Top Unique Female Names

Finding the right unique female name will allow your baby to stand out in a crowd. These beautiful names are sure to spark conversation, whether you’re searching for a fresh spin on classic favorites or an exotic pick from around the world.

Billie, which made its way into the top 100 in 2021, is a great option for a baby girl born in the month of February. It also has the potential for cute nicknames like Addie!

Exploring Rare and Unusual Girl Names

Whether you’re looking for something fresh and exotic or want to avoid the girl names heard in every playgroup, there are plenty of beautiful and unique options. Turn to your roots, travel the globe or just look outside of the Top 1000 for some truly one-of-a-kind picks.

Yolanda (pronounced yo-land-a) is a sweet Spanish name meaning violet flower. Alternatively, try Ula (pronounced o-LAH) for a Celtic pick with a royal history. Matilda is a great literary name inspired by Roald Dahl’s telekinetic character. It’s also a rare botanical name that stands out from other popular flower names like Lily or Rose.

Josephine is another classic name that had a brief dip in popularity in the 1980s. But this tomboy-ish option with French roots and a strong meaning is worth revisiting. Other unique yet timeless names include Katniss (a spirited ‘Hungry Games’ name), Gracie (an old-fashioned pick that’s still growing in popularity) and Beatrix (Louisa May Alcott’s fictional tomboy in Little Women).

The Best Uncommon Girl Names

Whether you want to find a cute unique name that isn’t overused or a unique girl name that reflects your family’s heritage, there are plenty of options. While many of these names are rarely used in the US, they are well-liked and popular in other countries around the world. For example, Ebba is an uncommon girl name in the US but standard in Stockholm and Alba is a popular choice in Spain. Other trendy unique girl names include Sigrid, Jacinda, and Leni.

You could also opt for a nature-inspired name like Ianthe, meaning violet flower or January, which is perfect for girls born at the start of the year. Another option is a virtue name like Ava, which means noble strength or Amelia, which has roots in both the Bible and Shakespeare. There are also many pretty word names that are perfect for baby girls, such as saffron, sequoia, and storm. These unique female names have a natural and calming feel. Others have cultural significance, such as Azariah, which means helped by God or ‘innocent ewe or lamb’ in Hebrew, and Augusta, which has Greek origins.

Beyond the Top 1000

Choosing your child’s name is one of the first, most important decisions you will make as parents. You may be drawn to a specific meaning, a historical or literary significance, or simply something you love. While some parents opt for a popular and traditional name, others are looking for something a little unique and offbeat.

Some names don’t make it to the top 1000 but still offer a unique twist on tradition. The name Alana, for example, is derived from the Celtic word leanbh, which means “gift of God’s favor.” Brynlee is an alternative spelling of the classic name Brinley. Paisley, meanwhile, is a Scottish name that has become better known as a patterned fabric.

Other options include the athletic-inspired names like Picabo and Lily, which capture a can-do spirit. Or, try a name with some added mystery, such as Amelia (a nod to aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart) or the mystical Persephone. Lengthening a name by adding -lynn or -leigh is also a trend that’s seen growth in popularity. These long names don’t make the SSA list but are still worth considering.

Cute and Unique Female Names with Natural Meanings

You don’t need to go far afield when you’re looking for unique girl names inspired by nature. Consider names like Sage, which has Latin roots tying it to wisdom or healthy living—and is also the name of an herb. Dua is a popular unisex name that brings to mind singer and songwriter Dua Lipa, while Edythe has Old English roots and evokes the masterful musician Duke Ellington. Or, try Zora or Zori for a more science-y yet unique baby name that isn’t ranking.

A few nature-inspired girls names that are both pretty and unique include Aurora, which translates to dawn, and is already a Disney classic thanks to Sleeping Beauty. Octavia has Latin roots and translates to “eight,” which is perfect for a girl born on the eighth month. Or, you could opt for the beautiful acacia tree-inspired name Acacia, which has Italian and Latin origins and symbolises resurrection. Other lovely names that nod to the great outdoors include Bellamy, which combines beauty and beloved, or Marigold, which refers to the yellow flowers that grow in gardens.

Celeb-Inspired Uniqueness

When it comes to finding unique baby girl names, there are many sources to draw inspiration from. There are classic baby names, trendy baby names, and even biblical baby names. You can also take your inspiration from famous women in history and popular celebrities.

For example, if you love sporty women like Olympic skier Picabo Street, a cute name that captures her spirit would be Beatrice. This Shakespearean name ranked well out of the top 100 in 2021 and is both classic and unique.

Other celeb-inspired unique girl names include Ariel, which is Hebrew for “lion of God” and was the name of The Little Mermaid’s princess. Another option is Abiah, a variant spelling of the Bible name Abijah. It means “adornment” in Hebrew and would be a beautiful name for your daughter. You can also consider Selah, a Hebrew name that means praise or pause, which is both unique and spiritual. Alternatively, you can go with Alexis, which is the feminine form of the male name Alan and means helper or defender.

From Darcy to Ottilie: A Spectrum of Uniqueness

Unique girl names can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be nature-inspired, based on a celebrity or a fictional character, or one-of-a-kind from an international culture.

For example, sports-inspired girl names — such as Olympic skier Picabo Street and vlogger Zoella’s daughter Ottilie, meaning ‘heaven spelled backwards’ — can capture a spunky, athletic energy. They can also be cultural, evoking a place or a time of year.

Those with unique meanings tend to have a higher chance of rising in popularity, too. Birdie and Bee are cute unique girl names that evoke nature, while Poppy and Ivy are solid floral choices. Meanwhile, nature names like Willow and Forest feel fresh and vibrant.

Unique girl names with a more historical bent can also work, though they may not be as likely to stick around for generations. For example, the Bible names Deborah, Dinah and Melea are quite rare but could be resurrected as baby names.

International Unique Girl Names

If you’re looking for a rare girl name with an exotic touch, there are many options available to you. These names are adapted from different cultures and carry meanings that vary widely. Almira is a worldly name that means “pure” or “noble,” while Amalia has become popular among present-day European royalty. A shorter version of Natalia is Talia, which has Hebrew origins and translates to “dew of heaven”.

Some other exotic girl names include:

Abigail, which is inspired by the Old Testament name Avigail, means “father’s joy,” while Hawise has medieval roots and refers to several Medieval French noblewomen. Grainne, which comes from Irish mythology and means grain goddess, is another unique option, as is Libby, which has Cambodian origins and translates to “celestial deity or angel”.

Crafting Your Own

Choosing the perfect name for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. Whether you’re drawn to classic baby names, trendy names that are popular right now, or unique girl names with meanings, there are many ways to find the perfect one for your little one.

Using the beauty of nature as inspiration for a unique female name is a great way to find a stunning name that will capture your daughter’s natural charm. You can also use the magic of mermaids, fairies, witches, or other mystical creatures in books and movies for ideas for a magical unique girl name.

Choosing a unique baby name can be as easy as drawing inspiration from your favorite book, TV show, or movie. But if you’re worried about your child being one of several in her class with the same name, consider giving her a nickname to make her more distinguishable. Using a family name as her first or middle name is another way to make her stand out.