Far-flung Blossoms

Like many a popular name, Ornella is a theatrical creation. Italian playwright Gabriele d'Annunzio created this name for his dramatic heroine in the 1904 play La Figlia di Iorio. Ornella is a feminization of the orno or ornello, which is the Italian word for the Fraxinus Ornus, a type of tree which produces such sweet sap that it was compared to biblical manna.

One Japanese name that feels Western, though not quite American.

A highly unusual flower name that could give you Clio for short.

Has a pleasantly fizzy, effervescent feeling.

Too close to violent.

This attractive multicultural name is found in India and Finland, where it is also a word meaning "frost."

This name gets given to a handful of Persian girls each year in both the USA and the UK.

Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?

In English, this Persian name looks harsher than its sound or meaning. But we think it has a lot of dignity; and if Dagmar can get a look it, why not Golnar?

Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.

This Dutch girls' name meaning little flower is one of the more common Dutch-origin names used in the Netherlands today.

Kantuta is the Quechua name for the national flower of both Bolivia and Peru, which is known for flowering around Christmas time. With its vivid green foliage and extremely bright red bell-shaped flowers, the plant encapsulates many traditional Christmas symbols, making Kantuta one of the great unique names for Christmas babies.

A sweet and feminine Italian name almost unheard of here.

Hasmik is the Armenian form of Jasmine and is frequently used in that country.

This Thai name can get shortened to Niki or Nika.

Lillias is a spin on Lilias, two international members of the popular Lily family. Whatever the spelling, the name is so rare that it was given to no baby girls in the US in 2015.

This fragrant name is unfortunately just too close to the English word malady to be a good omen for English-speakers.

A virtually unknown choice in the U.S and rare in its native Turkey too, Papatya is nevertheless attractive and usable for the baby namer who truly wants something different, but with a familiar and floral meaning. It comes directly from the Turkish word for "daisy".