The Most Unique Baby Girl Names Of 2021
So many parents out there want to give their little one a unique first name. While classics like Olivia, Amanda, and Emma are great go-to options, chances are there will be at least one other kiddo in your child's class with the same name — unless you want your daughter to go by Amanda F. or Emma R., you might want to consider names that are a bit on the uncommon side. But for parents who are considering more original names, it's hard to know where to start. While celebrities are often known for naming their kids very unique names, it's safe to say that naming your kid Apple or Bear is a little too out there. So where does the middle ground lie?
If you found yourself struggling to come up with unique baby girl names in 2021, you most likely weren't alone. A lot of parents are working overtime to come up with baby girl names that are original, but not completely bizarre. Don't worry if you still find yourself in that boat. We have you covered, and have done the legwork so you can have a complete guide to unique baby girl names that will impress, dazzle, and even inspire.
Hensley
You'll see a couple of common themes throughout this extensive list of unique baby girl names, but one of the more prominent commonalities is that more uncommon names tend to be on the gender-neutral side. This is great for parents who want to give their little kiddos freedom and flexibility in their gender identity, just as gender-neutral options are wonderful for striking an original tone. One such name is Hensley, a name of English origin that is known for walking the line between masculine and feminine.
As noted by Baby Names, the name is indicative of an area called Hensley, located in the United Kingdom, and as such means "Woody Clearing" — maybe parents who are fans of nature should consider this name, as it's a subtle nod to the great outdoors. The name Hensley has seen a slight increase in popularity in recent years, as names ending in -ley have become more and more popular, as reported by Nameberry. But for those who are fans of the unique aspect of this name, you'll be pleased to know that Hensley isn't as popular as other -ley names like Kinsley or Henley. Bonus: Hensley doesn't even register in the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 baby girl names.
Lorelai
Calling all "Gilmore Girls" fans — if the name Lorelai hasn't popped up on your list of unique baby girl name options, it absolutely should. Despite the popularity of the famed character played by Lauren Graham, the name Lorelai is fairly uncommon, and since it peaked in use in 2020, this year didn't see the name used as widely (good news to those looking for unique name options). According to the Social Security Administration, only 568 babies were given the name Lorelai in 2020, equating to about 0.032% of female births in the United States — so even when Lorelai was a "popular" choice, it was still criminally underrated.
If name meaning is an influencing factor for some of you soon-to-be parents out there, you should know that Lorelai is of German descent and is associated with "lurking" and "murmuring," according to Oh Baby Names. The outlet also noted that those given the name Lorelai are usually "intuitive," "idealistic," "independent," and "multi-talented" — if these are characteristics that you want your little one to embody, the name choice Lorelai might be a good place to start. Of course, nicknames can include Rory or Lori, both of which are adorable.
Effie
There's something really wonderful about cut, short names that can't be turned into a nickname. While name versatility can be nice at times, there's something to be said for consistency, and if you're looking for a name that's both unique and punchy, opt for Effie. Effie is not a name that you hear every day, and it's been on the decline since 1959, per Baby Names. In fact, since the year 2000, it's never breached the top 1,000 baby girl names in the United States per the Social Security Administration. As such, 2021 was the year to pick this name, and good news: The name will, of course, be up for grabs in 2022.
According to Nameberry, Effie is of Greek origin and means "pleasant speech" — given the name's status in literary history, this makes a lot of sense. Perhaps the most famous literary Effie is the flamboyant character from "The Hunger Games" series, brought to life on-screen by Elizabeth Banks. The Games' most glamorous individual, Effie is commonly associated with bravery, commitment, and amazing outfits — not a bad frame of reference for parents welcoming a little girl into the world.
Iris
We love a floral-themed name for a baby girl, but before you opt for Lily or Rose, you should consider Iris. There are some parents out there that might not vibe with this name, but Iris is perfect for those who want to allude to the beauty of nature without going for something so typical. And when we say that Iris is unique, we're not joking. According to the Social Security Agency, Iris was only used in 0.123% of births in the United States in 2020. The year just so happened to be when Iris peaked in popularity in the country since the year 2000, so while choosing Iris as a baby name will remain a unique choice, it's not so out of left field that your kiddo will get weird head nods whenever they introduce themselves.
The meaning behind the name Iris might just put this name on top for you, parents-to-be. According to Nameberry, Iris is a Greek name from mythology that means "rainbow," as in the goddess who served as a messenger between Hera and Zeus. Nameberry included that Iris is symbolic of "power and majesty" and the flower's three petals are supposed to represent "faith, wisdom and valor."
Kennedy
If you're the parent of a brand new baby girl and you're just stumped on picking a name for her, why not source inspiration from history? For the moms and dads out there that consider themselves history buffs, the unique baby name Kennedy was a solid choice in 2020 and 2021, but it is still rare enough — especially for a girl — that the name stands on its own two feet.
Of course, Kennedy is indicative of the political family in the United States. The source of presidential hopefuls and leaders alike, the Kennedys are quite literally the closest thing the United States has to royalty. While it's typically known as a surname, Kennedy is a great choice for a baby girl's name, as it's got old-school flair as well as new age application.
According to Mama Natural, choosing the name Kennedy for a little girl is indicative of "the modern parent" and the name could very easily instill a "sense of passion and drive." And as far as stats are concerned, only 0.191% of girls were named Kennedy in 2020, with the name peaking in 2014 per the Social Security Administration, so this name is a winner.
Sloan
If you're really looking for a unique name that will stand the test of time for your little girl, opt for Sloan. It is such an original name, both for 2021 and for the coming year, but there's something about it that still feels familiar. It turns out that Sloan is rooted in ancient Irish tradition, and while it didn't pop up in the name charts in the United States until 2011 (as per Oh Baby Names), it's dated back hundreds of years in Ireland.
The name Sloan, according to The Bump, means "warrior" — a great omen to pass on to a little girl. Her generation will surely be one of change, so why not give her every tool you can? The name is also a great option for parents who want something a little bit more on the gender-neutral side, only adding to the equality and passion that is associated with the moniker. According to the Social Security Administration, only 431 girls born in the United States in 2020 were named Sloan, meaning that it was only used by 0.025% of parents. So, if unique, timeless, and powerful are aspects you want to incorporate in a name, Sloan should be on your list.
Quinn
Single syllable names are always great. They're quick, to the point, and are often associated with sharp people with a good head on their shoulders. If you are interested in single syllable names and want a more original option for your little girl, 2021 made it clear that Quinn is a great option. Apart from the character Quinn in the ever-so-loved show, "Glee," Quinn isn't a name that's heard every day.
The Social Security Administration noted that in 2020, the name Quinn was only given to 0.175% of little girls born in the United States, which equates to just over 3,000 babies. Not a lot, when you think about the grand scheme of things. While Quinn has been known to be used as a boy's name for some time, it's slowly started to creep up the girl baby name charts in more recent years, and it finally made a splash for female babies in 2010. With a gradual increase over time, it's safe to say that this name will age extremely well. Oh Baby Names also noted that since the name includes a Q, it's not only "unique and off-beat" but is an "all-around highly 'intelligent'" choice for a name."
Georgie
There is nothing cuter than a baby name that ends in an -ie or -y sound. Think about it — baby Charlie, baby Lucy, baby Seeley — they all sound so cute. But if you're looking for a unique baby girl name that ends in an -ie or -y sound that isn't Lucy or Sophie (no offense to all the lovely ladies with those names, we're big fans of you), why not opt for Georgie? It is an adorable name, and there are a couple reasons why it's included on our list.
First and foremost, the name is so unique that it didn't even break into the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States last year according to the Social Security Administration, so it's safe to say that your baby Georgie will be the only girl in her class with her unique moniker. It can be a nickname for more formal names such as Georgeanna or Georgia, but we love the name Georgie when it stands on its own. Georgie is a great choice if you're nature-inclined, too. According to The Bump, it means "farmer," so if you're one with the land, this name could hit the right note.
Elodie
There's something to be said for names that feel timeless. While searching for unique baby names, sometimes the old-school feeling associated with options like Charlotte or Madeleine is lost, but that's not the case with this name: Elodie. Just saying it out loud sounds lovely, and if you want to carry anything from 2021 into the new year with you, it should be this baby name. Elodie is a French name, but it is sourced from an ancient Germanic saying, "ali od." According to Mom.com, the phrase translates to "foreign riches," which seems like a great name association.
Elodie has been used throughout literature, so there is a frame of reference for the name, and has even been used in shows such as "Hart of Dixie." And if you're not sold yet on just how unique this name is, let us give you some stats. The Social Security Administration reported that only 398 baby girls were named Elodie last year, making up just 0.023% of all female births in the United States. If this name isn't on your baby list, it should be.
Remi
There's a fine line between unique and popular baby names, and if you find yourself wanting to toe that line, Remi is the 2021 baby name that you should highly consider. When we think of this particular moniker, the adorable main character of Disney's "Ratatouille" might come to mind. You might even think of reigning TikTok queen, Remi Bader. Either inspiration, or influences outside of pop culture, could make you seriously consider this unique baby girl name. What's more is that Remi is slowly rising in popularity, so this name hits the mark of being both original and current.
As noted by Nameberry, Remi breached the top 1,000 baby names in the United States in 2013 and peaked in popularity in 2020. Used both as a boy and girl name, Remi first made waves in the late 1990s, but has only grown with time. In fact, last year was the most popular year on record for Remi, with the Social Security Administration reporting that 0.125% of baby girls took home the name. That's still only 2,185 baby girls, mind you, so this name is still plenty unique for those looking for a stand-out name.
Genevieve
Sometimes, the best way to find unique baby girl names is to go back in time. 2021 saw an increase in older, turn-of-the-century names being used more regularly — in fact, researchers at MyHeritage found that 19th century names were "booming" this year. So if you want to take anything from 2021 with you into the new year, the baby girl name Genevieve is worth your consideration.
As noted by Oh Baby Names, the name Genevieve experienced a peak in popularity between 1900 and 1920, and while it dipped way down in the 1960s, there's a slow Genevieve resurgence coming to fruition. So why should you opt for this name? Not only is it a beautiful name rooted in French, but it comes with a number of nicknames. From Gen to Genna to Vivi to Genny, Genevieve allows for its recipient to really tailor the name to their own wishes.
And while there has been a reignited interest in this name, Genevieve is still incredibly uncommon. In the United States, only 0.096% of baby girls were named Genevieve in 2020, according to the Social Security Administration, proving that the name has held onto its uniqueness.
Farrah
We know what you're thinking: Farrah Fawcett. And indeed you are correct for thinking of the 1970s icon known for her unique name and iconic hair. If you're a flower-power fan of all things 1970s and Fleetwood Mac and happen to be expecting a baby girl, why not give the name Farrah ample consideration? 2021 certainly saw a resurgence of the iconic decade's aesthetic thanks to TikTok (we're thinking of all of you who purchased roller skates this year), so it's no surprise that Farrah made it onto our list.
As noted by Oh Baby Names, Farrah as a name has largely stayed out of the spotlight, and only made a comeback briefly in 2010 when Fawcett died of cancer. The outlet noted, "American parents were reminded of her pretty moniker and began using it on their baby daughters again," but the name didn't largely stick in the charts. But we think it's due for a comeback, because not only was it only used by 0.015% of parents last year (via the Social Security Administration), but it also means "joy." Who wouldn't want the iconic decade of the 1970s, joy, and good vibes associated with their little girl?
Darby
This is for the parents who really don't want their little girl to share a name with anyone else. If you consider yourself a true original, why not opt for the name Darby for your little one? Darby is not only a super cute name — we love any name that ends with the -ie or -y sound — but it last peaked in the United States all the way back in 2002, meaning that it's been out of circulation for a while. Why not make 2021 (and 2022, because we're rounding out the year) the time to bring it back?
As noted by The Bump, Darby is of British origin and is indicative of deer. It also stems from Derby, a common last name in the United Kingdom. With that in mind, it makes sense that Darby isn't heard every day, but isn't that the whole point of this list? We aim to please. The name Darby is so underused that the Social Security Administration doesn't have any data on it past 2002. At that time, only 0.012% of little girls were given the name, which rounds out to 235 births, and the name only peaked at 0.013% two years prior.
Everleigh
This collection truly wouldn't be complete without the name Everleigh. We may have saved our favorite for last, because this name hits all the marks. As noted by Mama Natural, Everleigh is a wonderful choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, names including "v" are trending in 2021 — think of Evelyn and Ava — but it also has the -ie and -y sound at the end, making it just as phonetically familiar as the ever-popular name, Emily.
The name also has a "vibrant, youthful feel" to it, as it gives a sense of freedom and joyfulness. At the same time, however, Everleigh also sounds like a timeless name that would be perfect for a woman in any walk of life. Bonus — if you're a parent who really doesn't like nicknames, Everleigh should certainly be on your list of considerations, as shortening this name is pretty tricky.
While Everleigh is certainly seeing a spike in use, it's still very low on the Social Security Administration's list. Last year, only 0.160% of baby girls in the United States were named Everleigh, and that marked the most frequent use of the name on record.