Ylva may look like it belongs with the Eva family of names, but it actually derives from Ulf, a name meaning "wolf." It's not a very intuitive name to English-speakers, and likely won't get picked up in the US anytime soon. At last count, it was only given to five American baby girls.

More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.

Carmina is a feminine name of Latin origin that derives from the word 'carmen,' meaning 'song,' 'poem,' or 'verse.' The plural form 'carmina' literally translates to 'songs' or 'poems,' giving the name artistic and musical associations. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has stronger usage in Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries. The name carries a lyrical quality and evokes the beauty of musical expression and poetic artistry. Carmina's classical roots connect it to ancient Roman culture, where poetry and songs were highly valued art forms. The name gained some recognition through Carl Orff's famous musical composition 'Carmina Burana.' For parents, Carmina offers a melodious choice with cultural depth, artistic associations, and a timeless, elegant quality.

Ellamae was given to over 60 baby girls in the US last year, although the data doesn't record punctuation, so we don't know how many of those will actually go by Ella Mae or Ella-Mae. The fourth most popular compound name for girls in the US, It's a modern smoosh name with a sweet, old-timey feel.

Elyssa is a feminine name with ancient roots, representing a variation of Elissa, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage (also known as Dido in Virgil's Aeneid). The name has Phoenician origins and may be related to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, potentially sharing the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. Elyssa offers a more distinctive spelling of the classic Elissa while maintaining its mythological connections and elegant sound. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as parents sought alternatives to common names like Alyssa or Melissa. With its ancient heritage and melodic quality, Elyssa provides a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, giving it timeless appeal.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".

Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.

If you're torn between Marissa and Alyssa.

Ella may well be used as an unusual spelling variation of the familiar Ella, though it is also a Biblical name. Derived from the Hebrew word for the terebinth tree (and occasionally equated with the oak tree in some translations), Elah appears in the Bible as a masculine name, and a place name (where David battled Goliath), the latter fact helping it to appeal as a neutral option.

Gilly is a name that's popped up from time to time in different contexts: As a nickname for Gillian, for instance, and as the name of a town in Switzerland. But it's increasingly associated with Hannah Murray's character Gilly in HBO's Game of Thrones, whom Sam Tarly rescued from Craster's Keep.

One of the Sirens in Greek mythology, Ligeia was also the title character in an Edgar Allan Poe story. The mythological Ligeia was half-bird, half-woman. Spelling may also be Lygeia or Ligia.