Best Names Near the Bottom of the List
Everyone loves to look at the Social Security Database’s name list. We usually scroll to the top to see what won as the most popular names (for the record, it’s Noah and Sophia). But with everyone combing their brains for a unique name these days,it’s best to check the bottom instead. Here are the top picks from the 50 most unique baby names of 2013.
Emmeline (#961) A sweet throwback to the early 1900s, and a choice with plenty of nicknames. As close cousins Emma and Emily rocket up the list, expect Emmeline to follow.
Giovanna (#962) The feminized Italian form of “John” comes in at a low #962 last year. But with Snooki snagging the name for her latest babe at the end of Ocober, this one’s sure to skyocket in the New Year.
Marleigh – (#970) American loves to change up spellings, but “Marleigh” genuinely looks more sophisticated than plain ol’ “Marley.” Expect this one to rise as well.
Bayleigh – (#977) another plain old name – “Bailey” – spiffed up with a different ending. The -eigh adds an elan to the old favorite, and expect the -eigh replacement trend to keep going in 2015.
Estelle – (#978) derived from the French word for star, and shared by a British pop star, Estelle seems poised to rise French names become more popular.
Magnolia – (#981) flower names are on the rise again, and “Magnolia” brings a sweet Southern sound to the trend. Its nickname possibilities make it a great choice.
Ireland – (#984) place names are popular, and most would be surprised to find the Emerald Isle so low in the rankings. Alec Baldwin used this name for his teenage daughter.
Astrid (#989)- yet another star name, this one from the Latin. Expect more Astrids resulting from the release of the second How to Train Your Dragon movie.
Tinley – (#999) it fits with the Madisons and McKinleys and Bryleys so common these days, but it’s a subtle step sideways. That’s not surprising, since it’s another use of an old English surname, but this one super rare.
Stetson – (#950) it’s masculine, it’s western, it’s rugged. The staccato syllables like this are really coming into style, and this is rare enough to be unique – but not so rare as to be misspelled or mispronounced.
Augustine – (#955) say it with a short i, not like the city in Florida, and it’s another lovely French name with some great nicknames: Auggie, August, or Gus.
Langston – (#957) the first name of the popular Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, this name can’t stay down too long.
Magnus – (#958) strong and Nordic, Magnus is easy to pronounce and spell, but still rare. Singer Jennifer Nettles has one of the 206 babies named Magnus born in 2013.
Tyrell – (#977) the last name of a popular house in Game of Thrones and one of the rising Game of Thrones names.
Grey – (#979) British spelling of the more popular “Gray,” this one will have him spelling it out, but never mispronounced. A classic.
Brenton – (#988) a close Irish cousin to the ever-popular Brandon and still-rare Brendan, it sounds more common and popular than it is. Perfect for a family that wants to stay close to tradition, but with a twist.
Lachlan – (#991) pronounced “Lock-lan”, this Scottish name can be used for a girl or a boy.
Thatcher – (#992) this is one of those uncommon boy names that sounds tousle-haired and intellectual without being odd or unpronounceable. Expect it to rise on the list as it gets more exposure.
Broderick – (#998) somehow, this name has stayed down the list. Another perfectly pronounceable name based on an English surname, it’s masculine and sophisticated without seeming too posh.