Unique Girl Names: Uncommon, Unusual, Cool

Variation of Ejiroghene

Oraya has gained attention in recent years after it was used for a character in the romantasy book series, The Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent.

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.

Gertie has a certain homespun charm, summoning to mind butter-yellow braids and denim overalls, summoning mind the adorable character played by little Drew Barrymore in E.T. Is the world ready for the return of Gertie and Gertrude? Maybe?

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.

Ethelwyn is a form of Æðelwine, a masculine Anglo-Saxon saints' name that was revived in the 19th century, but for girls. An old example of gender-bending names, the switch likely occurred due to its obvious similarities to Ethel, which ultimately shares the same Old English root, æðele meaning "noble".

A beautiful Urdu name with a musical sound and a lovely celestial meaning. Sitara got a boost in 2022, potentially from the award-winning 2020 short film "Sitara: Let Girls Dream", bringing awareness to the issue of child marriage.

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 pretty and sparky Turkish nature name that is written with a dotted i in its native country (Kiraz), Kiraz entered the US stats for the first time in 2024 when it was given to five girls. It featured in the 2020-2021 Turkish show, Sen Çal Kapımı(known internationally as You Knock on My Door (Love Is in the Air)).

A feminist, literary choice that inevitably conjures writer Virginia.

This English surname was originally a nickname for someone with a pock-marked face. It's a less-than-ideal meaning, but Greeley's upbeat sound and modern unisex style keep it on our lists.

A unisex Russian short form, used for Isidor, Isaac, Isidora, and Isabel, this has yet to catch on internationally in the same way Tanya, Sonya, or Sasha have.

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.

A place name associated with style, wealth, and royalty, Hampton is the name of a classy area of New York and of the stately Hampton Court Palace in the UK. Similar in style to names such as Halston and Aspen, Hampton is currently more popular for boys in the US, but it is on the rise for girls, with 22 given the name in a recent year.

A medieval and early English variant of the Ismenia, which feels surprisingly on trend today.

Toni Morrison, the modern master of literary names, made this one famous as the title character of a novel. But things didn't work out so well for that Beloved.

Katayun derives from the Persian elements kata "house, city" and bânu "wife". In Iranian mythology, Katay(o)un is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār.

Keshvi is an epithet of the goddess Radha, who rules over love, tenderness, compassion, and devotion.

Fierce, bold, and very evocative, Warrior is not a name for the faint of heart. It's the latest in a slew of Magic Names, chosen for their incantatory power, added to the baby name lexicon. Parents may hope a name like Warrior will protect their child from some of the hardships of the world.

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".