Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool

Isela is a name used mostly by Mexican and Spanish-speaking parents, perhaps in honor of actress Isela Vega. It's believed to come from the Nahuatl word icel, meaning unique or only.

Fiza is an Arabic and Muslim name with a variety of reported meanings. A handful of baby girls received this rare name in the US last year.

Cimarron is a Great Plains city and river name used by Edna Ferber as the title of a popular novel. The Cimarron people of Panama were previously enslaved Africans who had escaped from their Spanish masters and lived together in defiance of colonial rule. In the 1570s, they allied with Francis Drake of England to defeat the Spanish conquest.

A distinctive word name or a short form of the Italian Bonaventura, Venture could make a bold choice, similar in style to Journey, Story, Valor, and Worthy. While it has yet to rank for girls, it has been given to around 10 boys each year since 2020.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.

Deren is a name that could easily cross borders — and who wouldn't love it, with that whimsical meaning?

Hendrix is a trendy first name, complete with cool letter X and the familiar sounds of Henry. Likely inspired by guitar great, Jimi Hendrix, the name is predominantly used for boys, with 1130 receiving the name in 2024. In contrast, 52 girls were called Hendrix, meaning the name is split 4:96.

Eydis is the modern transcription of Eydís, one of the top names in Iceland right now.

Inoa is an evocative choice from the South Seas.

Ethel is one of those vintage names that will always will be out...or will it? A generation ago we might have said the same for now-fashionable names like Florence and Ida. Even if Ethel rises, Etheline might sound too much like a chemical compound.

Combining "Hez", a short form of Heather, and the -ley suffix meaning "field, clearing", Hezly is a modern invented name that has yet to catch on.

A softer take on Hunter. Huntley could be considered a truly neutral name in the US, where it was given to 102 girls and 98 boys in 2024, making the split 51:49. Borrowed from a place name in South West England, Huntley could be considered cool, tough, and preppy at the same time, or, it may remind some of a a high-profile English murder case.

A lovely option to get to cool nickname Kit, Kitara is a Japanese girl name and also the name of an ancient East African empire.

An English surname-sounding choice with an appealing nature-inspired meaning, Farley could work as an alternative to Harley, Marley, or Charlie.

This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.

Cordis is an unusual and substantial unisex choice.

A sweet and simple multicultural choice which has several different meanings and origins.

Derived from the Tigrinya elements hiyab, meaning "gift," and el, "God."

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 elements meaning "yew tree" and "warrior." Ivelisse gained popularity primarily in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, particularly in Puerto Rico. While not extremely common in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence within Hispanic American communities. The name offers a distinctive yet melodic quality with its flowing syllables. Women named Ivelisse are often associated with determination, resilience, and a vibrant personality. The name's unique sound makes it stand out while still being approachable and elegant.

The name of the character in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" whom the poet intended as a representation of Queen Elizabeth I. While it will no doubt thrill your daughter's English professor, the addition of the "Bel" to already great Phoebe is on the fussy side.