Uncommon and unusual girl names

Finding uncommon and unusual girl names can be a delightful adventure for parents who want their daughter to stand out. While popular names have their charm, an unusual name gives your little girl a unique identity from the start. Our comprehensive collection of rare and distinctive girl names comes from thousands of parents who chose the road less traveled. These beautifully uncommon names—like Adalira, Emerline, Ottilie, and Zephyrine—appear on fewer than 1 in 10,000 birth certificates annually. By choosing such a rare name, you're giving your daughter a special gift: individuality. She'll likely never have to use her last initial in class or answer to multiple people when her name is called. Each of these extraordinary names carries its own history, meaning, and musical quality, offering the perfect balance between recognizable and refreshingly different.

12 uncommon and unusual girl names

Berlin: A Cosmopolitan European Inspired Name

Berlin is the vibrant capital and largest city of Germany, making it an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking a cosmopolitan place-inspired name. This distinctive European name carries cultural significance and urban sophistication. Berlin also has musical connections, being the name of the '80s new wave band that performed the iconic hit "Take My Breath Away" featured in Top Gun. Etymologically, the name is believed to derive from the West Slavic word birl, meaning swamp, reflecting the city's geographic origins on the marshy banks of the River Spree. Choosing Berlin for your daughter offers a blend of historical depth and modern urban flair that stands out from more conventional names.

Ciel: Heavenly Name with French Origins

Ciel is the French word for sky and heaven, offering a beautiful celestial connection for your daughter. This elegant, short name carries sophistication while remaining uncommon in English-speaking countries. If you're drawn to names like Sky or Skylar but desire something more distinctive, Ciel provides a perfect alternative. The name has several lovely variations including Cielle, Ciela, and Ciella, each maintaining the ethereal quality while offering different sounds. The Spanish equivalent, Cielo, provides another option with similar meaning but a slightly different pronunciation. Ciel's simplicity, meaningful connection to the heavens, and French heritage make it an uncommon yet accessible choice for parents seeking something beautiful but not overused.

Dove: A Peaceful Bird-Inspired Name

Dove follows in the footsteps of other bird names like Robin and Wren, but carries with it the profound symbolism of peace and tranquility. The name possesses an ethereal quality with its soft sound and gentle connotations. As a powerful religious symbol in both Christianity and Buddhism, Dove represents purity, hope, and the Holy Spirit. This delicate yet meaningful name has been gaining attention in recent years, particularly following the rise of actress Dove Cameron, though it still remains refreshingly uncommon, not yet breaking into the top 1,000 baby names in the United States. Parents seeking a name with both natural beauty and deeper spiritual significance will find Dove to be an inspired choice.

Fleur: Elegant French Name Meaning Flower

The name Fleur, which rhymes with 'pure,' is a beautiful French name meaning 'flower.' While the more common botanical name Flora ranks in the top 1,000 baby names in the United States, Fleur remains a distinctive and sophisticated choice. This delicate name carries a sense of elegance and femininity while maintaining its uniqueness. Parents seeking a nature-inspired name that stands out from popular choices like Lily, Rose, or Violet will find Fleur to be a charming alternative. With its French origins, Fleur also offers a touch of European flair and cultural richness to a baby girl's identity.

Golden: A Radiant Name with Natural Beauty

The name Golden embodies radiance, prosperity, and authenticity. This luminous name carries the warmth and brilliance of its metallic namesake, offering your daughter a name that truly shines. Award-winning actress Golden Brooks has brought attention to this uncommon choice, while Harry Styles' popular song "Golden" has further elevated its appeal. For parents seeking a name with natural beauty and symbolic richness, Golden represents honesty, success, and inner light. Beautiful variations include Gold, Goldie, and Golda, each carrying the same precious quality while offering slightly different sounds and styles.

Holland: Sophisticated Geographic Name with Character

The distinctive name Holland has been steadily rising in popularity since the 1990s, breaking into the top 1,000 U.S. baby names in 2014. Despite this growth, it remains refreshingly uncommon compared to more mainstream geographic names like London, Paris, or Brooklyn. Derived from Dutch meaning "wooded land," Holland refers to a historic region within the Netherlands, though it's often used colloquially to describe the entire country. Parents choosing this sophisticated name appreciate its European flair, geographical significance, and the subtle tribute it pays to Dutch culture and heritage. The name carries both elegance and strength, with a contemporary appeal that works beautifully for a modern girl while remaining timeless.

Lake: Serene Nature-Inspired Name

Surprisingly uncommon, Lake flows beautifully in the tradition of water-inspired names such as Bay, Ocean, River, and Brook. Derived from the Latin word lacus, meaning simply "inland body of water," this tranquil nature name evokes images of stillness, reflection, and natural beauty. Lake offers a perfect balance of uniqueness and accessibility, carrying connotations of peace and wilderness. For parents seeking a name that embodies both serenity and strength, Lake provides a refreshing alternative to more common nature names while maintaining a connection to the elemental world. Its single syllable creates a crisp, modern sound that works wonderfully as either a first or middle name.

Lavender: Fragrant Purple Flower Name

Lavender offers an enchanting twist on traditional floral names like Rose, Lily, and Iris. With its delicate purple blooms and soothing aroma, this name carries both visual beauty and calming associations. Literary lovers might recognize Lavender as the supportive friend in Roald Dahl's Matilda or as Lavender Brown, the spirited witch from the Harry Potter series. Beyond literature, the name invokes the gentle hue of twilight skies and the beloved fragrance used in aromatherapy for centuries. Choosing Lavender gives your daughter a name that's distinctive yet familiar, nature-inspired yet sophisticated.

Moxie: Bold Name for a Spirited Girl

The name Moxie embodies courage, determination, and a vibrant spirit—all wonderful qualities to bestow upon your daughter. Originating in the 1930s American lexicon when the beverage Moxie (one of the first mass-produced sodas) was marketed with the slogan "build up your nerve," this name carries a distinctive vintage charm. Choosing Moxie for your daughter suggests you value independence, resilience, and a touch of old-fashioned pluck. While uncommon in contemporary naming trends, Moxie offers a refreshing alternative that stands out while maintaining an accessible sound and playful personality.

Oceana: Majestic Sea-Inspired Name

Oceana, meaning "ocean," is a lyrical and enchanting name of Greek origin that evokes images of vast azure waters, mystical sea creatures, and ancient maritime legends. This rare gem is considered the feminine counterpart to Oceanus, the primordial Greek Titan who ruled over all bodies of water and water nymphs in mythology. With its melodic syllables and powerful natural connection, Oceana bestows upon your daughter the boundless qualities of the sea—depth, mystery, strength, and beauty. As oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet and have inspired countless adventures, scientific discoveries, and artistic masterpieces throughout human history, this name carries with it a sense of majesty and wonder that few others can match.

Rebel: Strong Name for an Independent Spirit

Rebel is a bold, unconventional name perfect for parents seeking something truly distinctive for their daughter. This edgy choice carries connotations of independence, strength, and a free-spirited nature. Popularized in recent years by Australian comedic actress Rebel Wilson, the name has gained fresh attention while still remaining uncommon. Though traditionally used for both genders, it has a particularly empowering feel for girls in today's world. Notable filmmaker Robert Rodriguez chose this name for his son, demonstrating its unisex appeal. If you're looking for a name that embodies courage, nonconformity, and an adventurous spirit, Rebel offers a powerful statement that will set your daughter apart from the crowd.

Zen: Peaceful Name with Mindful Meaning

Looking for a name that embodies tranquility for your baby girl? Consider Zen, a distinctive choice derived from a school of Buddhism that originated in China. The word comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit term for meditation. Zen Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, intuition, and inner peace. As a name, Zen reflects balance, wisdom, and spiritual awareness—perfect for parents hoping to raise a calm, centered child with a naturally peaceful disposition. This uncommon name carries profound meaning while remaining simple and elegant.