Cool and Unusual Ladies
- Idris
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"lord"Description:
Usually seen as a masculine name (deriving from both Welsh and Arabic), in its feminine usage it is from the Welsh alone. Idris has been used as a feminine name twice in popular culture: first by Mary Shelley in her post-apocalyptic novel "The Last Man" and also in cult British TV show, Dr Who, where Idris is the female personification of the TARDIS. A real-life Canadian woman named Idris Hall changed her name to the evocative Aloha Wanderwell and became "The World's Most Well Travelled Girl".
- Laelia
Origin:
Latin family name and botanical nameDescription:
Upside: it has an interesting ancient look and feel, related to the Roman family name Laelius of uncertain meaning. There is also a type of orchid called the Laelia. Downside: possible confusion with all those Laylas, Lailas, etc. out there.
- Ceola
Description:
Ceola is a rare feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from Old English or Germanic elements. One theory suggests it may be related to the Old English word 'ceol,' meaning 'ship' or 'keel,' giving it nautical associations. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Celia or Cecilia. The name has occasional historical usage, particularly in the southern United States during the early 20th century. Ceola has a melodic quality with its soft 'c' and flowing vowels, creating a gentle yet distinctive sound. The name's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon with a vintage charm and musical resonance.
- Brennan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the sad one"Description:
Brennan is an Irish last name that could join the group of similar names now ranking among the top Irish names for baby girls in the US: Riley, Kennedy, and Quinn. Currently, only 16 baby girls were named Brennan versus over 200 boys, but those numbers could well become more equal.
- Isha
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"master, lord"Description:
A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.
- Neely
Origin:
English diminutive of Cornelia, Eleanor, Helena, or McNeilly, English, ScottishMeaning:
"horn; shining torch; son of the poet"Description:
A nickname style name, Neely could derive from the strong sounding Cornelia, as a playful alternative to Nelly from Eleanor and Helena, or as a variation of the Scottish surname McNeilly, with the cool meaning "son of the poet".
- Verbena
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"sacred foliage"Description:
This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.
- Austen
Origin:
Literary surname and shortened form of Augustine, LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
While Austin is a popular boys' name, this spelling, honoring novelist Jane, nudges the name toward gender-neutral, chosen last year for 67 baby boys and 57 girls.
- Harbor
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
- Dellen
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"petal"Description:
Intriguing combo of elements.
- Darrah
Description:
Darrah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be an anglicized form of the Irish name Dara, meaning "oak tree" or "wisdom," symbolizing strength and endurance. Alternatively, it could be a variant spelling of Dara or Darragh, names used for both genders in Irish culture. Some sources suggest it might also be a variation of the Hebrew name Dara, meaning "pearl of wisdom." Darrah emerged in the United States during the 20th century but has remained relatively uncommon, never breaking into the top 1000 popular names. The distinctive spelling with the 'h' ending gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining its traditional roots. People named Darrah are often perceived as having strong, independent personalities.
- Sabryn
Description:
Sabryn is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Sabrina. While Sabrina has Celtic origins and was the name of a river goddess in Welsh mythology, Sabryn represents a contemporary adaptation with its 'y' substitution. This spelling variation gives the name a more distinctive, modern feel while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. Sabryn began gaining modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought unique spellings of traditional names. The name carries associations with mystery and elegance from its mythological roots, while its uncommon spelling appeals to parents seeking individuality for their daughters. Sabryn remains relatively rare but recognizable.
- Tulia
Origin:
Spanish feminine form of Roman family name Tullius, meaning unknownDescription:
Tulia, rhyming with Julia, is one of several offshoots of the noble Roman family name Tullius, best known as the middle name of the philosopher Cicero. While the single L is considered the Spanish and Polish form, Tullia may be used in Italy. There's also Túlia, a Hungarian form of Finnish Tuuli, meaning "wind".
- Mayson
Description:
Mayson is a contemporary feminine name that originated as an English surname meaning 'stoneworker' or 'mason.' It represents a modern trend of adapting traditionally male names and surnames for girls. The spelling variation (compared to Mason) gives it a more feminine appearance while maintaining its strong, professional connotations. Mayson began gaining popularity for girls in the early 2000s, part of the trend toward occupational surnames as first names and the preference for names ending with the '-son' sound. Though still relatively uncommon for girls, its usage has been steadily increasing, especially in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a name that conveys both strength and uniqueness.
- Kaylia
Description:
Kaylia is a feminine name representing a modern variation of Kayla, with possible connections to the Irish name Cadhla meaning 'graceful' or 'beautiful.' This contemporary name emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought creative spellings of familiar names. Kaylia combines the popularity of Kay/Kayla with a more elaborate, lyrical ending. The name has a flowing quality that appeals to those seeking something slightly distinctive while maintaining familiar sounds. While never reaching the top naming charts, Kaylia enjoys modest usage, particularly in the United States. The name conveys femininity, elegance, and a touch of uniqueness. Its gentle sounds and intuitive spelling make it accessible despite being less common than its root name Kayla.
- Bethanne
Description:
Bethanne is a compound feminine name that combines elements of Elizabeth (Beth) and Anne, two classic names with Hebrew origins. This melodic combination creates a name that feels both familiar and distinctive. Bethanne emerged in America during the mid-20th century when double names gained popularity. It carries the meanings of both original names: "house of God" from Beth (Elizabeth) and "grace" from Anne. While never reaching widespread popularity, Bethanne maintains a steady, if uncommon, presence. The name has a gentle, traditional Southern charm that appeals to parents seeking something recognizable yet not overused. Spelling variations include Beth-Anne, Beth Anne, and Bethann.
- Rosia
Description:
Rosia is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from 'rosa' meaning 'rose,' the beloved flower symbolizing love and beauty. This melodic name can be considered a variant of Rosa or Rosie, with a slightly more elaborate sound. Throughout history, Rosia has appeared sporadically across different regions, particularly in Latin American and Southern European communities. The name carries a warm, romantic quality while remaining relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries. For parents seeking a distinctive floral-inspired name that maintains classic origins but offers a unique twist, Rosia provides a beautiful alternative to more common rose-derived names.
- Zerynthia
Origin:
Greek, place nameDescription:
Zerynthia is one of the alternate names of Hecate, deriving from one of the caves in which she appeared. Zerynthia is also the name of a set of strikingly-coloured Spanish butterflies. This is one name that deserves more attention.
- Fionnula
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"white shoulders"Description:
Fionnula is one of many spelling variations of this lovely Irish name for girls, underused in the US: Only 10 baby girls were given the name in 2016. Other variations include Fionnuala and Fenella. Fionnula was a legendary princess who was turned into a swan via a curse by her stepmother Aoife.
- Annistyn
Description:
Modern variant spelling of Anniston
