Girl Names Uncommon in the US

Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.

Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.

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

See LOUISE.

Leyre is an important name in Navarre, Spain, as it is both the name of a mountain and an ancient monastery. It is derived from the Basque Leire, of uncertain origins. Both spellings currently rank among the Top 100 baby names in Spain.

A slimmed down spelling of the more traditional Aiobheann. It's a beautiful name, but the spelling might throw some non-Irish natives off.

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

In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.

This Portuguese version of Marguerite, Margherita, or Margaret is not a chic as the French, nor as fresh as the Italian, and not as familiar as the English.

Minta would be easier to wear as an English-speaker.