300+ Uncommon Girl Names and their Meanings

Uncommon girl names are capturing the hearts of parents everywhere, and honestly, I completely understand why.

Picture this: you’re at a playground, calling out “Emma!” and three little girls turn around. That’s when you realize the beauty of choosing something a bit more distinctive for your daughter.

Trust me, I learned this firsthand when I met a girl named Cordelia at my favorite Portland coffee shop last month.

While waiting for my latte, I heard her grandmother call her name, and it was like hearing poetry.

When I complimented the name, Cordelia’s eyes lit up as she shared how it connected her to her Welsh great-grandmother and meant “jewel of the sea.”

That moment reminded me why uncommon names carry such magic—they tell stories, spark conversations, and give children something truly their own.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover 300+ carefully curated uncommon girl names organized by origin and style, complete with meanings and cultural context.

Whether you’re drawn to vintage treasures, nature-inspired gems, or global beauties, there’s something here that will speak to your heart.

Vintage Treasures: Uncommon Names from Bygone Eras

These vintage beauties were popular in the 1800s through 1920s but have fallen out of common use, making them perfect for parents seeking something classic yet distinctive:

• Cordelia – Celtic: “jewel of the sea” – Shakespearean elegance with natural beauty
• Evangeline – Greek: “bearer of good news” – Lyrical and spiritually meaningful
• Persephone – Greek: “bringer of destruction and rebirth” – Mythological power and transformation
• Araminta – English: “lofty protector” – Aristocratic charm with strength
• Seraphina – Hebrew: “burning one” – Angelic and ethereal
• Ophelia – Greek: “help” – Literary romance with tragic beauty
• Beatrice – Latin: “bringer of joy” – Classic elegance with happiness
• Imogen – Celtic: “maiden” – Sophisticated and timeless
• Clementine – Latin: “merciful” – Sweet and vintage charm
• Genevieve – French: “tribe woman” – Noble and strong
• Penelope – Greek: “weaver” – Mythological intelligence and creativity
• Theodora – Greek: “gift of God” – Regal and meaningful
• Josephine – Hebrew: “God will increase” – Elegant and classic
• Vivienne – French: “alive” – Vibrant and sophisticated
• Adelaide – German: “noble natured” – Royal elegance
• Millicent – German: “strong in work” – Vintage charm with determination
• Rosamund – Germanic: “horse protection” – Medieval romance
• Guinevere – Welsh: “white phantom” – Arthurian legend and mystery
• Isadora – Greek: “gift of Isis” – Artistic and divine
• Octavia – Latin: “eighth” – Roman strength and dignity
• Prudence – Latin: “good judgment” – Virtue name with wisdom
• Constance – Latin: “steadfast” – Reliable and strong
• Florence – Latin: “flourishing” – Beautiful and hopeful
• Matilda – German: “mighty in battle” – Strong and determined
• Winifred – Welsh: “blessed peacemaking” – Peaceful and holy
• Tabitha – Aramaic: “gazelle” – Graceful and gentle
• Celeste – Latin: “heavenly” – Ethereal and divine
• Dorothea – Greek: “gift of God” – Sacred and precious
• Magnolia – Latin: “magnol’s flower” – Southern charm and beauty
• Estelle – French: “star” – Celestial and bright
• Lucille – French: “light” – Radiant and warm
• Miriam – Hebrew: “wished-for child” – Biblical strength
• Rosalie – French: “rose garden” – Romantic and floral
• Sylvia – Latin: “spirit of the wood” – Natural and free
• Agatha – Greek: “good” – Classic virtue and kindness
• Bernadette – French: “brave as a bear” – Courageous and strong
• Cecilia – Latin: “blind” – Musical and artistic
• Delia – Greek: “from Delos” – Island goddess beauty
• Eulalia – Greek: “sweetly speaking” – Eloquent and charming
• Francesca – Italian: “from France” – Sophisticated and worldly
• Georgina – Greek: “farmer” – Earthy and grounded
• Henrietta – German: “estate ruler” – Noble leadership
• Iris – Greek: “rainbow” – Colorful and hopeful
• Juliet – Latin: “youthful” – Romantic and timeless
• Katherine – Greek: “pure” – Classic elegance
• Lillian – Latin: “lily” – Pure and beautiful
• Margot – French: “pearl” – Precious and refined
• Natalie – Latin: “Christmas Day” – Joyful and festive
• Ophelia – Greek: “help” – Literary and mysterious
• Priscilla – Latin: “ancient” – Vintage charm and wisdom

Discover more vintage treasures in our vintage girl names collection

Nature’s Poetry: Uncommon Earth-Inspired Names

These names connect your daughter to the natural world while reflecting growing eco-conscious parenting trends:

• Juniper – Latin: “young” – Fresh and nature-loving
• Sage – Latin: “wise herb” – Earthy wisdom and healing
• Briony – Greek: “climbing plant” – Growth and resilience
• Wren – English: “small bird” – Delicate and musical
• Fern – English: “feather-like plant” – Natural and graceful
• Ivy – English: “climbing vine” – Persistent and beautiful
• Hazel – English: “hazelnut tree” – Warm and nutty
• Iris – Greek: “rainbow” – Colorful and bright
• Jasmine – Persian: “gift from God” – Fragrant and divine
• Laurel – Latin: “bay tree” – Victory and honor
• Maple – English: “maple tree” – Sweet and strong
• Opal – Sanskrit: “gem” – Precious and unique
• Pearl – Latin: “precious gem” – Pure and valuable
• Rose – Latin: “flower” – Classic beauty
• Violet – Latin: “purple flower” – Modest and beautiful
• Dahlia – Scandinavian: “valley” – Dramatic beauty
• Magnolia – Latin: “magnol’s flower” – Southern elegance
• Poppy – Latin: “red flower” – Vibrant and cheerful
• Willow – English: “willow tree” – Graceful and flexible
• Zinnia – German: “Zinn’s flower” – Bright and lasting
• Acacia – Greek: “thorny tree” – Protected beauty
• Azalea – Greek: “dry” – Delicate blooming
• Camellia – Latin: “helper to the priest” – Pure devotion
• Daffodil – Greek: “asphodel flower” – Spring joy
• Edelweiss – German: “noble white” – Mountain purity
• Freesia – Latin: “freese’s flower” – Thoughtful friendship
• Gardenia – English: “garden flower” – Secret love
• Heather – English: “flowering plant” – Scottish beauty
• Indigo – Greek: “Indian dye” – Deep and mysterious
• Jonquil – Latin: “rush” – Desire and affection
• Kestrel – English: “wind hover” – Free-spirited flight
• Lavender – Latin: “to wash” – Calm and soothing
• Marigold – English: “Mary’s gold” – Bright devotion
• Narcissa – Greek: “daffodil” – Self-love and beauty
• Orchid – Greek: “testicle” – Exotic beauty
• Pansy – French: “thought” – Thoughtful reflection
• Quince – Latin: “fifth” – Golden fruit
• Rosemary – Latin: “dew of the sea” – Remembrance
• Saffron – Arabic: “yellow” – Precious spice
• Tansy – Greek: “immortality” – Eternal life
• Umber – Latin: “earth pigment” – Natural artistry
• Vervain – Latin: “sacred plant” – Holy protection
• Wisteria – English: “Wister’s flower” – Welcome beauty
• Xanthe – Greek: “yellow” – Golden brightness
• Yarrow – English: “rough stream” – Healing herb
• Zephyr – Greek: “west wind” – Gentle breeze
• Aspen – English: “quaking tree” – Trembling beauty
• Birch – English: “bright tree” – New beginnings
• Cedar – Greek: “strength” – Enduring protection
• Flora – Latin: “flower” – Roman goddess of spring

Explore more nature-inspired options in our flower names for girls guide

Global Gems: Beautiful Names from Around the World

These international treasures reflect our globally connected world while honoring diverse cultural traditions:

• Ananya – Sanskrit: “unique” – Indian distinctiveness
• Calliope – Greek: “beautiful voice” – Muse of epic poetry
• Delphine – French: “dolphin” – Intelligent grace
• Esperanza – Spanish: “hope” – Optimistic faith
• Fiorella – Italian: “little flower” – Delicate beauty
• Galatea – Greek: “milk white” – Mythological purity
• Hermione – Greek: “messenger” – Literary intelligence
• Ingrid – Norse: “beautiful” – Scandinavian strength
• Jacinta – Spanish: “hyacinth” – Fragrant beauty
• Kaia – Greek: “earth” – Grounded nature
• Leilani – Hawaiian: “heavenly flower” – Tropical paradise
• Marisol – Spanish: “sea and sun” – Bright warmth
• Natasha – Russian: “Christmas child” – Festive joy
• Octavia – Latin: “eighth” – Roman nobility
• Paloma – Spanish: “dove” – Peaceful spirit
• Querida – Spanish: “beloved” – Cherished love
• Raquel – Hebrew: “ewe” – Gentle femininity
• Solange – French: “solemn” – Dignified grace
• Tatiana – Russian: “fairy queen” – Magical royalty
• Ursula – Latin: “little bear” – Protective strength
• Valentina – Latin: “strong” – Powerful love
• Wilhelmina – German: “resolute protector” – Determined guardian
• Ximena – Spanish: “listener” – Attentive wisdom
• Yasmin – Persian: “jasmine flower” – Fragrant beauty
• Zara – Arabic: “blooming flower” – Flourishing growth
• Amara – Sanskrit: “eternal” – Timeless beauty
• Bellamy – French: “beautiful friend” – Lovely companionship
• Cleo – Greek: “glory” – Triumphant honor
• Dara – Hebrew: “pearl of wisdom” – Intelligent beauty
• Elena – Greek: “bright light” – Illuminating presence
• Fatima – Arabic: “captivating” – Mesmerizing charm
• Gia – Italian: “God is gracious” – Divine favor
• Hana – Japanese: “flower” – Delicate bloom
• Ilaria – Italian: “cheerful” – Joyful spirit
• Jara – Arabic: “small earthen water jug” – Essential vessel
• Kira – Persian: “sun” – Radiant warmth
• Lucia – Italian: “light” – Luminous beauty
• Mira – Latin: “wonderful” – Amazing marvel
• Nadia – Russian: “hope” – Optimistic faith
• Orla – Irish: “golden princess” – Royal wealth
• Pia – Latin: “pious” – Devout faithfulness
• Quinn – Irish: “descendant of Conn” – Noble heritage
• Rania – Arabic: “gazing” – Thoughtful observation
• Sienna – Italian: “orange red” – Warm earthiness
• Thea – Greek: “goddess” – Divine femininity
• Uma – Sanskrit: “flax” – Natural fiber
• Vera – Russian: “faith” – Steadfast belief
• Willa – German: “resolute protection” – Strong defense
• Xara – Arabic: “flower” – Blooming beauty
• Yara – Arabic: “small butterfly” – Delicate transformation

Find more beautiful international options in our Arabic girl names collection

Literary Legends: Names from Books and Mythology

These names carry the power of story and legend, perfect for bookish families:

• Andromeda – Greek: “ruler of men” – Mythological princess
• Artemis – Greek: “safe” – Goddess of the hunt
• Athena – Greek: “wisdom” – Goddess of wisdom
• Bianca – Italian: “white” – Shakespearean purity
• Cassandra – Greek: “prophetess” – Mythological foresight
• Desdemona – Greek: “ill-fated” – Tragic beauty
• Echo – Greek: “reverberating sound” – Mythological voice
• Faye – French: “fairy” – Magical enchantment
• Gwendolyn – Welsh: “white ring” – Arthurian legend
• Helena – Greek: “bright light” – Trojan War beauty
• Iolanthe – Greek: “violet flower” – Gilbert and Sullivan opera
• Juliet – Latin: “youthful” – Shakespearean romance
• Katniss – English: “aquatic plant” – Modern heroic fiction
• Luna – Latin: “moon” – Celestial mystery
• Miranda – Latin: “admirable” – Shakespearean wonder
• Nerida – Greek: “sea nymph” – Oceanic magic
• Olivia – Latin: “olive tree” – Shakespearean grace
• Portia – Latin: “pig” – Shakespearean intelligence
• Queenie – English: “queen” – Royal nickname
• Rhea – Greek: “flowing stream” – Titaness mother
• Stella – Latin: “star” – Celestial brightness
• Titania – Greek: “great one” – Shakespearean fairy queen
• Undine – Latin: “wave” – Water spirit
• Viola – Latin: “violet” – Shakespearean music
• Wendy – English: “white ring” – Peter Pan creation
• Xenia – Greek: “hospitality” – Welcoming spirit
• Yvaine – Scottish: “evening star” – Stardust heroine
• Zelda – German: “gray fighting maid” – Literary strength
• Ariadne – Greek: “most holy” – Mythological helper
• Beatriz – Spanish: “bringer of joy” – Literary happiness
• Circe – Greek: “bird” – Mythological sorceress
• Daphne – Greek: “laurel tree” – Mythological transformation
• Eurydice – Greek: “wide justice” – Tragic love story
• Galatea – Greek: “milk white” – Mythological sculpture
• Hippolyta – Greek: “releaser of horses” – Amazon queen
• Ismene – Greek: “knowledge” – Tragic loyalty
• Jocasta – Greek: “shining moon” – Complex mythology
• Kassiopeia – Greek: “cassia juice” – Constellation queen
• Lysistrata – Greek: “army disbander” – Comedy heroine
• Medea – Greek: “cunning” – Powerful sorceress
• Nimue – Welsh: “lady of the lake” – Arthurian enchantress
• Oenone – Greek: “wine” – Abandoned nymph
• Pandora – Greek: “all gifts” – First woman mythology
• Quintessa – Latin: “essence” – Perfected beauty
• Rosalind – Germanic: “gentle horse” – Shakespearean wit
• Scheherazade – Persian: “noble lineage” – Storytelling survival
• Thisbe – Greek: “lover” – Tragic romance
• Undine – Latin: “little wave” – Water spirit tale
• Vivian – Latin: “alive” – Arthurian lady
• Ximara – Spanish: “famous in battle” – Warrior princess

Discover more literary inspirations in our Harry Potter usernames collection

Modern Rarities: Contemporary Uncommon Names

These recently evolved names feel current while remaining beautifully uncommon:

• Aria – Italian: “air” – Musical melody
• Brielle – French: “God is my strength” – Modern elegance
• Cora – Greek: “maiden” – Vintage revival
• Delilah – Hebrew: “delicate” – Biblical beauty
• Ember – English: “spark” – Fiery spirit
• Freya – Norse: “lady” – Goddess strength
• Geneva – French: “juniper berry” – Sophisticated city
• Haven – English: “safe place” – Protective sanctuary
• Indie – English: “independent” – Free spirit
• Journey – French: “day’s travel” – Life adventure
• Kinsley – English: “king’s meadow” – Royal nature
• Lyra – Greek: “lyre” – Musical constellation
• Marlowe – English: “driftwood” – Literary strength
• Nova – Latin: “new star” – Celestial explosion
• Ocean – Greek: “sea” – Vast natural power
• Phoenix – Greek: “rising bird” – Rebirth symbol
• Quinn – Irish: “descendant of Conn” – Unisex strength
• Raven – English: “black bird” – Mysterious intelligence
• Sloane – Irish: “raider” – Modern sophistication
• Teagan – Irish: “little poet” – Creative spirit
• Unity – English: “oneness” – Harmonious connection
• Vale – Latin: “valley” – Natural depression
• Wren – English: “small bird” – Delicate songbird
• Xara – Arabic: “blooming flower” – Modern Arabic
• Yara – Arabic: “small butterfly” – Transformation beauty
• Zara – Arabic: “blooming flower” – Royal modernity
• Aspen – English: “quaking tree” – Mountain strength
• Blaise – Latin: “lisp” – Fiery spirit
• Celeste – Latin: “heavenly” – Celestial beauty
• Drew – Welsh: “wise” – Unisex intelligence
• Ellis – Welsh: “benevolent” – Kind strength
• Finley – Irish: “fair warrior” – Balanced fighter
• Greer – Scottish: “watchful” – Alert guardian
• Harper – English: “harp player” – Musical artistry
• Indigo – Greek: “Indian dye” – Deep mystery
• Juno – Latin: “queen of heaven” – Divine power
• Knox – Scottish: “round hill” – Strong foundation
• Lane – English: “narrow road” – Path forward
• Margo – French: “pearl” – Refined beauty
• Nora – Irish: “honor” – Noble character
• Olive – Latin: “olive tree” – Peace symbol
• Piper – English: “pipe player” – Musical joy
• River – English: “flowing water” – Natural movement
• Sage – Latin: “wise” – Herbal wisdom
• Tessa – Greek: “to harvest” – Productive gathering
• Uma – Sanskrit: “flax” – Natural fiber
• Vale – Latin: “farewell” – Peaceful departure
• Winter – English: “cold season” – Crisp beauty
• Zoe – Greek: “life” – Vital energy
• Azure – Persian: “blue” – Sky color

Explore more modern options in our aesthetic girl names guide

Royal and Noble: Aristocratic Uncommon Names

These names carry the elegance and dignity of nobility throughout history:

• Alexandra – Greek: “defender of mankind” – Royal protection
• Beatrice – Latin: “bringer of joy” – Noble happiness
• Catherine – Greek: “pure” – Royal elegance
• Diana – Latin: “divine” – Princess grace
• Elizabeth – Hebrew: “God is my oath” – Queenly dignity
• Francesca – Italian: “from France” – Noble sophistication
• Georgiana – Greek: “farmer” – Aristocratic earthiness
• Helena – Greek: “bright light” – Imperial radiance
• Isabella – Hebrew: “God is my oath” – Royal devotion
• Josephine – Hebrew: “God will increase” – Empress elegance
• Katherine – Greek: “pure” – Noble purity
• Louisa – German: “famous warrior” – Royal strength
• Margaret – Greek: “pearl” – Royal treasure
• Natasha – Russian: “Christmas child” – Imperial festivity
• Olivia – Latin: “olive tree” – Noble peace
• Philippa – Greek: “lover of horses” – Royal equestrian
• Regina – Latin: “queen” – Royal authority
• Sophia – Greek: “wisdom” – Noble intelligence
• Theodora – Greek: “gift of God” – Byzantine empress
• Victoria – Latin: “victory” – Royal triumph
• Wilhelmina – German: “resolute protector” – Noble guardian
• Ximena – Spanish: “listener” – Royal attentiveness
• Yasmine – Persian: “jasmine flower” – Noble fragrance
• Zenobia – Greek: “life of Zeus” – Warrior queen
• Anastasia – Greek: “resurrection” – Imperial rebirth
• Berenice – Greek: “bringer of victory” – Triumphant nobility
• Cordelia – Celtic: “jewel of the sea” – Noble gem
• Dorothea – Greek: “gift of God” – Sacred nobility
• Eugenie – Greek: “well born” – Noble lineage
• Felicity – Latin: “happiness” – Joyful nobility
• Guinevere – Welsh: “white phantom” – Legendary queen
• Henrietta – German: “estate ruler” – Noble leadership
• Isadora – Greek: “gift of Isis” – Divine nobility
• Jacqueline – Hebrew: “supplanter” – Elegant replacement
• Konstantina – Latin: “constant” – Steadfast nobility
• Lucinda – Latin: “light” – Illuminated grace
• Maximilia – Latin: “greatest” – Supreme nobility
• Nicolette – Greek: “victory of the people” – Democratic royalty
• Octavia – Latin: “eighth” – Roman nobility
• Penelope – Greek: “weaver” – Faithful nobility
• Quintessa – Latin: “essence” – Perfect nobility
• Rosalind – Germanic: “gentle horse” – Noble gentleness
• Seraphina – Hebrew: “burning one” – Angelic nobility
• Tatiana – Russian: “fairy queen” – Magical royalty
• Ursula – Latin: “little bear” – Protective nobility
• Valentina – Latin: “strong” – Powerful love
• Winifred – Welsh: “blessed peacemaking” – Holy nobility
• Xanthe – Greek: “yellow” – Golden nobility
• Yvette – French: “yew tree” – Noble strength
• Zenaida – Greek: “life of Zeus” – Divine nobility

Learn more about noble naming traditions in our elegant girl names collection

The Uncommon Name Revolution: Why Parents Are Going Off the Beaten Path

Here’s the thing—we’re living through a fascinating shift in naming trends. According to Social Security Administration data, only 23% of baby girls born in 2024 received names from the top 100 list, compared to 34% in 2014. That’s a huge change that reflects how modern parents are embracing individuality.

Pinterest searches for “unique baby girl names” increased by 67% in 2024, with “uncommon vintage names” leading the charge. Parents want names that will help their daughters stand out in digital spaces while honoring meaningful traditions.

Child psychologists note that uncommon names can boost confidence and individuality, though they emphasize considering pronunciation complexity for practical reasons.

The trend makes perfect sense when you think about it. In our connected world, having a distinctive name helps create a unique digital identity while allowing children to feel special and memorable from day one.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Uncommon Name

Now that you’ve explored these beautiful options, here are some essential guidelines to help you make the best choice:

The Pronunciation Test: Say the name out loud multiple times and imagine introducing your daughter. If you find yourself constantly spelling or explaining it, your child might face the same challenge throughout her life.

Sibling Harmony: Make sure the name flows well with any existing children’s names and your family surname. You want harmony, not competition between names.

Professional Considerations: While uniqueness is beautiful, think about how the name will serve your daughter in professional settings. Will it be easily remembered for the right reasons?

Cultural Sensitivity: When choosing names from other cultures, research their significance and ensure you’re honoring rather than appropriating. Understanding the cultural context shows respect and appreciation.

Nickname Potential: Even uncommon names benefit from having natural nickname options. This gives your daughter flexibility as she grows and develops her own preferences.

Future-Proofing: Think about how current trends might affect your name choice in 20 years. Will it still feel timeless, or might it become dated?

Remember, the perfect uncommon name balances uniqueness with practicality, meaning with beauty, and personal preference with family harmony.

Finding Your Name Story

I get it—choosing your daughter’s name feels overwhelming when there are so many gorgeous options. But here’s what I’ve learned: the right name often reveals itself when you least expect it. Maybe it’s a name that makes you smile every time you say it, or one that connects to a special place, person, or moment in your life.

Trust your instincts. If a name keeps coming back to you, there’s probably a reason. Some of the most beautiful naming stories come from unexpected discoveries—like finding your great-grandmother’s middle name in an old family Bible, or falling in love with a name you heard in a bookshop in another country.

Your daughter’s name will be one of your first gifts to her, so make it something that celebrates her uniqueness while honoring the family she’ll join. Whether you choose something from this collection or it inspires you to look further, you’re giving her a beautiful foundation for the amazing person she’ll become.

What uncommon name speaks to your heart? Trust that instinct—it rarely leads parents astray when choosing names that truly shine.