Super Uncommon Girl Names (200+ Rare & Beautiful Choices)

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I spent months scrolling through the same 20 names on every “popular baby names” list—and I knew I wanted something different.

Something that would make people pause and say, “Wow, I’ve never heard that before.”

Trust me, there’s something magical about choosing a name that feels like a hidden treasure rather than a mass-market favorite.

Picture this: I’m at my prenatal class, introducing myself, and I meet three Olivias in one room.

Don’t get me wrong—Olivia is gorgeous! But that moment made me realize that choosing an uncommon name wasn’t just about being different.

It was about giving my daughter a name that felt uniquely hers, a name that wouldn’t be shared with three other girls in her kindergarten class.

Here’s the thing—finding truly uncommon names requires digging deeper than the first page of any baby name website.

You need to explore forgotten vintage gems, international treasures, nature-inspired rarities, and mythology-based beauties that most parents never encounter.

This comprehensive guide features 200+ super uncommon girl names spanning multiple origins, styles, and meanings, complete with pronunciation guides and the stories behind each name.

Plus, I’m sharing practical tips for choosing an uncommon name that your daughter will love for a lifetime.

Vintage & Forgotten Beauties: 50 Names from History’s Archives

These names carry centuries of history but have mysteriously vanished from modern birth certificates. Each one tells a story and offers that perfect blend of familiarity and uniqueness.

• Araminta – English, meaning “defender” or “prayer” – A Restoration-era name that disappeared after the 1800s, with the sweet nickname Minty
• Blythe – Old English, meaning “joyful and carefree” – Less than 200 babies received this name in 2024; it’s happiness personified
• Calista – Greek, meaning “most beautiful” – Ancient Greek name rarely used outside literature, despite its gorgeous sound
• Drusilla – Roman, meaning “fruitful” – Biblical name that vanished after the Victorian era but deserves reconsideration
• Elowen – Cornish, meaning “elm tree” – Authentic Celtic rarity with strong nature connections and a magical sound
• Fenella – Irish/Scottish, meaning “white shoulder” – Medieval name with a musical, fairy-tale quality
• Galatea – Greek mythology, meaning “milk-white” – The ivory statue brought to life by Pygmalion’s love
• Hadassah – Hebrew, meaning “myrtle tree” – Queen Esther’s original name in the Bible, rarely heard outside Jewish communities
• Imogen – Celtic/Latin, meaning “maiden” or “innocent” – Shakespearean invention gaining micro-traction among literary parents
• Jessamine – Persian, meaning “jasmine flower” – Old-fashioned botanical spelling variation that’s more romantic than Jasmine
• Kerensa – Cornish, meaning “love” – Authentic Celtic name virtually unknown in America but achingly beautiful
• Lavinia – Roman, meaning “purity” – Classical name from Virgil’s Aeneid, elegant without being pretentious
• Marigold – English, meaning “golden flower” – Victorian botanical name making a quiet comeback among vintage lovers
• Nephele – Greek mythology, meaning “cloudy” – The cloud nymph created by Zeus, ethereal and unique
• Ottilie – German, meaning “prosperous in battle” – Old European aristocratic name with vintage charm
• Perpetua – Latin, meaning “perpetual” or “eternal” – Early Christian martyr name with powerful meaning
• Quintessa – Latin, meaning “essence” – Rare invented name from the 1940s-50s that sounds thoroughly modern
• Rosalind – Germanic, meaning “gentle horse” – Shakespearean heroine name less common than Rose variations
• Seraphina – Hebrew, meaning “fiery ones” – Angelic name with elaborate beauty and the sweet nickname Sera
• Temperance – English virtue name, meaning “moderation” – Puritan name making a surprising return among thoughtful namers
• Undine – Latin, meaning “wave” – Mythological water spirit name with mystical associations
• Venetia – Latin, meaning “blessed” or referring to Venice – Aristocratic British rarity with Italian romance
• Winifred – Welsh, meaning “blessed peacemaking” – Medieval saint name due for revival, with nickname Winnie
• Xanthe – Greek, meaning “golden” or “yellow” – Ancient Greek name with modern edge (pronounced ZAN-thee)
• Yseult – Celtic, meaning “ice ruler” – Arthurian legend spelling variation of Isolde, hauntingly beautiful
• Zenobia – Greek/Arabic, meaning “life of Zeus” – Powerful ancient Syrian queen who defied Rome
• Allegra – Italian, meaning “joyful” or “lively” – Musical term turned graceful name, Byron’s daughter bore it
• Bellamy – French, meaning “fine friend” – Surname-to-first-name rarity with a friendly vibe
• Cordelia – Celtic/Latin, meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea” – King Lear’s devoted daughter
• Delphine – French/Greek, meaning “dolphin” – Elegant French classic rarely heard in English-speaking countries
• Eulalia – Greek, meaning “sweetly speaking” – Ancient saint name with a lyrical, melodious sound
• Ffion – Welsh, meaning “foxglove” – Authentic Welsh botanical name (pronounced FEE-on)
• Ginevra – Italian form of Guinevere, meaning “white shadow” – Romantic Italian rarity with Arthurian connections
• Hermione – Greek, meaning “messenger” – Pre-Harry Potter, this was virtually unused; now it’s gaining recognition
• Isolde – Celtic/German, meaning “ice ruler” – Legendary tragic romance heroine with eternal appeal
• Jessamy – English, meaning “jasmine” – Playful botanical variation that’s less formal than Jessamine
• Leontine – Latin, meaning “lion-like” – French aristocratic name with fierce elegance
• Millicent – Germanic, meaning “strong in work” – Medieval name awaiting rediscovery, with nickname Millie
• Nerissa – Greek, meaning “from the sea” – Shakespearean invention from The Merchant of Venice
• Odette – French, meaning “wealthy” – Swan Lake ballet association adds grace and artistry
• Pomeline – French, meaning “apple” – Rare botanical French name that’s sweet without being cutesy
• Querida – Spanish, meaning “beloved” – Affectionate Spanish rarity that wears its heart openly
• Romilly – French/English, meaning “citizen of Rome” – British aristocratic surname-name with sophistication
• Solange – French, meaning “solemn” or “religious” – French saint name with Beyoncé’s sister bringing it attention
• Thalassa – Greek, meaning “sea” – Primordial sea goddess name for ocean-loving families
• Ursula – Latin, meaning “little bear” – Classic name unfairly vilified by Disney’s villain portrayal
• Vespera – Latin, meaning “evening star” – Celestial rarity with mystical, twilight-hour feel
• Wildrose – English compound name – Nature name with frontier spirit and romantic flair
• Zephyrine – Greek, meaning “west wind” – Feminine form of Zephyr with French elegance
• Apollonia – Greek, meaning “of Apollo” – Ancient name honoring the god of music and light

[Explore more vintage naming trends in our guide to vintage girl names]

International & Multicultural Rarities: 50 Names from Around the World

These names showcase the incredible diversity of global naming traditions. Each brings linguistic beauty and cultural richness that transcends borders.

• Aisling – Irish, meaning “dream” or “vision” (pronounced ASH-ling) – Celtic mystical name popular in Ireland
• Bijou – French, meaning “jewel” – Endearing French rarity used as both name and term of affection
• Ciela – Spanish/Italian, meaning “sky” – Celestial romance language name with heavenly associations
• Darya – Persian/Russian, meaning “sea” – International water name that works across multiple cultures
• Eirlys – Welsh, meaning “snowdrop” – Delicate Welsh botanical with winter flower associations
• Fiammetta – Italian, meaning “little fiery one” – Diminutive with passion and Italian romance
• Gwyneira – Welsh, meaning “white snow” – Poetic Welsh compound name (pronounced gwin-AY-ra)
• Halcyon – Greek, meaning “kingfisher” – Mythological bird associated with calm seas and peaceful times
• Isra – Arabic, meaning “nocturnal journey” – Islamic significance referring to Muhammad’s night journey
• Jora – Hebrew, meaning “autumn rain” – Seasonal name with gentle, life-giving associations
• Kizzy – Hebrew, meaning “cassia tree” – Diminutive of Keziah with spunky, energetic feel
• Lysandra – Greek, meaning “liberator” – Feminine form of Lysander with classical elegance
• Marjani – Swahili, meaning “coral” – East African name connecting to ocean treasures
• Naiara – Basque, referring to the Virgin Mary – Spanish regional name virtually unknown internationally
• Orlaith – Irish, meaning “golden princess” – Gaelic royalty name (pronounced OR-la)
• Paloma – Spanish, meaning “dove” – Peace-symbolizing name with Picasso’s daughter bearing it
• Qadira – Arabic, meaning “powerful” or “capable” – Strong Arabic name for ambitious daughters
• Rivka – Hebrew, meaning “to bind” – Rebecca’s original Hebrew form, less common but equally beautiful
• Saoirse – Irish, meaning “freedom” – Pronounced SEER-sha, made famous by actress Saoirse Ronan
• Tahira – Arabic, meaning “pure” or “virtuous” – Elegant Arabic name with spiritual significance
• Umi – Japanese, meaning “sea” – Simple, beautiful name connecting to ocean depths
• Varda – Hebrew, meaning “rose” – Israeli botanical name rarely heard outside Jewish communities
• Waverly – English, meaning “meadow of quivering aspens” – Literary name from Sir Walter Scott novels
• Xiomara – Spanish, meaning “famous in battle” – Powerful Spanish name with warrior spirit
• Yara – Arabic/Brazilian, meaning “small butterfly” or “water lady” – Cross-cultural name with nature connections
• Zara – Arabic/Hebrew, meaning “blooming flower” or “princess” – Royal name (British Princess Anne’s daughter)
• Azura – Spanish/French, meaning “sky blue” – Color name with celestial associations
• Briseis – Greek mythology, meaning “daughter of Briseus” – Trojan woman from Homer’s Iliad
• Calanthe – Greek, meaning “beautiful flower” – Botanical name also referring to orchid species
• Daria – Persian, meaning “wealthy” or “maintaining possessions well” – International form of Darius
• Eira – Welsh, meaning “snow” – Simple, elegant Welsh nature name (pronounced AY-ra)
• Freyja – Norse, meaning “lady” or “noblewoman” – Norse goddess of love and fertility
• Galina – Russian/Slavic, meaning “calm” or “serene” – Eastern European classic with peaceful energy
• Himari – Japanese, meaning “sunflower” – Currently popular in Japan but rare in Western countries
• Ilaria – Italian, meaning “cheerful” – Italian form of Hilary with sunnier disposition
• Jessenia – Arabic, meaning “flower” – Romantic variation with multicultural appeal
• Kalindi – Sanskrit, meaning “sun” – Hindu name referring to one of Yamuna River’s names
• Liora – Hebrew, meaning “my light” – Luminous Hebrew name with spiritual significance
• Mireille – French/Provençal, meaning “to admire” – Classic French name (pronounced meer-AY)
• Nahla – Arabic, meaning “honeybee” – Sweet Arabic name with industrious associations
• Oriana – Latin, meaning “dawn” or “gold” – Medieval romance name with sunrise symbolism
• Petra – Greek, meaning “rock” or “stone” – Feminine form of Peter, also ancient Jordanian city
• Quillen – Irish, meaning “cub” – Rare Irish surname-name with youthful energy
• Rania – Arabic, meaning “queen” – Royal Arabic name borne by Jordan’s queen
• Saskia – Dutch, meaning “protector of mankind” – Rembrandt’s wife’s name, Dutch classic
• Thora – Norse, meaning “thunder” – Feminine form of Thor with powerful associations
• Ula – Celtic/Polish, meaning “gem of the sea” – Short, sweet international name
• Viatrix – Latin, meaning “voyager” – Rare Latin name for adventurous spirits
• Yael – Hebrew, meaning “mountain goat” – Biblical heroine name with nature connections
• Ziva – Hebrew, meaning “radiance” or “brilliance” – Israeli name with luminous quality

[Discover more international options in our Celtic girl names collection]

Nature-Inspired & Botanical Rarities: 50 Names from Earth’s Beauty

For parents who want to honor the natural world, these names go beyond the expected Lily and Rose to celebrate earth’s diverse wonders.

• Anemone – Greek, meaning “windflower” – Delicate wildflower name with mythological connections
• Briony – English, meaning “to sprout” – Climbing vine name with fresh, spring-like energy
• Cassia – Greek, meaning “cinnamon” – Spice-inspired botanical with sweet associations
• Daffodil – English, flower name – Bold botanical choice symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings
• Ember – English, meaning “burning coal” – Fire-inspired nature name with warm glow
• Fern – English, plant name – Simple botanical with vintage charm and woodland associations
• Grove – English, meaning “small wood” – Place name celebrating peaceful forest clearings
• Hazel – English, tree and color name – Gentle nature name experiencing quiet renaissance
• Ione – Greek, meaning “violet flower” – Floral name with mythological connections to sea nymphs
• Juniper – Latin, tree name – Evergreen name combining nature with modern sound
• Kestrel – English, bird name – Graceful falcon species name for nature-loving families
• Lark – English, bird name – Cheerful songbird name with uplifting associations
• Meadow – English, nature name – Pastoral name evoking wildflower-filled fields
• Nasturtium – Latin, flower name – Bold botanical choice with peppery personality
• Oakley – English, meaning “oak clearing” – Tree-inspired name with strength symbolism
• Prairie – French, meaning “meadow” – Wide-open nature name with frontier spirit
• Quill – English, meaning “feather” – Literary nature name with writerly associations
• Raven – English, bird name – Dark, mystical bird name gaining popularity
• Saffron – English, spice name – Golden spice-inspired name with exotic flair
• Tempest – English, meaning “storm” – Dramatic nature name from Shakespeare
• Umber – English, color name – Earth-toned name for artistic families
• Vale – Latin, meaning “valley” – Peaceful geographical name with gentle sound
• Wren – English, bird name – Tiny songbird name that’s grown significantly
• Yarrow – English, herb name – Healing herb name with natural medicine connections
• Zinnia – Latin, flower name – Cheerful summer bloom name with vintage charm
• Aster – Greek, meaning “star” – Star-shaped flower bridging celestial and botanical
• Bay – English, tree/body of water name – Simple nature name with multiple meanings
• Coral – English, marine name – Ocean-inspired name celebrating reef formations
• Dahlia – Scandinavian, flower name – Dramatic bloom name honoring botanist Anders Dahl
• Echo – Greek mythology, meaning “sound reflection” – Mountain nymph who became pure voice
• Fauna – Roman mythology, meaning “young deer” – Goddess of nature and animals
• Gaia – Greek, meaning “earth” – Primordial earth goddess name
• Henna – Arabic, plant name – Dye-producing plant with cultural significance
• Indigo – Greek, color/plant name – Deep blue dye plant with bohemian vibe
• Jewel – English, meaning “precious stone” – Nature’s treasures as name inspiration
• Koa – Hawaiian, tree name – Valuable Hawaiian acacia wood with island spirit
• Lilac – Persian, flower name – Fragrant spring bloom with purple-pink beauty
• Magnolia – French, tree/flower name – Southern botanical with Steel Magnolias associations
• Niamh – Irish, meaning “bright” or “radiant” (pronounced NEEV) – Celtic name with nature goddess connections
• Opal – Sanskrit, meaning “precious stone” – Gemstone name with rainbow fire
• Plum – English, fruit/color name – Sweet fruit name with vintage British charm
• Rain – English, nature name – Elemental nature name with life-giving associations
• Sage – Latin, herb name – Aromatic herb symbolizing wisdom
• Terra – Latin, meaning “earth” – Grounded nature name celebrating our planet
• Violet – Latin, flower/color name – Classic botanical experiencing renewed popularity
• Willow – English, tree name – Graceful tree name that’s climbing charts slowly
• Winter – English, season name – Cool-season name for December/January babies
• Zinnia – Latin, flower name – Vibrant summer flower with playful energy
• Azalea – Greek, flower name – Flowering shrub with Southern garden associations
• Bryony – English, plant name – Alternative spelling of Briony with earthy charm

[Find more earth-inspired options in our nature-inspired baby names guide]

Mythology & Literary Treasures: 50 Names from Stories and Legends

These names carry the weight of ancient myths, epic poems, and beloved literature—perfect for families who love storytelling.

• Andromeda – Greek mythology, meaning “ruler of men” – Ethiopian princess rescued by Perseus
• Briseis – Greek mythology – Trojan woman at center of Iliad’s conflict
• Calliope – Greek mythology, meaning “beautiful voice” – Muse of epic poetry
• Daphne – Greek mythology, meaning “laurel tree” – Nymph transformed into laurel to escape Apollo
• Electra – Greek mythology, meaning “shining” or “bright” – Tragic Greek heroine
• Freya – Norse mythology, meaning “lady” – Norse goddess of love, beauty, and war
• Guinevere – Welsh/Arthurian, meaning “white phantom” – King Arthur’s legendary queen
• Hecate – Greek mythology, meaning “far off” – Goddess of magic, crossroads, and moon
• Io – Greek mythology – Priestess loved by Zeus, transformed into heifer
• Jocasta – Greek mythology – Queen of Thebes in Oedipus tragedy
• Kassandra – Greek mythology, meaning “shining upon man” – Trojan prophet cursed to never be believed
• Leda – Greek mythology – Queen seduced by Zeus in swan form
• Minerva – Roman mythology – Goddess of wisdom, arts, and strategy
• Nimue – Arthurian legend – Lady of the Lake who gave Arthur Excalibur
• Ophelia – Greek, meaning “help” – Tragic Shakespearean heroine from Hamlet
• Persephone – Greek mythology, meaning “bringer of destruction” – Queen of underworld and spring goddess
• Rhiannon – Welsh mythology, meaning “great queen” – Welsh goddess associated with horses
• Selene – Greek mythology, meaning “moon” – Titan goddess of the moon
• Thalia – Greek mythology, meaning “to flourish” – Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry
• Undine – Germanic mythology – Water nymph from Paracelsus’s works
• Vesta – Roman mythology – Virgin goddess of hearth and home
• Winona – Native American, meaning “firstborn daughter” – Also borne by actress Winona Ryder
• Ygraine – Arthurian legend – King Arthur’s mother in Arthurian romance
• Zelda – Yiddish, meaning “blessed” or “happy” – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, literary icon
• Ariadne – Greek mythology, meaning “most holy” – Cretan princess who helped Theseus escape Minotaur
• Beatrice – Italian/Latin, meaning “bringer of joy” – Dante’s idealized love in Divine Comedy
• Circe – Greek mythology, meaning “bird” – Enchantress who transformed Odysseus’s men
• Desdemona – Greek, meaning “ill-fated” – Tragic Shakespearean heroine from Othello
• Elsinore – Literary/Danish place name – Hamlet’s castle setting in Shakespeare
• Fable – English, meaning “story with moral” – Literary word name
• Galadriel – Literary invention, meaning “maiden crowned with radiant garland” – Tolkien’s elven lady
• Hero – Greek mythology – Priestess of Aphrodite in tragic love story
• Ismene – Greek mythology – Antigone’s sister in Greek tragedy
• Juliet – Latin, meaning “youthful” – Shakespeare’s most famous romantic heroine
• Kore – Greek mythology, meaning “maiden” – Persephone’s name before abduction
• Luthien – Literary invention – Tolkien’s elf-maiden, most beautiful being in Middle-earth
• Miranda – Latin, meaning “admirable” – Shakespearean heroine from The Tempest
• Nyx – Greek mythology, meaning “night” – Primordial goddess of night
• Ondine – Germanic mythology – Alternative spelling of Undine, water spirit
• Portia – Latin, meaning “pig” – Intelligent Shakespearean heroine from Merchant of Venice
• Rhosyn – Welsh, meaning “rose” – Rare Welsh botanical variant
• Sybil – Greek, meaning “prophetess” – Ancient oracle name with mystical associations
• Titania – Greek, meaning “giant” – Fairy queen in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Urania – Greek mythology, meaning “heavenly” – Muse of astronomy
• Verena – Latin, meaning “true” – Swiss saint name rarely used
• Xena – Greek, meaning “hospitable” – Warrior princess from television
• Ygritte – Literary invention – Game of Thrones wildling character
• Zillah – Hebrew, meaning “shade” – Biblical name with mysterious quality
• Arwen – Literary invention, meaning “noble maiden” – Tolkien’s elf princess
• Melisande – French/Germanic, meaning “strong in work” – Medieval romance heroine

[Explore more legendary names in our Greek mythology boy names collection]

Why Uncommon Names Are Having a Major Moment

The naming landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration’s 2024 data, only 6.7% of girls born received names from the Top 100 list—the lowest percentage in recorded history. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental change in how parents approach naming.

A 2024 BabyCenter survey revealed something fascinating: 73% of millennial and Gen Z parents intentionally avoid names in the Top 50, with “uniqueness” ranking as the #2 priority (after “meaning”) when selecting baby names. We’re living in a generation that values individuality, and our naming choices reflect that.

But here’s what makes this era special—we have access to more naming inspiration than any generation before us. While social media creates naming trends that spread rapidly (hello, Instagram influencer names), it also exposes us to international, historical, and literary names our grandparents would never have encountered.

We can explore Welsh registries, Victorian birth records, and ancient mythology all from our phones while lying in bed.

Historical naming patterns show that uncommon names have cyclical popularity. Names that disappeared from the Top 1000 in the 1920s-1940s—like Cordelia, Ottilie, and Cressida—are experiencing renaissance moments as parents mine vintage records for forgotten treasures. What was once considered “too old-fashioned” is now refreshingly original.

How to Choose the Perfect Uncommon Name

Now that you’ve explored 200 beautiful rarities, here’s how to narrow down your choice and ensure it’s the right fit for your daughter.

Test the Full Name Sound

Say the first, middle, and last name combination out loud at least fifty times. I’m serious! You’ll be saying this name thousands of times throughout your daughter’s life. Does it flow naturally? Do the syllables feel balanced? My husband and I must have repeated our daughter’s full name a hundred times before committing. Trust me—awkward rhythm reveals itself quickly.

Consider Spelling and Pronunciation Challenges

Uncommon doesn’t have to mean complicated, but it often does. Be honest about whether you’re okay with your daughter constantly spelling her name or correcting pronunciation. Names like Saoirse (beautiful!) require patient explanation. Ask yourself: will my daughter appreciate the uniqueness or resent the complexity? There’s no wrong answer, but it’s worth considering her future experience at coffee shops, airports, and job interviews.

Check Name Meanings and Origins

Some uncommon names fell out of favor for specific reasons. Research thoroughly! I almost chose a gorgeous Victorian name before discovering it was heavily associated with a tragic historical figure. Make sure the name’s meaning, history, and cultural context align with what you want for your daughter. Many names on this list have meanings rooted in strength, beauty, nature, or virtue—positive associations that will serve her well.

Think About Nickname Potential

Even the most formal, unusual names often get shortened by friends and family. Does your uncommon name have natural nickname options? Seraphina becomes Sera, Araminta becomes Minty, and Persephone becomes Persy or Effie. If you hate the potential nicknames, you might want to reconsider the full name—though you can certainly try to guide nickname development.

Imagine Your Daughter at Different Life Stages

Picture your name choice on a preschooler, a teenager, a college graduate, and a professional adult. Does it work across all these stages? Some uncommon names that feel magical for a baby might feel burdensome for a corporate lawyer (or vice versa). The beauty of many names on this list is their timeless quality—they work from playground to boardroom.

Research Current Usage Statistics

Visit the Social Security Administration’s name database to see exactly how rare your chosen name is. Some “uncommon” names are actually climbing the charts rapidly. Others have been given to fewer than five babies in recent years. Understanding where your name falls on this spectrum helps you gauge whether it’s truly unusual or just feels that way in your social circle.

The Joy of Uncommon Naming

Choosing an uncommon name is an act of hope and imagination. You’re giving your daughter a name that stands out without shouting, a name that carries history or meaning or simply beautiful sound.

These 200+ options represent just the beginning—there are thousands more waiting to be rediscovered, from dusty historical records to family trees to international naming traditions.

Here’s what I’ve learned from giving my daughter an uncommon name: yes, people sometimes struggle with it at first. But they also remember her. They ask about the story behind it. They tell her it’s beautiful. And most importantly, she feels like her name is truly, uniquely hers. In a world of mass-produced everything, that’s a rare gift.

The perfect uncommon name is out there waiting for you. Take your time, explore these options, say them out loud, write them down, and trust your instincts. Your daughter will carry this name her entire life—make it one that feels like a treasure, not a trend.

Which uncommon name captured your heart? Share your favorites in the comments below!