Unusual Girl Names
- Aristelle
- Arkadina
Origin:
Feminine variation of ArkadyMeaning:
"from Arcadia"Description:
Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.
- Arlene
Origin:
EnglishDescription:
Popular in the US from the 1920s to the 1950s, Arlene is of uncertain origin and seems to be a modern innovation, perhaps based on names like Marlene and Darlene which were popular around the same time. Nowadays, the -lene names are mostly outdated, although the recent rise of retro Arlette could make Arlene seem plausible again as well.
- Arlette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"noble, honor"Description:
Arlette is a French form of the Germanic name Herleva, which was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror. It peaked in France in the mid-1930s, but you might be surprised to learn that in the US, it's only just beginning to catch on now. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2018, and has dipped in and out in the years since then.
- Artemis
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"safe or butcher"Description:
Artemis, one of the key figures of the female Greek pantheon, is the ancient virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, animals, childbirth, and a protector of young girls, later associated with the moon. Artemis is the equivalent to the Roman Diana, but a fresher and more distinctive, if offbeat, choice.
- Ascella
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"armpit"Description:
A star system in Sagittarius, so one of the most appropriate names for December babies.
- Atha
- Atlanta
Origin:
Place nameMeaning:
"Atlantic Ocean"Description:
The capital of Georgia is far from the ocean, but got its name from the Western and Atlantic Railroad which ran through the city. Best known as a hub of industry and transport, and for its roles in the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement, it has never been popular as a baby name despite sounding like one. Its peak popularity was in 1995, the year before Atlanta hosted the Olympic Games.
- Atria
Origin:
Star name, LatinMeaning:
"entry hall"Description:
A star in the constellation Triangulum Australe, also the name of a publishing imprint and an assisted living corporation, probably because it has that streamlined corporate I-could-be-a-car-name feel. Atria is the plural of the more familiar term for an entry hall or foyer, atrium.
- Austine
- Ayelet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"deer, gazelle"Description:
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
- Azalea
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"azalea, a flower"Description:
Azalea is one of the fresher flower names, along with Zinnia and Lilac, that are new to the name bouquet — in fact, it entered the Social Security list for the first time in 2012. So if Lily and Rose are too tame for you, consider this brilliant pink springtime blossom with a touch of the unusual that has been growing in popularity.
- Azenor
Origin:
Breton form of Elinor or HelenMeaning:
"light"Description:
One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.
- Atalune
- Autherine
- Basilia
Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of BasilDescription:
Rare but attractive female form of Basil.
- Baye
- Beeja
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"the beginning, or, happy"Description:
Rhythmic and enchanting.
- Benilde
Origin:
French variation of LatinMeaning:
"good"Description:
The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.
- Beryl
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sea-green jewel"Description:
Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.