Unusual but beautiful
- Adhara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"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.
- Aida
Origin:
Arabic; Italian; LithuanianMeaning:
"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.
- Aine
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Aisling
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Amberly
Origin:
Modern variation of AmberDescription:
A rarely used play on Amber, making it more feminine and both more modern and old-fashioned at the same time.
- Aoibheann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Bastien
Origin:
French and Spanish, diminutive of SebastienMeaning:
"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.
- Breccan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Caitlin
Origin:
Irish variation of CatherineMeaning:
"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.
- Caitriona
Origin:
Gaelic variation of CatherineMeaning:
"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.
- Eilis
Origin:
Irish variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"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.
- Evangeline
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Evalee/Eveleigh
- Isla
Origin:
Scottish place-name or SpanishMeaning:
"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.
- Kamaria
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"moonlight"Description:
Lush and unusual.
- Larkin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Laurella
Description:
Laurella is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Laura, which derives from the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'sweet bay tree.' In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and achievement. Laurella adds a romantic, flowing quality to the classic Laura, with the '-ella' suffix lending sweetness and femininity. While never reaching widespread popularity, Laurella has appeared occasionally throughout history, particularly in Italian and Spanish-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of victory, honor, and natural beauty. Its melodious sound and classical roots make it an elegant yet uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with both substance and grace.
- Maeve
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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 74.
- Mallie
Description:
Mallie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may have originated as a diminutive of Mallory (meaning 'unfortunate' from Norman French), Malina (meaning 'raspberry' in Slavic languages), or Amalia (meaning 'work' from Germanic roots). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Molly, which is itself a diminutive of Mary. The name has a sweet, vintage charm characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when diminutive names ending in '-ie' were particularly fashionable. While not currently in the top rankings, Mallie has the appealing quality of being recognizable but uncommon. It carries a friendly, approachable sound that balances well between traditional and distinctive.