The more familiar spelling Natalia currently sits much further up the list and has even made two brief appearances in the Top 100 during the last decade. Nathalia on the other hand has never been a particularly popular choice. The name has floated on and off the Top 1000 charts over the last 2 decades, favored especially by Hispanic and Latin American parents.

Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.

Pepina is a feminine name with Spanish and Italian origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Josefa or Josephine, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Joseph meaning 'God will add'. This charming name carries a playful and affectionate quality with its diminutive ending. Pepina has never been widely used in English-speaking countries, maintaining its exotic appeal and distinctiveness. In Mediterranean cultures, it's appreciated for its melodic sound and feminine quality. The name has historical connections to European nobility and has occasionally appeared in literature and arts, though it remains relatively uncommon globally, making it a unique choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable.

Verana is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'veranus' meaning 'of spring' or 'truth.' This elegant name carries connotations of honesty, renewal, and freshness. Though not widely common in contemporary usage, Verana has appeared occasionally throughout European history, particularly in regions with Roman influence. The name has a timeless quality that bridges classical tradition with modern sensibility. Verana may appeal to parents seeking a melodic, feminine name with historical roots but without overwhelming popularity. Its gentle sound pattern and positive associations with truth and springtime give it a subtle charm that works well across different cultures.

Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is another variation.

Common California place-name that could work for a girl.

The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.

Yola is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Polish, it's a diminutive of Jolanta, meaning 'violet flower.' The name also exists independently in African cultures, particularly in Nigeria among the Yoruba people. Additionally, Yola has Hungarian roots as a nickname for Jolán. This multicultural background gives the name a global appeal while remaining concise and melodic. Yola has never been extremely common in English-speaking countries, maintaining its distinctive quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds make it accessible across language barriers. Its rhythmic quality and gentle sound contribute to its feminine appeal. Parents might be drawn to Yola for its simplicity, international character, and the subtle natural connection to violets in its Polish origin.

A popular choice in Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, Jimena has also appears in the Top 600 in the US. It was historically borne by Jimena Díaz, the wife of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (better known by the honorific El Cid), an 11th century ruler and warlord.

Loving choice.

Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.

Overly trendy western place-name, as stated in the title of our book Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana.

The current wife of Donald Trump, Slovenian model Melania Knauss, brought this pretty version to the fore. Saint Melania was an heiress who freed thousands of enslaved people.

This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.

Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.

Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.

The rare name Genoveva might be thought of as a variation of the French names Genevieve or Geneva, which have different roots and meanings. An unusual, pretty choice.

Ninah is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be considered a variation of Nina, which itself has roots in several languages: in Spanish and Russian, Nina means 'little girl'; in Native American Quechua, it represents 'fire'; and it may also derive from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' The added 'h' gives Ninah a distinctive quality while maintaining the melodic sound of the original. This spelling variation creates a unique identity while preserving familiar pronunciation. Ninah carries a gentle yet strong presence across cultural boundaries. The name has remained relatively uncommon, offering individuality without being difficult to pronounce or recognize. Parents might choose Ninah for its cross-cultural appeal, subtle uniqueness, and the soft, feminine quality it conveys.

Carlota is the preferred version of Charlotte in Spain and Portugal, each where it ranks among the Top 50 most popular girl names. Carlotta, with two Ts, is the Italian spelling.

Almira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, possibly derived from Arabic "al-amirah" meaning "princess" or "commander," or from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "famous." The name also has connections to Latin "mirus" meaning "wonderful." Almira has historical usage across several cultures, including Hispanic, Turkish, Arabic, and Eastern European communities. It enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. The name appears in literary works, including as a character in Handel's opera "Rinaldo." With its melodious sound and multicultural heritage, Almira offers a distinctive yet accessible option with elegant overtones. Its relative rarity in contemporary Western naming makes it stand out while its traditional roots give it substance and history.