Cool Underused Names for Girls
- Arionna
Description:
Arionna is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of names like Arianna or Ariana. With Greek origins, it connects to the element 'ari' meaning 'excellence' or 'best,' though the specific form Arionna is a contemporary creation rather than an ancient name. The double 'n' spelling gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its melodic pronunciation. Arionna began gaining modest popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, appealing to parents seeking names with classical roots but modern flair. The name carries a musical quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. While less common than similar names like Arianna, it provides familiarity with a touch of uniqueness. Arionna projects elegance and individuality while remaining accessible and feminine.
- Athene
Description:
Athene is a feminine name derived from Greek mythology, where Athena was the goddess of wisdom, courage, strategic warfare, and crafts. This variant spelling offers a slightly softer pronunciation than the more common Athena. The name carries strong associations with intelligence, strength, and creativity—attributes of the goddess herself. Though less popular than Athena, Athene has appealed to parents drawn to classical mythology and seeking names with powerful feminine connotations. The name has an elegant, timeless quality that works well across various cultures. Athene offers the distinctive heritage and meaning of its mythological origin while providing a slightly more unique option than the standard spelling, making it appealing for parents who appreciate classical references with a subtle difference.
- Barbarella
Description:
Barbarella is a feminine name that gained recognition primarily through the 1968 science fiction film of the same name featuring Jane Fonda. It's an elaboration of Barbara, which comes from Greek meaning 'foreign woman' or 'stranger.' The '-ella' suffix adds a diminutive, affectionate quality. Barbarella carries a distinctly retro, space-age vibe that evokes the 1960s era of futurism and innovative style. While uncommon as a given name, it possesses a playful, bold character that sets it apart. Those named Barbarella might appreciate the name's associations with a strong, adventurous female character and its unique pop culture legacy combining femininity with futuristic flair.
- Bibianne
Description:
Bibianne is an elegant feminine name with French and Latin influences. It likely derives from Vivian or Vivienne, which come from the Latin "vivus" meaning "alive" or "lively." The modification from V to B creates a unique variation while maintaining the graceful quality of the original. Bibianne carries a sophisticated, somewhat aristocratic air with its flowing syllables and distinctive sound pattern. This name is quite rare, making it an exceptional choice for parents seeking something truly unique. Despite its uncommonness, Bibianne remains accessible in pronunciation while offering the opportunity for friendly nicknames like Bibi. The name combines classical roots with an unusual presentation, suggesting a person who is refined yet distinctive.
- Calypso
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"she who hides"Description:
This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
- Clio
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic o-ending.
- Daffodil
Origin:
Flower name, from GreekMeaning:
"asphodel"Description:
Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.
- Dione
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"divine queen"Description:
In Greek mythology the mother of Aphrodite by Zeus, and also one of Saturn's moons; this is an astral name quite distinct from the better known Dionne.
- Echo
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"echo or sound"Description:
Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse. Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love.
- Evadne
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pleasing one"Description:
In Greek mythology, Evadne was the daughter of Poseidon. Evadne also appears in literature (Mary Shelley's "The Last Man") and has a pop culture reference as the cousin of Wonder Woman. A more unusual alternative to other Greek "-ee" names like Ariadne, Daphne and Penelope. The trendy "Ev" sound makes this a lovely choice in a world of Evelyns, Evangelines and Everlys.
- Faun
Description:
Faun is a delicate feminine name derived from Roman mythology, where fauns were woodland deities or nature spirits, often depicted as half-human, half-goat creatures similar to the Greek satyrs. The name evokes images of enchanted forests, mystical creatures, and a connection to the natural world. In literature, fauns have been portrayed as playful, musical beings, adding to the name's artistic associations. As a personal name, Faun has remained quite rare, appealing to parents drawn to uncommon mythological names with a whimsical quality. The name's brevity and soft sound give it an ethereal, graceful quality. Faun may also appeal to nature-loving parents seeking a subtle botanical or woodland-inspired name that references the magic and mystery of the natural world.
- Floralie
- Giza
Description:
Giza is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Egyptian roots, sharing its name with the famous plateau where the Great Pyramids stand. In this context, it carries historical and mysterious connotations. Alternatively, it could be related to the Hungarian diminutive of Gizella, which comes from the Germanic name Gisela meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' in its ancient context. The name has a striking quality with its distinctive 'z' sound and compact form. Though uncommon in most Western countries, Giza may hold greater familiarity in Eastern European and North African regions. Its cross-cultural nature makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with international resonance and historical depth.
- Griselda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"grey battle"Description:
Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet.
- Henrietta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.
- Hildegard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"comrade in arms"Description:
Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers.
- Io
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
Io may be one of the slightest names in the book, but there aren't many two-letter names with as much substance as this Greek mythological example. Io, a name used for the largest moon of Jupiter, was in classic myth raped by Zeus and escaped from him by changing herself into a cow.
- Ily
- Janne
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
- Janvier
Origin:
French word nameMeaning:
"January"Description:
Used in France as a male name, this would make an appealing and unusual choice, as would two other Gallic month names, Avril and Mai.