Unusual but Usable

Romina

Arabic

"from the land of the Christians"

This pretty name found in Spanish-speaking countries shares the diminutive of Romy—also spelled Romi—with Rosemary. It joined the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Romina Arena is an…

Araceli

Spanish

"altar of the sky"

Once-obscure Spanish name inching back up into the US Top 1000 girl names after a short break. Araceli Segarra is a noted mountain climber.

Elowen

Cornish

"elm"

A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name…

Imelda

Italian and Spanish from German Irmhild

"all-consuming fight, great battle"

Derived from the German Irmhild, Imelda is a warm and pretty name with a battle-worthy feel and meaning. A saintly choice, borne by Imelda Lambertini, a 14th-century Italian Catholic said to have…

Alexane

French variation of Alexandra

"defending men"

This unusual form of Alexandra might be seen and pronounced as a combination of Alex and Anne.

Carabel

Carabel is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a combination of 'Cara' (beloved in Italian or Latin) and 'bel' (beautiful), creating a name that essentially means…

Panya

African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania

"mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one"

Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.

Zuelia

Arabic

"peace"

An occasionally heard African name, hobbled by a zoolike sound.

Mazarine

French color name

Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.

Kerensa

Cornish

"love"

Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an ' s ' or ' z ', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys. Kerensa is a name favored by…

Maris

Latin

"of the sea"

Maris is an unusual and appealing name that has never appeared in the U.S. Top 1000, overshadowed by its twentieth century elaboration, Marisa/Marissa. It derives from the phrase "Stella Maris," star…

Morrigan

Irish

"phantom queen"

The mythological Morrigan was the ancient goddess of war, often symbolized by a crow. Besides being a name, this is also used as a proper noun preceded by an article: the Morrigan, defined as a…

Cyra

Persian or Greek

"sun or throne, or lord"

Cyra is an unusual name that can be pronounced either SEER-a or SI-ra, rhyming with Keira or Tyra. This name may be a feminine variation of Cyrus but is also a Persian name that stands on its own.…

Connemara

Place name, English from Irish, “the Conmhaícne of the sea”

Wild, lovely place in western Ireland makes wild, lovely name.

Eulalia

Greek

"sweetly speaking"

Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double L s and similarity to similar Eudora and Eula. Familiar in the US in the early 20th century, it was also a popular…

Nephele

Greek

"cloudy"

An enchanting ancient Greek name belonging to the Greek goddess who was created from a cloud by Zeus and so became goddess of the clouds and mother of the centaurs. The name Nephele is not widely…