Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool

Short for Olukemi or a rare name in its own right, this Yoruba name has a beautiful meaning. A notable bearer is British MP Olukemi (Kemi) Badenoch.

A once popular, now more quietly used name for boys, this William diminutive has potential as a "grandpa" style name for girls. With elements of Willa, Willow, and Iris, Willis was occasionally used as a feminine name in the first half of the 20th century.

An obscure literary choice, Belisent is an alternative name for the character of Morgause from Arthurian legend, featured in the 13th-century Middle English verse romance "Of Arthour and of Merlin". Almost like a combination of Bella and Millicent in sound, Belisent could be a great choice for anyone looking for a unique name from literature and legend.

A Dutch feminine form of Joseph, created by adding the -ke suffix to the traditionally male Jos. Joske could be a stylish European alternative if you want to honor a Joseph but Josie and Josephine aren't quite your style.

Poema is a a multicultural word name, working as an elaborate form of Poem in English, but as a direct word name in Spanish, Portuguese, and more. In an English speaking context, this may make it feel lean more "name-y", blending the sounds of classic Emma with the playful 'Poe' sound.

A sweet and playful Thai name, Mook may be best known in the US thanks to the character Thidapon "Mook" Sornsin in The White Lotus, played by KPOP star Lalisa Manobal.

Not to be confused with the Aria/Arya name family, Arja is a variation of Irja, which ultimately is derived from Irene.

Évodie is the French form of Evodia

The name of one of warring families in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Capulet might appeal to those who enjoy names that are literary and unique.

With Arley, Remington, Kensigton, Arlo, and Arla on the rise, Arlington might just be heard a little more often in coming years. The surname style name could make a patriotic choice for those in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 14 girls and 24 boys in 2023, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.

Popular in The Netherlands back in the 2000s, Tessel is a diminutive of Theresa or Telse; a short form of the rare Tesselschade, or a place name, referring to the Island of Texel (said Tessel). It could be a distinctive choice for those who like Tess and Hazel.

A modern invented name, possibly a variation on Ziola, which comes from Greek Zoilos meaning "lively". It appears in several songs by the band Jane's Addiction, inspired by the adopted name of a former girlfriend of one of the band members.

A contemporary sounding word name with an ancient history, widely used in the Roman Empire, and based on the mythic goddess of good luck and fertility.

Traditionally a masculine name, but as Ezra — which shares a root with Ezer — becomes more feminine, who's to say Ezer can't be used for girls? Ezer is the name of masculine characters in the Bible, but as a word, it is often associated with women whose strength help rescue humanity.

A sparky short form of a variety of names with a similar feel to the likes of Hattie, Essie, Sasha, and Effie. Also used as a surname, it might make an interesting alternative to Stacey, Annie, or Tasha.

An alternative to the more familiar Aviva.

A pleasant, welcoming Middle Eastern choice.

A feminist, literary choice that inevitably conjures writer Virginia.

Feeney is an Irish surname found mostly in northwest Ireland. It may rise in the US as a first name for girls along with such Irish surnames as Riley and Kennedy. Feeney might also be considered an out-of-the-box short form of Josephine.

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.