Deciding on a baby name is one of the most exciting and significant choices you’ll make as a parent. You have the opportunity to choose a name that will follow your child throughout life, introducing them to the world in a meaningful way.
Although most people prefer names that are easy to pronounce, some of the most stunning baby names are the ones that require a second look. Unusual pronunciations do not have to mean a hard-to-pronounce name, so we suggest that you keep an open mind as you consider your options.
As baby name connoisseurs, we have taken the time to find 100 of the most beautiful, yet hard-to-pronounce baby names that are sure to make an impression.
We have included options that range from classic to unique, as well as names from various cultures, languages, and historical periods. There is bound to be something for you and your baby. Pronunciation can take a few tries before you get it right, but the results are worth it; these names are real show-stoppers!
Beautiful But Hard-to-Pronounce Baby Names
For Girls:
Aisling (ASH-ling) – An Irish name that means “dream” or “vision.”
Esmeralda (ES-mer-al-da) – A Spanish name that means “emerald.”
Xanthe (ZAN-thee) – A Greek name that means “golden” or “yellow.”
Seraphina (SER-ah-fee-na) – A Hebrew name that means “fiery.”
Zuleika (Zoo-LEE-ka) – A Persian name that means “brilliant beauty.”
Siobhan (shi-VAWN) – An Irish name that means “God is gracious.”
Ysabel (EE-sa-bell) – A Spanish variation of Isabel, meaning “pledged to God.”
Thérèse (Teh-REZ) – A French name that means “harvest.”
Olwen (OL-wen) – A Welsh name that means “white footprint.”
Calista (ka-LISS-ta) – A Greek name that means “most beautiful.”
Anouk (ah-NOOK) – A French name that means “grace.”
Eithne (ETH-na) – An Irish name that means “kernel” or “grain.”
Aurelia (aw-REL-ee-uh) – A Latin name that means “golden.”
Isolde (ee-SOL-duh) – A Welsh name that means “ice ruler.”
Ffion (FEE-on) – A Welsh name that means “foxglove.”
Vespera (VES-per-uh) – A Latin name that means “evening star.”
Ines (ee-NES) – A Spanish name that means “pure.”
Odessa (o-DES-sa) – A Greek name that means “long journey.”
Saoirse (SUR-sha) – An Irish name that means “freedom.”
Elowen (el-OH-wen) – A Cornish name that means “elm tree.”
Araminta (ah-rah-MIN-ta) – An English name that means “defender.”
Eulalia (yoo-LAH-lee-ah) – A Greek name that means “well-spoken.”
Ariadne (air-ee-AD-nee) – A Greek name that means “most holy.”
Camila (ka-MEE-la) – A Latin name that means “young ceremonial attendant.”
Margaux (MAR-goh) – A French name that means “pearl.”
Melisande (me-LIS-ond) – A French name that means “strong in work.”
Benedetta (beh-neh-DEH-ta) – An Italian name that means “blessed.”
Jacinta (ha-SEEN-ta) – A Spanish name that means “hyacinth flower.”
Luciana (loo-SEE-ah-na) – An Italian name that means “light.”
Tatiana (ta-TEE-ah-na) – A Russian name that means “fairy queen.”
Imogen (IM-oh-jen) – A Gaelic name that means “maiden.”
Anastasia (a-nah-STA-sya) – A Greek name that means “resurrection.”
Aubrielle (AW-bree-el) – A unique twist on Aubrey, meaning “elf ruler.”
Althea (al-THEE-ah) – A Greek name that means “healer.”
Marielle (ma-REE-el) – A French name that means “beloved.”
Veronique (veh-ROH-neek) – A French name that means “true image.”
Rhiannon (REE-an-on) – A Welsh name that means “great queen.”
Eulalie (yoo-LAH-lee) – A French name that means “sweetly speaking.”
Oriana (or-ee-AH-na) – A Latin name that means “golden.”
Fleur (FLUR) – A French name that means “flower.”
Related: 200 Terrific Baby Names That Mean Angels
For Boys:
Xavier (ZAY-vee-er) – A Spanish name that means “new house.”
Aurelian (aw-REL-ee-an) – A Latin name that means “golden.”
Leopold (LEE-oh-PAULD) – A German name that means “bold leader.”
Dmitri (DMEET-ree) – A Russian name that means “follower of Demeter.”
Peregrine (PER-uh-grin) – A Latin name that means “traveler.”
Balthazar (BAL-tha-zar) – A Hebrew name that means “God protect the king.”
Thaddeus (THAD-ee-us) – An Aramaic name that means “heart” or “courageous.”
Niklas (NEEK-lahs) – A German variation of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
Anselm (AN-selm) – A German name that means “God’s helmet.”
Ilya (IL-yah) – A Slavic name that means “my God is the Lord.”
Caius (KAI-us) – A Latin name that means “rejoice.”
Cassius (KASH-us) – A Latin name that means “hollow.”
Ezequiel (eh-ZEH-kee-el) – A Hebrew name that means “God will strengthen.”
Benoît (beh-NWAH) – A French name that means “blessed.”
Joaquín (hwah-KEEN) – A Spanish name that means “God will judge.”
Olivier (oh-lee-VYE) – A French name that means “olive tree.”
Azriel (AZ-ree-el) – A Hebrew name that means “God is my help.”
Orson (OR-son) – A Latin name that means “bear cub.”
Valerian (vah-LEER-ee-an) – A Latin name that means “strength, health.”
Gustav (GUS-tahv) – A Scandinavian name that means “staff of the gods.”
Cyril (SEER-il) – A Greek name that means “master” or “lord.”
Rafferty (RAF-er-tee) – An Irish name that means “prosperity.”
Alaric (AL-ar-ik) – A Gothic name that means “ruler of all.”
Eamon (AY-mon) – An Irish name that means “wealthy protector.”
Kosta (KOS-ta) – A Slavic name that means “constant.”
Lucian (LOO-shan) – A Latin name that means “light.”
Basil (BAH-zil) – A Greek name that means “royal” or “kingly.”
Severin (SEV-er-in) – A Latin name that means “stern.”
Evander (ee-VAN-der) – A Greek name that means “good man.”
Leopoldo (lee-oh-POL-do) – A Spanish version of Leopold, meaning “brave people.”
Raphael (RAH-fah-el) – A Hebrew name that means “God has healed.”
Quentin (KWEN-tin) – A Latin name that means “fifth.”
Tiberius (tih-BEER-ee-us) – A Latin name that means “from the Tiber River.”
Remiel (REH-mee-el) – A Hebrew name that means “thunder of God.”
Emiliano (eh-mee-lee-AH-no) – A Spanish name that means “rival.”
Alistair (AL-is-ter) – A Scottish name that means “defender of the people.”
Lysander (LY-sander) – A Greek name that means “liberator.”
Ferdinand (FUR-di-nand) – A German name that means “bold voyager.”
Ptolemy (TOL-uh-mee) – A Greek name that means “warlike.”
Solomon (SOL-oh-mon) – A Hebrew name that means “peaceful.”
Related: 35 Wonderful European Baby Names for Boys and Girls
Unisex Names:
Salvador (sal-vah-DOR) – A Spanish name that means “savior.”
Nikita (ni-KEE-ta) – A Slavic name that means “victorious.”
Zephyr (ZEF-er) – A Greek name that means “west wind.”
Elara (ee-LAR-uh) – A Greek name that means “bright.”
Sasha (SAH-sha) – A Russian diminutive of Alexander, meaning “defender of the people.”
Indigo (IN-di-go) – A Greek name that means “Indian dye.”
Marcellus (mar-SEL-us) – A Latin name that means “little warrior.”
Kairos (KY-ros) – A Greek name that means “the right moment.”
Orius (OH-ree-us) – A Latin name that means “golden.”
Lior (LEE-or) – A Hebrew name that means “my light.”
Alma (AHL-ma) – A Latin name that means “nourishing.”
Dorian (DOHR-ee-an) – A Greek name that means “of the sea.”
Sable (SAY-bul) – A French name that means “black.”
Arden (AHR-den) – A Latin name that means “great forest.”
Tamsin (TAM-sin) – A Cornish name that means “twin.”
Azura (ah-ZUR-ah) – A name of Arabic origin that means “sky blue.”
Zorion (ZOR-ee-on) – A Basque name that means “happiness.”
Nimue (NEE-moo-ay) – A Welsh name that means “lady of the lake.”
Jorvik (JOR-vik) – A Norse name that means “horse bay.”
Quilla (KWIL-lah) – A Latin name that means “goddess of the moon.”
Conclusion
Picking a hard-to-pronounce name for your baby may be a daring and stunning choice. While they may take some getting used to, these names are frequently imbued with cultural depth, conjure up a sense of wonder, and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re looking for a name that honors your heritage, something one-of-a-kind, or a timeless classic, these 100 names will get you started.
The pronunciation may be a little difficult at first, but keep in mind that the finest things in life are usually the most difficult to come by.
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