Unusual Girl Names

  1. Naiara
    • Origin:

      Basque place name
    • Description:

      Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.
  2. Naomie
    • Description:

      Naomie is a feminine name that represents a French variation of the Hebrew name Naomi. The original name Naomi appears in the Bible and means 'pleasantness' or 'delightfulness.' Naomie maintains this beautiful meaning while adding a touch of French elegance with its distinctive spelling. While less common than the traditional Naomi, Naomie has gained some recognition through French-speaking regions and has occasionally appeared in English-speaking countries. The name received wider recognition through Haitian-French actress Naomie Harris. Parents may choose this spelling for its subtle European flair while maintaining the connection to the biblical character known for her loyalty and resilience.
  3. Naretha
    • Origin:

      Aboriginal
    • Meaning:

      "a saltbush"
    • Description:

      As far-flung as the outback.
  4. Nephele
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cloudy"
    • Description:

      An enchanting ancient Greek name belonging to the Greek goddess who was created from a cloud by Zeus and so became goddess of the clouds and mother of the centaurs. The name Nephele is not widely known but as among modern parents become used to Phoebe, Penelope, and Persephone, it may become one of the ancient Greek goddess names that's back in the mix.
  5. Neriah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "light of Jehovah"
    • Description:

      A version of a symbolic name given to girls born on Hanukkah, the festival of lights. It can also be spelled Neriya(h), but this spelling made it into the Top 1000 in 2013. Neriah was among the fastest-rising names of 2022, possibly in part due to up-and-coming musical artist NERIAH.
  6. 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.
  7. Nevada
    • Origin:

      Spanish place-name
    • Meaning:

      "covered in snow"
    • Description:

      Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's trampled tourist attraction.
  8. Nevaeh
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Nevaeh: an already bold word name with the unusual twist of being spelled backwards; a nightmare for those who love traditional, classic names; a divisive option on name forums across the internet; and a spelling and pronunciation that aren’t quite intuitive at first glance.
  9. Nevara
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "to snow"
    • Description:

      One of several snowy options, this one lacking a tie to a specific place: an asset.
  10. Nicasia
    • Origin:

      Latin, female variation of Nicasio
    • Meaning:

      "victorious"
    • Description:

      An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.
  11. Nirvana
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "place of great bliss"
    • Description:

      Well, parents are naming their children Eden and Heaven...so why not?
  12. Nishelle
    • Description:

      Nishelle is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a creative blend of the prefix 'Ni-' (found in names like Nicole and Nisha) with the popular '-elle' suffix that conveys femininity in many languages. Though lacking deep historical roots, Nishelle emerged in American naming patterns during the 1970s and 1980s when inventive names with melodious sounds gained popularity. The name carries a gentle yet distinctive quality, with its soft consonants and flowing syllables creating a modern, elegant impression. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Nishelle appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains uncommon. Common nicknames include Nishi, Shelle, or Ellie. The name's uniqueness allows it to stand out while still fitting comfortably within contemporary naming patterns.
  13. Nixie
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "water nymph"
    • Description:

      If you love Dixie, Trixie and Pixie, this name of a mermaid-like sprite in German folklore may be for you. It might also make an update for Nicki.
  14. Noa
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "motion"
    • Description:

      This Old Testament female name has been one of the most popular girls’ names in Israel over the last decade. Also highly popular in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, and a new entrant to the US Top 1000, it may be misunderstood here as an attempt to streamline and feminize the more familiar Noah – although it's a separate name with a separate derivation.
  15. Nova
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "new"
    • Description:

      Nova has the feel of both newness, from its meaning, and great energy as an astronomical term for a star that increases suddenly in brightness before fading.
  16. Nivea
    • Oceane
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "ocean"
      • Description:

        Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
    • Octavia
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "eighth"
      • Description:

        Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.
    • Octavie
      • Description:

        Octavie is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman name Octavius, meaning 'eighth' or 'born eighth.' It's the feminine form of Octave, particularly used in French-speaking regions. This elegant name carries a classical, sophisticated air with its French styling and historical connections. In Roman times, the name indicated the eighth child or a child born in the eighth month. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Octavie has maintained modest usage in France and other Francophone areas. The name offers a distinctive choice with a melodious quality and refined character. Its rarity makes it stand out, while its classical roots give it substance and historical depth.
    • Olesia
      • Origin:

        Polish, diminutive of Aleksandra
      • Description:

        Sounds a bit pharmaceutical.