Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool
- Cameo
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
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.
- Jennings
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"child of John"Description:
This common English surname originated as a patronymic for the son or daughter of a person named Jen, a medieval short form of John.
- Duna
Origin:
Hungarian river name or IcelandicMeaning:
"eiderdown"Description:
Duna refers the Hungarian word for the Danube River or to the Icelandic term for the down of a duck. Duna also bears a resemblance to both Dune and Djuna. In this era of word names and invented names, Duna may have a bright future.
- Eaven
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"beautiful sheen"Description:
Anglicized form of the Irish name Aoibheann, which is also in use in Ireland itself. Eavie/Evie would make an adorable short form.
- Jakarta
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
Jakarta, the name of the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is located on the island of Java. Both Jakarta and Java could make interesting and unusual choices for a girl.
- Etheline
Origin:
Variation of Ethel, EnglishMeaning:
"noble maiden"Description:
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.
- Destry
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"warhorse"Description:
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.
- Dune
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"dune"Description:
Dune is a haunting and evocative sandy-beach name, which also has sci-fi connections. Dune is a science fiction franchise that was launched by Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. Some interesting Dune character names include Alia, Leto, Siona, Bellonda,and Tamalane.
- Gemella
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"twin"Description:
A pretty possibility for a Gemini girl.
- Harsha
Origin:
Indian, SanskritMeaning:
"happiness"Description:
A Sanskrit name with a cheerful meaning, it comes from the element harsa meaning "happiness". It is a cognate to names such as Harshida, Harshini and Harshal.
- Lufei
Origin:
ChineseMeaning:
"green jade, emerald, kingfisher"Description:
A Chinese name with international appeal, Lufei is a sparkling name, associated with jades, emeralds and kingfishers, conjuring up different shades of green. Other interpretations are possible however, including "prosperous + swiftly"; "dew + to fall", or "land + luxuriant".
- Kibibi
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"little lady"Description:
A perky African name with a downright charming meaning.
- Frostlilja
Origin:
Swedish, Old NorseMeaning:
"frost lily"Description:
This rare, botanical compound could make a bold middle name for a winter baby.
- Willoughby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"farm near the willows"Description:
With Willow and Willa becoming more popular for girls, surname-name Willoughby could be a more unusual alternative. Its full form sounds appropriate for both genders, but can be shortened for girls to Willow, Willa, or even Bee.
- Psalm
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"sacred song or hymn"Description:
Psalm became a name by the power of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who chose it for their younger son in 2019. As a spiritual word name however, it is a perfectly gender neutral choice that works just as well for girls. The name is now 7 times more popular than it was before Kim and Kanye put it on the map, and in a recent year, it was given to 40 girls and 120 boys.
- Elsu
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of Elsa, GermanMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
In Finland, many pet forms of names end in U, such as Elsu, a nickname for Elsa.
- Temple
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near the temple"Description:
The old word name Temple has gained some recent notice as a girls' name via admired autistic writer and inventor Dr. Temple Grandin (born Mary Temple), subject of an acclaimed biopic, in which she was played by Claire Danes.
- Cozy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"comfortable"Description:
A snug word name that may appeal to hygge-minded parents. It reappeared on the US charts in both 2020 and 2022 after a gap of 55 years. It can be short for Cosima or Cosette/Cozette.
- Didion
Description:
Didion is an unusual feminine name that likely derives from surnames or place names of Greek or French origin. It may be connected to the Greek name 'Didymus' meaning 'twin,' or possibly from French regional surnames. The name gained some recognition through association with celebrated American author Joan Didion, whose literary contributions may inspire parents to choose this name. As a first name, Didion remains extremely rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive, intellectual choice with literary connections. It has a sophisticated, modern sound despite its historical roots. The name's uncommon nature means a child named Didion would likely be the only one in their community, making it an individualistic choice with cultural cachet.
- Kinneret
Origin:
HebrewDescription:
The name of a lake in Israel, known as the Sea of Galilee in English. The lake's name is derived from Hebrew kinnor "harp", due to its shape.
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