Unusual International Baby Girl Names

This striking Nordic variant of Biblical Naomi is famously borne by Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, best known for her role as Lisbeth Salander in the film adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy.

The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a cave on the Mount of Olives. Because of her early vocation, she is the patron saint of actresses.

This elegant Finnish feminization of Wendell is one of those rare names that has never appeared on the US official charts, but is straightforward to spell and say. It has been among the most popular girl names in Finland for at least 15 years, and would be a lovely, unique way to honor Finnish culture.

Raffaella is the Italian form of the lovely name Raphaela, the female version of the angel's name Raphael, gorgeous in any spelling or international variation. Raffaella is one of the most appealing Italian baby names for girls.

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.

Variation of Gertrude.

The river Ganges in India is also called Jahnavi (literally "daughter of Jahnu") due to a legend involving the sage Jahnu. The Ganges river destroyed his fields, so Jahnu drank up all of the river's water to punish her. The Gods prayed to the sage to release the Ganges, and Jahnu relented and released the Ganges from his ear.

Pola is an international name that still bears the femme fatalish air of Polish-born silent screen vamp Pola Negri, whole birth name was Apolonia. Rarely used, she could join sisters Lola and Nola.

For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.

The rare name Genoveva might be thought of as a variation of the French names Genevieve or Geneva, which have different roots and meanings. An unusual, pretty choice.

This unisex Israeli name, which rhymes with ball, is sure to receive more serious international attention now that actress Gal Gadot is the new Wonder Woman.

Romola is a literary name most notably used by George Eliot for her eponymous 1862 novel set in fifteenth-century Florence. It just may appeal to the parent looking for a name that embodies the ideal blend of the feminine, unusual, and strong. A current bearer is British actress Romola Garai.

The literal word for "spring" in many Slavic languages and the name of an ancient Slavic springtime deity.

Many old school girl names are feminine forms of male names. This one gets an exotic twist from being the female version not of Basil but the form used in Eastern Europe and Russia Vasily. This uncommon name would make an interesting and rare V-starting choice.

This unusual name belonged to a character played by Kirsten Dunst in an early film.

Accessible, aromatic Indian name.

Captivating Arabic choice, sometimes transcribed as Fa'izah.

The name of a lake in Israel, known as the Sea of Galilee in English. The lake's name is derived from Hebrew kinnor "harp", due to its shape.