Girls

Aviana is a name that's like the megapopular Ava and Ariana, but not quite as popular as either. It entered into the mainstream back in 2010 however, after actress Amy Adams chose it for her daughter, fulfilling her desire to choose a "normal" name after all, even if it didn't seem like that a decade ago.

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.

With Angelina becoming so popular thanks to Ms. Jolie, this could be a new twist—but everyone will always misunderstand it as Angelina. While it currently ranks at Number 951 in the US, it's Number 352 in France.

The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.

Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.

The French Miley? This trendy choice from Brittany, which is pronounced either as Miley or May-lee, is related to the traditional (male) saint's name Mael, traditionally feminized as Maelle.

Upper crust-y surname Sheridan gains some energy when used for a girl.

Intriguing derivation, though people will assume it's a simplified form of Maura.

Smart and preppy, but with plenty of heart, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to the popular Harley, Harlowe, Harper, and Hadley. Quietly used for boys throughout the 20th century, Hartley took off for girls in 2010 after both Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath and baseball player Matt Cain used the name for their daughters.

One of the most usable of the pleasant, newly adopted nature/water names (like Lake and Ocean), especially in middle position. It's gentle, slightly whimsical, but grounded by its similarity to May or Rae.

An old royal name in England and Scotland that's also spelled Marjorie. Popular in the Middle Ages and Tudor period, it was revived at the end of the 19th century, peaked in 1921 and dropped off the list in 1958, enough time to be reconsidered as a Margaret alternative. The name Margery Daw is familiar via the seesaw nursery rhyme and Margery Williams wrote the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit..

Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.

Short, sweet, and sharp, this multicultural choice is currently popular in Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While not in the charts elsewhere, it is familiar in English speaking countries, and in the Netherlands.

Eula is a slightly sweeter and more compact version of Eulalia. Currently, neither name is given to more than a handful of girls each year. Eula was fairly popular in the US during the early twentieth century, and she last ranked in the Top 1000 in 1960.

Unusual name with stylish, silky feel.

South African-raised actress Embeth Davidtz added this unique smooth name to the mix. Perfect if you can't decide between Emma and Elizabeth and more unusual than Annabeth.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.

Zelpha is an uncommon feminine name with biblical connections, appearing as a variation of Zilpah, who was the handmaid of Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name has Hebrew origins, though its precise meaning is somewhat disputed, with some sources suggesting 'frailty' or 'drooping.' Zelpha enjoyed modest usage in the 19th century, particularly in religious communities, but remained relatively rare. The name has an antique, distinctive quality with its uncommon 'Z' beginning and 'ph' combination. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Zelpha carries a sense of history and biblical connection that appeals to some parents seeking an uncommon name with religious roots. Its vintage sound aligns with the revival of other rare biblical and historical names.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.

Marlaina is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Marlena or an elaboration of Marlene. Its roots trace back to the combination of 'Mary' and 'Magdalene,' referring to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. The name carries a romantic, slightly exotic flair with its distinctive spelling. While never achieving widespread popularity, Marlaina saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable in structure but uncommon enough to stand out. Marlaina offers the appealing nicknames Marla or Laina, providing versatility. Its flowing sound pattern and romantic overtones give it an elegant quality that appeals to parents seeking something melodic yet distinctive.