20 Rare Alternatives to Popular Baby Names

When you look at the most popular baby names for boys and girls in the UK, it’s easy to see why these names have become firm favourites—they’re timeless, meaningful, and roll effortlessly off the tongue. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a name that’s topping the charts, it’s also perfectly understandable if you’d rather your little one didn’t share their name with three other Olivers or Olivias in nursery one day.

If you’re drawn to the sound or feel of today’s most-loved names but want something a bit more distinctive, we’ve got just the list for you. These lesser-heard choices have the same charm as the names everyone’s loving—without landing your little one on every playground name list. Here are 20 unique baby names inspired by the UK’s most popular picks.

Popular Boy Name Alternatives

If you love Liam… try LevA short, sweet L-name like Liam, Lev is minimalist but meaningful. It means “heart” in Hebrew and “lion” in Russian—two powerful associations packed into just three letters.

If you love Noah… try NicoSoft, upbeat, and stylish, Nico shares Noah’s gentle vibe but adds a dash of European flair. (We wouldn’t be surprised if this one climbs the charts in years to come!)

If you love Oliver… try OswinThis vintage-sounding gem is rare but completely wearable. With Old English roots meaning “God’s friend,” Oswin offers a cosy yet dignified feel.

If you love James… try JarethCool and unexpected, Jareth brings a modern-fantasy twist to classic James—with a fun nod to David Bowie in Labyrinth, no less!

If you love Elijah… try EamonPronounced AY-mon, this Irish classic means “wealthy protector” and carries the same strength and serene quality as Elijah.

If you love Mateo… try MarcelElegant and continental, Marcel is a French name that brings the same sophistication as Mateo—with far fewer repeats in the classroom.

If you love Theodore… try TheronPowerful and refined, Theron (meaning “hunter”) shares Theodore’s stately vibe and strong “Th” sound.

If you love Henry… try HamishA warm and bookish Scottish name, Hamish (pronounced HAY-mish) channels the feel of James or Henry—with a distinctive twist.

If you love Lucas… try LucanLucan feels like Lucas’s lesser-known cousin—familiar yet less common, and it comes with a hint of Arthurian legend.

If you love William… try WellsWells is a handsome, surname-style option with timeless charm. It carries William’s sophistication in a short, modern package.

Popular Girl Name Alternatives

If you love Olivia… try OlivineJust as lyrical as Olivia, Olivine shares nature-inspired roots. It’s the name of a green gemstone (so pretty!) and makes a lovely choice for an August baby, as olivine is one of the month’s birthstones.

If you love Emma… try EsmeElegant and gentle, Esme is a French name meaning “beloved”. It has the same softness as Emma, with a fresh and sophisticated edge.

If you love Charlotte… try CelestineCelestine is vintage and refined with a celestial twist. Like Charlotte, it feels classic and elegant—with a little extra stardust.

If you love Amelia… try AmarisAmaris has a familiar feel but remains under the radar. It means “promised by God” and flows with the same lovely rhythm as Amelia.

If you love Sophia… try SunnivaSunniva is a Scandinavian name meaning “sun gift.” It shares Sophia’s quiet strength and graceful -a ending, but with a more unusual twist.

If you love Mia… try MiraePronounced mee-ray, this Korean name means “future.” Mirae has Mia’s sweetness, with a globally inspired edge.

If you love Isla… try IsoldeRomantic and bold, Isolde draws from Arthurian legend. It’s like Isla, but with a deeper, storybook elegance.

If you love Ava… try AvianaAviana adds a graceful, flowing twist to Ava—modern, elegant, and a little less expected.

If you love Evelyn… try ElowenThis Cornish name means “elm tree” and offers the same vintage beauty as Evelyn—with a gentle woodland feel.

If you love Luna… try LyraLyra is a dreamy choice with celestial and musical roots. Like Luna, it feels magical and elegant—but a bit more under the radar.

More Baby Name Inspiration:

• Rare Baby Names to Set Your Little One Apart
• Old-Fashioned Baby Names That Feel Fresh

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