Girl Names Uncommon in the US
- Lykke
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"happiness, good fortune"Description:
Sweet Lykke, virtually unknown in English-speaking countries, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.
- Catarina
Origin:
Portuguese variation of KatherineDescription:
One of the most popular names of all time in Portugal and Brazil, with a romantic, lively sound. The main risk is confusion with other names that sound similar: Catalina, Katrina, and so forth. Caterina, with an "e," is more common in Italy.
- Siri
Origin:
Norse, diminutive of SigridMeaning:
"fair victory"Description:
Siri is a charming and lively Scandinavian name that is no longer on the table given the ubiquity of Apple's digital Siri. Too bad, because Siri -- along with variations Syrie and Cyrie -- is unique, enchanting, and adorable. But now taken.
- Victoire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
- Lilja
Origin:
Icelandic, Faroese, and Finnish variation of Lily; "lily"Meaning:
"lily"Description:
Cute and quirky Lily alternative.
- Arlet
Origin:
Spanish and Catalan variant of French ArletteDescription:
Arlet's is in the Top 100 in Spain, and this love is carrying over into the states as well, with Arlet being among the fastest-rising names of 2022. Related name Arleth is also red-hot, and was one of the fastest rising of the previous year in 2021, likely due to Telenovela star Arleth Teran. Arlet is also a character in the hit show "Infidels."
- Hedda
Origin:
Scandinavian, diminutive of HedvigDescription:
Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke names like Hedda Hare.
- Eline
- Safira
Origin:
Portuguese variation of Sapphira, GreekMeaning:
"sapphire"Description:
The Portuguese word for sapphire was formerly a Top 100 name in Portugal.
- Rocio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dewdrops"Description:
This name, which refers to Mary as the Virgin of the Dew, is all but unknown in the Anglo community, but popular enough in Hispanic families to put it in the U. S. Top 1000, at least until 2006.
- Blanca
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"white"Description:
More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.
- Mafalda
Origin:
Italian and Portuguese variation of MatildaDescription:
Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.
- Clemence
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClementMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Calm, composed, and chic.
- Cayetana
Origin:
Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"Person from Gaeta"Description:
A dramatic-sounding demonym for someone from the city of Gaeta, on the Mediterranean coast of Italy, with roots that stretch back to Ancient Rome, Cayetana is among the Top 100 Spanish baby names. It lends itself well to several sweet nicknames, such as Cay and Ana.
- Puck
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Puck, the mischievous sprite of Shakespeare, is a unisex name given more often to girls in The Netherlands and is also the name of one of the moons of Uranus, discovered in 1985 and named Puck for the Shakespearean figure.
- Azzurra
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"azure"Description:
This international color name, close enough to the English to be easily understood in the US or other English-speaking countries, ranks among the top names for girls in Italy.
- Faustine
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year.
- Aroa
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"era, time"Description:
Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.
- Lovisa
- Francisca
Origin:
Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca