88 Enchanting Rare Baby Girl Names With Their Meanings
As a mom of 5 (including three beautiful girls), choosing a name for your baby girl is one of the most meaningful decisions you'll make. While popular and cute names have their charm, there's something special about giving your daughter a unique name that stands out. Research from Marquette University (just 20 minutes from where I live) even suggests that rare first names can influence perceptions and hiring decisions later in life.
Our list of 88 rare and beautiful baby girl names will help you discover the perfect name for your daughter. Whether you're looking for short and sweet names or names starting with V, each entry includes meaning, origin, and notable associations to guide your choice.
While you're preparing for your baby's arrival, don't forget to check out our complete baby registry checklist to ensure you have everything ready for your little one.
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Rare Baby Girl Names That Stand Out From the Crowd
1. ISOLDE
Meaning: Ice ruler or fair lady
Origin: Germanic, Old French
Association: Famous from the legend of Tristan and Isolde, a medieval romance about forbidden love.
2. ELOWEN
Meaning: Elm tree
Origin: Cornish
Association: A nature-inspired name gaining popularity in the UK, perfect for those who love botanical names.
3. VESPER
Meaning: Evening star
Origin: Latin
Association: Known from the Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale and linked to the peaceful evening prayers called "Vespers."
4. SABLE
Meaning: Black, sleek
Origin: French, Slavic
Association: Evokes images of elegance and mystery, inspired by the luxurious sable fur.
5. MARIGOLD
Meaning: Golden flower
Origin: English, Latin
Association: A vintage floral name that symbolizes warmth, creativity, and the beauty of nature.
6. CALLISTA
Meaning: Most beautiful
Origin: Greek
Association: Derived from the Greek Kallistos, this name is linked to the myth of Callisto, a nymph turned into a constellation.
7. SOLENE
Meaning: Dignified, solemn
Origin: French, Latin
Association: A chic and sophisticated name with a regal feel, often linked to elegance and grace.
8. ZEPHYRA
Meaning: West wind
Origin: Greek
Association: Feminine form of Zephyr, the Greek god of the west wind, symbolizing a gentle breeze.
9. EULALIE
Meaning: Sweet-speaking
Origin: Greek, French
Association: A lyrical name associated with poetry and music, famously used in an Edgar Allan Poe poem.
10. ODALYS
Meaning: Wealth, prosperity
Origin: Germanic, Spanish
Association: A rare yet stylish name with a modern and exotic appeal, often found in Spanish-speaking cultures.
11. THESSALY
Meaning: Region in Greece
Origin: Greek
Association: Inspired by an ancient and mythical region in Greece, adding a touch of historical depth.
12. INDIGO
Meaning: Deep blue
Origin: Greek, Latin
Association: A color name linked to creativity, spirituality, and uniqueness, often associated with free-spirited individuals.
13. CIRCE
Meaning: Bird
Origin: Greek
Association: A powerful sorceress from Greek mythology known for her enchanting and mysterious nature.
14. ZINNIA
Meaning: Flower name
Origin: Latin, German
Association: Named after the bright and resilient zinnia flower, symbolizing endurance and lasting friendship.
15. LIORA
Meaning: Light, my light
Origin: Hebrew
Association: A delicate and uplifting name with a spiritual and radiant quality, symbolizing brightness and hope.
16. AISLING
Meaning: Dream, vision
Origin: Irish
Association: A poetic and dreamy name often used in Irish literature and folklore.
17. SASKIA
Meaning: Saxon woman
Origin: Dutch, Germanic
Association: A strong and artistic name, famously borne by Rembrandt's wife.
18. FIORA
Meaning: Little flower
Origin: Italian
Association: A soft, romantic name reminiscent of nature's beauty.
19. BRIONY
Meaning: Climbing plant
Origin: Greek, English
Association: A botanical name made famous by Atonement's heroine, Briony Tallis.
20. EVADNE
Meaning: Pleasing one
Origin: Greek
Association: Found in Greek mythology, Evadne was a noblewoman connected to the gods.
21. ALOUETTE
Meaning: Lark (a type of bird)
Origin: French
Association: A whimsical and musical name, inspired by the famous French song Alouette.
22. MIREILLE
Meaning: To admire
Origin: French, Occitan
Association: A sophisticated and rare name commonly found in Southern France.
23. NOCTURNE
Meaning: Night music
Origin: Latin, French
Association: Evokes the elegance of nighttime and classical piano compositions, like Chopin's Nocturnes.
24. SERAPHINA
Meaning: Fiery, burning one
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Connected to celestial beings (seraphim) in religious texts, symbolizing passion and divinity.
25. ONDINE
Meaning: Little wave
Origin: Latin, French
Association: From European folklore, Ondine is a water nymph known for her beauty and mystery.
26. SAPPHIRA
Meaning: Sapphire
Origin: Hebrew, Greek
Association: A gem-inspired name symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and deep beauty.
27. AMARYS
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew, Greek
Association: A modern twist on Amara, embodying strength and grace.
28. REVERIE
Meaning: Daydream
Origin: French
Association: A dreamy and poetic name that evokes imagination and creativity.
29. CALISTA
Meaning: Most beautiful
Origin: Greek
Association: Shares origins with Callista but has a slightly different spelling, famously used by actress Calista Flockhart.
30. SOLARA
Meaning: Of the sun
Origin: Latin, Spanish
Association: A radiant name linked to warmth, energy, and the brilliance of the sun.
31. ASTORIA
Meaning: Like a hawk
Origin: Greek, English
Association: Evokes sophistication and grandeur, reminiscent of the famous Waldorf Astoria hotel.
32. SEREN
Meaning: Star
Origin: Welsh
Association: A celestial name growing in popularity for its simple yet elegant charm.
33. MAELYS
Meaning: Chief, princess
Origin: Breton, French
Association: A name with an air of nobility and strength, popular in France.
34. NOVALEE
Meaning: New field
Origin: American
Association: A modern and fresh-sounding name with a soft, lyrical feel.
35. LUMINA
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin
Association: Radiates warmth and brilliance, perfect for a baby who brings light into the world.
36. ALBA
Meaning: Dawn, white
Origin: Latin, Spanish
Association: A short yet powerful name symbolizing new beginnings.
37. CRESSIDA
Meaning: Gold
Origin: Greek
Association: A literary name from Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida," associated with beauty and tragedy.
38. NYX
Meaning: Night
Origin: Greek
Association: Inspired by the Greek goddess of the night, representing mystery and elegance.
39. AVELINE
Meaning: Hazelnut
Origin: French, Germanic
Association: A soft and melodic name that feels timeless yet modern.
40. INARA
Meaning: Ray of light, shining
Origin: Arabic, Persian
Association: A name with a luminous and powerful presence.
41. SAPPHIRE
Meaning: Precious gemstone
Origin: Hebrew, Greek
Association: Symbolizes wisdom, purity, and strength.
42. LILITH
Meaning: Night monster, ghost
Origin: Akkadian, Hebrew
Association: A mysterious and bold name with a deep mythological background.
43. ZORA
Meaning: Dawn
Origin: Slavic
Association: A powerful and radiant name symbolizing new beginnings.
44. VIRENA
Meaning: Peace, truth
Origin: Latin
Association: A rare and elegant name exuding grace and harmony.
45. NERISSA
Meaning: Sea nymph
Origin: Greek
Association: A Shakespearean name inspired by the ocean.
46. THALIA
Meaning: Blooming, flourishing
Origin: Greek
Association: One of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, associated with comedy and idyllic poetry.
47. ELODIE
Meaning: Foreign riches
Origin: French
Association: A melodic name with a musical quality, growing in popularity among those seeking elegant alternatives to common names.
48. OTTILIE
Meaning: Prosperous in battle
Origin: Germanic, French
Association: A vintage name with royal connections in European history, offering both strength and delicacy.
49. XIOMARA
Meaning: Ready for battle
Origin: Spanish, Basque
Association: A powerful and distinctive name with a strong presence, popular in Spanish-speaking regions.
50. EVOLET
Meaning: Little butterfly
Origin: American
Association: A modern invented name with a soft, ethereal quality that evokes transformation and beauty.
51. MARLOWE
Meaning: Driftwood
Origin: English
Association: A literary surname now used as a first name, sharing connections with playwright Christopher Marlowe.
52. CALLIOPE
Meaning: Beautiful voice
Origin: Greek
Association: The muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology, associated with eloquence and musical harmony.
53. FIORELLA
Meaning: Little flower
Origin: Italian
Association: A romantic, flowing name that captures the beauty and delicacy of flowering plants.
54. ESME
Meaning: Beloved, esteemed
Origin: French, Persian
Association: A concise yet elegant name with literary connections through J.D. Salinger's works.
55. LUNARIA
Meaning: Moon-related
Origin: Latin
Association: Named after the moonwort flower, evoking celestial beauty and mystery.
56. ACACIA
Meaning: Thorny tree
Origin: Greek
Association: A botanical name representing resilience and the golden beauty of acacia flowers.
57. RHIANNON
Meaning: Great queen, divine queen
Origin: Welsh, Celtic
Association: A mystical name from Welsh mythology, also known from the Fleetwood Mac song.
58. SONNET
Meaning: Little song
Origin: English, Latin
Association: A poetic name inspired by the 14-line verse form, symbolizing artistic expression.
59. LEOCADIA
Meaning: Bright, clear
Origin: Greek, Spanish
Association: A rare vintage name with roots in ancient Greece, associated with clarity of thought.
60. JESSAMINE
Meaning: Jasmine flower
Origin: Persian
Association: A fragrant floral name that's an elaborate alternative to Jasmine, with an air of nostalgia.
61. IANTHE
Meaning: Violet flower
Origin: Greek
Association: A mythological name meaning "purple flower," associated with beauty and transformation.
62. TALITHA
Meaning: Little girl
Origin: Aramaic
Association: A celestial name referring to a star in the Ursa Major constellation, with biblical connections.
63. PERDITA
Meaning: Lost
Origin: Latin
Association: A Shakespearean name from "The Winter's Tale," representing redemption and discovery.
64. SAOIRSE
Meaning: Freedom, liberty
Origin: Irish
Association: A powerful name with deep cultural significance in Irish history, pronounced "SEER-sha."
65. ARACELI
Meaning: Altar of heaven
Origin: Latin, Spanish
Association: A celestial name with religious undertones, popular in Hispanic cultures.
66. NAIRI
Meaning: Land of rivers
Origin: Armenian
Association: A melodic name with cultural significance, connected to ancient Armenia.
67. COSIMA
Meaning: Order, beauty
Origin: Greek, Italian
Association: An artistic name with cosmopolitan flair, famously borne by composer Cosima Wagner.
68. ROMILLY
Meaning: Roman settlement
Origin: French, Latin
Association: A place name with a romantic sound, blending historical depth with modern appeal.
69. TAMSIN
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Cornish
Association: A distinctive Cornish variation of Thomasina, embodying strength and individuality.
70. ZEPHRINE
Meaning: West wind
Origin: Greek
Association: The feminine form of Zephyr, evoking the gentle, refreshing qualities of the western breeze.
71. OPHIRA
Meaning: Gold
Origin: Hebrew
Association: A biblical name referring to a land of gold, symbolizing value and precious beauty.
72. DARYA
Meaning: Sea, ocean
Origin: Persian
Association: A flowing name that evokes the vastness and depth of the sea, popular in Middle Eastern cultures.
73. EULALIA
Meaning: Well-spoken
Origin: Greek
Association: A saint's name with a lilting, musical quality, symbolizing eloquence and grace.
74. FAUSTINE
Meaning: Lucky, fortunate
Origin: Latin
Association: A name with ancient Roman roots, associated with good fortune and prosperity.
75. LINNEA
Meaning: Lime tree, twinflower
Origin: Swedish
Association: A botanical name honoring Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy.
76. MARCELINE
Meaning: Little warrior
Origin: Latin, French
Association: A vintage name combining strength and elegance, with connections to the character from "Adventure Time."
77. YVAINE
Meaning: Evening star
Origin: French, Celtic
Association: A celestial name made popular by the novel and film "Stardust," symbolizing wonder and magic.
78. BELLAMY
Meaning: Beautiful friend
Origin: French
Association: Originally a surname, now used as a first name representing kindness and beauty.
79. OCTAVIA
Meaning: Eighth
Origin: Latin, Roman
Association: A classical name with aristocratic flair, connected to the sister of Emperor Augustus.
80. ZENOBIA
Meaning: Life of Zeus
Origin: Greek
Association: Named after the powerful queen of Palmyra, symbolizing intelligence and leadership.
81. LIRIENNE
Meaning: Lyrical, melodious
Origin: French
Association: A musical name evoking the beauty of poetry and song.
82. TEMPEST
Meaning: Storm, turbulent
Origin: English
Association: A dramatic nature name with Shakespearean connections, symbolizing passion and power.
83. CORISANDE
Meaning: Gold lily
Origin: Greek, French
Association: A rare floral name that combines elegance with a touch of medieval romance.
84. HALCYON
Meaning: Peaceful, tranquil
Origin: Greek
Association: Refers to the mythical bird that calmed the sea, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
85. MERRITT
Meaning: Boundary gate
Origin: English
Association: A surname-turned-first-name with a strong, determined quality.
86. PANDORA
Meaning: All-gifted
Origin: Greek
Association: From Greek mythology, representing curiosity and the unexpected gifts of life.
87. JOVIE
Meaning: Joyful
Origin: Latin
Association: A modern name with ancient roots, exuding happiness and vitality.
88. AMARANTHA
Meaning: Unfading flower
Origin: Greek
Association: A botanical name symbolizing immortality and everlasting beauty.
Rare Baby Girl Names: Final Thoughts
Finding a rare and beautiful name for your baby girl is a magical journey that balances uniqueness with meaning. The perfect rare name can be a wonderful gift to your daughter. Something special that reflects her individuality from day one. Whether you've fallen in love with a vintage treasure, an international gem, or a nature-inspired beauty, trust your instincts and choose a name that resonates with your heart. Remember, the most important quality of any name is the love and intention behind it! Ready to start your list of favorites?
