100 Rare and Meaningful Names for Girls That Truly Stand Out

If you’re looking for a name that stands out from the crowd—something elegant, poetic, and rich with meaning—rare girl names are a beautiful choice. These names often have roots in mythology, nature, history, or lesser-known cultures, offering a distinctive identity without sacrificing grace or depth. Whether you’re naming a baby, a character, or just exploring unique options, this list of 100 rare girl names and their meanings celebrates the beauty of the uncommon.

Rare Girl Names Inspired by Nature

Aven – A delicate wildflower

Elowen – “Elm tree” (Cornish)

Sorrel – “Reddish brown” or a flowering herb

Darya – “Sea” (Persian)

Yara – “Small butterfly” or “water lady” (Arabic/Brazilian)

Marzanna – Slavic goddess of winter

Neve – “Snow” (Latin/Irish)

Araluen – “Water lily place” (Australian)

Zephyra – “West wind” (Greek)

Eira – “Snow” (Welsh)

Rare Mythological & Fantasy-Inspired Girl Names

Lyra – Constellation and musical lyre

Nyx – Greek goddess of night

Isolde – “Ice ruler” (Arthurian legend)

Ondine – Mythical water spirit

Thalassa – “Sea” (Greek myth)

Elara – One of Zeus’s lovers in Greek mythology

Anouk – “Grace” (French, rare variant of Anna)

Maelis – “Chief” or “prince” (Breton origin)

Astraea – Greek goddess of justice and stars

Serilda – “Battle strength” (Teutonic origin)

Rare Vintage Girl Names Making a Comeback

Ottilie – “Prosperous in battle” (German)

Eulalie – “Well-spoken” (French/Greek)

Vespera – “Evening star” (Latin)

Liora – “Light” (Hebrew)

Ione – “Violet flower” (Greek)

Sybil – “Prophetess”

Romilly – “From the Roman settlement” (French origin)

Amoret – “Little love” (literary origin)

Zinnia – A vibrant flower name

Adira – “Strong” or “noble” (Hebrew)

Elegant and Unusual Girl Names

Ariadne – “Most holy” (Greek)

Sunniva – “Sun gift” (Old Norse)

Calista – “Most beautiful” (Greek)

Isabeau – Medieval form of Isabel

Delphina – “From Delphi”

Seraphina – “Fiery one” (Hebrew/Latin)

Evelune – Combination of Eve + moon

Azenor – “Star of the sea” (Breton legend)

Tindra – “To sparkle” (Swedish)

Meliora – “Better” or “ever improving” (Latin)

Rare Girl Names with Soft, Poetic Vibes

Arlise – “Pledged for God”

Lazara – “God is my help”

Senara – A Cornish saint’s name

Ismena – “Knowledgeable” or “wise”

Olivienne – A delicate spin on Olivia

Nerina – “Sea nymph” (Italian)

Elspeth – Scottish form of Elizabeth

Aviva – “Spring” or “fresh” (Hebrew)

Calypso – Mythical nymph; free-spirited

Ailith – “Seasoned warrior” (Anglo-Saxon)

Rare Girl Names from Around the World

Sakura – “Cherry blossom” (Japanese)

Noor – “Light” (Arabic)

Zuleika – “Brilliant beauty” (Arabic/Persian)

Priya – “Beloved” (Sanskrit)

Tove – “Beautiful” or “dove” (Scandinavian)

Sanne – “Lily” (Dutch)

Yuna – “Kindness” (Japanese)

Ekaterina – “Pure” (Russian variant of Katherine)

Lilou – “Lily” (French)

Amaya – “Night rain” (Basque)

Invented or Modern Rare Girl Names

Avenleigh – Invented modern floral name

Zaralie – Unique twist on Zara

Lunara – Moon + aura

Bravina – Invented name symbolizing strength

Sorelle – Sisterly or soulful

Ellowyn – Variation of Elowen

Kiora – Modern-sounding with Polynesian influence

Orella – Possibly from Latin “to speak”

Nolene – Rare Irish-inspired variant

Thessaly – A poetic region in Greece

Bold and Rare Girl Names with Power

Zenobia – “Life of Zeus”

Valora – “Bravery” or “worth”

Ivara – “Archer” or warrior-like

Cressida – “Golden” (Greek myth + Shakespeare)

Tempest – “Storm” or “strong force”

Athalia – “The Lord is exalted”

Rixie – “Queen” or “ruler”

Maelisande – “Strength and protection”

Ysolde – Arthurian variation of Isolde

Evadne – “Pleasant” or “water nymph”

Celestial & Magical Rare Girl Names

Astraia – “Starry” or “divine”

Selene – Moon goddess

Andromeda – “Ruler of men”; also a constellation

Luneth – Moon + breath

Soraya – “Star cluster” (Persian origin)

Elaria – “Bright star”

Orlaith – “Golden princess” (Irish)

Novae – Plural of nova; bursting stars

Estara – Star-inspired creation

Altalune – “Over the moon” (Latin-inspired)

Gentle Yet Uncommon Girl Names

Minette – “Faithful defender” (French origin)

Claryssa – “Bright and clear”

Sabella – Rare variant of Isabella

Aveline – “Desired” or “hazelnut”

Liora – “Light”

Esméa – Invented blend of Esmé

Fiora – “Flower” (Italian origin)

Lunaria – A silvery moon-shaped flower

Anoura – “Grace and light”

Caelia – “Heavenly”

Rare girl names are perfect for those who seek something meaningful, unexpected, and beautiful. Whether you’re inspired by myth, nature, stars, or pure invention, these 100 rare girl names and their meanings offer a world of creativity and individuality. From Soraya to Thessaly, each name brings its own magic—waiting to be discovered and cherished.