Unique Names Ive Met

Lanae

Lanae is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. Some consider it a modern American creation, possibly derived from the combination of the popular prefix 'La-' with the suffix…

Larkin

Irish

"rough, fierce"

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…

Laurie

English, diminutive of Laura

"from Laurentum or bay laurel"

Laurie morphed into the more streamlined Lori in the sixties but now feels dated for a girl in either spelling. Update Lauren has been renovated as Laurel or Laura itself.

Lavender

English color and flower name

"purple flower"

Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names…

Lavina

English variation of Lavinia, Latin

This vintage name is still used today among the Amish.

Leandra

Feminine variation of Leander, Greek

"lion-man"

With the rise of many once-dated leonine names, from Leona to Lionel to Leonora, Leandra is an unusual choice that might be looking at a comeback..

Lilas

French, Portuguese

"lilac; lily"

In France, Lilas is a light, colorful, and botanical name, literally translating to "lilac". Pronounced as LEE-LAH, it has been appearing in the French Top 500 since 2001. Occasionally, the name is…

Lois

Greek

"most desirable"

The eternal fiancee of Superman turned sweet gray-haired lady who's always available to babysit her grandkids turned....hot new baby name? True to the Hundred Year Rule, Lois is poised to climb the…

Martina

Latin

"warlike"

A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and…

Masha

Russian variation of Maria, Hebrew or Egyptian

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Looking to honor Grandma Mary (or Maria) with something original? This Russian short form bears an unfortunate resemblance to the English word "mash", but if you can look past that, Masha has…

Mercedes

Spanish

"gracious gifts, benefits"

Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin…

Missy

English, diminutive of Melissa

A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.

Misti

Misti is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive or variation of Misty. The name evokes the image of morning mist or fog, giving it a naturally ethereal and gentle quality. Popular primarily…