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Unusual but beautiful

barbramana
By barbramana
Updated Thu May 25 2023
  1. Maeve

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "she who intoxicates"

    • Description:

      Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. It joined the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 and now ranks at Number 75.
  2. Isla

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  3. Seraphina

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "ardent; fiery"

    • Description:

      Seraphina is one of the most-searched name on Nameberry, destined for even greater popularity. The highest-ranking angels, the six-winged seraphim, inspired the lovely name Seraphina.
  4. Evangeline

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of good news"

    • Description:

      Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
  5. Sabine

    • Origin:

      French and German form of Sabina, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "Sabine"

    • Description:

      This slightly more compact version of Sabina has ties to France and Germany. Unlike its sister name, Sabine has never charted in the United States Top 1000. Today, both names are given to roughly the same number of baby girls in the US, about 70 each year.
  6. Meadow

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Meadow's upward popularity trajectory certainly suggests that the name has transcended its connection to The Sopranos.. In the US, more than 750 baby girls were named Meadow last year, a number we expect to keep rising.
  7. Caitlin

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      An Irish and Welsh form of Catherine, Caitlin was a boom name of the eighties, rocketing from obscurity (Americans first heard it via the wife of doomed poet Dylan Thomas) to the height of popularity in the space of a decade. The original name was gradually eclipsed by its myriad spelling variations -- Katelyn and Kaitlyn both soon topping it on the popularity lists.
  8. Aida

    • Origin:

      Arabic; Italian; Lithuanian

    • Meaning:

      "returning visitor; happy; echo"

    • Description:

      Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.
  9. Vesper

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "evening star"

    • Description:

      While this is usually thought of as a girls' name because of the Bond Girl connection, its sound is masculine and there's no reason it couldn't work for boys.
  10. Larkin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rough, fierce"

    • Description:

      While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to poet Philip Larkin too.
  11. Aine

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brightness, splendor"

    • Description:

      More commonly seen here as Anya, this traditional yet unique Irish name belonged to the queen of the Munster fairies and is sprinkled throughout Irish folklore as an early Celtic goddess of summer and prosperity. One of the most popular baby names in Ireland, Aine's spelling and pronunciation might seem simple but could prove confusing in the U.S.
  12. Breccan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "freckled, speckled"

    • Description:

      This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air.
  13. Aisling

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream, vision"

    • Description:

      Aisling is currently a very popular Irish name for girls. Pronounced variously as ASH-ling, ASH-lin or ash-LEEN, it was part of the revival of authentic Irish names in the twentieth century, and is now being sparingly used by U.S. parents in place of the dated Ashley--though often spelled phonetically as Ashlyn or Ashlynn.
  14. Bastien

    • Origin:

      French and Spanish, diminutive of Sebastien

    • Meaning:

      "person from ancient city of Sebastia"

    • Description:

      In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.
  15. Eilis

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Familiar in the US thanks to the lovely movie Brooklyn, based on the Colm Toibin novel of the same name. Popular in medieval times, it is still used in Ireland (properly spelt with a fada: Eilís) could make an alternative to the super-popular Isla. Eilish and Eibhlis are alternate forms.
  16. Adhara

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "virgins"

    • Description:

      Adhara is the name of one of the brightest stars in the sky. Also known as Adara, this name is perfectly suitable for a child.
  17. Caitriona

    • Origin:

      Gaelic variation of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.
  18. Kamaria

    • Origin:

      Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      Lush and unusual.
  19. Aoibheann

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful sheen"

    • Description:

      An ancient Aoibheann was the mother of Saint Enda, and Aoibheann remains popular in Ireland today, sometimes with its Anglicized spelling Eavan.
  20. Audi

    • Description:

      Audi is a feminine name with various potential origins. It could be derived from the Latin 'audire' meaning 'to hear' or 'to listen,' suggesting attentiveness and receptivity. It may also be a short form of names like Audrey (meaning 'noble strength') or Audra ('noble power'). Some might associate it with the German automobile manufacturer, though the name's roots predate the company. Audi has a modern, minimalist appeal with its brief two-syllable structure and melodic sound. As a given name, it remains quite uncommon, offering distinctiveness while still being easy to pronounce and spell. The name has a contemporary feel with subtle vintage undertones, making it an intriguing choice that bridges traditional and modern naming styles.