Unusual and On-Trend

  1. Jarita
    • Origin:

      Hindi-Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "mother or legendary bird"
    • Description:

      Delicate and lacy, with less emphasis on the jar syllable.
  2. Abijah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"
    • Description:

      Abijah, which you might think of as Abigail with rhythm, is the name of both female and male personages in the Bible. A biblical Queen Abijah was the daughter, wife, and mother of kings. The name is pronounced with a long i, to rhyme with Elijah.
  3. Talila
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "covering of dew"
    • Description:

      Talila is a pretty and novel name, somewhere between Talia and Tallulah.
  4. Kennelly
    • Origin:

      Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "male descendant of a wolf"
    • Description:

      Kennelly could be an upbeat modern namesake for a Grandpa Kenneth; it can also be spelled Kenneally.
  5. Jedaiah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "invoker of the Lord"
    • Description:

      More manageable than the Jebediahs and Jedidiahs, this name of several biblical characters would make an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament choice.
  6. Valentia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "healthy"
    • Description:

      Used in Italy and Spain, but in non-Latin countries could be confused with Valencia.
  7. Spence
    • Origin:

      Short form of Spencer
    • Description:

      Spence is occasionally used as a name all on its own and it has more of a sense of completeness than many nickname-names.
  8. Dulcia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "sweet"
    • Description:

      Has a sweetness via its relation to such words as dulcet; other similar possibilities are DULCE, DULCINA, and the down-home DULCIE. Though this Latin names for girls is rarely heard in contemporary times in this form, Dulcie is found.
  9. Isai
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Isaiah and Isaias, spelling variation of Esai
    • Description:

      This form, coming from various elements, has started to take off on its own.
  10. Clary
    • Origin:

      Botanical name or variation of Clare, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"
    • Description:

      There are many variations of Clare and Clara, but this might be one of the simplest and most surprising. Clary can be a diminutive of the Latin name Clara, meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' or it might derive from the herb clary sage, giving it botanical associations. \
  11. Cathay
    • Origin:

      Anglicized version of Italian Catai; place name
    • Description:

      A perfect example of what a difference a single letter can make. Add an 'a' to the ho-hum Cathy and you have the old name for China, often used by such poets as Edna St. Vincent Millay and Ezra Pound.
  12. Jesenia
    • Description:

      Jesenia is a feminine name with Spanish origins, particularly popular in Latin American communities. It is believed to be a modern derivative of Jessenia, a genus of palm trees native to Central and South America, giving the name a natural, botanical connection. The name gained recognition in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly among Hispanic families. Jesenia has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. The name conveys a sense of exotic beauty and uniqueness. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady usage and is appreciated for its distinctive sound and cultural resonance.
  13. Thilde
    • Description:

      Thilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning primarily as a diminutive of Mathilde or Matilda. The name carries the meaning 'strength in battle' from its Germanic roots 'maht' (might, strength) and 'hild' (battle). Popular in Scandinavian countries and parts of Germany, Thilde offers a softer, more intimate variation of the formal Mathilde. The name combines traditional heritage with a certain delicate quality in its pronunciation. In Denmark and Sweden, it sometimes appears as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. Thilde projects both sweetness and underlying strength, making it versatile across age groups. While relatively uncommon internationally, the name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it potential appeal beyond Germanic regions, especially for parents seeking a name with European character and historical depth.
  14. Albia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Description:

      A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.
  15. Lanae
    • Description:

      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 '-nae,' while others see it as a variant of Lenae or Renae. The name may also have connections to the Latin word 'lana,' meaning 'wool,' symbolizing softness and warmth. Lanae began appearing in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century and saw modest popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables, giving it a contemporary yet graceful feel. Lanae remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with a modern sound.
  16. Jessenia
    • Origin:

      Variation of Yesenia, Spanish nature name
    • Description:

      Jessenia and Yesenia are drawn from the Spanish name for a South American tree, making them new nature names.
  17. Baia
    • Origin:

      Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "bay"
    • Description:

      This possible word name, which rhymes with Maia, makes an even more distinctive alternative.
  18. Keela
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "slender"
    • Description:

      Is Keela distinct enough from Kayla to sound fresh and new? Maybe, though its similarity to the trendy cluster of names that also includes Kaylie and Kylie and Kelly may be enough to turn you off. Keela, a relative of the less serious Keely and the male Keelan, is used in modern Ireland.
  19. Zorina
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "golden dawn"
    • Description:

      Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.
  20. Kiona
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "brown hills"
    • Description:

      Striking and accessible choice.