Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool

Isha

Sanskrit

"master, lord"

A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.

Ishana

Hindi

"desire"

Pretty Asian option.

Ishani

Ishani is a feminine name with Sanskrit origins, carrying rich cultural significance in Hindu tradition. The name means 'ruling' or 'powerful' and is associated with Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord…

Ishtar

Mesopotamian

The mother goddess Ishtar (also called, or identified with, Ashtoreth, Ashtoret, Astarte and Inanna) was worshipped by the Assyrians and Babylonians as the goddess of love, war, justice and…

Island

English word name

A rare unisex alternative to Isla.

Isle

English

"small island"

Isla is a contemporary gem, so why not Isle? As an English word name, it takes you straight to the literal definition — a small island — which could have an appealing, aspirational ring to it, for…

Isley

English variation of Eisele, German

"iron"

A surnamier take on Isla. Isley may be derived from the German occupational surname Eisele (of the same pronunciation), or be related to the Old English word hesli , meaning "hazel grove." The Eisley…

Ismene

Greek

"knowledgeable"

Sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus in Greek mythology, Ismene's name is unlikely to make it in modern times because of its teasability factor. Ismay or Esme would be better bets.

Ismerie

French

This French form of the name Ismeria is one of those uncommon names that's been consistently used in France since the middle ages.The origins of this rare name are shrouded in mystery. Ismeria /…

Isolde

Welsh, German

"ice ruler"

Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of…

Imisioluwa

Yoruban

"inspiration from God"

A spiritual Yoruban choice, Christian speaker and pastor, ImisiOluwa Owolabi may have introduced more people to this name, given to 13 babies in 2024.

Italia

Italian place-name

Authentic, melodic place-name for the adventurous, chosen by rapper LL Cool J for his daughter and by TV personality Jessica Graf Nickson for her daughter in 2025. Given to around 80 baby girls in…

Ivalo

Greenlandic

"thread, sinew"

This is a Greenlandic girls' name made royal when Prince Frederik and Princess Mary - now King and Queen - named their twin daughter Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda.

Izdihar

Arabic

"blossoming, prospering, shining"

A bright and energetic name of Arabic origin, Izdihar shares its roots with Zahra, Zahira, Zaria, and Zohra. It is borne by Soviet historian and video creator, Lady Izdihar.

Invictus

Latin

"unconquerable, undefeated"

The Invictus Games, a multinational sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick armed service personnel, introduced this Latin word and concept to the general population, especially after the games…

Ivelisse

Ivelisse is a feminine name with Spanish and Puerto Rican roots. It's derived from the Germanic name Ivar, combined with a feminine suffix. The name conveys strength and nobility, with its original…

Izara

Arabic, Basque, Hausa

"shawl; star; section of tree"

Attractive, rhythmic choice with roots in several languages and cultures. It's a lesser-known a celestial name, meaning "star" in Basque and referring to a star in the constellation Boötes in Arabic.

Izcalli

Aztec, Nahuatl

"stone house"

The last month of the Aztec calendar, with nickname options including Calli and Izzy.

Izumi

Japanese

"spring fountain"

Seen as both a given name and a surname in Japan. There was a Princess Izumi in eighth-century Japan, forbidden from marriage as her older sisters had already been paired off with the Emperor's sons.

Astilbe

Word name, Greek

"plant with pink, red, and white flower spikes"

An unusual botanical name, Astilbe could make an intriguing floral choice and work as an alternative to the likes of Aster, Thisbe, and Phoebe. It is the name of a hardy perennial plant with fluffy…