Baby Names
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35 Rare Girl Names As Unique As Your Child
What’s in a name?
by Kinsey Gidick
Updated:
Originally Published:
Baby naming is a tough business. You want the name you pick to suit the personality of your child while exemplifying their originality. Family names are great as are old standards, but if you want your child to stand out, the best thing to do is seek out a rare name. Fortunately, there are a ton of unique names for girls to choose from.
When it comes to girls' monikers, the good thing is there are plenty of rare names to choose from. Whether you go diving into classic literature or choose to take a name from another culture, you can find plenty of infrequently used girl’s names out there that might just be the right fit for your bundle of joy.
That said, when selecting a name, it is always important to check its meaning. While a name might roll off the tongue beautifully to you, in its native culture it might mean “she who rips birds’ heads off,” and who wants their baby girl to go around as an avian murderess for the rest of her life? In short, do your research. Check for variations on spelling, and try it on for size. That’s right, just because your child is still in utero doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them like they’re already out in the world. So, give some of these rare girl names a try. Maybe baby will give a little kick to let you know she likes the name you’re working with.
1
Cora
Cora is thought to have come from Ancient Greek or Gaelic. Either way, it has a lovely sound and brings to mind beautiful coral gardens.
2
Fleur
As you might have guessed, Fleur means flower in French. If your little budding baby feels like a brilliant bloom, this name might be the one.
3
Pixley
Not to be confused with pixie, Pixley was originally an Old English surname. But why not try it on as a first name for your little sprite?
4
Amiah
In Old French, Amiah means beloved. And isn’t that the perfect description for your baby girl?
5
Darby
The name Darby has a certain mid-century sophistication to it, but Nameberry reports that its origin is Irish and it means “deer estate.”
6
Effie
In Greek, Effie means well spoken. If you’re hoping to raise a public speaker, here’s the first step.
7
Danica
The most famous Danica is Danica Patrick, a trailblazing professional race driver. And the name suits her. It comes from Latin meaning morning star. Your girl will have the star power to match the title.
8
Greer
A gender-neutral name, Greer is Scottish for watchful or vigilant. If you’re looking to instill stalwart qualities in your kid, Greer definitely works.
9
Aviva
Your older children might think you’re naming your child after the Wild Kratts biomechanical engineer who comes up with the team’s amazing inventions. But it comes from Hebew and means springlike, Baby Names reports.
10
Waverly
How’s this for a descriptive name? Waverly (emphasis on wave) means quivering aspens in Old English. Name your girl Waverly and she’ll have a great co*cktail party story for life.
11
Ina
There’s a good argument for naming every baby girl Ina after cooking goddess Ina Garten, but another good reason is that the name means, at least according to Scottish Girl Names, “home” or “to entertain.”
12
Imogen
Imogen comes from Gaelic and means maiden. Maiden, you might want to know, is the old-timey word for an unmarried woman.
13
Larkin
Typically a boy’s name, Larkin has gained a bit of popularity as a girl’s name and means rough or fierce in Irish.
14
Merritt
Another boy name turned girl name (read: gender-neutral), Merritt is Irish for “boundary gate.”
15
Elodie
Elodie is such a musical name, but it doesn’t have anything to do with a good tune. It means marsh flower in French.
16
Brinley
Brinley is a lovely sounding name, but its meaning is a bit harsh. It means “burned clearing” in Old English.
17
Ginger
Sometimes a nickname for Virginia, Ginger, is, of course, a tasty flowering plant.
18
Harlyn
Harlyn comes from Old English and means “army land.” That might just perfectly describe your little fighter.
19
Lou Lou
You could use Lou Lou as a nickname, but why not skip Louisa or Louise and just go with this fun, whimsical title?
20
Opal
Opal is, speaking in scientific terms, a non-crystalline form of mineral silica. It’s also a beautiful gem that became a popular name at the turn of the 20th century.
21
Demetria
In Greek mythology, Demeter was the sister of Zeus and goddess of agriculture. Demetria were considered followers of Demeter.
22
Constance
Constance derives from the word constant in Latin. The name is a great one for children who are steadfast.
23
Lorelai
Is your little girl entirely enchanting? Perhaps you should call her Lorelai, which means “alluring enchantress” in German.
24
Enya
Though it’s hard to separate this name from the blockbuster pop star Enya, it might help you see it in a new light to know that in Gaelic it means “kernel.”
25
Fern
Fern is a sweet name that comes, of course, from the fern plant.
26
Fay
Here’s a fun one: Fay means fairy! At least that’s how the French once used it.
27
Isolde
In Old Welsh, Isolde meant ice queen. Think how empowered your girl will feel when she learns that.
28
Berenice
In Greek, Berenice means bringer of victor,y and that’s the kind of energy more girls need today. Agree?
29
Petra
Petra, as in photographer and director Petra Collins, is the feminine version of Peter. It as roots in the Greek word for “stone” or “rock,” so your little one will be a strong-willed one.
30
Ellery
Another gender-neutral name, Ellery is an English name that means “cheerful.” How wonderful is that?
31
Gaia
The name Gaia comes from the goddess in Greek mythology who is the personification of the Earth. The Roman equivalent is Terra, which is equally as unique and cool.
32
Kiko
A name of Japanese origin, Kiko is a feminine name meaning “happy,” “hope,” and “rejoicing.” Plus, it sounds incredibly cute.
33
Hollis
The name Hollis is a gender-neutral name of English origin meaning “dweller at the holly trees,” which is sweet and vaguely elf-like. Plus, it has the built-in nickname of Holly.
34
Garnet
A jewel name that also means “pomegranate,” Garnet was popular for both boys and girls a century ago. It instantly conjures up deep red hues of the jewel and fruit, and it’s definitely due for a comeback with other jewel names popular again (think: Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, etc.).
35
Astra
A name with Latin roots, Astra simply means “of the stars.” It’s a wonderful name for a starry-eyed girl, and it also sounds like the name of a cool main character in a sci-fi story.
What’s in a name? Everything sweet and special in your world. So choose carefully.
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