Unusual Girl Names
- Acantha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thorn, prickle"Description:
Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.
- Fortunata
Origin:
Spanish variation of LatinMeaning:
"luck, fate, wealth"Description:
Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.
- Naretha
Origin:
AboriginalMeaning:
"a saltbush"Description:
As far-flung as the outback.
- Habibah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Strong and memorable.
- Haldis
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"purposeful"Description:
A German name with little chance of American adoption.
- Aquitaine
Origin:
French place nameDescription:
If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it. Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.
- Varinia
Origin:
Latin, meaning obscureDescription:
An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.
- Stina
Origin:
Diminutive of ChristinaDescription:
Not-so-attractive short form of a lovely name.
- Gaetana
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Gaeta is a southern Italian region; this makes a sunny first name.
- Arkadina
Origin:
Feminine variation of ArkadyMeaning:
"from Arcadia"Description:
Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.
- Ulrica
Origin:
Feminine form of Ulrich or Wulfric, Swedish, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf ruler"Description:
Ulrica has an Old World sound, but is perhaps enough like Erika and Annika that it could work today. Also spelled Ulrika, it was borne by a 18th century Swedish queen and Olympic ice hockey player, Ulrica Lindström.
- Jadine
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Unusual and unfashionable name found in Toni Morrison's novel Tar Baby.
- Sebastia
Origin:
Feminine form of Sebastian, Latin from GreekMeaning:
"person from the city of Sebastia"Description:
Some names rise in tandem in their male and female forms, but Sebastia is very rare while the male Sebastian is quite popular. But it certainly might be an attractive choice.
- Alandra
Description:
Alandra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a feminine form of Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind,' a variation of the Greek name Leandra, meaning 'lion woman,' or a modified form of Alanna or Alanda. The name has a romantic, flowing quality with its melodic three-syllable structure. Alandra carries a slightly exotic flair while remaining accessible in pronunciation and spelling. Though not among the most common names, it has maintained steady if modest usage across Spanish-speaking countries and in the United States since the mid-20th century. The name blends traditional elements with a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar-sounding. Its musical quality and positive potential meanings contribute to its enduring appeal despite its relative rarity.
- Evangel
Description:
Evangel is a rare feminine name derived from the Greek word "evangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." This connection gives the name strong religious connotations within Christianity, as the Gospels contain the teachings of Jesus Christ. Unlike the more common Evangeline, which incorporates the same root with a feminine suffix, Evangel is direct and concise while maintaining a gentle sound suitable for a feminine name. The name has never been widely used in the United States or other English-speaking countries, remaining an uncommon choice that carries spiritual significance. For parents seeking a name with explicit Christian meaning, Evangel offers a distinctive alternative to more popular religious names while maintaining clear biblical associations.
- Zelenka
Origin:
CzechMeaning:
"green"Description:
A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
- Helaine
Origin:
French variation of HelenDescription:
Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.
- Tresor
Description:
Tresor is an elegant feminine name derived from the French word meaning 'treasure' or 'treasury.' With roots in Latin 'thesaurus,' the name evokes concepts of preciousness, value, and something to be cherished. While uncommon as a given name in most regions, it has seen some usage in French-speaking countries and among parents drawn to French vocabulary names. Tresor has also gained recognition through its use in luxury branding, particularly in perfumery. The name carries sophisticated European flair combined with a meaningful and positive connotation. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it stand out while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon yet accessible name with inherent value associations.
- Benilde
Origin:
French variation of LatinMeaning:
"good"Description:
The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.
- Cynthiana
Description:
Cynthiana is a feminine name derived from Cynthia, which comes from Greek mythology as an epithet for the goddess Artemis, who was born on Mount Cynthus. The name represents an elaborated, more ornate version of Cynthia, featuring a romantic, antique quality with its additional syllables. Cynthiana is extremely rare, never having appeared in popular naming charts. It may also be connected to the town of Cynthiana in Kentucky, named after Cynthia and Anna Harrison, daughters of an early settler. The name has a melodious, vintage charm that might appeal to parents seeking an elaborate alternative to the more common Cynthia, with similar lunar and classical associations but a more distinctive presence.
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