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Unusual Girls' Names

ColleenAbigail
By ColleenAbigail
Updated Tue May 16 2023
  1. Elora

    • Origin:

      Variation of Eliora

    • Meaning:

      "my God is my light"

    • Description:

      While the etymology of the name is unclear, it's most likely a contraction of Eliora or Elnora. Despite the uncertain heritage, it's a winning construction, based on its El- prefix, the feminine three-syllable flow, and the a ending. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015, and by 2023, Elora was one of the fastest rising girl names.
  2. Tansy

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "immortality"

    • Description:

      Tansy is a flower name rarer than Rose, livelier than Lily and a lot less teasable than Pansy.
  3. Kalina

    • Origin:

      Polish

    • Meaning:

      "viburnum"

    • Description:

      Kalina, known as a girls' name throughout Eastern Europe, translates literally to viburnum in Polish, making it a botanical name. Viburnum is a flowering shrub. Some sources translate this name as simply "flower." Variations may include Kaline, Kalena, and Kalene.
  4. July

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "month name"

    • Description:

      Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and seven boys were named July in 2013, putting this month name into the class of gender neutral names.
  5. Idony

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "love again, renewal"

    • Description:

      Idony was the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, and variants of her obscure name could come under consideration with the rest of the fashionable I pack.
  6. Linnet

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "flaxen haired"

    • Description:

      Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
  7. Faline

    • Origin:

      Popular culture, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "catlike"

    • Description:

      For many, this is a Disneyfied name: Faline was the sweet doe Bambi fell in love with. The name is possibly based on Feline, a Latin name meaning "cat-like", however other sources suggest it comes from the French faon meaning "fawn", combined with the suffix -line. It is pronounced as FUH-LEEN in French and English or as fah-LEE-nuh in German, and was given to 7 girls in the US in 2024.
  8. Lucina

    • Origin:

      Roman

    • Meaning:

      "grove or light"

    • Description:

      Lucina, deriving from Latin lucus "grove" and also associated with lux "light", is an epithet given in Roman mythology to the goddess Juno (and sometimes also Diana) in her role as goddess of childbirth. A stately and unusual route to Lucy, more delicate than Lucinda.
  9. Felice

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "lucky"

    • Description:

      Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice. Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE.
  10. Rosine

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Rose, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "rose, a flower"

    • Description:

      Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.
  11. Minta

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name

    • Description:

      Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.
  12. Sabella

    • Description:

      Sabella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, most commonly considered a shortened form of Isabella or a variant of Sabina. Isabella derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath,' while Sabina comes from Latin, referring to the ancient Sabine people of Italy. Sabella combines melodic quality with historical depth, featuring the soft 's' sound and flowing 'bella' ending (meaning 'beautiful' in Italian). Though less common than Isabella, Sabella has experienced modest usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its Italian flair while remaining accessible and easily pronounced. Its connection to both beauty and ancient heritage gives it substance beyond its pretty sound.

  13. Nydia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "home"

    • Description:

      Very rarely used, could provide a distinctive alternative to Lydia.
  14. Vana

    • Description:

      Vana is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'forest' or 'woodland,' connecting the bearer to nature. In Persian, it relates to 'fair' or 'beautiful.' The name also appears in Greek mythology as a minor goddess. Vana possesses a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, giving it a gentle yet distinctive character. The name's brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages and cultures. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Vana enjoys some popularity in parts of Eastern Europe and India. Its international versatility and natural associations make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet meaningful name with cross-cultural potential.

  15. Robina

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Robin

    • Description:

      Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.
  16. Cindra

    • Description:

      Cindra is a feminine name that likely developed as a creative variant of Cindy or Cynthia. The original name Cynthia derives from Greek mythology, referring to the goddess Artemis who was born on Mount Cynthus. The addition of the '-ra' ending gives Cindra a more elaborate, melodic quality compared to the diminutive Cindy. Cindra remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, never having achieved widespread usage. This rarity makes it distinctive while still being recognizable and intuitive to pronounce. The name carries a subtle poetic quality with its mythological connections and flowing sound. For parents seeking an uncommon name with familiar roots, Cindra offers both uniqueness and accessibility.
  17. Clarette

    • Description:

      Clarette is a delicate feminine name derived from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." It can be considered a diminutive form of Clare or Clara, with the French-inspired "-ette" suffix adding a touch of elegance and refinement. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Clarette carries a vintage charm that evokes images of sophistication and grace. The name also bears resemblance to claret, the deep red wine, potentially adding associations with richness and depth. Clarette might appeal to parents seeking a name with classic roots but a distinctive, somewhat rarified quality that sets their daughter apart.

  18. Elizanne
    • Calise
      • Olivina