Unusual Girl Names
- Abrial
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"open, secure, protected"Description:
This unique baby name is stronger, more distinctive than April or Avril.
- Acantha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thorn, prickle"Description:
Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.
- Adecyn
Origin:
English, phonetic spelling of Addison, EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
As soon as a name becomes mega-popular, parents start to look for spelling variations to set their child apart. This is one of the less graceful ones.
- Adella
Origin:
Variation of Adele or AdelineDescription:
Now that all names Adel- are the height of fashion, Adella is an unusual name that nevertheless sounds very trendy. Adella is one of Ariel's sisters in The Little Mermaid.
- Aerial
Description:
Aerial is a feminine name with English origins, drawing inspiration from the word 'aerial' meaning 'of the air' or 'lofty.' This ethereal name evokes images of lightness, freedom, and height—associations with the sky and air elements. While not among the most common names, Aerial gained modest recognition in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. The name shares phonetic similarities with the popular name Ariel but offers a more direct connection to its airy meaning. People named Aerial might be perceived as free-spirited, imaginative, and somewhat ethereal in nature. The spelling variation Ariel gained additional popularity through Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' though Aerial maintains its distinct spelling and direct connection to its atmospheric meaning.
- Aerionna
Description:
Aerionna is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of names like Arianna or Erionna, with the distinctive 'Aer' prefix potentially evoking the word 'aerial' or 'air.' This modern creation follows the trend of unique spellings and elaborate feminine names that gained popularity in the early 21st century. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its multiple vowels and the soft double 'n' ending. Aerionna remains quite uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a name with a distinctive sound and spelling while maintaining some familiarity in its structure. The name's uniqueness means those who bear it are unlikely to encounter others with the same name, giving it a special, individualized quality that many contemporary parents seek.
- Affinity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Sympathetic new twist on a Puritan virtue name.
- Afternoon
Origin:
English, “afternoon”Description:
An early day name worthy of consideration today for someone seeking a truly unusual name.
- Aidanne
Description:
Aidanne is a feminine variation of Aidan, originally an Irish masculine name meaning 'little fire' or 'fiery one.' The addition of the extra 'n' and silent 'e' feminizes and softens the traditional spelling while maintaining its Celtic roots. This variant creates a more elaborate, decorative appearance that appeals to parents seeking names with traditional origins but contemporary styling. Aidanne carries the passionate, spirited connotations of its original form while adapting it for feminine use. The name remains uncommon, making it an attractive option for parents who appreciate Irish heritage but want something more distinctive than common Celtic-inspired names. Its melodic three-syllable pronunciation gives it an elegant, flowing quality.
- Ailsa
Origin:
Scottish from NorseMeaning:
"elf victory"Description:
Ailsa is a traditional Scottish name for girls related to a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
- Aimiliona
Description:
Aimiliona is an elaborate feminine name that appears to be a unique creation, possibly drawing inspiration from names like Amelia, Emilia, or Meilani, with a flowing, polynesian-influenced sound. This ornate name follows the trend of creating distinctive, vowel-rich names with a melodic quality. The name's structure, with five syllables and varied vowel sounds, gives it a musical, almost lyrical feel when pronounced. Extremely rare in usage, Aimiliona would likely be a one-of-a-kind name for most who bear it. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its exotic feel and uniqueness. While its rarity means it lacks traditional historical or cultural associations, it offers the advantage of being truly distinctive while still having a feminine, flowing quality that connects it to naming traditions from multiple cultures.
- Air
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
This nature name hasn't escaped the hippie dippy air of others like River or Sky.
- Aishellyn
Description:
Aishellyn is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a modern elaboration combining elements of names like Aisha or Ashlyn with decorative suffixes. The name has a contemporary, invented quality that fits with recent naming trends favoring unique combinations and embellished traditional names. While lacking historical roots as a complete name, Aishellyn likely draws from Aisha (Arabic for 'alive, well-living') and possibly Celtic elements in Ashlyn. The distinctive combination of sounds creates a melodious flow with its multiple syllables and soft consonants. The name remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a name that stands out while maintaining feminine qualities. Aishellyn offers the advantage of uniqueness while still sounding recognizably name-like.
- Aiyana
Origin:
Arabic or AfricanMeaning:
"large eyes, or time, or beautiful flower"Description:
Aiyana is a name that could easily cross cultures. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1999 and hovers near the bottom of the Top 1000.
- Akasha
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"ether"Description:
This Hindi name for the fifth element, related to the male Akash which means "open sky," was used by Anne Rice in her Vampire Chronicles.
- Alana
Origin:
Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; HawaiianMeaning:
"handsome, rock; oak tree; child; awakening"Description:
Alana, in all its various spellings, was at one time reserved for daughters of dads named Alan, but is now much more widespread. It came into prominence via model/actress/celeb spouse Alana Hamilton Stewart.
- Alannah
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"child"Description:
This form of Alannah was derived directly from the Gaelic term a leanbh, meaning "child." Though not as popular as the more traditional Alana spelling, it has consistently charted in the US since 2007. Alannah Myles is popularizing this spelling of Alana.
- Alcie
Origin:
Diminutive of Alcina, GreekMeaning:
"strong-willed"Description:
Alcie and Alsie are antiquated short forms that feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned men into trees and animals.
- Alessia
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.
- Aleta
Description:
Aleta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a variation of Alethea, meaning "truth," while some sources connect it to Spanish origins as a diminutive of Alicia. The name also appears in mythology as one of the Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek legends. Aleta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its simple three-syllable structure and soft sounds. Aleta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being common. Its classical roots give it timeless appeal, while its slight exoticism adds interest. Parents might choose Aleta seeking a name with historical depth that still feels fresh and underused in contemporary contexts.