Obscure Female Names
- Dianthe
Description:
Dianthe is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the elements 'dia' meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly' and 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' This beautiful combination creates the poetic meaning 'divine flower' or 'heavenly blossom.' Closely related to the Greek goddess Diana (Artemis) and the flower world, Dianthe carries mythological elegance. Though uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with natural associations. The name has a delicate, flowing quality when spoken, with a timeless charm that connects to ancient traditions while feeling fresh. Dianthe offers the familiar 'Di' nickname option while maintaining its unique identity.
- Primula
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"first rose"Description:
Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.
- Viveka
Origin:
Swedish, Nordic; SanskritMeaning:
"alive, life; wisdom"Description:
A truly multicultural choice, with separate origins from Scandinavia (also spelled Viveca and Vivica), as well as India (with spiritual meaning in Hinduism).
- Nissa
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to test"Description:
Feels truncated, as though a first syllable was snapped off.
- Sybella
Origin:
Variation of Sybil or SibylMeaning:
"seer, oracle"Description:
The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit Downton Abbey, and Top Ten name Isabella. Biggest downside: There are an awful lot of girls with names that are variations of Bella around these days. But Sybella at least makes a distinctive member of the genre.
- Pietra
Description:
Pietra is a feminine name of Italian origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's the female form of Pietro (the Italian version of Peter), which ultimately derives from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone." In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is also used with the same stone-related meaning. Pietra combines strength and elegance with its flowing two-syllable structure and graceful ending. The name has gained moderate popularity in Italy and Brazil, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Pietra appeals to parents drawn to Italian names with clear meanings and cultural connections, offering a sophisticated European alternative to more common names like Petra or Piper.
- Zoa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"life"Description:
Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.
- Orinda
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Serene California town near San Francisco that could translate into a girl's name.
- Camella
Description:
Camella is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from "Camilla" meaning "young ceremonial attendant" or possibly related to the camellia flower. The name carries a gentle, flowing quality with its melodic syllables. While less common than similar names like Camilla or Carmela, Camella occasionally appears in Italian communities and other parts of Europe and North America. The floral association with camellia blossoms—symbols of admiration, perfection, and loveliness—adds a natural element to the name's appeal. Camella strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness; it sounds classically feminine without being commonplace. The name's soft consonants and open vowel sounds give it a romantic, timeless quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive.
- Orenda
Description:
Orenda is a feminine name with Native American origins, specifically from the Iroquois language and culture. It represents a mystical force present in all things, similar to the concept of spiritual energy or power. The Iroquois believed orenda was the spiritual power through which human accomplishment and well-being was achieved. As a name, Orenda carries profound spiritual significance, embodying the ideas of personal power, divine energy, and harmony with nature. Though rare in mainstream usage, it has attracted some interest among parents seeking names with spiritual meaning and indigenous cultural connections. Its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and meaningful heritage make it an uncommon but increasingly appreciated choice with deep philosophical undertones.
- Dvora
Description:
Dvora is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, representing a variation of Deborah (Devorah in Hebrew). The name means 'bee' and carries connotations of industriousness, community, and sweetness. In the Bible, Deborah was a respected prophetess, judge, and warrior who led the Israelites to victory, giving the name strong associations with wisdom, leadership, and courage. Dvora maintains the authentic Hebrew pronunciation more closely than the anglicized Deborah, making it particularly popular in Israel and among Jewish families seeking a name with strong cultural roots. While less common in mainstream Western usage, Dvora's straightforward pronunciation and rich historical significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that balances traditional meaning with a distinctive sound that isn't commonly heard.
- Morea
Description:
Morea is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek place name Morea (a medieval name for the Peloponnese peninsula), or it could be a variant spelling of Moriah, a biblical mountain mentioned in Genesis. Some see it as a variation of Maura, meaning 'dark' or 'moorish' from Latin. In Polynesian languages, particularly Maori, similar names relate to words meaning 'ocean journey.' Morea has never been common in English-speaking countries but has an appealing melodic quality. The name carries an exotic, somewhat mysterious air with its possible connections to ancient geography and biblical history. Its brevity and vowel-rich pronunciation make it accessible across cultural boundaries.
- Allouette
Description:
Allouette is a feminine name derived from the French word "alouette," meaning "lark" (a type of small songbird). The name evokes imagery of music, freedom, and natural beauty. In French culture, "Alouette" is well-known through the popular children's folk song "Alouette, gentille alouette." As a given name, Allouette remains quite rare, offering a distinctive quality with its melodic sound and French flair. The spelling with double 'l' is a variation of the more traditional Alouette. This name might appeal to parents with French heritage or those seeking a musical-inspired name with an elegant, international feel.
- Sariah
Origin:
Variation of SarahDescription:
Sariah is the perfect compromise name for when you say Sarah, and your spouse says Mariah. Spelled Saria, it's a character in the video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
- Karenna
Origin:
Variation of KarenDescription:
This pretty, updated Karen variation was introduced by the daughter of Al and Tipper Gore, whose name was inspired by Russian novel Anna Karenina.
- Varvara
Origin:
Russian, Greek, and Czech variation of BarbaraDescription:
An interesting and appealingly international spin on Barbara, with a lot of charm and energy.
- Sabryn
Description:
Sabryn is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Sabrina. While Sabrina has Celtic origins and was the name of a river goddess in Welsh mythology, Sabryn represents a contemporary adaptation with its 'y' substitution. This spelling variation gives the name a more distinctive, modern feel while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. Sabryn began gaining modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought unique spellings of traditional names. The name carries associations with mystery and elegance from its mythological roots, while its uncommon spelling appeals to parents seeking individuality for their daughters. Sabryn remains relatively rare but recognizable.
- Ivetta
Description:
Ivetta is a feminine name with medieval European origins, functioning as a variant of Yvette. Both names derive from the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew wood,' which was historically associated with archery and considered a symbol of strength and endurance. Ivetta has a romantic, vintage quality with its flowing vowels and elegant double 't' consonants. Popular in various forms throughout France and Eastern Europe, Ivetta offers a more elaborate alternative to Eva or Ivy while maintaining their classic appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today, making it distinctive without being completely unfamiliar. Ivetta strikes a balance between traditional and unique, offering a feminine name with historical roots and a melodic quality that transcends language barriers.
- Emeraude
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Emerald"Description:
Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?
- Boheme
Origin:
French word nameDescription:
"Girls Gone Child" blogger Rebecca Woolf made Boheme a first name when she gave it to one of her twin daughters (the other one's name is Reverie). La Boheme -- "The Bohemian" -- is a Puccini opera that was transmogrified into the modern play Rent. Boheme means a literary or artistic person who lives outside conventional society.
Introducing the Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.