Unusual Girl Names

  1. Divinity
    • Origin:

      Word name, English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "divinity"
    • Description:

      Could be a sister to Trinity, Genesis, or Heaven.
  2. Yesenia
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "palm tree; flower"
    • Description:

      Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.
  3. Anneli
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Annalie or Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking countries.
  4. Cela
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sela
    • Meaning:

      "rock"
    • Description:

      This spelling variation of the Biblical place-name Sela is found on early American census roles, but Sela is more usual today. Cella is another early variation.
  5. Alsie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alcina, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "strong-willed"
    • Description:

      Alsie and Alcie 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 animals and trees.
  6. Eternity
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "infinite, unending; endless life after death"
    • Description:

      A name in tune with the likes of Heaven and Ever, Eternity is a spiritual choice, given to 85 girls in a recent year. Associated with life-after-death and with God (and gods) in general, it has been in the US charts since the 90s.

      Alternative spelling Eterniti also appears in the stats, while Eternal is used for boys.
  7. Glory
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Glory sounds fresh and uplifting and a lot more modern than Gloria (which is definitely feeling the stirrings of a revival, though some might still view it as a terminal Old Lady name). Glory, as in "Glory Be" and "Old Glory," has both a religious and a patriotic flavor.
  8. Ignacia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "ardent, burning"
    • Description:

      This Spanish form of the yet-to-be-revived Ignatius was borne by an early and influential Philipina nun known as Mother Ignacia.
  9. Nesta
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Agnes
    • Description:

      This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.
  10. Veruca
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "wart"
    • Description:

      Veruca is a name Roald Dahl made up for the horrid little girl Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A modern rock band adopted the name, though few parents familiar with the original namesake and meaning would choose to pass it on to an innocent child. Verruca is another spelling, but don't use that one either.
  11. Asuncion
    • Description:

      Asuncion is a feminine name with Spanish origins, derived from the Latin 'assumptio' meaning 'assumption' or 'taking up.' The name refers specifically to the Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Particularly popular in Hispanic and Filipino cultures, Asuncion is often given to girls born near the feast day (August 15). While traditional in Spanish-speaking countries, the name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Bearers of this name might use nicknames like Asun, Suni, or Cion. Asuncion carries spiritual significance while connecting its bearer to a rich cultural heritage and religious tradition.
  12. Scotland
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin's daughter Ireland opened up the map for names like Scotland, and now that it's been chosen by Kourtney Kardashian for her daughter Penelope's middle name -- in honor of daddy Scott Disick -- Scotland is sure to appear on more birth certificates. Can Scotlyn be far behind?
  13. Brooklynn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Brooklyn, place name from Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "marshland"
    • Description:

      This extra-N variation matches up with the current preferred spellings of Oaklynn, Raelynn, and Adalynn, however it has always been outranked by popular Brooklyn. Though both spellings have trended downwards since their peak in 2011, Brooklyn maintains its place in the US Top 100, while Brooklynn lags behind in the #300s.
  14. Zabel
    • Origin:

      Armenian form of Isabel, a form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      The dashing Zabel -- or its Frenchified variation Zabelle -- was the name of a 13th century ruling queen of Armenia. In this modern era ruled again by the name Isabella and Isabel, Zabel provides a fresh and lively spin.
  15. Canary
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "small bird"
    • Description:

      The name of a small yellow bird that hasn't taken off in the way that some of its avian sisters – like Robin, Wren or Lark – have.
  16. Prima
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "first"
    • Description:

      Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.
  17. Sidra
    • Origin:

      Latin, Hebrew, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "like a star; order, sequence; lotus tree"
    • Description:

      Sidra is an uncommon name shared by a gulf off the coast of Libya. Popular in the Jewish community of North Africa, its Hebrew meaning refers to a weekly reading portion of the Torah. In Arabic, it's the name of a tree, which is an Islamic symbol of the upper limit of heaven.
  18. America
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
  19. Calantha
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lovely flower"
    • Description:

      Another of the new Greek-accented Cal- names.
  20. Lorelie
    • Description:

      Lorelie is a feminine name variant of Lorelei, which originates from German folklore about a beautiful siren who sat on a rock above the Rhine River and lured sailors to their doom with her enchanting singing. The name carries connotations of haunting beauty and allure. While less common than the Lorelei spelling, this variation maintains the melodious quality and mythological connections. The name gained some recognition in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Lorelie offers the friendly nicknames Lori or Lelie, and appeals to parents drawn to names with romantic literary associations and a softly musical sound. Its distinctive spelling gives it a subtle uniqueness while preserving its legendary charm.

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