Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool
- Woolf
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"traveling wolf"Description:
A feminist, literary choice that inevitably conjures writer Virginia.
- Hiranur
Origin:
Turkish from ArabicMeaning:
"light of the diamond"Description:
A Turkish compound of the Arabic names Hira and Nur, more common than either of the names individually.
- Torny
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"new thunder"Description:
This stormy name comes from the Old Norse elements, Þórr and nýr, giving it the meaning "new thunder" or "new Thor". Strong yet playful, it's a rare choice that may appeal to those looking for a name that's connected to nature, has a mythological connection, or has a similar sound or feel to the likes of Tori, Toni, Stormi, or Tierney.
- Hadara
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fruit or glory"Description:
Hadara is a Hebrew name associated with the holiday of Sukkot, the harvest festival. In the Torah, the citrus fruit etrog, used on the holiday, is called a "hadar fruit".
- Memphis
Origin:
Greek and Coptic place-nameMeaning:
"Enduring and beautiful"Description:
Tied to the bluesy southern city and to the world heritage cite in Egypt after which it was named, Memphis is a modern choice with ancient history. Currently significantly more popular for boys in the US, as a place name with sounds reminiscent of Paris, Meredith and Emma, it has plenty of potential as a unisex choice.
- Abella
Origin:
French, meaning 'breath'Description:
A pretty name heard in the Louisiana Cajun community, Abella would fit right in with all the other, more familiar, bella names.
- Veselina
Origin:
Bulgarian, South SlavicMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
A vibrant name with an uplifting meaning, Veselina is a feminine form of Veselin, predominantly used in Bulgaria. It comes from the South Slavic element, vesel, meaning "cheerful".
- Mercilene
Origin:
Elaborate form of Mercy or a combination of Mercy and MarcelineMeaning:
"compassionate + little warrior"Description:
Used occasionally in Brazil, South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, and the Philippines, Mercilene is a rare but familiar sounding choice, inspired by the virtuous Mercy and the sweet but strong Marceline. Also spelled as Mercylene, Mercyline, and Merciline, it could be viewed as a compound name, blending Marceline and Mercy to make a name that means "compassionate little warrior". Alternatively, it could be a variation on Mercy, made by adding the popular feminine suffix -lene / -line to the end of it.
- Swift
Origin:
English, IrishMeaning:
"quick, windblown; bird name"Description:
A word name, a nature name, and a surname, Swift is strongly tied to singer Taylor Swift. It could make a fun and quirky middle name, and there might just be some "Swiftie" parents who choose it in the future.
- Arlington
Origin:
English habitational surname, place nameMeaning:
"noble's town"Description:
With Arley, Arlo, Remington, and Kensington on the rise, Arlington might also start to appeal. The surname style name could make a patriotic choice for those in the US, evoking Arlington National Cemetery, which is maintained by the military and considered the most hallowed ground in the States. Given to 7 girls and 22 boys in a recent count, it is currently a rare option.
- Invictus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"unconquerable, undefeated"Description:
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 hosted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's budding romance.
- Kajol
Origin:
Variation of Kajal, SanskritMeaning:
"kohl, eyeliner"Description:
Kajol and kajal are terms for the kohl that was used as eyeliner in ancient India. Indian actress Kajol Devgn is the most notable bearer.
- Grady
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A name that's on the rise for boys but rarely used -- though possible -- for girls.
- Tassie
Origin:
Diminutive of Anastasia, Tasmania, Natasha, Thomasina, Tamsin, or similarMeaning:
"resurrection; bag maker; birthday of the Lord; twin"Description:
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.
- Kannika
Origin:
ThaiMeaning:
"flower"Description:
This Thai name can get shortened to Niki or Nika.
- Yardley
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"wood clearing"Description:
Yardley, a surname redolent of British soaps and perfume, was used for her daughter by Megyn Kelly.
- Dalisay
Origin:
TagalogMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Means "pure" in the Tagalog language of the Philippines.
- Karou
Origin:
Literary nameMeaning:
"hope"Description:
Karou is the blue-haired, tattooed protagonist of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy; her name means "hope" in the language of the chimaera who raised her. Reminiscent of sweet European diminutives like Lilou, Malou and Milou, but with a bit more bite.
- Vimbai
Origin:
ShonaMeaning:
"have hope and trust"Description:
A name a pleasing blend of softness and strength, Vimbai has the appealing meaning "have hope, trust, or faith". Also used as a surname, it comes from the Shona language and is predominantly seen as a given name in its native Zimbabwe. It might also be considered a short form of Vimbainashe, meaning "have trust and faith in God".
- Selby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the willow farm"Description:
Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
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