Rare Earth and Space Names for Girls

Colorful, yes, but also probably among the hippiest of hippie names. Holly Madison recently chose it for her little girl.

The Rainy spelling puts this name firmly in word name territory, an appealing option following the rise of Stormi. Rainey is the most popular spelling of the name, given to about 50 girls last year, with half as many called Rainy and a quarter named Rainie, the spelling used by Andie MacDowell for her now-grown daughter.

Most female Rays used to spell their names Rae, but now the Ray Charles, ray-of-sunshine way is cool for both genders.

Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.

Rivers is an indisputably unisex surname with is strong nature connotation and its connection to the character Diana Rivers from Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre. Rivers is also the first name of one of the girl Sweet Home sextuplets.

Rocket has been used on a number of starbabies in recent years—among its celebrity endorsers are Jamie Oliver, Pharrell Williams, and Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington.

Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both associations carry hints of luxury.

In Africa, Safari is often used a name for a baby born during a journey. Americans and more likely to think of riding in Jeeps, taking photos of giraffes, lions, and the like. Nevertheless, Safari is an intriguing name, although one best reserved for the middle.

Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.

Parents are beginning to turn away from springtime months like April and June and are moving toward the cooler and crisper three-syllable September, October, November, and December.

Shade can be cool and refreshing -- or negative and dubious. Shade was the name of the daughter played by Fairuza Balk in the 90s film Gas Food Lodging.

Better for a dog.

Among the first wave of word names used in the hippie era, it actually is a legitimate girl's name with a lot of luster.

Solstice graduated from word to official first name when author Lionel Shriver used it for a character in her novel Big Brother. But of course, there were people named Solstice before: 16 baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021 (and it is occasionally used for boys too).

A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.

Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.

Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.