User-created list
Unusual / Interesting names
Across 17 pages
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Aurinda
American invented name
"gold"
The Early Americans invented names too, sometimes variations of classical or biblical favorites. This one appears in Colonial rosters; the Aur beginning is Latin and means "gold."
Kaija
Kaija is a feminine Finnish name with Scandinavian roots, derived from the name Katja, which itself is a variant of Katherine. Its ultimate origin traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly…
Mirja
Finnish form of Miriam
If you are looking for an unusual way to honor an ancestral Mary or Miriam, Mirja might make a good choice. Zero baby girls were given this name in the US in 2014. The rising popularity of Anja has…
Aija
Aija is a feminine name found in several cultures, particularly in Latvia where it's quite popular. In Latvian, the name is thought to derive from words meaning 'breath' or 'breeze,' conveying…
Lucida
Latin
"lucid, clear"
Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.
Eluned
Welsh
"idol, image"
Romantic and mysterious, Eluned's beauty and intelligence were legendary in Welsh legend; she was the handmaiden of the Lady of the Fountain in a Welsh Arthurian romance, who had a magic ring that…
Haidee
Literature, English
"modest, reverant"
While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the…
Ismay
Possible variation of Esme
"esteemed, beloved"
The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain…
Kalindi
Hindi, variation of Kalinda
"sun"
Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
Hanita
Hindi
"divine grace"
The added h turns Anita alluring and breathy.
Jivanta
Hindi
"giver of life"
A hauntingly lovely Indian name.
Nayana
Hindi
"beautiful eyes"
Hip-swayingly evocative.
Suria
Variation of Surya, Hindi
"sun god"
The graceful Indian Suria or Surya may remind Americans more of little Miss Suri Cruise than of the pantheon of Hindi gods and goddesses.
Anala
Hindi
"fire"
Indian choice meaning fire in step with American styles.
Ishana
Hindi
"desire"
Pretty Asian option.
Anahita
Persian
"immaculate"
Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls. Anahita was derived from the Old…
Ottilie
German, French
"prosperous in battle"
Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as…
Melantha
Greek
"dark flower"
The th sound both softens and complicates this Melanie relative.
Eowyn
Literary name
"horse lover"
A literary name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for a Lord of the Rings noblewoman of Rohan. Properly spelled with an accent over the first E – Éowyn – it would make an interesting choice for literature…
Minda
Short form of Melinda or Sanskrit
"knowledge, wisdom"
Minda is a simle, even familiar-sounding name that is nevertheless completely unknown. It might be a contraction of Melinda but it is a genuine Indian name with an appealing meaning.
