By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Italian place-name
Ravenna is a lovely, untouristed Italian place-name just waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its fantastic Byzantine mosaics, it's a city that has a rich historic and artistic heritage. Part of…
Salina is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it derives from 'sal' meaning 'salt,' often referring to salt flats or salt mines. The name also has Greek roots, possibly…
Arabic
"high up"
Sumayyah was the first Muslim martyr. This name, with its mellifluous sounds, works well in the West.
Greek
"gift of God"
This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter…
Modern invented name
"beauty; one who builds; mind, heart; evening conversation"
Zamari has a lot going for it — a fashionable -ari ending, distinctive Z initial, and gender-neutrality too. The name has nearly doubled in use in the last decade, with 120 boys and 40 girls…
Adalynne is a feminine name that beautifully blends traditional Germanic elements with contemporary styling. It combines the noble prefix 'Adal-' meaning 'noble' or 'aristocratic' with the popular…
Aleiya is a modern feminine name with possible roots in various cultures. It may be a variant spelling of Aliya, which has Arabic origins meaning 'exalted' or 'high-born.' Alternatively, it could be…
Kazakh, Persian, and Hindi
"pomegranate flower"
Anara is a name that strikes a perfect balance between simple and unusual. It's easy to understand and pronounce for a Westerner, and yet it's highly distinctive, used for only 24 girls in the US in…
Variation of Agnessa, Russian from Greek
"pure, viriginal"
In the US, Anessa reads as Vanessa with the V lobbed off. But it's actually missing a G — that from Agnessa, the Russian variation of Agnes.
Athenea is a feminine name derived from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and crafts. This variation adds a feminine ending to the classical name, giving it a softer, more…
Avanni is a modern feminine name with a melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet approachable. While its exact origins are not firmly established, it may be a…
Italian, feminine form of Constantine
"constant, unchanging"
This version adds some Italian flair to the somewhat stolid Constance.
"maiden"
Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora,…
Punjabi
"my God"
A beautiful Indian girl name to add to the growing list of obscure but alluring "El-" names for girls.
Elany is a feminine name with a modern feel, though its origins aren't firmly established in a single tradition. It may be a contemporary variation of Elena or Elaine, or a novel combination inspired…
Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek
"fast-sailing ship; noble; valley, lowland"
A multicultural choice and an unusual way to nicknames Ellie or Elle, Elida has its origins in Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Scandinavia. It has appeared in the charts in the US, France, and Spain…
Elira is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Albanian culture, it derives from the word for 'free' or 'freedom,' making it a name with powerful symbolic significance. Alternatively,…
Mapuche, Native American
"give"
This stunning name feels like a rare and distinct successor to the popular Eleanor, Eloise, and similar names. It also shares elements with the fast-rising Luna.
Emersynn is a feminine name representing a modern elaboration of the surname-turned-first-name Emerson, with the trendy double-n ending that became popular in the early 21st century. The original…
Hebrew and Hungarian variation of Emily
"rival"
