Xanthe

A name for a blonde haired baby....

This is a quirky Greek name but I've only heard of one acquaintance with a daughter by this name. The name is Greek in origin. The name apparently means 'yellow' or 'fair hair' so if you have a blonde baby then this could be a cute name. The 'X' at the start gives the name a really strong sound and the name has a real literary feel as it can be found dotted about in Greek mythology.

Other versions of the name or similar names: Xanthia, Xenia, Xena

Mazarine

Feeling blue...

This is a French name which is subtle but elegant with multiple potential nicknames thus giving the ability to really play around with the name itself. Mazarine is a deep blue colour. It is also used as a first name in honour of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual thus making it a really unique baby name. 

August Unique Baby Name Round Up: A List

Hello readers!

Every month we put together a list of ten baby names that we're loving right now and share them with you. In doing so, we hope to offer up a platter of cool and uncommon baby names.

If you choose one of these names for your baby tweet us and let us know the name you chose!

1. Bijou (f) This is the name of a precious little girl. 'Bijou' in French means jewellery. This is the name for a person with a sparkling personality. 
2. Ember (unisex) This is a warm name. It's fiery. It glows.
3. Byron (m) For any poetry fans out there, Byron is a strong and dramatic name that reeks of poetry and great nature landscapes. 
4. Leilani (f) This name has a sweet, tropical vibe with plenty of floral fun.
5. Ciaran (m) This is a Scottish or Gaelic name meaning 'dark one' and could be a great name for the child of someone tall, dark and handsome. 
6. Callista (f) This is the name for a beautiful child. It's very feminine and quite summery. It can be shortened to Callie.
7. Demeter (m) This could be a great name for an earthy child who cares for the Earth.
8. Marianna (f) A combination of the names Mary and Anne, this is a wonderful alternative to more common names. Sure, we've met people called Mary, Anne, Maria Anna and so on. A Marianna is far more rare.
9. Lance (m) This French name is fit for a knight. This is a child who was born ready to fight. 
10. Emmeranne (f) This is a truly rare name that combines names like Emily/Emma/Emmy and Anne. You can shorten this so many ways so it's really flexible for a child to grow into.

Viva

Viva, as a name, literally means 'life/live' and stems from Latin. It's still relevant in the Spanish and Italian languages.

From the moment you first realise there's a little baby growing inside of you, you are aware that you have created life. Viva seems like the perfect name for a little baby if you're stuck for inspiration. This is a name full of vitality and joy and energy. If you wish to bestow a long life and a sense of joy upon your child then this could be the name for you...

Mina

Our name of the day is Mina. 

Mina is a name that became very popular as it was the name of the main female character in Dracula. It has, however, stayed out of the mainstream limelight and rarely hits baby name charts. This could be a simply but uncommon name for a girl. Mina is a great name that can easily translate into different countries, different languages, different cultures... What's not to love about this name? It's sweet and simple without being too 'girly' or flowery. It could be short for names like Wilhelmina, Carmina or Amina. 

Variations on the name/similar names: Mona, Marianna, Aminat, Nina, Meena, Mena, Meera, Mira, Minah.