Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool

This common English surname originated as a patronymic for the son or daughter of a person named Jen, a medieval short form of John.

The name given to a short novel, often light, romantic and sentimental, a novelette is longer than a short story but shorter than a novella or novel, while still having a complete narrative. In music terms, it refers to a short piece of lyrical music.

Pretty Asian option.

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.

Elloree is an English name, possibly a variation of Ellery. Elloree is also the name of a small town in South Carolina.

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

Quincy may be unisex, but Quimby is decidedly feminine — at least according to the stats, it's never been used for boys. Perhaps it's because of Beverly Cleary's children's book heroine Ramona Quimby, or the queen-related meaning. In either case, Quimby is a quirky, unexpected choice for a daughter.

Evana is an intriguing feminization, but will often be mistaken for the better-known Ivana, thanks to the first Mrs. Trump.

A word name linked to music and spirituality, Requiem could have the more familiar nicknames Remi or Emmy. Associated with remembrance, Catholic Mass, and music for the dead, it more literally means "rest". It has never been used as a name (yet!)

The Czech word for the violet flower would make for a sweet and quirky nature name for a baby girl.

This rare, botanical compound could make a bold middle name for a winter baby.

Relatively well-used in Puerto Rico, where it resembles common Basque names like Alaia and Anaia. With the sharp rise of Alaia in the US in recent years as well as the love for "Ad-" names on girls, it makes sense that the still rare Adaia is increasing in use as well. Adaia was given to just under 100 baby girls in 2022.

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.

Ellington's popularity may be inspired by jazz great Duke, but the name is used slightly more often for girls today, perhaps because of its trendy El- beginning. Like a host of other El- names, from the familiar Ella to Eleanor to the more niche Elodie and Elula, Ellington carries the popular Ellie nickname.

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.

A grand Russian name, Apollinaria is a feminine form of Apollinaris, an Ancient Greek name that belonged to many Saints and martyrs. The most well-known bearer of this name was Apollinaria Suslova: better known as Polina Suslova. She was Fyodor Dostoyevsky's mistress and she is believed to have been the inspiration for many female characters in his novels. This name can also be transliterated as Apollinariia.

A name that's on the rise for boys but rarely used -- though possible -- for girls.

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

A cool, engaging surname, Keaton might feel like a fresh spin on Katelyn, Keeley or Katherine. While it is used ten times more often for boys, 27 girls were still given the name in a recent year.

Fidelity is an admirable virtue, yes, but as a name it tends to sound like a financial institution. Faith, Honor, or Patience would be easier to live with than Fidelity.