Unique and vintage names for girls

Gwynn

Welsh

"fair, blessed"

The most modern choice in this group, and the most distinctive; the Gwyn form is a common male name in Wales.

Lake

Nature name

This body of water runs deep; the best of a group of new possibilities that includes Bay, Ocean, River, and the more established Brook. It has received attention via the actress Lake Bell. Lake would…

Lark

English bird name

Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.…

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.

Lynx

Animal name

This big cat name is especially striking with its X ending.

Madaline

Madaline is a variant spelling of Madeline, which derives from Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. This specific spelling offers a subtle twist on the more common versions…

Odyssey

Greek

"story of Odysseus; long journey"

Literally, the Odyssey is Homer's epic tale of Odysseus's long voyage home from the Trojan wars, but more figuratively, it is used to describe any long, challenging, or eventful journey. A rare…

Philadelphia

Greek place-name

"brotherly love"

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache."

Rain

Word name

Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image. Richard Pryor named his now-grown daughter Rain, and Rain is also one of the nature-named Phoenix…