Girl Names Uncommon in the US

A Roos by any other name smells as sweet.

Roos

Saar is a very popular girls' name in The Netherlands, where it's an abbreviated form of Sarah.  The Dutch feminine Saar, pronounced sahr, is distinct from the Hebrew place-name Saar used for boys in Israel.

Saar

Sadhbh was the name of several real and legendary Irish princesses, including the daughters of Conn of the Hundred Battles, of Queen Medb of Connacht, and of King Brian Boru. It's also written Sabha. One of the most authentic <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/804/irish-names-for-girls">Irish names for girls</a>, it is also unfortunately one of the most difficult to export.

Sadhbh

Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year.

Faustine

Eydis is the modern transcription of Eydís, one of the top names in Iceland right now.

Eydis

In Norse mythology, Embla is the equivalent of the Bible's Eve, who, along with her husband Ask, were the first humans to be created by the gods, in this case from trees. With its lovely nature meaning, and a soft but distinctive sound, Embla is one of the most popular girl names in Iceland.
 
Used in Norway and occasionally Sweden too, elsewhere it could make an interesting alternative to Ember, Emma, Esme, and Ella. Pronounced as EHM-pla or EHM-bla, it's a name that could gain more attention.

Embla

Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with the Dutch taste for nicknames plucked from the middle or end of a name vs. the beginning, such as Bas for Sebastien or Bram for Abram.


Sanne

Portuguese feminine form of Gaetan/Gaetano.

Caetana

Diminutive of Candelaria, a name derived from candle and given in honor of the festival of Candlemas, which marks the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mother.

Candela

Not-so-attractive short form of a lovely name. 

Stina

Eduarda is a feminine name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, representing the female form of Eduardo (Edward). Derived from Old English elements 'ead' (wealth, prosperity) and 'weard' (guardian), it carries the noble meaning of 'prosperous guardian' or 'wealthy protector.' The name enjoys significant popularity in Brazil, Portugal, and Spanish-speaking countries, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Eduarda combines feminine elegance with strength, featuring the fashionable '-a' ending while maintaining the distinguished history of the Edward name family. The nickname 'Duda' is affectionately used in Portuguese contexts. With four melodious syllables, Eduarda offers sophistication and international flair, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural richness, historical depth, and a balance of strength and grace.

Eduarda

While Doireann may look like a form of Doreen (a diminutive of Dora or Dorothy), it is in fact a name of Old Irish origin, appearing in Irish legend. Usually pronounced as DEH-ruhn (though DIR-an and DUR-enn are also listed), it is rarely used outside of Ireland.
 
The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but it may be a blend of finn and der meaning "white, blessed" and "daughter" respectively. Another (less favorable) possibility is that is comes from an Irish word meaning "tempestuous", while others have suggested it comes from doire meaning "oak grove".
 
Notable bearers include social media star and comedian, Doireann Garrihy, poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa, radio producer Doireann Ní Bhriain, and translator and academic Doireann MacDermott.

Doireann

Tilde is a charming feminine name with Scandinavian origins, primarily used in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. It derives from Matilda, meaning 'mighty in battle,' though it has taken on a distinct identity of its own. Interestingly, Tilde also refers to the diacritical mark (~) used in Spanish and Portuguese, giving the name a subtle literary or scholarly connection. While relatively common in Nordic countries, Tilde remains rare elsewhere, though its simplicity makes it increasingly appealing internationally. The name's concise nature and soft sounds create an impression of understated elegance. With growing interest in Scandinavian naming traditions, Tilde offers a distinctive yet accessible option that balances cultural heritage with contemporary appeal.

Tilde

The exact origins of Tiril remain a mystery, but it is generally considered to be a name from Norwegian poetry. The heroine of Johan Sebastian Cammermeyer’s fantastical poem "Lokkende Toner" is Tirilil Tove.
 
Tiril is a common name for baby girls in Norway.

Tiril

Tordis left Norway's popularity charts in 1948, placing it among the old lady name that could soon be up for revival.

Tordis

Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name, related to Thor.  Tuva is a form of the name popular in modern Scandinavia.

Tuva

Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium.

To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.

Capucine

This Dutch name derives from the old Germanic name, Farahild. It is quite common in the Netherlands.

Veerle

Vilde is a feminine Norwegian name with Norse origins. It derives from the Old Norse word 'villr,' meaning 'wild' or 'untamed,' conveying a sense of freedom and natural spirit. The name gained significant popularity in Norway starting in the 1990s and has remained a favored choice for girls there. Vilde embodies Scandinavian cultural values of independence and connection to nature. Outside of Norway, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. Its short, crisp sound and meaningful etymology appeal to parents seeking a name that suggests strength and individuality while maintaining feminine qualities.

Vilde

Ailbhe is a unisex Irish name that has appeared throughout Irish history, borne by a 6th-century (male) saint, and by a female warrior of Fianna, a legendary group of women warriors, led by Fionn MacCumhaill. Today, the name is predominantly used for girls, likely because it sounds similar to Alma, Ava, and Alba.
 
Pronounced (rouhgly) as AL-vuh, the name may come from the Irish ail meaning "rock" or the Celtic albiyo meaning "world, light, white", though aith-bhric meaning "speckled, freckled" is sometimes listed as another source.
 
Currently in the Irish Top 100, notable bearers is the social media influencer Ailbhe Garrihy, cellist and composer Ailbhe McDonagh, and activist and accademic Ailbhe Smyth.

Ailbhe

 may be well-liked and widely used in other countries around the world. Ebba might be uncommon in Seattle, for instance, but standard in Stockholm, while Alba is unusual in Milwaukee but everywhere in Madrid.

fashionable girl names uncommon in the US

 include Darcy, Imogen, Laia, and Thais. Scandinavian names are an up-and-coming trend — Sigrid, Juni, Fenna, and Leni are among the rare options we recommend.

Restricting our search to the Top 100 names of European countries, on the theory that almost every name from Asian and African cultures will be rare in the US, these are the girl names outside of the Top 1000 in the United States but heard on every street corner from Manchester to Minsk.

Girl names uncommon in the US and more popular in other countries, with meanings, origins, and popularity, including unusual, rare, and unique girls names. (Page 11)