Unusual Female Names From My Genealogy E-I

Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.

Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.

Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!

Effie is the old-fashioned short form for Euphemia. It shares a vintage charm with Hattie and Letty although is much rarer than either. Effie is a character in The Hunger Games and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist.

The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.

A sweet, simple mini-name that fits into many cultures. The only drawback is the potential for confusion with Ella, Ayla, and other similar names.

An ancient German saint's name – and most famously the name of Harry Potter's snowy owl – but the combination of "head" plus "wig" feels a little too literal in English.

French form of Hildegard

Although Gracia is the literal Spanish translation of Grace and is used as the Grace equivalent in Spanish-speaking countries, where it's pronounced grah-see-ah or grah-thee-ah, it's also a long-time if unusual Grace variation pronounced gray-sha. You might consider Gracia if Grace is getting too commonplace for you.

Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.

The name of the mother of Aethelred the Unready was once common among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was briefly revived during the 19th century, only to be lost once again to history.

Elicia is a feminine name with Latin origins, functioning as a variant of Alicia or Elisha. The name ultimately derives from the Germanic Adelaide, meaning 'noble type' or 'noble kind.' With its melodic four syllables and soft consonants, Elicia has an elegant, flowing quality that feels both classical and contemporary. While never among the most popular names, Elicia has maintained consistent if modest usage throughout recent decades. The name offers a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable in sound but less common in spelling than similar alternatives. Elicia carries subtle connections to biblical traditions through its relationship to Elisha while maintaining a modern, feminine appeal that works well across cultural boundaries.

Ermengard is a strong feminine name with deep Germanic roots dating back to medieval Europe. Composed of the elements 'ermen' meaning 'whole' or 'universal' and 'gard' meaning 'enclosure' or 'protection,' it carries connotations of strength and security. The name was popular among nobility in the early Middle Ages, borne by several royal and aristocratic women including Ermengarde of Hesbaye, wife of Emperor Louis the Pious. Though rarely used in contemporary times, Ermengard possesses a distinctive historical gravitas and old-world charm. Its rarity today offers an opportunity for connection to European heritage while standing out from modern naming trends. The name can be shortened to more approachable nicknames like Emma, Ermen, or Garda.

Ingeborg (and all Germanic and Scandinavian names beginning with Ing-) references the ancient fertility god Ing. Ing, later known as Freyr, is one of the primary gods in Old Norse mythology.