Are you expecting a baby girl and still looking for the perfect name? Perhaps something unique that stands out and is memorable? If so, we have some great suggestions to make that decision easier. After all, your child’s name will be part of her identity, so take your time and draw some inspiration from this list of uncommon girls’ names.
Phoebe: If it’s a girl, Phoebe! And if it’s a boy, Phoebo!
Ross: Maybe. But it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup, you know? Uh, Rach, what were you thinking?
Rachel: Okay! I was thinking if it’s a girl, how about Sandrine? It’s French.
Ross: Huh… That’s a really pretty name for an industrial solvent.
Rachel: OK, fine, what do you have?
Ross: Well, OK, it’s for a boy. Well, I know it’s a little out there, but… Darwin.
Rachel: Wow, oh my God, our child will be beaten to death in the schoolyard.
Phoebe: Yeah, by Sandrine.
Ross: You’re just saying that ’cause I said no to your name!
Rachel: I’m really, really not.
Phoebe: How about you each get five vetoes?
Ross & Rachel: All right.
Ross: That sounds fair.
Rachel: Yeah! I don’t think you’re going to need it though. Okay, check this out. If it’s a girl: Rain.
Ross: Veto.
Rachel: Why?
Ross: Rain? Hi. Hi, my name is Rain. I have my own kiln, and my dress is made out of wheat.
Phoebe: I know her! I bought homemade soap from her at a Dead show!
Ross: Okay, how about, for a guy, Thatcher?
Rachel: Ross, why do you hate our child?
Ross: Fine, you go.
Rachel: Okay, James.
Ross: Huh…
Rachel: But only if it’s a girl.
Ross: Oh, veto. How about— oh, I like Ruth! What about Ruth?
Rachel: Oh! I’m sorry! Are we having an 89-year-old? How about Dayton?
Ross: Veto. Stewart?
Rachel: Veto. Sawyer?
Ross: Veto. Helen?
Rachel: Veto.
Phoebe: Is it me, or is Veto starting to sound really good?
This exact scene from “Friends” popped into my mind the second we decided to write the article. Of course every parent wants their child to be special, and that’s why choosing a name can be so difficult.
It felt easier back in the day – a time before “Friends”, Sandrine, Sequoia, and Veto. A time when it was natural for kids to receive mostly conventional names. But now, as we expand our horizons and the world appears smaller, international and unusual names are becoming more common. Sure, there are so many more amazing options on the table today. However, this also makes the task even more complicated. If it’s you in this situation right now, don’t worry, we have some wonderful recommendations.
We’ve compiled a list of the most uncommon girls’ names from all over the world. Some of them are really rare. Others have a more traditional flavor. Some could be mixed or adjusted, depending on your liking. Either way, you will not be hearing them so often, no matter where you travel in the future. And, just to add a bit of spice, we also rounded up some celebrity baby names, like Blue, Eleven, Winslet and Tilda. How does baby Fleur, Petal, or Adora sound?
Uncommon girls’ names to choose from:
Are you at that stage in a pregnancy when it’s time to consider names for the baby? That’s awesome, there are so many possibilities to explore. It can actually be pretty fun. We’re highlighting some of the most unique baby names of 2023 and the past few years, just so you have plenty of picks.
1. Flora
As you’ve probably guessed, Flora is a name with Latin roots that refers to nature and flowers in particular. We think it sounds fresh, young, and evergreen. In mythology, Flora was the Roman Goddess of flowers and springtime. Powerful and yet delicate, a symbol for youth and renewal.
2. Arya
Due to the immense success of the Game of Thrones series, the name Arya has also become very popular. It’s still not at the stage where it’s so widespread to be too common, though. Arya evokes the character’s strong will while having a melodious feature. From the same TV show, Sansa (Arya’s sister) could be something to keep in mind.
3. Adora
This one is quite rare. It doesn’t even make it into the top 1,000 baby names! Adora comes from Latin and means “adored” or “honored”. And your little one will surely be adored!
4. Bayou
While you’d think it was imported straight from France, with its roots in French Louisiana, Bayou derives from the Choctaw word “bayuk”. Its Native American origin means “small stream”. It will make a great name for your girl or boy.
5. Lennon
This ranks number 431 on the SSA’s list and is a unisex name. It makes a good choice for Beatles fans, and anyone else.
6. Jael
”A biblical name, Jael has Hebrew origins. Jael was a powerful, strong woman who killed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, in his sleep. Although bloodshed was involved, Jael has a “freedom in spirit” and simple yet balanced vibe to it. It actually translates to “ascend” or “go up”, so that makes sense!
7. Cara
Number 663 on the SSA’s list makes this one not too popular, but easy to remember and easy to spell. Cara is sweet and seems to roll off the tongue when you say it. And that’s no wonder, since it means “friend” in Irish and “dear, beloved” in Italian. Welcome to the world, Cara mia!
8. River
This name is quite popular, and not too unremarkable. It’s 224 in the SSA’s list and is, of course, nature-inspired. While it started as a boy’s name (you probably remember wonder-actor River Phoenix), singer Kelly Clarkson gave her daughter this name in 2014, making it unisex. It has a flowing and free vibe to it.
9. Vida
Yes, it comes from the Spanish word for “life”. And could it be more appropriate for your little girl? It’s yet another one of the most uncommon girl names, not even ranking in the SSA’s 1,000 list.
10. Clover
Clover has a charming, perky, smart quality to it. It makes you think of the four-leaf clover, a symbol of good luck, for instance. It’s an English name meaning “key”. Celebrities have liked it more and more these last few years.
11. Siobhan
An Irish name, Siobhan (pronounced “shiv + awn”) gained much popularity due to the character in HBO’s “Succession”. Many Irish queens had this name, or variations of it. So, why not choose something royal for your future queen?
12. Maira
Maira is an Irish version of Mary. And while Mary is a biblical name, Maira means “bitter”. Even though the description might not be your kid’s favorite when she grows up, it possesses a certain resonance and musicality. The fact that it’s special and yet easy to remember could make it a good candidate.
13. Leith
Leith is the river that flows through Edinburgh. It’s also the name one of the city’s district carries. And while it could feel like a boy’s name, it’s a strong yet delicate choice for a girl. Leitha and Lethia are variations which you could consider.
14. Aislinn
Another Irish name, Aislinn (Aisling) signifies “vision” or “dream”. It’s also a genre of Irish language poetry dating from the late 1600s. It only became a name in the 20th century. Sounds quite sensitive and melodious if you ask me.
15. Rue
Another sweet short name for a little girl. While mostly used in English-speaking countries, it actually comes from the Greek “herb”. In English, it has a bitter-sweet meaning, “regret”, and in French, it means “street” or “way”.
16. Birdie
While this name was very popular in the 1800s, Birdie only regained its popularity when Jessica Simpson gave it to her third child. Actress Busy Philipps also named her girl Birdie. It’s cute, it’s nature-inspired, and it has a happy vibe to it.
17. Fleur
In French, this means “Flower”. It migrated into English-speaking countries due to John Galsworthy’s Forsythe Saga. Then it became even more popular after Harry Potter’s Fleur Delacour. Furthermore, it has a delicate and feminine resonance and is easy to pronounce.
18. Ada
Ada has a short, feminine, and quite noble feel on the tongue. And it’s no surprise since its origin stems from the German “Adel” meaning “nobility”. In some regions, Ada is seen as a Hebrew name, meaning “adornment”. Either way, it makes a beautiful and unusual name for your girl.
19. Fia
Fia can be found within Irish regions, but also among Portuguese and Italian women. It means “wild” or “weaver” and sometimes refers to “wild deer”. It’s quite lovely and yet powerful for a baby girl, isn’t it?
20. Akira
In Japanese, it means “bright, clear”. Akira can be a great name for your girl, as well as for your boy.
21. Moon
Well, Moon is one of those “out there” names that nobody thought of giving their child. Then, at some point, someone did. It’s a nice, simple, strong, and “huh, that’s interesting” name for your girl. The Latin variation “Luna” would also be a good name for your daughter. Keep in mind, though, it’s becoming one of the more popular choices for parents worldwide nowadays.
22. Thaïs
Coming from the Greek language, Thaïs means “bandage”, literally. But it can have a “beloved” or healing” connotation as well. This name is quite popular in France (in the top 100) but you won’t be hearing it too often anywhere else around the world.
23. Delta
Delta is the fourth Greek letter of the alphabet. It represents knowledge and inspiration. As a name, it can be quite special for your child.
24. Mylah
Its meaning is uncertain, but it could translate as “soldier”. Mylah is an English name that’s somewhat modern but with a retro, oldie feel to it.
25. Fawn
Short, elegant, delicate, feminine, easy to remember, yet powerful and free. It’s no wonder, since a fawn is a “young deer”.
26. Oriana
Derived from Latin, Oriana means “sunrise”. It’s a less popular version of Aurora, if you will. Your girl will have a strong, melodious, and yet uncommon exotic name.
27. Noor
It’s short, it’s powerful, it’s exotic, it’s something else. Noor means “light” in Arabic and it’s quite appropriate for your little girl, the light of your eyes.
28. Avalon
This is a legendary, mythical, and powerful name. Avalon is the island where, according to legend, King Arthur was laid to rest. It can have a strong quality for a boy, and an even stronger one for a girl.
29. Sarai
“My princess”. Do you think you might be calling your little girl this? Well, Sarai means just that. Of Hebrew descent, it was Sarah’s original name in the Old Testament. Quite strong, is it not?
30. Bexley
In 2018, Bexley was in the top 1,000, at number 903. It doesn’t have a meaningful resonance, as it was inspired by a suburb of Columbus. Here’s a thought, though, maybe other cities, islands, rivers, or regions have a powerful resonance you’ll find inspiring for your kid’s name.
31. Niamh
This is an Irish name and means “radiant” or “bright, luminous”. Other English variations include Neve, Neave, or Nieve. Niamh will make an interesting, uncommon name for your girl.
Baby names of 2023: Check out these celeb choices!
Such is the responsibility you have, choosing a name for your daughter, to be a part of her identity forever. A unique name will definitely make her stand out. Will she thank you for feeling special and one of a kind? Will she be frustrated with having a rare name, maybe one that’s difficult to spell or pronounce? An uncommon name will make her distinct and feel memorable, that is for sure! Here are some ideas we found inspiring from what celebrities have picked for their children.
1. Raddix
Actress Cameron Diaz and musician Benji Madden named their child Raddix in 2019. It could come from “rad” which means happy or it could be inspired by the Latin word for “root”. Either way, it might inspire you too.
2. Story
Here’s one of the cutest uncommon girl names: Story. At least that’s what actor Aaron Paul and his wife, Lauren, thought for their baby girl. I guess they were breaking cute 🙂
3. True
It can suit a girl but it’s just as good for a boy. True is the name Khloe Kardashian and basketballer Tristan Thompson chose for their baby girl.
4. Rani
With Hebrew origins, Rani means “my song, my joy”. It has a similar meaning in Hindi: “she is singing” or “Queen”. Kate Hudson and Danny Fujikawa chose this name for their girl in 2018.
5. Petal
Petal Blossom Rainbow is her full name. One of Jamie Oliver’s daughters has this inspiring and shiny combination of names. And Petal is one of the most popular names these days.
6. Fuchsia
Have you given any thought to this? Naming your child after a color. After all, why not? If Gwyneth Paltrow’s girl is Apple, why shouldn’t Sting’s daughter be Fuchsia? I don’t know about you, but it sounds really nice to me!
7. Maple
Maple Sylvie is the name of James Bateman’s daughter. So there’s a short, sweet, adorable, popular, and yet so unique name for your girl! It has that “huh, who would have thought of that? I love it!” ring to it!
