Unique Names

Artemisia

Greek, variation of Artemis

You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an…

Acacia

Greek

"thorny"

Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl…

Aleks

Aleks is a feminine name with Slavic origins, serving as a shortened form of Aleksandra (the feminine version of Alexander). The name ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning "defender" or…

Arantxa

Basque

"thornbush"

Basque names, indeed the entire Basque language, are unrelated to any other. Arantxa is a diminutive of Arantzazu. This obscure choice was made known by tennis player Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.

Aprelle

Aprelle is a feminine name derived from April, which itself comes from the Latin "aperire" meaning "to open," referring to the opening or blossoming of flowers in spring. This elegant variation adds…

Bliss

English word name

"great joy"

A sweet, uplifting and still fairly uncommon modern virtue name. Its single syllable makes it especially good as a middle name, but it would also make a big impact in the first spot; in fact, nearly…

Calixta

Greek

"most beautiful"

Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate…

Candida

Latin

"white"

Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.

Clea

Latinate variation of Cleo, Greek

"glory"

An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet . Actress Clea DuVall is one noted bearer of…

Claea

Claea is an uncommon feminine name with possible Greek or Latin roots. It may be related to Clea, derived from the Greek 'kleos' meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' with an altered spelling. The name could…