​
​
Advanced Search

Springtime eccentricity

DearTheodosia
By DearTheodosia
Updated Mon Oct 17 2022
Eccentric girl names for 'out-there' parents. Names listed here must be somewhat unheard of, gentle sounding and vintage.
  1. Ruth

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "compassionate friend"

    • Description:

      Ruth, with its air of calm and compassion, was the third most popular name in the 1890s, remaining in the Top 10 through the 1920s. It's still in use today as some parents tiring of Rachel and Rebecca are giving Ruth a second thought. Some see such Old Testament girls’ names as Ruth and Esther rising on the heels of boy equivalents Abel and Moses.
  2. Rue

    • Origin:

      Botanical names or word name

    • Meaning:

      "herb; regret"

    • Description:

      Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.
  3. Wilhelmina

    • Origin:

      German and Dutch, feminine variation of Wilhelm

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, Wilhelmina has attracted more attention, and was given to around 110 babies in a recent year.
  4. Catalina

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.
  5. Bryony

    • Origin:

      Latin flower name

    • Meaning:

      "to sprout"

    • Description:

      Bryony is an unusually strong plant name --the bryony is a wild climbing vine with green flowers --that caught on in the U.K. before sprouting here. The name of the young character in the Ian McEwan novel Atonement is spelled Briony, which is the variation and Bryony the original.
  6. Mona

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "noble good"

    • Description:

      Mona had more than a moment in the sun, peaking in 1950 at Number 230 but falling off the Top 1000 completely in the late 1980s. Its similarity to the word "moaner" undercuts the appeal of its simplicity. In one recent year, fewer than 100 baby girls received the name, and we don't see it reviving any time soon.
  7. Ivory

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"

    • Description:

      Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000, while 2024 saw it jump up the charts again by over 100 places, making it a To 500 name.
  8. Swan

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "swan"

    • Description:

      Obsolete Swanhild gives way to oh-so-modern Swan, joining the flock of newly fashionable bird names such as Wren and Lark. In France, the Swann spelling is fashionable for both sexes. But Swan carries an image of grace, though perhaps also a bit of languor. It's a lovely and original name, right for our times.
  9. Eglantine

    • Origin:

      French botanical name

    • Description:

      This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.
  10. Suzi

    • Description:

      Suzi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Susan or Suzanne, names deriving from the Hebrew Shoshana meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This cheerful, perky nickname gained independent usage during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s-70s when shortened forms became fashionable. The 'i' ending gives it a playful, youthful quality compared to the variant spelling 'Suzy.' While less common today as a formal given name, Suzi maintains appeal for parents seeking something sweet and unpretentious. The name evokes a friendly, approachable personality and carries nostalgic connections to mid-century popular culture, including singer Suzi Quatro who helped popularize this spelling.
  11. Citrine

    • Origin:

      Gemstone name

    • Description:

      Citrine is a type of quartz named after its citrus-colored hues. if Amethyst, Jasper, and Onyx (all other types of quartz) can be used, why not Citrine, which has a lovely French-sounding suffix. Citrine is one of the many rare and attractive girl names starting with C.
  12. Ula

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "gem of the sea"

    • Description:

      Ula is among the unusual U names that may have a range of origins and meanings, from the Celtic one given here to its possibilities as a short form of Eulalia or Ursula. Ulla is a Scandinavian name usually an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika.
  13. Nahla

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "a drink of water"

    • Description:

      Nahla is a lovely name chosen by Halle Berry for her daughter. Not to be confused with the Disneyfied Nala.
  14. Annia

    • Origin:

      Latin, female variation of Antonius

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      An ancient Roman name that has never made it into the modern world.
  15. Avri

    • Origin:

      English or Hebrew, spelling variation of Avery or feminine short form of Avraham

    • Description:

      The name recently given to their daughter by Susan and Robert Downey, Jr. is pronounced like Avery and may be seen as a kree8tiv spelling variation of that popular unisex name or a girlish short form of Avraham, the Biblical Hebrew form of Abraham.
  16. Dareth

    • Description:

      Dareth is an uncommon feminine name with mysterious origins. It may be a variation of Darith or a feminized form of Darius, which has Persian origins meaning 'possessing goodness.' Alternatively, it could be related to Welsh elements meaning 'gentle' or 'loving.' The name carries a somewhat medieval or fantasy-like quality, reminiscent of names found in folklore or modern literature. Dareth remains quite rare in contemporary use, appealing to parents searching for a distinctive name with an ancient feel. Its soft pronunciation coupled with the strong ending gives it a balanced character that combines delicacy with resilience.
  17. Harleen

    • Description:

      Harleen is a feminine name of Punjabi and Sikh origin, combining elements that mean 'God's love' or 'with God's grace.' The name blends 'Har' (a reference to God) with 'leen' (absorbed or immersed). Primarily used in the Punjabi community, Harleen gained some recognition in Western pop culture through the character Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn) in Batman comics. The name reflects Sikh naming traditions while offering a distinctive yet accessible sound for diverse communities. Harleen projects strength, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Its growing international recognition has increased its appeal beyond traditional usage, though it remains most common in families with Punjabi or Indian connections.
  18. Kerenza

    • Description:

      Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the region. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'z' sound. Despite its appealing meaning and sound, Kerenza remains relatively rare outside of Cornwall and among those with Cornish heritage. For those seeking a name with Celtic roots that's less common than popular options like Keira or Kerry, Kerenza offers a distinctive choice. The name carries warm associations through its meaning of love and compassion, while its unusual status gives it a special quality for those who bear it.

  19. Nevena

    • Origin:

      Bulgarian; Macedonian; Croatian; Serbian

    • Meaning:

      "marigold"

    • Description:

      If you're looking for a creative way to get to Neve, Nevena is a lovely option with a sweet floral meaning.
  20. Karlie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carly

    • Description:

      Supermodel Karlie Kloss lends this spelling variation some style. Having appeared in the US Top 1000 since 1991, it was in trouble of dropping off completely when it ranked Number 992 in 2009. Since then, however, it has made modest strides back up the list.