nature). Some of them are a different culture’s spelling or version of a name, so those should be used with consideration. Here are some rarer alternatives with similar sounds and meanings to the most popular names:

For Boys:

Alec (#977) instead of Alexander (#30)
Anders (#984) instead of Andrew (#73)
Harold (#993) instead of Henry (#5)
Josias (#950) instead of Josiah (#54)
Landry (#996) instead of Liam (#1)
Langston (#1000) instead of Lincoln (#69)
Macklin (#998) instead of Mateo (#8)
Mitchell (#954) instead of Miles (#44)
Wallace (#964) instead of William (#9)
Van (#972) instead of Levi (#12)

For Girls:

Annika (#995) instead of Anna (#107)
Arden (#975) instead of Madison (#40)
August (#962) instead of Willow (#44)
Cordelia (#981) instead of Amelia (#4)
Corinne (#999) instead of Charlotte (#2)
Elia (#970) instead of Eliana (#10)
Laken (#990) instead of Lily (#18)
Nancy (#967) instead of Eleanor (#12)
Rosalee (#954) instead of Eloise (#49)
Zora (#969) or Zyla (#952) instead of Zoe (#31) or Zoey (#69)

The 50 least popular boy names of the year

950. Josias

With Hebrew roots, Josias means “The fire of the Lord” and is the perfect choice for a strong little boy with a deep connection to his faith.

951. Jon

A derivative of more common names like John and Jonathan, Jon means “God has given,” and is short and sweet—perfect for a new little boy.

952. Agustin

Inspired by the Latin Augustus, Agustin is unique and memorable, with an array of catchy nicknames to choose from: August and Gus, to name a few.

953. Jethro

For a baby destined to succeed, there’s no better option than Jethro. The Hebrew name translates to “abundance” and “excellence.”

954. Mitchell

Inspired by divinity, Mitchell is a classic and masculine name that—despite falling in the baby name ranks in recent years—is still an adorable choice for a new baby boy. It translates to “Who is like God.”

955. Felipe

For the little boy who loves animals, Felipe is a charming and unique option, translating to “friend of horses.”

956. Gian

With Italian roots, Gian translates to “God is gracious.” It derives from Giovanni and is an Italian form of common English names like John.

957. Legacy

For a baby destined to make their mark on the world, there is no better choice than Legacy. Plus, it’s gender-neutral!

958. Damari

Damari has origins from all over the world—Hebrew, Irish, Nigerian—and translates to “gentle” and “eternal.” For a baby with a sweet and innocent soul, this is the best pick.

959. Melvin

With Irish and Scottish roots, Melvin gives eclectic grandpa vibes. The name translates to “gentle chieftain” or “armored chief.” It’s cute and classy, with an aura of leadership and strength your baby boy will love.

960. Aldo

Brimming with European charm, Aldo translates to “old” or “noble” and is perfect for a little one with an old soul.

961. Darwin

This surname baby name hardly needs an introduction. Interlinked with Charles Darwin, the father of modern evolution, your science-minded little one will love sporting this moniker. Plus, it translates to “dear friend.”

962. Montgomery

Used as both a first and last name, Montgomery has English, Scottish, and French roots. However, it’s perhaps best known in the United States for its namesake city in Alabama. Consider the adorable nickname, Monte.

963. Shimon

Shimon has a delicate and sweet sound that is perfect for a newborn baby. Yet, its translation is “to be heard,” making it a great option for a little one with lots to say!

964. Wallace

This boy’s name has an air of sophistication, perfect for families who want a pick with a vintage feel for their new little boy.

965. Arian

Though primarily Welsh in origin, Arian has roots in Greek mythology, too. It translates to “protect” and has connections to the Greek God Ares.

least popular boy names 2026 — *Source: @rcitystyle | Instagram*

966. Colten

Literally translating to “coal town,” Colten is a British boy’s name (and an alternative to the more popular Colton) that evokes images of grit, hard work, and strength.

967. Mordechai

With Hebrew and Persian roots, Mordechai is a biblical name that means “servant of Marduk,” a beloved ancient god and patron deity of the city of Babylon. For parents looking for a faithful name with a rich history, this is an excellent choice.

968. Quentin

Quentin’s Latin roots draw from the naming of children in numerical order. Quentin represents the fifth child in a family, or a child born during the fifth month of the year. If you have a big family, consider this name for a little boy!

969. Imran

A strong Arabic and Hebrew name, Imran means “civilization” or “exalted nation.” It holds deep roots across the Middle East and is a charming and sweet choice for a little boy.

970. Beaux

A more unique spelling of Beau, Beaux’s translations speak for themselves: beautiful, handsome, sweetheart, and admirer. What better name for a newborn baby boy?

971. Harlem

You may recognize this one as the name of a neighborhood in New York City. It also means “home on a wooded hill,” adding a touch of nature to a title otherwise known for its ties to the concrete jungle.

972. Van

With British roots, Van most directly translates to “marsh” or “fen.” Other meanings include “pattern” or “example.” For a future leader, this is a charming pick.

973. Gage

Gage is pronounced just like the word “gauge,” a title used to describe the measuring of something. This is a fitting translation, considering that Gage means “to measure” or “measuring rod.”

974. Kaycen

Kaycen has a clear, contemporary sound that is melodic and crisp. The name translates to “pure” or “brave”—fitting adjectives for a new little boy.

975. Mathew

A variation of the more common spelling, Matthew, Mathew means “Gift of God,” and has remained popular over multiple centuries and across vast distances.

976. Quinton

Quinton’s sweet sound and British roots give it a regal air, as does its translation. On top of “fifth,” Quinton also means “Queen’s settlement.”

977. Alec

Though traditionally a nickname for the more common Alexander, Alec now stands on its own and translates to “defending men.”

978. Azlan

With strong Turkish roots, Azlan means “lion.” The name and its translation symbolize courage, strength, and leadership, qualities any little boy would be lucky to embody.

979. Toby

Toby stems from Tobias and is a charming gender-neutral pick that translates to “God is good.” In just a couple of syllables, Toby sums up all the gratitude and love parents feel when they have a baby.

980. Ameer

With Arabic roots, Ameer translates to “prince,” “ruler,” or “chieftain.” The name comes from Amir, which was traditionally given to respected rulers throughout history.

981. Byron

Byron is a British name that sounds a lot like the more common Brian, yet has unique roots and meanings. The name translates to “dweller at the cattle byres,” as it was originally gifted to those who worked with cattle.

982. Damir

With Eastern European roots, Damir is a strong, masculine name that means “one who gives peace.” For the baby whose smile melts all of your stress away, this is the perfect choice.

983. Loyal

Meaning “faithful,” or “firm in allegiance,” Loyal is a gender-neutral name that truly speaks for itself. For a baby whose family bonds are paramount, this is a great pick.

984. Anders

Anders’ roots are varied—Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Greek—but their strong meaning requires no further explanation. With translations like “warrior” and “manly,” your little one will be lucky to wear this moniker as their own.

985. Curtis

Another name with an adorable vintage feel, Curtis means “courteous” or “polite,” and is a timeless and sweet option for a baby boy.

least popular baby names — *Source: @sopharush | Instagram*

986. Dominik

Dominik is the German spelling of the more common Dominic, and means “Lord” or “belonging to the Lord.” For a little boy raised in faith, this is an excellent choice.

987. Joan

Despite being a traditionally feminine name, Joan translates to “God is gracious.” This one also has great nickname potential! Titles like Jo or Jon are great options for your little boy.

988. Ephraim

For those looking for a name with Biblical roots, Ephraim was the son of Joseph and the leader of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its meanings are varied and include “fruitful” and “productive.”

989. Isael

Isael is derived from the biblical name, “Israel,” and has strong connections to the Jewish and Christian faiths. Traditional translations include “he who struggles with God,” or “God contends.”

990. Jiraiya

Jiraiya translates to “thunder” and has strong Japanese roots. A name like this will ensure your baby enters every room with a bang (literally).

991. Aurelius

Anyone with a history background may know Aurelius because of the 2nd-century Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. On its own, the name translates to “golden” or “gilded,” and is a unique and charming name option.

992. Blaine

There’s something bright and bubbly about the name Blaine, which is fitting considering its literal translation to “yellow.” A baby with this title is bound to be bright, charming, and warm.

993. Harold

Despite waning in popularity in recent decades, Harold is a baby boy name that translates to “heroic leader,” and has major vintage naming potential. Plus, cute nicknames like Harry are always an option!

994. Joe

Simple and sweet, Joe is the definition of a classic and beloved boy’s name. Translating to “God will add,” or “He will increase,” you won’t want to overlook this one as a sweet option for your baby boy.

995. Palmer

Gender neutral and oh-so-sweet, Palmer means “pilgrim” or “palm tree.” It’s a modern, edgy name with all the cool boy vibes.

996. Landry

With French and German roots, Landry has meanings that include “strength of the Earth” and “ruler.” All in all, this is a charming baby boy name with echoes of leadership and courage.

997. Oziel

This is a modern, phonetic variation of the biblical name “Uzziel.” Translating to “the strength of God,” there’s no more fitting title for a baby raised in faith.

998. Macklin

With Scottish and Irish roots, Macklin is commonly recognized as a variant of the Scottish surname McLean. Some of its meanings include “Son of the servant of Eoin,” or “Son of Leander.”

999. Kabir

This Arabic name is the perfect title to give your little one the confidence they need to lead. Translations include “powerful,” “magnificent,” and “leader.”

1000. Langston

With British roots, Langston translates to “long stone” and is very uncommon across most decades. It didn’t even make the top 1000 names in the US until 2013! But its sophisticated sound makes it an excellent choice for baby boys.

The 50 least popular girl names of the year

950. Milena

With Eastern European roots, Milena means “gracious” or “dear.” What better way to describe the arrival of a new baby girl?

951. Sariah

A twist on the more common Sarah or Sara, Sariah has Hebrew and Arabic roots and translates to “princess.” What could be more fitting?

952. Yuna

Yuna has Japanese and Celtic roots. In Japanese, its varied meanings include “dream,” “vision,” and “gentle moon.” All of these words evoke images of beauty and simplicity—perfect for a new little girl.

953. Zyla

Modern and melodic, Zyla is most commonly thought to mean “shadow” or “radiant.” It has yet to break into mainstream popularity, but it is a great alternative to more common options like Zoe.

954. Rosalee

Rose may be a timeless (and popular) option, but Rosalee is a unique alternative with the same beautiful sound—and tie to the namesake flower.

955. Anika

With Arabic roots, Anika translates to “fearless” and “elegant,” fitting adjectives for a strong little girl. There’s more than one spelling of this one on the baby girl name list this year, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

956. Kinslee

A spelling alternative to the more popular Kinsley, the British name translates to “King’s Meadow.”

957. Love

Of all the names on this list, this may be the one that requires the least explanation. This virtue name also describes the overwhelming emotion parents feel when they welcome their baby to the world.

958. Malaysia

If your family has Southeast Asian roots, name your little one after a place that is close to your heart! Malaysia also means “mountain town” and “land of the Malays.”

959. Yasmin

With strong Persian roots, Yasmin means “Jasmine flower” and “Gift from God.” Anyone who knows the Jasmine flower will recall its gentle, effortless beauty—similar to that of a new baby girl!

960. Aadhya

Translations of Aadyha include “first power” and “beginning.” What better way to celebrate the start of a new life? Plus, the name’s lyrical sound effortlessly rolls off the tongue.

961. Ainhoa

Of Basque origin, Ainhoa is actually the name of a town in the Pyrenees where the Virgin Mary was sighted. Not only are the Pyrenees a beautiful region in France, but this elegant name is a beautiful ode to one’s faith.

962. August

Month names are a personal favorite of mine, and August is at the top of my list. Not only is the nickname potentially endless—Auggie is adorable!—but “August” is the title of a very popular Taylor Swift song. For any little Swifties in training, this is a perfect pick.

963. Bexley

If you’re looking for a unique nature-inspired name, consider Bexley, which translates to “clearing surrounded by box trees.” It’s spunky, charming, and totally down-to-earth.

964. Amiri

Gender neutral and totally adorable, Amiri means “leader” and has Japanese and Arabic roots. For a little one who needs a reminder of just how important they are, this is a great choice!

965. Aleah

With Hebrew, Persian, and Arabic origins, Aleah has a storied and rich history, and is a great alternative to the more popular Leah! The name directly translates to “high” or “rising.”

uncommon baby names — *Source: @tinygirlgang | Instagram*

966. Mazie

A chic alternative to the Scottish name Maisie, Mazie means “pearl” and is the perfect moniker for a little girl whose beauty and charm are a rare gift.

967. Nancy

Classic and vintage, Nancy is one of those timeless girl names you can never go wrong with. It translates to “grace” or “favored.”

968. Barbara

Another vintage option with so much potential! Barbara means “foreign” and has endless nickname possibilities. “Barb” is a personal favorite of mine.

969. Zora

Zora has Slavic roots and translates to “dawn.” In just two syllables, this name captures the bright light that baby girls shine on their families.

970. Elia

If you prayed and prayed for a little girl, Elia is the perfect title to celebrate your little miracle. The name literally translates to “God has answered.”

971. Leylani

Hawaiian baby names are all the rage right now, and Leylani’s beautiful spelling and lyrical sound make it a no-brainer for parents. The name directly translates to “heavenly flowers.”

972. Ashlyn

Ashlyn is a diminutive of the beautiful Irish name, Aisling, sometimes spelled Ashling. It also sounds a lot like Ashley or Ashton, making it a fun spin on some more common choices!

973. Jianna

Jianna is the Americanized version of the Italian name Gianna, meaning “God is gracious.” If you want a girl’s name that starts with “J” and rolls off the tongue, Jianna is perfect.

974. Tru

Gender-neutral, simple, and sweet, Tru means “loyal one” and packs lots of meaning and emotion into just one syllable. It’s actually a variant of the English surname Truman!

975. Arden

This name’s roots are found deep in the Forest of Arden, located in Britain and home to lots of myth, imagination, and literary inspiration. Beyond its literal meaning, Arden has an edgy, cool girl sound your little one will love.

976. Marleigh

Looking for something a little more unique than Marlee or Marley? Marleigh’s spelling is very uncommon, while still having the same sweet sound parents love.

977. Novalee

The translation of this one is just too perfect: “new one.” It derives from the gorgeous Latin moniker “Nova” and is a charming and unique pick for a new little girl.

978. Kori

With Irish, Norse, Arabic, and Greek roots, Kori has a rich history. Yet, it stands on its own as a short, sweet, and gender-neutral pick for your little one.

979. Roselyn

Of French origin, Roselyn means “gentle horse” and has an elegant, feminine sound that makes it an ideal pick for your new little girl. It’s also related to other poetic names like Rosalind and Rosaline.

980. Ashlynn

This name’s close ties to the more popular Ashley make it a great pick for parents who want something classic with a touch of unexpected charm. The name translates to “dream” or “vision.”

981. Cordelia

Cordelia’s Latin roots give it a meaning that is just too adorable: “heart.” For the little girl who is her parents’ whole heart, this is the perfect pick.

982. Khadija

This Arabic name has a meaning that may hit very close to home for some folks—”early baby.” If you have a preemie who just couldn’t wait to get out into the world, consider Khadija.

983. Akira

Of Scottish and Japanese origin, Akira has multiple meanings, including “bright,” “clear,” and “intelligent.” Plus, it’s a unique spin on the more common Kira or Kirra.

984. Arely

For your little one with a heart of gold, Arely is the perfect choice. Its direct translations include “gold” and “golden.”

985. Kamiyah

With Native American roots, Kamiyah translates to “illusion” and “magic.” It is thought to be a combination of the more common names Maya and Camilla.

rare baby names — *Source: @akdphoto | Instagram*

986. Skyla

While Skyla literally translates to “scholar,” there is an undeniable link to the sky and space for this name, as well as a sense of freedom and openness. Skyla is also a great alternative to the more popular Skylar!

987. Adalee

Adalee may be one of the most unique names on this list. It has Biblical roots and translates to “meadow” or “clearing.” For a baby who loves nature, this is a great pick.

988. Addilyn

Translating to “noble one,” Addilyn is a charming variant of Adeline with German and French roots. It also sounds a lot like Addison, if you find yourself in search of a more unique cool girl name!

989. Karter

Despite a literal translation of “one who uses a cart,” Karter is the ultimate edgy, gender-neutral pick for a new little girl. Plus, it’s not nearly as common as Carter.

990. Laken

If you have a house near a lake or live near water in any capacity, consider Laken. The name translates to “one who’s from the lake,” and has a modern feel.

991. Lisa

Lisa used to top the baby name charts. Now, it’s far less common, but it still stands on its own as a powerful feminine name. It’s also a charming nickname for Elisabeth!

992. Brylee

While the meaning of Brylee is unknown, the name’s sweet sound and American roots make it an adorable pick for a new little girl.

993. Jazmine

Got any Disney fans in the household? Jazmine is a great option for parents who want a subtle ode to the Disney princesses while still claiming a unique spelling.

994. Kaiya

Possibly stemming from the Hawaiian baby name “Kai,” Kaiya translates to “ocean” and “sea” and is another great pick for a little girl who is bound to spend lots of time in the water.

995. Annika

Annika has roots in Swedish, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Arabic, to name a few. The name also acts as a sweet variant of Anna and translates to “grace,” “favor,” and “elegant.”

996. Jaslyn

Jaslyn has Persian roots and translates to “Gift from God.” Once again, this is a sweet play on the more common Jasmine!

997. Scout

One syllable and oh-so-sweet, Scout means “to listen” and “sent to discover.” It is an adorable, gender-neutral short name for a baby girl.

998. Simone

Despite being gender-neutral, Simone is now most often used as a girl’s name, especially in France. It means “hear” or “listen,” and is an excellent title for a little girl with lots to say.

999. Corinne

With a meaning of “maiden,” “woman,” or “girl,” Corrine exudes an undeniable aura of femininity and grace. Its Latin and Greek roots also reveal ties to female warriors and soldiers!

1000. Harmoni

With Greek roots, Harmoni means “unity.” You may also recognize this one as sounding a lot like the word “harmony,” eliciting images of peace and togetherness. For the baby who brings their whole family together, this is the perfect pick.

About the SSA baby names list

Every year, the Social Security Administration releases its list of the most popular boy and girl names of the year. This list is compiled from birth certificates and Social Security applications data from the previous year.

The SSA baby name list is released on the Friday before Mother’s Day. You can also search through the whole SSA database for name data over the last 100 years. You can search for name popularity by state, decade, and even see a name’s popularity changes over time.

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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