By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 42 pages
of 42
Italian feminine variation of Abraham
"father of multitudes"
This lovely name is all but unknown outside Italy but fits perfectly in with the fashions for vowel-starting names that are elaborately feminine. Might make a distinctive alternative to Angelina or…
Hebrew
"invoker of the Lord"
More manageable than the Jebediahs and Jedidiahs, this name of several biblical characters would make an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament choice.
"messenger from God, angel"
Bell-like and original.
"wave"
Sprightly name popular in Israel with beachy meaning and international flex.
"clear, bright"
Positive meaning -- and a choice of spelling variations.
"fiery"
This ephemeral name of the loving angels surrounding the throne of God is all but unheard of in the US, although its feminine forms Seraphine and Seraphina are catching on. In Russia, it's long been…
"the moon, white"
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.
"name"
This down-to-earth Bible name is surprisingly little-used, considering the popularity of other Old Testament names. Shem was Noah's eldest son, and is the origin of the term Semitic (as in the…
"who is like God?"
While Michael is better known as one of the most popular boy names of the last century, you might be surprised to learn that it featured in the Top 1000 names for girls in the US, from 1938 until…
"he will sing"
Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.
"ewe, female sheep"
Rahel is an alternative spelling of Rachel, used mostly used in Germany, Estonia, and Switzerland, though it might also be considered an Assyrian and Turkish form and a Hindi form (also written as…
"deer"
An alternative transcription of Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding micro name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
Hebrew variation of Sarah; also Japanese
"chaste"
The late actress Sada Thompson introduced this obscure but usable form.
Hebrew; Sanskrit
"friend; infinite"
Simple and worldly, popular and carrying two positive meanings in two diverse cultures. A winner prime for wider use.
"graciousness"
A chief member of the tribe of Benjamin, and another obscure Old Testament name that few parents, even those tired of Aaron and Zachary, would consider. But with a pronunciation that rhymes with…
Short form of Gabriella
"God is my strength"
Cute nickname but the "gabby" synonym might prove problematic, especially is your daughter is chatty....or not.
Hebrew, short form of Abigail
"my father rejoices"
Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV…
"comforter"
This name of a minor Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament is rarely heard outside the Jewish culture.
"gold, golden"
The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.
"God is good"
Tuvia is the Hebrew cognate of Tobias or Tobiah, found in the Bible and used in this form in Israel. The film "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" included a character named Tuvia, who was female,…
