For most parents, landing on the right baby name can be an experience that's all at once overwhelming, joyful, and tedious. After all, the final moniker is sure to impact and possibly even play a part in shaping the little one throughout life. So, it's no wonder the pressure around finding the perfect name is so tremendous. At the same time, many parents want to go with a unique name that stands out in a crowd. Looking at an analysis of 325 million baby names recorded by the Social Security Administration from 1880 to 2007, researchers identified the percentage of babies given the most popular name or a name among the 10, 20, or 50 most popular for that year and sex.
Results showed parents were less likely to choose those popular names as time went on, instead leaning toward more unique options. Study researcher Jean Twenge of San Diego State University explained to LiveScience.com, "Parents are much more focused on their children standing out. There's been this cultural shift toward focusing on the individual, toward standing out and being unique as opposed to fitting in with the group and following the rules."
That said, it's no surprise that some of the baby names rising in popularity are unique and even take unique names to the next level. Consider the fact that "x" names are on the rise, according to Laura Wattenberg, creator of BabyNameWizard.com and author of the Baby Name Wizard guidebooks.
"First, parents rediscovered every traditional name with an X, like Alexis, Xavier and Maximilian," Wattenberg tells CafeMom. "Now they're reaching out in bolder directions for that 'X' factor." Whether they start with 'X' or simply have the letter in the spelling of the name — perhaps times two — these 20 unique 'X' factor names make the most of the 24th letter of the alphabet.
AJAX
Trending boy name Ajax could be a nod to the mythical Greek hero who is featured in the Iliad by Homer.
PHOENIX
The unisex choice Phoenix could be a nod to the capital of Arizona or the mythical fire spirit bird.
LOXLEY
Associated with a place in Robin Hood, the baby girl name Loxley is on the rise.
BEXLEY
Bexley, Ohio, is a suburb of Columbus named after a borough in London, and the name's abbreviated version "Bex" means "to tie," according to Baby Name Wizard.
DAXTON
Trendy boy name Daxton is French "from the town of Dax," meaning "warrior who conquers great obstacles."
MAXTON
Boy's name Maxton is starting to emerge as a trendy "n" ending for the popular name Max.
XARA
Derived from the Arabic zahra (flower, blossom), which is from zahara (to blossom), Xara uses the "X" factor in a super-pretty way.
XYLAH
Considered the feminine version of Silas (which means God of trees and forests), Xylah has a modern spelling and cool nickname: Xy — pronounced "sigh."
ONYX
Onyx, the name of a gemstone, is derived from the Greek onyx, which originally meant "claw, fingernail." It could be used for a boy or a girl.
EXODUS
The name Exodus is a Biblical baby name calling to mind the departure of the Israelites from Egypt.
KNOXX
The name of one of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's twins, unisex name Knoxx means from the small hill and has recently gotten a trendy upgrade in the form of an extra "x."
DAXXON
The double "x" spelling of baby boy French name Daxxon is rising in popularity. It means "water; life giving drink."
AXXEL
Baby Name Wizard explains that baby boy name Axel or Axxel came from Scandinavia and is a cognate of the biblical name Absalom. Lately, parents are opting to give it a boost with an extra "x."
HENDRIXX
Whether a tribute to genius guitarist Jimi Hendrix or simply a nod to its roots from the French Henri, Hendrix or Hendrixx is on the rise.
JAXON
A modern spelling of Jackson (son of Jack), parents are loving Jaxon or Jaxson, Jax for short, for baby boys.
ROUX
The unisex name Roux is a rising star. Pronounced "roo," it's French for "red."
MARGAUX
Margaux, a pet form of Margaret, is derived from the Greek maragon (a pearl).
BIJOUX
Meaning jewel in French, Bijoux is a super-pretty, silent "x" option for a baby girl.
POLLUX
Pollux was the immortal twin of Castor in Greek mythology, and together, they became the constellation Gemini. It's also a good option for a baby boy with that "x" factor.
XANDRA
Derived from the Greek Alexandros, Xandra could also be viewed as a feminine version of Xander.
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