100+ Unique Girl Names
If a unique baby girl name is on your wish list, look no further. From cute to masculine, hipster to classic, we've rounded up our favorite unique baby girl names destined to be added to your favorites—and no, Olivia is not on the list.
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
One of the great joys (and challenges) of early parenthood is finding the perfect name for your baby. Many parents are looking for unique girl names—and there are so many wonderful, unusual choices to pick from. Even better, parents don't need to be limited by sex or gender when looking for names, a welcome reality that opens up the naming possibilities even more.
In fact, unique names for girls can be just about anything that strikes your fancy and feels right for your baby. You can use forgotten classics (think Ethel or Myrna), "boy" names like Charlie or Danny, or words you love, such as Sparkle, Rainbow, or Free. Consider familial names, favorite places, seasons, foods, colors, or names related to your cultural heritage to unlock inspiration. To help you get started, here are some of our favorite unique girl names.
Editor's Note
While this article uses the terms "gender" and "boy" vs. "girl," it's important to note that gender is a personal identity that exists on a spectrum, can change throughout a person's lifetime, and—most importantly—is something that a person defines for themselves. Sex, on the other hand, is assigned at birth based on the appearance of a baby's genitalia. While sex assigned at birth often matches a person's gender (called cisgender), sometimes it does not.
Strong Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Zora
Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston (her claim to fame is the classic Their Eyes Were Watching God) had a relatively popular name back when she was born, but is rare and unique today.
Runners-up
Bette
Briella
Leia
Rey
Related: 50 Strong Female Names
Unique "Boy" Names for Girls
Top pick: Billie
Many names have traditionally been associated with boys or girls, but that doesn't mean a "boy" name won't be perfect for your baby girl. In fact, unisex names are all the rage—and if the past is destined to repeat itself, this one is definitely making a comeback. Billie hit peak popularity in the 1930s when it almost broke into the top 100, and we have a feeling it may do it again thanks to Billie Eilish.
Runners-up
Bobbie
Drew
Elliot
Frankie
Noah (or Noa)
Roy
Short Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Fia
Meaning "wild" or "weaver," this name has been predicted to spike. If you're looking for a unique short-yet-sweet girl name that isn't the super popular Mia, this could be your new favorite.
Runners-up
Dee
Gem
Iai
Mira
Quinn
Uma
Related: 91 Short Baby Names for Boys and Girls
Long Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Theodora
The feminine version of Theodore, Theodora is nowhere near as popular as its counterpart, but it's just as cool. It has not ranked on the Social Security Administration's name list for a century, but it's creeping up in searches.
Runners-up
Cordelia
Emmanuelle
Genevieve
Henrietta
Josephine
Unique Sporty Girl Names
Top pick: Picabo
It's spunky, quirky, athletic—and unique. Olympic skier Picabo Street was named after a town in Idaho near where she was born. Sporty names capture a positive, can-do energy.
Runners-up
Annika
Dara
Lolo
Misty
Serena
Tia
Venus
Classic Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Beatrice
Beatrice, which means "she who brings happiness," ranked well out of the top 100 at #565 in 2021 making it a Shakespearean classic that's far from overused. The nickname Bea is also equal parts vintage and unique.
Runners-up
Agnes
Belle
Clara
Dorothy
Scarlett
Yvette
Unique Girl Names That Mean "Pretty"
Top pick: Jolie
You may think Angelina when you hear this name, but kids in your child's kindergarten class definitely won't. This classic French name means cheerful or pretty and it's due for a comeback.
Runners-up
Alanis
Amara
Anwen
Bella
Bonnie
Ingrid
Unique Sassy Girl Names
Top pick: Dakota
This fun girls' name means "friend" when translated in the Dakota language, and it's become a fashionable girls name thanks to stars like Dakota Fanning (who's birth name is Hannah Dakota Fanning).
Runners-up
Gemma
Kiara
Piper
Zoe
Unique Last Names for Girls
Top pick: Parker
Surname baby names are becoming more popular by the day, but while Parker is a unisex favorite, it's still outside the top 100 for girls. Actress Parker Posey is one of the most famous bearers of the name. Choose a last name from your family history—or any last name that resonates as a name for your baby.
Runners-up
Carson
Delaney
Ellison
Monroe
Sawyer
Tyler
Related: 15 Gender-Neutral Last Names That Make Cool First Names
Unique Flower Girl Names
Top pick: Poppy
Pretty sure it's impossible not to have a happy disposition with a nature name like Poppy. Take a queue from trendsetter Jamie Oliver who named all of his daughters flower names, including Petal Blossom, Daisy Boo, and Poppy Honey.
Runners-up
Daisy
Iris
Lilac
Rosemary
Tulip
Zinnia
Related: 82 Spring Baby Names We Love
Unique British Girl Names
Top pick: Lottie
Even before Princess Charlotte joined the royal family in 2015, this short form of Charlotte was in the top 100 names in the U.K. By 2021, Charlotte broke into the top 3 girl names in the states. Its adorable nickname, however, is still a unique choice.
Runners-up
Amber
Chloe
Florence
Freya
Ivy
Thea
Related: Nicknames for Girls That Are Cute Yet Classic
Unique Rainbow Baby Girl Names
Top pick: Iris
Looking for a name full of love after experiencing loss? Iris, the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow and depicted as a lovely young woman with golden wings, is a unique way to honor a miracle baby due to arrive after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Runners-up
Aisling, which means "dream"
Blythe, which means "happiness"
Gia, which means "gift from god"
Mireille, which means "blessing"
Related: 100+ Rainbow Baby Names With Miraculous Meanings
Unique French Girl Names
Top pick: Coco
Despite this sweet French girl name making an appearance in celebrity circles over the last few decades, Coco still hasn't yet cracked the top 1000 in the U.S., so this chic French name is sure to stand out.
Runners-up
Arielle
Colette
Cosette
Desiree
Helene
Lucie
Violette
Unique Spanish Girl Names
Top pick: Catalina
The lovely island retreat off the coast of L.A. may come to mind first, but Catalina is also an exotic alternative to the more traditional Catherine that brings to mind sunny days and a firey spirit.
Runners-up
Alondra
Antonia
Ella
Eliana
Emanuel
Isla
Unique Christian Girl Names
Top pick: Magdalene
Looking for an interesting way to get to that Maggie nickname? Magdalene, which is connected to one of the more interesting women in the New Testament, a follower of Jesus, means "tower."
Runners-up
Agnes
Cana
Clare
Delilah
Iana
Josie
Jovelle
Related: 81 Easter Baby Names Inspired by the Spring Holiday
Cute Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Paisley
This name has admittedly climbed into the top 100, but it's still a unique choice for parents looking for a cute-yet-classic name that isn't anything close to ordinary.
Runners-up
Amaya
Clover
Larissa
Luna
Primrose
Badass Unique Girl Names
Top pick: Arya
Arya aka the fierce sword fighter from the Stark clan in Game of Thrones is about as badass as it gets. A baby named Arya is sure to have a fierce, tenacious, noble spirit.
Runners-up
Prudence
Joplin
Athena
Related:
Unique Bohemian Girl Names
Top pick: Magnolia
The Grateful Dead song "Sugar Magnolia" may inspire some bohemian parents to pick this for their daughters. Think natural beauty imbued with a free spirit and a touch of chic.
Runners-up
Briar
Hazel
Laurel
Meadow
Nova
Indigo
Ever
Related: 100+ Sweet Southern Baby Names for Boys and Girls
Unique Southern Girl Names
Top pick: Oakley
Southern names capture the essence of sipping homemade lemonade on a sunny day. Inspired by famous and fierce sharpshooter Annie Oakley, this girl name pick is far from the top 100 but could see it rising as Olivia makes its departure.
Runners-up
Calpurnia
Clementine
Daphne
Flannery
Raleigh
Scout
Tulane
Related: 100+ Sweet Southern Baby Names for Boys and Girls
Unique Hipster Girl Names
Top pick: Olive
Another fun "O" name option, Olive is one of only four girl names starting with the vowel on the U.S. top 1000 list according to Nameberry. This name embodies a stylish, bookish, artsy vibe.
Runners-up
Farrah
Harlow
Pandora
Romy
Willow
Wren
Related: New Survey Reveals the 50 Most Cringeworthy Baby Names of 2021
Unique Royal Girl Names
Top pick: Octavia
Latin for "eighth," Octavia is a great alternative to the ever-popular Olivia but with a far more fascinating history. In the Roman Empire, Octavia was the sister of Octavian and the wife of Mark Antony.
Runners-up
Adelaide
Anastasia
Avalon
Diana
Rania
Sonja
Unique Girl Names From Greek Mythology
Top pick: Nyx
Greek mythology names have been having a moment and Nyx in particular has been rising in popularity. Associated with "night," this name packs a powerful goddess punch.
Runners-up
Andromeda
Daphne
Maia
Rhea
Related: 80 Cottagecore Names for Bucolic Babies
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