Unusual Girl Names
- Willow
Origin:
English nature nameMeaning:
"willow tree"Description:
An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration.
- Winter
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Fresher, brisker and, yes, cooler than Summer or Autumn or Spring, Winter is now a full-fledged female choice, especially since Nicole Richie and Joel Madden used it for daughter Harlow's middle name, and Gretchen Mol picked it as her daughter's first, as did media mogul Sean Parker. Winter continues to be the preferred spelling and has risen in popularity significantly over the past few years.
- Wintr
Description:
Wintr is a contemporary feminine name representing a stylized spelling of Winter, one of the four seasons. By removing the 'e', the name takes on a more modern, minimalist aesthetic while maintaining its connection to the cold season. Winter names began gaining popularity in the early 21st century as part of the broader trend toward nature-inspired names. The name evokes images of snow, stillness, and the quiet beauty of the winter landscape. This particular spelling variation remains quite rare, offering a distinctive twist on the already uncommon seasonal name. Wintr has a crisp, cool sound that matches its meaning, and its brevity gives it a contemporary edge. The name may appeal to parents seeking something nature-connected but with a modern, slightly edgy quality.
- Wynter
Origin:
Spelling variation of WinterDescription:
Less month, more trendy, more times needing to spell it to people. This spelling variation entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013—and doesn't appear to be going anywhere any time soon.
- Whisper
- Xandi
Description:
Xandi is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or variant of Alexandra or Cassandra. With its distinctive 'X' beginning, it carries a contemporary, dynamic feel while maintaining a soft sound. The name has cross-cultural appeal, with possible connections to Greek origins through its parent names, while its structure feels modern and distinctive. Xandi remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, making it a unique choice that still sounds approachable. The name balances uniqueness with familiarity—it's recognizable in structure but distinctive in form. Parents might choose Xandi for its modern edge, its brevity, and its friendly sound, while avoiding the more common Alexandra or Cassie variations.
- Xanthene
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
A yellowish chemical compound that produces fluorescent dyes ranging from bright yellow to hot pink to flaming red -- but as a name sounds glaringly sci-fi.
- Xiamara
Origin:
Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.
- Yesenia
Origin:
Spanish, ArabicMeaning:
"palm tree; flower"Description:
Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.
- Zabel
Origin:
Armenian form of Isabel, a form of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
The dashing Zabel -- or its Frenchified variation Zabelle -- was the name of a 13th century ruling queen of Armenia. In this modern era ruled again by the name Isabella and Isabel, Zabel provides a fresh and lively spin.
- Zabelle
Origin:
Spelling variation of Zabel, form of Isabel which is a form of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.
- Zadie
Origin:
English variation of SadieMeaning:
"princess"Description:
When aspiring British writer Sadie Smith decided to change her name to the more distinctive and zippy Zadie at the age of fourteen, this attention-magnet name was born. But though it might sound like a modern initial-switch, Zadie was actually Number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years.
- Zailie
Description:
Zailie is a modern feminine name with a contemporary feel and exotic sound. While it doesn't have deep historical roots, it may have evolved as a variation of names like Zaylie, Zayla, or Zahlia. The 'Z' beginning gives the name a distinctive, energetic quality that feels fresh and vibrant. The name may appeal to parents seeking something unique without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Zailie has gained some modest usage in the 21st century as part of the trend toward names with uncommon initial letters and melodic endings. The name has a playful yet elegant quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Zailie projects an image of individuality and modern sensibility while maintaining a feminine charm.
- Zaltana
Origin:
Native AmericanMeaning:
"high mountain"Description:
Has an evocative feel, unusual to the Western ear without being identified with any particular culture.
- Zenaida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the life of Zeus"Description:
This name of a daughter of Zeus has an intriguing air of antiquity.
- Zerynthia
Origin:
Greek, place nameDescription:
Zerynthia is one of the alternate names of Hecate, deriving from one of the caves in which she appeared. Zerynthia is also the name of a set of strikingly-coloured Spanish butterflies. This is one name that deserves more attention.
- Zixi
Origin:
Literary characterDescription:
Name of the imaginary Queen of Ix created by L. Frank Baum for one of his Oz books.
- Éadaoin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"jealousy"Description:
Modern Irish form of the mythological name Étaín.