When you glance at the most popular baby names for boys and girls in Australia, it’s easy to see why these names have rocketed to the top—they’re timeless, meaningful, and effortlessly roll off the tongue. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a crowd favourite, it’s also totally understandable if you’d prefer your little one not be one of four Noahs or Islas in their kindy class someday.

If you’re loving the vibe of some of today’s top names, but want something a little less expected, we’ve got you. These under-the-radar picks channel the spirit of popular names—without landing your bub on every playground name list. Here are 20 unique gems inspired by the names Aussies love most.

Popular Boy Name Alternatives

If you love Liam… try Lev
A short, sweet L-name like Liam, Lev is minimalist with major heart. It means “heart” in Hebrew and “lion” in Russian—two powerful meanings packed into just three letters.

If you love Noah… try Nico
Approachable and upbeat, Nico shares Noah’s easy rhythm with a slightly more playful edge. (We reckon this one’s got future top-name potential!)

If you love Oliver… try Oswin
This vintage name is rare but completely wearable. With Old English roots meaning “God’s friend,” Oswin has cosy-meets-dignified vibes.

If you love James… try Jareth
Cool and unexpected, Jareth gives a modern-fantasy twist to classic James (plus, a fun nod to David Bowie in Labyrinth—how good!).

If you love Elijah… try Eamon
Pronounced AY-mon, this Irish gem means “wealthy protector” and carries the same strength and spirit as Elijah.

If you love Mateo… try Marcel
Sophisticated and chic, Marcel is a French name that brings the same worldly charm as Mateo.

If you love Theodore… try Theron
Strong and regal, Theron means “hunter” and shares that commanding “Th” opening with Theodore.

If you love Henry… try Hamish
A Scottish classic with warm, bookish charm. Hamish (pronounced HAY-mish) is essentially James with a stylish twist.

If you love Luca… try Lucan
Lucan feels like Luca’s cool cousin—familiar but far less common. Plus, it’s got a dash of Arthurian legend allure.

If you love William… try Wells
A handsome, surname-style option with a timeless feel, Wells offers William’s polish in a compact, modern package.

Popular Girl Name Alternatives

If you love Olivia… try Olivine
Just as lyrical as Olivia, Olivine shares its nature-inspired roots. It’s the name of a green gemstone (hello, sparkle!) and is especially lovely for an August baby, as olivine is one of the month’s birthstones.

If you love Emma… try Esme
Simple, elegant, and full of charm, Esme is a French name meaning “beloved”. It shares Emma’s soft appeal with a whisper of something fresh.

If you love Charlotte… try Celestine
Celestine is dreamy and elegant, evoking heavenly vibes (literally!). It shares Charlotte’s vintage beauty but adds a touch of celestial magic.

If you love Amelia… try Amaris
Amaris sounds familiar but still feels rare. It means “promised by God” and has the kind of melodic flow that turns heads.

If you love Sophia… try Sunniva
Sunniva is a Scandinavian name meaning “sun gift.” With gentle strength and a soft, -a ending, it’s right in line with Sophia’s graceful style.

If you love Mia… try Mirae
Pronounced mee-ray, this Korean name means “future.” It shares Mia’s simplicity with a global twist.

If you love Isla… try Isolde
Romantic and bold, Isolde has a storybook feel and medieval roots—like Isla, but with a more dramatic flourish.

If you love Ava… try Aviana
Aviana stretches Ava into something a little more lyrical, while still feeling modern and effortlessly elegant.

If you love Evelyn… try Elowen
This Cornish name means “elm tree” and carries the same vintage charm as Evelyn, with a hint of enchanted forest whimsy.

If you love Luna… try Lyra
A celestial name like Luna, Lyra is both a constellation and a musical reference—dreamy, distinctive, and utterly sweet.

More Baby Name Inspiration:

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.