Discoveries!

One of the most easily imported Arabic names.

An unusual Gwyn name with a lovely meaning, this compound name pairs Gwyn with the name Eira, meaning "snow". A relatively modern creation, it remains very rare.

A modernization of the Hebrew Rivka, which doesn't sound so modern anymore.

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.

Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.

Diantha, a mythological flower of the supreme Greek god Zeus, is a melodious and more unusual cousin of Diana, heard most often in The Netherlands.

This Hebrew version of Ethan, also a place-name in southern Israel, works well here. Eitan is a Top 20 name in Israel and it has been on the rise in the US too, with 190 boys receiving the name in 2024.

Also spelled Leyre and taken from the name of a monastery fortress, the popular and lilting choice in Spain will pose pronunciation problems elsewhere. Among the Top 100 girls' names in Spain, Leire was given to only a handful of baby girls in the US last year.

A recently created member of the Cale family, with a trendy unisex aura.

This name of a California desert town, used by Deborah Falconer and Robert Downey, Jr. for their son, makes a much livelier and more individual – not to mention more masculine – improvisation on the themes of India and Indiana.

We'd opt for Fiona.

Unique choice, with a pleasant antique feel.

Palma is an appealing Latin name that's both geographical and botanical, referring to the sunny and culturally rich capital of Majorca and to the foliage of a palm tree. As the word for "palm" in Spanish, Italian, and Croatian, it is occasionally given to girls born on Palm Sunday, and with its similarity to the likes of Alma, Thelma, Velma, and Wilma, it appeared in the US Top 1000 in the early 20th century.

Resonant and unusual.

This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.

If there are too many Savannahs in your neighborhood, you might consider this. Pavana is a Hindu goddess of the wind.

Pacific island member of the currently-in-favor Lila/Leila family and one of the most attractive and unique girls' names starting with P.

Popular name in Spain drawn from the Provencal Mireio, coined by the poet Frederic Mistral. Very pretty and, though difficult to spell and pronounce, simpler than the French version.

Halia is one of Hawaii's top baby names, in the Top 50 for girls in 2021. Rare yet quietly on the rise outside of Hawaii, it was given to around 64 girls in a recent year. With its appealing meaning and approachable sound, Halia may see more use in the future.

Roena is a feminine name with somewhat mysterious origins, possibly derived as a variant of Rowena, an Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'fame and joy' or 'renowned friend.' Alternative theories suggest connections to Latin 'regina' (queen) or Celtic elements related to 'red-haired.' This uncommon name carries a vintage quality, having seen modest usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States. Roena has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants, giving it a romantic, somewhat medieval atmosphere. The name's rarity offers distinctiveness while its traditional sound prevents it from feeling too unusual. Roena might appeal to parents seeking a feminine name with historical resonance that remains uncommon in contemporary usage.