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Exotic baby names and meanings

Do you love the sound of exotic, unusual or unique baby names? We searched from Egypt to Argentina to bring you the top exotic names for your baby girl or baby boy.


Photo credit: GMVozd / Vetta / Getty Images

Exotic baby names from Argentina

The second largest country in South America next to Brazil, Argentina is known for exotic dances like the tango and cities like Buenos Aires. Inspiration for baby names can come from everything from the Roman Catholic faith to the unique landscape and animals of Patagonia.

Argentinian boy names and their meanings

  • Santiago — Saint James
  • Tomas — twin
  • Franco — Frenchman
  • Joaquin — an abbreviation of the Hebrew name
  • Jehoichin — Jehovah
  • Lautaro — calm
  • Emile — excellent
  • Esteban — crowned in victory
  • Herve — warrior

Argentinian girl names and their meanings

  • Sofia — wise
  • Agustina — grand
  • Lucia — light or illumination
  • Julieta — Jove’s child
  • Milagros — miracle
  • Camila — free born
  • Fanchon — free
  • Ines — chaste

Exotic baby names from Egypt

Some ancient civilizations’ symbols, such as the pyramids, have survived for centuries. From Egypt, a mix of Muslim and Christian religions as well as the Arabic, English and French languages all make for exotic potential baby names. Egyptian baby names can be inspired from religion, nature or Egyptian gods.

Egyptian boy names and their meanings

  • Abasi — stern
  • Chisisi — secret
  • Darwishi — saint
  • Fenuku — born late
  • Lateef — gentle

Egyptian girl names and their meanings

  • Akila — intelligent
  • Bennu — eagle
  • Femi — love
  • Layla — born at night
  • Zaliki — well born

Consider one of these British-inspired baby names >>

Exotic baby names from Iceland

Blue lagoons and snow glaciers make Iceland an exotic, one-of-a-kind location — traits new parents might be looking for when considering an exotic baby name. Baby names from this region may be influenced by the English, German, Icelandic and Nordic languages as well as the Lutheran religion.

Icelandic girl names and their meanings

  • Lilja — lily
  • Svana — derived from the German word “swan”
  • Valdis — derived from two Norse words, “the dead” and “goddess”

Icelandic boy names and their meanings

  • Ari — eagle
  • Hinrik — Icelandic form of Henry
  • Gunnar — warrior
  • Thor — thunder
  • Bjorn — bear

Exotic baby names from Indonesia

The music, wildlife and landscape help make this part of the world exotic and remote. A mix of English, Dutch, Indonesian and local dialects all contribute to baby name choices, as do the country’s conservation efforts and natural wonders. Baby-naming traditions in Indonesia include a ceremony, typically when the baby is a month old or younger.

Indonesian boy names and their meanings

  • Agus — good
  • Asmara — love
  • Banyu — water
  • Cipto — to create
  • Fajar — sunrise
  • Katon — visible
  • Lemah — ground

Indonesian girl names and their meanings

  • Putri — princess
  • Peni — pretty
  • Nur — light
  • Murni — pure
  • Indah — beautiful

Exotic baby names from Kenya

High elevations and proximity to the equator are characteristics of this East African country. Religions include Catholic, Muslim and faiths indigenous to the region. Some Kenyans believe a baby’s name will have a strong influence on the child’s personality.

Recent reports suggest that Kenyan parents are naming their children after prominent figures in the news, including prime ministers, former United Nations leaders, like Kofi Annan, and President Barack Obama, whose father was Kenyan.

Kenyan boy names and their meanings

  • Gitonga — wealthy
  • Hiuhu — hot
  • Kanja — water born
  • Makori — born on the way
  • Pili — second child

Kenyan girl names and their meanings

  • Akello — first child after twins
  • Chanya — grace of Jehovah
  • Felistas — festival
  • Hamisi — born on Thursday
  • Mumbi — mother of the people
Originally published on SheKnows.com

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