Trend Or Trouble? The Most Bizarre Baby Names That Are Somehow Real

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

A study conducted by Go Au Pair and sent to The Blast analyzed Social Security Administration data from 2000 to 2023 and uncovered the rarest names in each state, and some of them are truly wild.

While classic names like Jacob dominated nationwide, which was used over 470,000 times, this study spotlights names that barely cracked double digits nationally.

In fact, several, like Atigun in Alaska, Alique in California, and Sabarin in Minnesota, were used only five times in the entire country, all within their home states. Others, like Noname in Arizona (pronounced “No-nah-may”) and Babyboy in New Hampshire, suggest a sense of humor or spur-of-the-moment spontaneity.

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 Arrangedfittingly 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 Masiyaha name that represents just 2.44% of its national usage.

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

Nayelizrare and culturally rich, represents Connecticut, while Delaware’s standout is Naimcomprising just 0.32% of national births. In Washington D.C., Melit 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 Lehwa 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 Catherine.

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

Massachusetts has Jadalysrepresenting 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 TreysenNebraska celebrates the historic Halseyand 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 CauyOhio features the vintage-sounding Wordand 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 JahzielSouth Carolina’s is Mercyand South Dakota celebrates the meaningful Wicahpi. Tennessee introduces KaviousTexas delivers the one-of-a-kind Taslinand Utah shines with the trendy Arikka.

In Vermont, Humility 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 Mazikeena name that’s as rare as it is bold.

This study highlights the most unique baby names in each U.S. statebased 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.