Many things unite people from the same state: food, customs, slang, sports teams. (The list is endless!) But did you know there's another common thread that binds many parents who call the same state their home? Oh yes, we're talking about a liking for the same unusual baby names. From the rarely seen to ones that are truly original, every state has its own bit of name wackiness that we just can't get enough of.
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Interestingly, names that are rare in the USA overall pop up in certain states in surprising numbers. So Nameberry researchers looked at the baby names given to at least 100 babies in 2015, and the states where those names were most popular. Then they calculated the total percentage of babies in that state with that name, and ranked the names. Ergo: the most unusual — or quirky — names in all 50 states!
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Here's a look at 25 of those most eccentric and unconventional boy baby names — and the state where they're taking off. You might want to add a few of these to your short list!
Abdirahman (Minnesota)
Would you believe us if we told you the name Abdirahman is quite the popular title in Minnesota? It is. Arabic for "servant to the merciful," Abdirahman, pronounced ab-dirah-man, might seem like a mouthful, but it has a pretty peaceful meaning that makes it sweet in our eyes.
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Shimon (New York)
Not to be confused with shamone, the classic word Michael Jackson used to say, Shimon (pronounced SHEE-mon) looks to be quite the hit among moms and dads in New York. Hebrew for "to hear or listen," this baby name is a fun alternative to the classic Simeon and Simon, and it gives us cute nicknames, like Shi (or Shy).
Bridger (Montana)
Bridger is a highly popular baby name in Montana that could have something to do with the Bridger Mountains that run through the state and the neighboring Wyoming. "That association has made Bridger a rugged regional favorite," experts at BabyNameWizard.com note. "It's popular in Utah, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, while in many parts of the country it remains virtually unknown." You know, we kinda love this surname.
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Torin (Arkansas)
We love names that symbolize leadership, and Torin (pronounced TOR-in) is an option that apparently makes parents residing in Arkansas swoon. Full of Gaelic sentiments, Torin means "chief," which could inspire your little boy to become a future leader.
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Yaakov (New Jersey)
Yaakov is a unique baby name that has deep roots in Hebrew. Yaakov, the predecessor of the classic Jacob that means "seizing by the heel" or "supplanting," is a sought-after title in the Garden State (that's New Jersey, in case ya didn't know). Yaakov. It has a certain ring to it, right?
Hagen (Oklahoma)
The name Hagen boasts strong European flavor, as it comes from the Middle High German *hagen* that means "breeding bull" and Middle Dutch *haghe *that means "hedge" or "enclosure." Above all, Hagen is a catchy name with tons of charm that appears to be a real hoot among moms and dads in Oklahoma.
Coy (Nebraska)
While the name Coy might sound unusual and very rare, this title was actually quite popular during the early 1900s. Often associated with being a bit modest or shy, Coy is an English surname that can be used for girls or boys — though the good people of Nebraska seem to love love love this baby name for little gents.
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Teagan (North Dakota)
A not-so-distant relative to the Irish Keagan and Reagan, Teagan, pronounced TEE-gən, is a gender-neutral baby name that's seen great popularity in the States during the 2000s. Irish for "little poet," this baby name is all sorts of cute and super popular among mommies and daddies in North Dakota.
Ransom (Washington)
Hmm. One has to wonder why certain parents in Washington State like the name Ransom. It's not a bad choice — just one that's unconventional. On another note, Ransom is actually an Old English name that means "warrior's shield," which is totally badass. Hmm. Ransom just might be a keeper.
Kenji (Nevada)
You know, Nevada parents might be onto something by fancying the name Kenji. Pronounced KEN-jee, this baby name has a certain flavor to it that hails from the Far East. It's Japanese for "intelligent second son," but don't be afraid to bestow this title upon your firstborn child. We won't tell.
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Jarvis (Georgia)
YAS! We LOVE the name Jarvis and are so happy moms and dads in Georgia — who are possibly playing out their own Tony Stark and Pepper Potts romance IRL (you gotta watch Iron Man to get it) — enjoy the name too, as it also happens to be the name of Iron's AI assistant. Superhero associations aside, Jarvis is a classic surname that hails from the Old German and Norman name Gervas that's associated with a spear. So basically, Jarvis is sharp, witty, and very adorable!
Jahmir (Florida)
What parent wouldn't love to give their son a name that means "handsome prince"? Jahmir, pronounced jә-MEER, is an attractive title that's a variant from the Arabic Jahmir. It's edgy, distinctive, and apparently an in-demand baby name among some moms and dads in the Sunshine State.
Umar (Illinois)
There are certain baby names that are full of strong meaning, and this is one of them. Umar is a variant of the Arabic Omar that comes from umr, which means "life." Noted as a companion of the Muslim prophet Muhammad, Umar is a baby name that's tough, associated with being "populous" or "flourishing," and a noteworthy title for parents who live in Illinois.
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Mauro (Texas)
Moms and dads looking for a baby name with a hint of mystery to it might fall in love with Mauro. Rooted in both Italian and Spanish, Mauro, pronounced MOW-roh, is a variation of Maurice that comes from the Latin Mauritius, which means "Moorish." If you happen to be adding Mauro to your short list this second, you aren't alone. A good number of parents from Texas also enjoy this title.
Keanu (Hawaii)
Whether you're a fan of a certain Matrix star or just love the movie about a certain funny and sometimes raunchy cat, Keanu, pronounced keh-AH-noo, is a baby name with easy-breezy style. Hopefully the name Keanu evokes thoughts of a sandy beach with a tropical drink. Hawaiian for "cool breeze," this name has us wanting to pack our bags for the Aloha State right now. We can see why Hawaiian moms and dads love this name.
Jakobe (Mississippi)
If you ever travel down south, there's a possibility you might see a bunch of Jakobes running around Mississippi. A variant of Jacob (Hebrew for "supplanting"), the name Jakobe (pronounced jә-KO-bee) is a quirky baby name that's perfect for your little boy.
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Hiram (Arizona)
Here's a little history nugget for ya: The name Hiram (pronounced HIY-rəm) was once very popular during the 1880s. And now, it seems like parents in Arizona fancy this Biblical baby name that's Hebrew for "brother of the exalted one." Hiram definitely has a certain esteem about it. We can dig it!
Cedar (Oregon)
If you've ever been inside an enclosure made from this wood, you know just how fragrant it is. Some might consider Cedar to be an unusual choice for a baby name, but it is truly memorable. It makes sense for Cedar to be a popular baby name idea in Oregon, as the Northwest is home to some of the country's illustrious woods with cedar trees.
Jordy (Wisconsin)
If we had to take a stab in the dark — or launch a Hail Mary pass — we think parents in Wisconsin might fancy the name Jordy because of a certain Green Bay Packers wide receiver named Jordy Nelson. Hailing from the Hebrew yarden that means "to flow down" or "descend," Jordy is an alternative to the name Jordan that's super spunky.
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Makai (Delaware)
Interested in another name from Hawaii? Here ya go. Makai, pronounced *mə-KIY*, will have you dreaming of all things nautical, as this baby name is Hawaiian for "toward the sea." We love how effortless Makai sounds and how much it flows off the tongue.
Zyaire (Washington, DC)
There must be something about water-inspired baby names that really clicks with moms and dads. Zyaire finds a spot on the list of quirkiest baby names in the US and is sure to make a splash. A variant of Zaire, Zyaire is of African origin and is thought to mean "river." Like it? You can thank parents in our nation's capital for this one.
Courtney (Tennessee)
Don't you just love gender-neutral baby names? They're pretty awesome! One that seems to be making the rounds is Courtney (pronounced KORT-nee). Courtney is an upper-class English surname hailing from the Latin curtus that means "short nose" — and has become a gender-neutral hit for some time now. You gotta love the classic Courtney with all of its '80s feels.
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Krew (Idaho)
Krew might sound and look unusual, but it's actually really cool. Evoking images of a group of besties — or deckhands working to keep our imaginary boat clean and functioning — Krew, an alternative to Crew, is a cool baby name choice that's on fiyah in the Gem State, aka Idaho.
Estevan (New Mexico)
Ahh. Young Estevan. This baby name is heating up the state of New Mexico — and we totally get why! The Spanish Estevan is associated with Stephen, which comes from the Greek *stephanos* that means "a crown," or "that which adorns the head." Children are a parent's crown of glory, so this definitely works!
Wilder (Vermont)
We think we know why mommies and daddies in Vermont are smitten with the name Wilder. Aside from the fact that it stirs up woodsy vibes, there's actually a small town in Vermont named Wilder. This is such a cute name that could be an indicator of your child's energy level.
Check out the rest of the quirkiest baby names in every state at Today.com.
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