By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 430 pages
of 430
Dutch
"of the sun god"
Pleun is a unisex Dutch name deriving from Apollonius or Apollonia, although now it ranks far higher for girls in its native land than the original form. In 2024, it ranked in the Top 140 in The…
Old English
"sublime delight"
This Anglo-Saxon gem was borne by a few medieval women including Saint Merewen, Abbess of Romsey Abbey. It has also been used in literature, for example in Kit Berry's Stonewylde series. Merewen has…
Greek Mythology
"of keen gaze"
The name of the ferrymen of dead souls to the Greek underworld and the name of Pluto's desolate moon, Charon makes an interesting, if somewhat macabre, choice for a baby. There are two pronunciations…
Irish
"end of harvest season"
Samhain is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter (usually halfway between the equinox and solstice). Today it often coincides with the…
Korean
"beautiful and kind-hearted"
This fairly common Korean girls' name counts Korean actress Lee Mi-Yeon and American composer Serra Miyeun Hwang among notable bearers.
Chinese mythological name
Kirin is a unisex name by virtue of representing a mythological creature that is part horse and part dragon and combines qualities that are both male and female. This is one Chinese name that…
Welsh
"bird"
Derived from the Welsh word for bird, this name might just be ready to have her moment: a nature-connected meaning, a fantastical air, a way to nickname Addie, and a similar style to Elowen, Arwen,…
Mailin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, it can be written with characters representing 'beautiful jade' or 'plum forest,' depending on the specific characters chosen. In…
Josefin is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Sweden, serving as a Nordic variation of Josephine. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Joseph, meaning 'God…
Helin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Kurdish culture, it means 'nest' or 'eagle's nest,' symbolizing protection and home. In Scandinavian usage, particularly Finnish, it's a…
Turkish, meaning unknown
One of the most popular baby girl names in Turkey, but almost unknown in the US. Its origins are unclear, but it may come from an Arabic word meaning "reward".
Asmin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Turkish usage, it's a variation of Yasmin/Jasmine, derived from Persian, referring to the jasmine flower known for its sweet fragrance and…
Celtic mythology
One of the many variations of the name of the Lady of the Lake, best known as Nimue.
Indigenous Australian place name
Similar in sound to Meredith, this could be an interesting choice for parents looking for a unique name. Merri is an obvious and appealing nickname.
Breton
"white flower"
Bleuenn is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, while in France, it is a rare choice, given to a handful of girls. Bleuenn's origins are in Brittany, in the north of France, and it's…
Irish form of Geraldine
"spear ruler"
Gearóidín is familiar to our Irish members, but is probably unseen outside the Emerald Isle. It would provide some steep challengers to people unfamiliar with Irish names, but since that hasn't…
"white, flaxen"
While it may look like it to those unfamiliar, Gwenllian is not a blend of Gwendolyn and Lillian! It is in fact a Welsh name, borne by a medieval Welsh princess noted for her bravery and beauty.…
American invented name
Kikkan Randall, the American cross-country skier who won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Olympics, made her invented name famous. The name Kikkan was a compromise between Megan and Kikki, the name her…
"blessed love"
This feminine version of the Welsh name Carwyn could be a good choice for parents looking for something fresher than Bronwen.
