Unusual Girl Names

A vivacious Latin alternative to the superpopular Sierra.

Still heard in some religious Jewish communities, however diminutive Gitty is more common as a given name.

Praxis makes perfect? Though this mythological name sounds boyish, it's a female name, an equivalent for Aphrodite.

This Danish diminutive of Elizabeth could be a sweet, less-Frozen alternative to Elsa.

The Alhambra, which means "red city," is in Granada, Spain. British writer Ali Smith used it for a character in her novel The Accidental.

Sounds too much like the name of a minivan.

This is a name used as a pseudonym by Celia in Shakespeare's As You Like It to conceal her real identity. It was later seen as a character in the Ken Follett novel Pillars of the Earth. Can also be spelled Alienna, taking it further away from the alien connection.

Kye is a versatile, gender-neutral name that has historically been more common for boys but is increasingly used for girls. With origins spanning multiple cultures, it can be derived from the Chinese name meaning "victory," the Danish/Norwegian word for "cow," or as a shortened form of Kyle or Kylie. As a feminine name, Kye has a modern, minimalist appeal with its single syllable and straightforward spelling. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary edge while its soft sound maintains femininity. Though relatively uncommon for girls, Kye has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries in recent decades, appealing to parents seeking a simple, distinctive name that works well internationally and avoids traditional gender associations.

Elvenea is a feminine name with a fantastical quality, likely derived from combining elements like "elven" (relating to elves) with feminine name endings. This invented name carries ethereal, mystical associations that evoke imagery of enchanted forests and fairy tales. While not traditional, Elvenea appeals to parents drawn to fantasy literature, mythology, or uniquely crafted names with a magical essence. The name has a melodic flow with its four syllables and soft sounds. Extremely rare in usage, Elvenea offers a distinctive choice that stands out while still maintaining pleasant pronunciation. Its uniqueness makes it particularly appealing to parents seeking an unconventional name with otherworldly charm and fantasy-inspired origins.

Elsavetta is an elaborated feminine name that appears to be a variant of Elizabeth or possibly a fusion of Elsa and the Russian diminutive suffix '-vetta.' The name Elizabeth ultimately derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath.' Elsavetta carries a distinctly Slavic or Eastern European flair, evoking images of imperial Russia and Old World elegance. Though extremely rare in English-speaking countries, it offers a unique alternative to the ubiquitous Elizabeth and its countless variants. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. Parents might choose Elsavetta for its exotic sound paired with its connection to the classic and royal Elizabeth.

A fanciful concoction whipped up by L. Frank Baum for a beautiful and powerful princess in one of his Oz books.

Possibly derived from Salome, Sulayman, and Solomon, Zulema and alternative spelling Zulima are peaceful Spanish names, with their origins in Arabic and Hebrew.

The unusual (to English speakers) name Cendrillon is French for Cinderella, though most Americans wouldn't recognize it as such. This might make an excellent middle name for those who are looking for something rare, whimsical, fantastical, and literary. But you must insist on the lovely French pronunciation — if you're choosing a name this uncommon, why not go all the way.

Haliana is a feminine name with a melodic quality that likely developed as a modern creation or variant of names like Aliana, Halina, or Liana. It may blend elements of Hawaiian naming traditions (where names beginning with 'Ha-' are common) with Slavic influences (similar to Halina). The name has a flowing, musical sound with its four syllables and alternating consonants and vowels. While not historically traditional, Haliana has gained some modest popularity in recent decades among parents seeking unique names with a gentle, feminine quality. The name evokes images of grace and beauty, potentially carrying meanings related to light, joy, or uniqueness depending on the cultural interpretation. Its contemporary feel makes it appealing to modern parents seeking distinctive yet accessible options.

A German name with little chance of American adoption.

Alenya is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Greek 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright one', or from Germanic elements meaning 'precious'. Another theory connects it to the Catalan town of Alenya in France. The name blends melodic qualities with a modern feel while maintaining connections to historical naming traditions. Alenya gained modest popularity in the early 21st century as parents sought names with traditional roots but contemporary sounds. The name's pleasing rhythm and feminine ending make it appealing to those seeking something recognizable yet uncommon.

A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).

Fanciful, edging toward bizarre.