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Unusual Girl Names

  1. Seneca

    • Origin:

      Latin surname and Native American

    • Meaning:

      "people of the standing rock"

    • Description:

      Seneca was both a Roman philosopher-statesman and is a Native American Iroquois tribe. Occasionally used for both girls and boys, Seneca is now a Hunger Games character.
  2. Pacifica

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "tranquil"

    • Description:

      When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
  3. Pollyanna

    • Origin:

      English compound name, Polly + Anna

    • Meaning:

      "beloved + grace"

    • Description:

      Has become a byword in English for an overly optimistic person, thanks to the eponymous children's book heroine. Polly is an antiquated short form of Mary.
  4. Katya

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Ekatarina, Russian variation of Katherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington gave his daughter the Katia spelling.
  5. Laken

    • Origin:

      Variation of Lake, English

    • Meaning:

      "lake"

    • Description:

      Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.
  6. Justice

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"

    • Description:

      Justice is a fashionable word name, used for both girls and boys. Justice has the distinction of being a virtue name without the religious implications of Faith or Grace. It still feels more male than female, perhaps partly due to the classic Roman name Justus, but Justice has become a more common pick for girls in recent years.
  7. Crisanta

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "golden flower, chrysanthemum"

    • Description:

      Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
  8. Evella

    • Origin:

      Invented literary name

    • Description:

      Though it doesn't have historic roots--it was created by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character in his book Ozma of Oz--Evella could fit well into the Eve-Eva-Evelyn group now coming back into favor.
  9. Coralia

    • Origin:

      Romanian, Italian, Galician and Spanish variation of Coralie, French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "coral"

    • Description:

      Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet. As Cora — which has another root and means maiden — rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.
  10. Amerie

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Pop princess Amerie is half Korean, half African-American. Her name may relate to Amelia, Emily, Emery, or Amory, though there's no exact equivalent among historical names. But doubtless there will be more Ameries, starting now.
  11. Ignacia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "ardent, burning"

    • Description:

      This Spanish form of the yet-to-be-revived Ignatius was borne by an early and influential Philipina nun known as Mother Ignacia.
  12. Aleta

    • Description:

      Aleta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a variation of Alethea, meaning "truth," while some sources connect it to Spanish origins as a diminutive of Alicia. The name also appears in mythology as one of the Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek legends. Aleta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its simple three-syllable structure and soft sounds. Aleta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being common. Its classical roots give it timeless appeal, while its slight exoticism adds interest. Parents might choose Aleta seeking a name with historical depth that still feels fresh and underused in contemporary contexts.

  13. Rhythm

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A musical name that is undeniably cool and, well, rhythmic. Its biggest challenge may be the spelling. Well, maybe not the biggest challenge. Save this one for a middle name.
  14. Joie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Joy

    • Description:

      Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.
  15. Lizeth

    • Origin:

      Hispanic and Latin American short form of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Familiar in Mexico and South America, this short form of classic Elizabeth is familiar among Hispanic communities and is predominantly used in Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. Appealing to those who like the French Lisette and want a lesser-used short form of Elizabeth, it was given to 115 girls in the US in a recent year.
  16. Sicily

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Sicily is a lilting Italian place-name that sounds like the elegant British Cicely -- which you might consider a plus or a minus.
  17. Livana

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the moon, white"

    • Description:

      Pretty and unusual, Livana may find a lot more fans as parents look for alternatives to Number 1 Olivia. Livana was used for only seven baby girls in the US last year.
  18. Seven

    • Origin:

      Numerical word name

    • Description:

      Seinfeld's George threatened to name his future child Seven, and then singer Erykah Badu actually did it.
  19. Wynter

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Winter

    • Description:

      Less month, more trendy, more times needing to spell it to people. This spelling variation entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013—and doesn't appear to be going anywhere any time soon.
  20. December

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "tenth month"

    • Description:

      Cooler than April, May, or June, but also a tad icy. December gets its name from the number ten as the old Roman calendar only had ten months, and as now, December was the last.