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Girl Names That Deserve More Recognition

onomasticsnerd
By onomasticsnerd
Updated Tue Jun 17 2025
Lovely and usable girl names that are underused but have a similar feel to popular names.
  1. Adalet

    • Origin:

      Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "justice"

    • Description:

      A Turkish virtue name, connected with the late author Adalet Ağaoğlu, that may benefit from its similarity to Adalyn and Adelaide.
  2. Adelaine

    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline or Adelaide, a compound name blending Adele and Elaine

    • Meaning:

      "noble; noble light"

    • Description:

      With Adelyn, Adelaide, Adeline, Ada, Lainey, Delaney, and Elena all in the charts, Adelaine remains surprisingly underused. Given to just 35 girls in the US in 2023, it makes a distinctive but familiar alternative to the other Ad- names in the charts and comes with the built in nicknames Lainey, Laine, Della, Addie and Ada. Beauty influencer and vlogger Adelaine Morin might draw more people's attention to the name in coming years, or perhaps it will be dismissed as it might feel more popular than it actually is.
  3. Adora

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "adored"

    • Description:

      A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
  4. Alethea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "truth"

    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  5. Alodia

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "foreign riches"

    • Description:

      A melodious ancient saint's name now more commonly heard in its French form, Elodie.
  6. Annora

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      Annora is a noble name, a distinctive twist on its most essential form: Honor. Other variations to explore include Honora and Nora.
  7. Apphia

    • Origin:

      Greek from Hebrew

    • Description:

      Biblical name from the New Testament.
  8. Avelyn

    • Description:

      Avelyn is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of traditional names like Evelyn, Avalon, or Aveline. With likely Germanic and French linguistic roots, Avelyn blends elements that suggest 'desired,' 'beautiful,' or 'life.' The name has risen in popularity during the early 21st century alongside similar-sounding alternatives to more common names. Parents are attracted to Avelyn for its contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to traditional naming patterns. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft 'v' sound. Avelyn offers a distinctive option that remains accessible and intuitive to pronounce. The name fits well with current trends favoring names ending with the 'lyn' sound while setting itself apart with the unique 'Ave' beginning.

  9. Aven

    • Origin:

      Botanical name or Irish

    • Meaning:

      "white flower, beautiful sheen"

    • Description:

      Variant of Eaven, an Anglicization of Aoibheann. As a botanical name, it refers to a type of pretty white flower which thrives in mountainous regions.
  10. Aviva

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"

    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
  11. Avra

    • Description:

      Avra is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Hebrew, it relates to Abraham, meaning "father of many," while in Greek it can mean "breeze" or connect to the word "avrio" meaning "tomorrow." This cross-cultural name carries a sense of freshness and possibility with its airy sound and positive associations. Relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Avra offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Ava or Eva while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Avra projects gentle strength and optimism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and accessible.
  12. Aylen

    • Origin:

      Mapuche

    • Meaning:

      "ember; clear"

    • Description:

      A rising choice for baby girls in Uruguay.
  13. Aziza

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "powerful and beloved"

    • Description:

      Aziza is a zippy palindromic choice that is the female variation of Aziz and is found in several Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures. All in all, an attractive and interesting option; a Turkish variation is Azize. In African mythology, the Azizi are a supernatural race of forest dwellers who give practical and spiritual advice.
  14. Adelinde
    • Aiara
      • Camelia

        • Origin:

          Romanian and Spanish form of Camellia

        • Meaning:

          "camellia flower"

        • Description:

          A floral name, used in Romania and popular in Moldova too. Camellia is the English form, while Camélia is used in France. The flower itself is named after botanist George Josef Kamel.
      • Carmilla

        • Description:

          Carmilla is a feminine name with literary origins, most famously associated with Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 Gothic novella featuring a female vampire character named Carmilla, predating even Bram Stoker's Dracula. The name likely derives from 'Carmela' or 'Carmel,' which has Hebrew origins meaning 'garden' or 'vineyard of God.' Carmilla has a flowing, romantic sound with its melodic syllables and gentle ending. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it offers an intriguing alternative to more familiar names like Camilla or Carmela. The Gothic literary connection gives it a mysterious, somewhat dramatic flair that might appeal to parents with an appreciation for classic literature or unconventional name choices that still maintain feminine elegance.

      • Cerelia

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "relating to springtime"

        • Description:

          Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.
      • Chesley

        • Description:

          Chesley is an English surname that has evolved into a given name for both genders, though historically more common for males. Derived from Old English elements meaning 'camp' or 'clearing' and 'meadow,' it has roots in place names. As a feminine name, Chesley gained modest popularity in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. It offers a sophisticated sound with the approachable nickname 'Ches.' While never reaching mainstream popularity for girls, Chesley maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name with traditional origins but modern sensibility.
      • Clemma

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Clementine, French

        • Meaning:

          "mild, merciful"

        • Description:

          Clemma is a one-hit wonder, appearing on the US popularity list only once, back in the 19th century. This is one case where the diminutive is not cuter than the proper name.