classic and unusual character names for Women
- Iridiana
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"rainbow"Description:
Iridiana is related to the Greek name Iris, who in Greek mythology was the personification of the Rainbow. Iridiana is a frillier version of the name, likely to appeal to people who prefer Isabella to Isobel and Delphinia to Delphi.
- Isla
Origin:
Scottish place-name or SpanishMeaning:
"island"Description:
Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
- Itzel
Origin:
MayanMeaning:
"rainbow lady"Description:
This name, stemming from the Mayan mythological figure of the Rainbow Lady, is a surprising pop hit, primarily among Hispanic parents.
- Ivory
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"Description:
Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000.
- Izora
Origin:
Variation of Isaura
- Isalina
- Janiya
Origin:
American invented name; or HebrewMeaning:
"from Jana"Description:
This name can be seen as a newly invented name, a sort of elaboration on Jane. It is also a rare Hebrew name—also spelled Jania—that means "from Jana." It has been declining steadily in the US since its peak between 2004 and 2008.
- January
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.
- Jemima
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, most recently ranking at #231 there in 2017. But despite its lovely sound and peaceful meaning, this attractive name hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1893, no doubt due to the problematic association with racial stereotyping, exemplified by the Aunt Jemima brand of pancakes.
- Jonte
Description:
Jonte is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Jontae or Jonte', which emerged in American naming patterns in the late 20th century. The name could also potentially be connected to the French name Jonté or represent a shortened form of Jonathan (Hebrew origin meaning 'gift of God'). Another possibility is that it derives from a surname or represents a creative modern coinage. In some Scandinavian contexts, particularly Swedish, Jonte can be found as a nickname for Jonathan. Usage patterns show Jonte appearing in US naming records from the 1980s onward, though it has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a distinctive, contemporary sound with its compact two-syllable structure and strong ending.
- Jubilee
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ram's horn"Description:
Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.
- Juniper
Origin:
Latin tree nameMeaning:
"young"Description:
Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.
- Jadwiga
- Kassiani
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"cinnamon"Description:
Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in the Greek Orthodox Church, is associated with fallen women. The 9th century saint Kassiani was supposed to be in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than he.
- Katchen
Description:
Katchen is a feminine name with Germanic roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Katherine or Katrina. The suffix '-chen' is a German endearment indicating smallness or affection, essentially meaning 'little Kate.' This charming name carries a warm, intimate quality while maintaining connections to the more formal Katherine, which derives from the Greek 'katharos' meaning 'pure.' Katchen remains quite rare internationally, primarily found in German-speaking regions or families with German heritage. The name blends cultural specificity with delicate femininity, offering a distinctive alternative to more common Kate variations. Its uniqueness ensures individuality while still providing familiar pronunciation and historical connections to the enduringly popular Katherine family of names.
- Kelda
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"spring, fountain"Description:
One of the few K names that sounds middle-aged.
- Kerensa
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"love"Description:
Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an 's' or 'z', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys.
- Kerenza
Description:
Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the region. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'z' sound. Despite its appealing meaning and sound, Kerenza remains relatively rare outside of Cornwall and among those with Cornish heritage. For those seeking a name with Celtic roots that's less common than popular options like Keira or Kerry, Kerenza offers a distinctive choice. The name carries warm associations through its meaning of love and compassion, while its unusual status gives it a special quality for those who bear it.
- Keshet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rainbow"Description:
This feminine name, pleasingly reminiscent of Kismet, has a similarly lovely meaning: Rainbow.
- Kestrel
Origin:
English, bird nameDescription:
A kestrel is a bird of prey. It has good potential as a strong girls' name, similar to Falcon for boys.