Unusual International Baby Girl Names

Araluen is a beautiful Aboriginal Australian place name, used in several sites, always connected to the dainty water lily. 
In terms of sound Araluen offers it all - the "Ara" beginning made popular by Arabella, the spunky "Lu" sound in the middle, giving rise to great nicknames like "Lulu," and the final "en" sound which makes it fit right in with all those Viviens and Adriennes in the school yard.
Araluen is a great choice for parents looking for a fresh sounding nature-based girls name that isn't too frilly or too masculine.

Araluen

The name of a major Yoruban deity who presides over the waters, the moon, and women, especially in terms of fertility and childbirth. She is an orisha and the mother of all other orishas. Her name (also spelt Yemonja, Yemaja and Iemanja, among other variants) comes from the Yoruba words Yeye "mother", omo "children", and eja "fish", literally meaning "mother whose children are the fish."

Yemoja

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all. 

Jenifry

Idonea is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Old English word 'idoneus' meaning 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Used rarely in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, the name carries an elegant, antiquated charm. Idonea appears in historical records from the 12th to 14th centuries before falling into obscurity. The name has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its four syllables and flowing vowel sounds. While extremely rare in modern usage, Idonea appeals to those drawn to historical names with literary qualities. Its uniqueness ensures distinctiveness while its classical roots provide cultural depth. For contemporary parents, Idonea offers a rare combination of ancient heritage, linguistic beauty, and historical significance.

Idonea

Iseabail is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elizabeth (Elisheva), meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This melodic name has been used in Scotland since medieval times, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles where Gaelic culture remained strong. While less common than its anglicized counterpart Isabel, Iseabail offers a distinctive cultural connection to Scottish heritage. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but it typically sounds like "EES-uh-bel" or "EE-sha-byl." Though relatively rare globally, the name has seen occasional use among families seeking to honor Scottish roots or those looking for a unique variation of the more familiar Isabel.

Iseabail

The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. 
 Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain obscure.
 Ismay has appealed to several authors as a character name--Robertson Davies in his Cornish Trilogy, Ruth Rendell in The Water's Lovely, and Ken Follett in his World Without End.
 Caveat: Could be confused with Esme.

Ismay

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India. 

Kalindi

Kerttu

Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an 's' or 'z', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys.
 Kerensa is a name favored by novelists who are using a Cornish setting, such as Victoria Holt in The Legend of the Seventh Virgin.
 The Kerenza spelling has a bit more zip.

Kerensa

The name of a lake in Israel, known as the Sea of Galilee in English. The lake's name is derived from Hebrew kinnor "harp", due to its shape.

Kinneret

Also spelled Lieselotte, this European compound name blends popular Elizabeth and Charlotte into something  with a fairy-tale-esque feel and unexpected style. 

Liselotte

Madelief is an <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-name-lists/category/unusual-names">uncommon name</a> but not unheard of in the Netherlands, where 123 girls were called Madelief in one recent year. With its soft sounds and similarities to all those "Madeleine" type names as well as names ending in "eef/eev" sounds (Aoife, Eve, Genevieve), Madelief has potential in English-speaking countries to be a fresh and pleasant change from Daisy, Margaret and Madeleine.

Madelief

For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.

Irati

Mabli is the sweet Welsh variant of Mabel, first used at the beginning of the 20th-century making it a relatively modern choice. Cute but energetic with the appeal of other Welsh names like Cadi and Lowri, it has been in the England and Wales Top 1000 since 2019.
 
The name recently appeared in the Welsh Top 50 as part of the general trend for vintage baby names, joined as it was by the likes of Ada, Margot, Nora, and Nansi.

Mabli

A traditional possibility for a Japanese or Japanese-American child born in April or May. 

Haruko

Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel.  Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.

Mafalda

Mirembe is a feminine Ugandan name stemming from the Luganda word "emirembe" meaning peace, quiet. In Luganda, Rs are pronounced similar to Ls,  so mill-EM-beh is an approximate pronunciation.

Mirembe

A lyrical Welsh name with both poetry and ruggedness, Myfanwy can mean "my fine, delicate one", "my woman", or "my beloved", depending on whether you consider the second element as derived from manwy, banwy or annwyl. While the pronunciation (muh-VAHN-wee) wouldn't be intuitive to those unfamiliar with the Welsh language or with Welsh names, the name is given to a small handful of babies in its native Wales most years.
 
Notably appearing in a 19th-century song by Joseph Parry and a poem by Richard Davies, the name was also borne by the 14th-century noblewoman and poetic subject, Myfanwy Fychan. Other Myfanwys include poet Myfanwy Haycock and actresses Myfanwy Waring and Myfanwy Talog.

Myfanwy

The Hindu princess and poetess Meera, was also known as Mira Bai. Mira Bai was a Rajput princess, the only child of Ratan Singh, younger brother of the ruler of Merta. Her royal education included music and religion as well as instruction in politics and government. In the West we usually think of such traditional names as Charlotte and George as <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/453/royal-baby-names">royal baby names</a>, but this adventurous choice breaks the mold. Mirabai combined the Sanskrit "Mira" (meaning ocean) with the suffix -bai (historically added to the names of women as a sign of respect).

Mirabai

Nanjala

 are a great place to start if you're looking for a beautiful and unique baby girl name with a solid history. With 

 getting more and more fashionable, it can be hard to find one that still feels fresh and undiscovered. But there's a whole world of beautiful options out there!

 that are popular here on Nameberry (but not in the US, shhhh!) include Anjali, Cressida, Eira, Saoirse and Ziva. And if you're looking for a 

truly unique international name for a girl

, there are plenty of beautiful rare options, including Araluen, Demelza, Ismene, Mahalia and Zuleika.

 short and funky international girl names outside the US Top 1000

 include Bijou, Daru, Ezri and Rio. Or if you prefer long, statement-making names, try Antonina, Cleophee, Endellion or Zipporah.

 for your baby girl, it's always important to bear each name's cultural context in mind. If the name is not from a culture familiar to you, do some research (asking on our friendly international Forums is a great place to start!) to make sure that you understand the background to the name, and any cultural significance it may have.

Browse a selection of the best unusual international girl names.

Unusual International Baby Girl Names from around the world with meaning and origin, including unique rare uncommon international girl names, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 7)