Unusual or Worrying? Real Baby Names That Are Truly Strange

From Alabama to Wyoming, parents across the U.S. are getting increasingly creative with baby names.

A study by Go Au Pair and sent to The Blast reviewed Social Security Administration data spanning from 2000 to 2023. The findings revealed the most uncommon names in each state, some of which were quite unconventional.

While traditional names such as Jacob were prevalent nationwide, being utilized over 470,000 times, this study sheds light on names that were barely used throughout the country.

For instance, names like Atigun in Alaska, Alique in California, and Sabarin in Minnesota were only recorded five times nationally, all within their respective states. On the other hand, names like Noname in Arizona (pronounced “No-nah-may”) and Babyboy in New Hampshire hinted at a touch of humor or spontaneous decision-making.

Names like Thorin, Mazikeen, and Charmayne show how literature, pop culture, and personal style can shape a child’s first identity.

In Alabama, Zaykeese takes the crown, accounting for 38.46% of all babies with that name nationwide. Alaska’s most unique name is Atigun, fittingly inspired by the remote Atigun Pass, with all five babies bearing the name born in the state.

Arizona surprises with Noname (pronounced “No-nah-may” or simply “No Name”), making up 45.45% of U.S. babies with the name. Arkansas features Maziyah, a name that represents just 2.44% of its national usage.

California is home to Alique, a name exclusive to the state, while Colorado boasts Aristea, one of the nation’s most unusual names with only a handful of births.

Nayeliz, rare and culturally rich, represents Connecticut, while Delaware’s standout is Naim, comprising just 0.32% of national births. In Washington D.C., Meklit shines with unique cultural roots.

In Florida, Kendly is as exclusive as it gets, all U.S. babies with the name were born there. Georgia’s Nyyear brings a modern vibe, while Lehiwa in Hawaii is deeply rooted and completely unique to the islands. Moroni is among Idaho’s rarest, and Illinois is home to the biblically inspired Kotryna.

Indiana’s Nymeir, Iowa’s Brex, and Kansas’ Macklyn all add to the rare-name roster, while Kentucky embraces the elegant and nontraditional Eleia. In Louisiana, Ryda is 100% homegrown, with all babies named Ryda born there. Maine’s Winner offers a bold twist, and Maryland’s Danera is another state-exclusive gem.

Massachusetts has Jadalys, representing 83.33% of all U.S. babies with that name. Fatme stands out in Michigan, while Minnesota’s Sabarin is rare to the point of total exclusivity. Mississippi brings Johneisha to the spotlight, and Missouri offers the classic-sounding Carmya.

Montana’s rarest is Treysen, Nebraska celebrates the historic Halsey, and Nevada welcomes the elegant Eluney. New Hampshire’s head-turner is Babyboy … yes, really. In New Jersey, Mariaeduard emerges as a surprise, while New Mexico’s Charmayne brings retro flair.

New York’s Hudes is uniquely confined to the Empire State, and North Carolina’s Aryya represents a blend of cultural richness and distinctiveness. North Dakota’s pick is Cauy, Ohio features the vintage-sounding Firman, and Oklahoma gives us the modern Daycee.

Oregon’s Trask holds cultural depth, while Pennsylvania’s Pater boasts a near-total state claim. Rhode Island’s rarest is Jahziel, South Carolina’s is Tradd, and South Dakota celebrates the meaningful Wicahpi. Tennessee introduces Kavious, Texas delivers the one-of-a-kind Taslin, and Utah shines with the trendy Arikka.

In Vermont, Wylder lives up to its name with rustic charm, while Virginia revives Lakhi with an old-school twist. Chelan stands out in Washington, Haylea appears in West Virginia, and Wisconsin’s rarest is Yuepheng. Lastly, Wyoming rounds things out with Mazikeen, a name that’s as rare as it is bold.

This study highlights the most unique baby names in each U.S. state, based on data from the Social Security Administration. Researchers pulled information from the “Beyond the Top 1000 Names” list, analyzing both national and state-level data from 2000 to 2023.

By comparing the number of times each name appeared in a specific state to its total use across the country, the team identified which names were most concentrated in individual states. The names with the highest percentage of national usage within a single state were then ranked as the most unusual.

Whether inspired by geography, tradition, or imagination, these names reflect a nationwide trend toward uniqueness. And while they may not top the popularity charts, they certainly stand out in the roll call.