Unique Dance Names

I went through my friend's dance recital program to find names some unique names that you probably wouldn't have found otherwise. You're welcome.
  1. Adelaide
    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  2. Adeye
    • Description:

      Adeye is a rare feminine name with possible origins in several traditions. It may be a variant of the Nigerian Yoruba name Adeyẹ, meaning 'the crown or royalty is suitable for this,' suggesting dignity or noble qualities. Alternatively, it could be related to medieval English names derived from Old English elements 'ead' (prosperity, fortune) and 'eye' (island). The name has an elegant, flowing quality with its open vowel sounds. Adeye remains extremely uncommon in contemporary usage, making it a distinctive choice. Its pronunciation (typically ah-DEY-eh or ah-DYE) may vary depending on cultural context. The name's rarity and cross-cultural possibilities offer appeal for parents seeking something unique with potential meaningful historical connections.
  3. Aja
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "goat"
    • Description:

      Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.
  4. Allana
    • Description:

      Allana is a feminine name with Scottish and Gaelic roots, derived from the masculine name Alan or Allan, meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." The feminine form adds a soft ending that enhances its melodic quality. In some interpretations, it may also connect to the Irish term "a leanbh," meaning "child." Allana has maintained moderate popularity in Scotland, Ireland, and among those with Celtic heritage. The name saw increased usage in North America during the 1970s-90s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality without being unfamiliar. Allana offers versatile nickname options including Allie, Lana, or Ana. The name conveys a gentle strength and carries a pleasant rhythm that works well across different cultures.

  5. Ariah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Italian
    • Meaning:

      "lion of God or song"
    • Description:

      When actress Tamera Mowry named her daughter Ariah, she said it was a Hebrew name meaning "lion of God" -- which it is, if you consider Ariah a variation of Ariel. But many sources consider Ariah a spelling variation of the Italian Aria, meaning song or literally air.
  6. Arya
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit; Modern variation of Aria
    • Meaning:

      "noble; air/song"
    • Description:

      Arya was derived from an Indo-Iranian word meaning "Aryan" or "noble." It is a masculine given name in Iran, Indonesia, Bali, and Sanskrit-speaking regions of India. In Hindu- and English-speaking parts of the world, Arya is more often a feminine name, the latter influenced by the similar Italian name Aria, meaning "air" or "song."
  7. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"
    • Description:

      Aspen is part of two groups of stylish and unique baby names: nature names and place-names. The name of a graceful tree in the poplar family with heart-shaped leaves so delicate they quiver in the gentlest breeze, Aspen is also the name of a trendy Colorado ski resort. Aspen started as a unisex name possibility but now is much more frequently worn by girls.
  8. Aurora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.
  9. Ayla
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, or Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "oak tree, or halo, moonlight"
    • Description:

      Bright, fresh, and sunny, Ayla is a fashionable choice for girls. Reminiscent of other trending names such as Layla, Isla, and Ava, Ayla has recently found its place in the Top 100.
  10. Annaliesse
    • Blake
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "fair-haired, dark"
      • Description:

        Blake -- an early unisex option -- dropped out of the Top 100 in 2017 for the first time since 1988, but remains a sophisticated choice. And yes, both conflicting meanings of Blake are accurate. It originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. Much of its masculine image was influenced by the wealthy, silver-haired character Blake Carrington in the massively popular 80s TV series Dynasty. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Blake.
    • Bobbie
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Roberta or Barbara, English
      • Meaning:

        "bright fame; stranger"
      • Description:

        Vintage nickname for Roberta or Barbara, most famously borne by Roberta "Bobbie" in Edith Nesbit's classic The Railway Children. Bobbie is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls, with all the appeal of Billie but without the popularity (yet!).
    • Camryn
      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Cameron, Scottish
      • Meaning:

        "crooked nose"
      • Description:

        This Cameron variation was popularized by actress Camryn Manheim and the character inTwitches of the same name. It also makes it more obviously feminine, which might appeal to some parents, considering the classic Cameron is a Top 100 choice for boys in the US.
    • Cerys
      • Origin:

        Welsh
      • Meaning:

        "love"
      • Description:

        Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
    • Chanel
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "dweller near the canal"
      • Description:

        Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
    • Cierra
      • Origin:

        Spanish
      • Meaning:

        "mountain range or finish"
      • Description:

        Cierra is a feminine name with Spanish influences, possibly derived from 'sierra' meaning 'mountain range' or related to the Spanish word 'cerrar' meaning 'to close or finish.'

    • Cadrien
      • Challon
        • Dannika
          • Description:

            Dannika is a feminine name with several possible origins. It's often considered a variation of Danica, which has Slavic roots meaning "morning star" or "Venus." The name also carries connections to the masculine name Dan, with the feminine suffix "-nika" added. The double 'n' spelling gives this version a contemporary feel while maintaining its melodic quality. Dannika strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, recognizable in structure but less common than similar names like Danica or Danielle. The name has gained modest popularity since the late 20th century, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with Slavic or Eastern European flavor but accessible pronunciation for English speakers. Its connection to the morning star lends it connotations of brightness and hope.

        • Deanna
          • Origin:

            English variation of Diana, feminine form of Dean
          • Meaning:

            "divine; valley"
          • Description:

            Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.