classic and unusual character names for Women
By FractalShadow
Updated Mon May 22 2023
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This is a list of names that caught my eye. Some are unique and unusual, while others are classic and historical.
- Aairah
Description:
Aairah is a beautiful feminine name with Arabic origins. It is a variant of the more common Airah or Aira, and generally means "respected," "honorable," or "vigilant one." Some interpretations also suggest it means "visitor at night" or can be related to the Arabic word for "thoughtful." The distinctive double 'a' spelling gives this name a unique visual appearance while maintaining its melodic pronunciation. Aairah has gained some popularity in Muslim communities worldwide but remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it both culturally meaningful and distinctive. Its elegant sound and positive connotations make it an increasingly appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both beauty and substance.
- Aamena
Description:
Aamena is a feminine name of Arabic origin, representing a variant spelling of Amina or Aminah. The name means 'trustworthy,' 'faithful,' or 'honest' in Arabic, embodying qualities of reliability and integrity. It holds significant historical importance in Islamic tradition as Aminah bint Wahb was the mother of the Prophet Muhammad. The double 'a' spelling is less common than the traditional Amina or Aminah but offers a distinctive visual character while maintaining the same beautiful meaning. Aamena remains popular in Muslim communities worldwide, chosen for both its spiritual connections and its inherent virtuous qualities. The name's gentle sound and meaningful heritage make it an enduring choice for parents seeking a name with depth and cultural significance.
- Aanisah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"good-natured"Description:
The original spelling of a name often Anglicized as Anisa was chosen by singer Macy Gray for her daughter.
- Abreonia
Description:
Abreonia is an extremely rare feminine name with unclear etymological origins. It may be a modern invention combining elements of other names like Abrielle or Breonna with a decorative ending. The name has a melodic quality with its multiple syllables and vowel combinations, giving it an elaborate, distinctive sound. Abreonia remains exceptionally uncommon, rarely appearing in official naming records or popularity charts. Parents might be drawn to this name for its uniqueness and the opportunity it offers for personalization—common nicknames might include Abre, Bre, or Nia. The name's rarity means a child named Abreonia is unlikely to meet others sharing her name, making it appealing to parents seeking individuality.
- Abyssinia
Origin:
African place-nameDescription:
Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.
- Accalia
Origin:
Latin, mythological nameDescription:
Accalia was the human foster-mother of twins Romulus and Remus. Her name is even more obscure than theirs.
- Aella
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"whirlwind"Description:
Aella is one of the Amazons in Greek mythology, killed by Heracles in his quest for Hyppolita’s magic girdle. Aella or Aelle (often written as Ælla or Ælle) is also an ancient Saxon masculine name, belonging to several kings of regions of modern-day England from the 5th to 9th centuries.
- Afternoon
Origin:
English, “afternoon”Description:
An early day name worthy of consideration today for someone seeking a truly unusual name.
- Agapi
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"love, affection"Description:
Agapi has a sweet meaning of love and affection, but though this name is used in modern Greece, it's one of the Greek names for girls that has not yet emigrated to the US along with so many of her sisters.
- Alala
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"war cry"Description:
This name of the mythological sister of Mars might be used for a girl born under one of the signs ruled by the planet Mars--Aries or Scorpio. She is the personification of the war cry.
- Alaïa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"sublime"Description:
Fashion designer surname that could make a dynamic first.
- Alchemy
Origin:
Latin word nameMeaning:
"a medieval chemical science"Description:
One of the most extreme of the new word names, recommended only to the most mystical-minded parents. Actor Lance Henriksen spelled his daughter's name Alchamy.
- Alessandrina
Description:
Alessandrina is a feminine name of Italian origin, derived from Alessandro, the Italian form of Alexander, which means "defender of mankind." This elegant and sophisticated name is an elaborated form of Alessandra, offering a more distinctive and refined option. While less common than Alessandra or Alexandra, Alessandrina carries the same regal quality with additional feminine charm. The name has historical connections to Italian nobility, though it remains relatively rare in contemporary usage. Alessandrina offers several nickname possibilities, including Alessa, Alessia, Sandra, or Rina, providing versatility for the bearer. Despite its length, the name flows melodically and makes a striking impression.
- Alethea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"truth"Description:
Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
- Altalune
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"over the moon"Description:
Altalune is an invention used by Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson as one of several middle names for their daughter. It's evocative Latin meaning roughly translates to "over the moon." Celebrity baby Altalune will be called the more familiar Luna for short.
- Alula
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"first leap"Description:
Alula, the palindromic name of the first double star to be identified as physically related to its twin, would make the perfect name for a first-born twin. Ideas (we're only half joking) for the second born: Aviva, Aziza, Otto. Alula is reminiscent of the unusual name chosen by Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen for their second daughter: Elula, a month name from the Hebrew calendar.
- Amapola
Origin:
Arabic, SpanishMeaning:
"poppy"Description:
A rarely heard name that was the title of a hugely popular Big Band song in the forties. Amapola, with the emphasis on the third syllable, is one flower name that has not been widely discovered. Baseball player Francisco Lindor and his wife Katia named their daughter Amapola Chloé in 2023.
- Anahera
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"angel"Description:
This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
- Anala
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"fire"Description:
Indian choice meaning fire in step with American styles.
- Annouska
Description:
Annouska is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing a variation or diminutive of Anna. It shows particular connections to Russian, Czech, and Polish naming traditions, where diminutives and variations of classic names are common. The name Anna itself derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' Annouska carries a distinctly Eastern European flair while maintaining a connection to the widespread and timeless Anna. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has occasionally gained attention through notable bearers, including aristocrats and public figures with Eastern European connections. The name has an elegant, somewhat exotic quality that appeals to parents seeking names with international flair yet recognizable roots. Its distinctive sound pattern makes it both memorable and graceful.