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100 Edgy Gothic Girl Names: For Your Dark Princess

Updated
Get dark and magical with these gothic girl names your mysterious baby girl will love.

Everyone wants to be a goth these days. The gothic world is very popular, from vampire movies to Halloween costumes and monster movies. How do you ensure your little one has the best pick among gothic girl names?

Our dark and entertaining name list has all kinds of gothic names for girls. You’ll discover their meanings, where they came from, and how popular they are today. Get edgy (and stay cute) with the best gothic female names the dark side can muster.


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100 Beautiful Gothic Names for Girls

Find the prettiest and most unforgettable gothic girl names to treat the baby girl you’re expecting.

Adrienne

Adrienne is the female form of the Latin Adrian, referring to a person from Hadria in Northern Italy. It also means “dark” in Italian and Spanish. Adrienne only arrived in the U.S. in the 1960s and is somewhat common there now for emo girls.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From Adria
  • Pronunciation: Ey-driy-YEHN
  • Variations: Adriene, Adreanne, Adrianne
  • Namesakes: Adrienne Barbeau, an American actress known for the film Swamp Thing (1982). Adrienne Rich, an American poet whose book A Change of World was selected for the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award.
  • Popularity: Adrienne is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,182nd for girls in 2021.
Traditional, Pretty

Amara

In Italian, “amara” means “bitter.” It also means “grace” in Nigeria and other African countries. Amara is best known for meaning “deathless,” an opposite approach to many gothic girl names.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Immortal
  • Pronunciation: Ah-MAA-raa
  • Variations: Amarah
  • Namesakes: Amara Asavananda, a Thai actress and the second runner-up of Miss Thailand 1953. Amara Walker, an American journalist and news anchor for CNN This Morning Weekend.
  • Popularity: Amara is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Syria, and ranked 144th for girls in the U.S. in 2014.
Powerful, Unusual

Amethyst

Amethyst comes from the Greek “amethystos.” It also means “intoxicate” since the amethyst stone was supposed to keep its wearer from being drunk. The amethyst’s purple color is one little gothic girls adore.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Purple gemstone
  • Pronunciation: AEM-ah-Thihst
  • Variations: Amethyste, Amethist
  • Popularity: Amethyst is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 879th in 2022.
Modern, Pretty

Asura

Asura also means “powerful” in Hindi. In Hindu mythology, asuras were demons in opposition to the suras gods. The evil asuras were said to have three heads, three faces, and four to six arms.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Spiritual
  • Pronunciation: Ah-SUH-rah
  • Popularity: Asura is rare worldwide and mostly used in India.
Unique, Mythical

Autumn

Autumn comes from the French “autompne,” originating with the Latin “autumnus.” As a name, Autumn first appeared in the 14th-century when it also meant “season of harvest.”

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fall season
  • Pronunciation: AAH-Tahm
  • Variations: Autom, Autum
  • Namesakes: Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, a New Zealand rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights. Autumn Chiklis, an American actress known for the TV series The Shield (2002 to 2008).
  • Popularity: Autumn is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 63rd for girls in 2022.
Cool, Magical

Badriyah

Badriyah also refers to the second year of the Prophet Muhammad’s stay in the holy city of Medina. It mainly refers to a person “resembling” the full moon, which is as mysteriously gothy as it gets.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Full moon
  • Pronunciation: BAA-driy-Yaa
  • Variations: Badriyyah, Badria
  • Popularity: Badriyah is rare worldwide and primarily used in Oman, where it ranked 24th in 2014.
Magical, Unusual

Belinda

Belinda is based on the Old German Betlinde, which also means “bright linden tree.” It began charting among U.S. names in 1940 and peaked at 142nd in 1961. Belinda is sometimes another variation of the Italian Bella, meaning “beautiful.”

  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Bright serpent
  • Pronunciation: Beh-LIHND-ah
  • Variations: Belindah, Bellinda Bellynda, Belynda
  • Namesakes: Belinda Carlisle, an American singer and of the Go-Go’s. Belinda Vernon, a member of the New Zealand parliament from 1996 to 2002.
  • Popularity: Belinda is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Uncommon, Formal

Belladonna

Belladonna may refer to a “beautiful woman,” but it’s also associated with the medieval Latin “blādōna,” meaning “nightshade.” Nightshade was once used cosmetically, but it’s more commonly known as the poisonous flower.

  • Origin: Italian
  • Meaning: Beautiful lady
  • Pronunciation: Behl-ah-DAAN-ah
  • Variations: Belladona
  • Popularity: Belladonna is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Pretty, Rare

Bellatrix

Bellatrix is the female form of the Latin “bellator,” meaning “warrior.” It’s also a star in the Orion constellation. Bellatrix is a combination of Bella and Beatrix used for the creepy Harry Potter character called a “Death Eater.”

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Female warrior
  • Pronunciation: BEHL-aa-Triks
  • Popularity: Bellatrix is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Venezuela.
Powerful, Magical

Bernina

Bernina is a variation of the French and German Bernadette. It’s also the highest mountain range in the Alps and could be a unique choice for your little bear cub.

  • Origin: Latin, German
  • Meaning: Strong, brave bear
  • Pronunciation: Ber-NIY-nah
  • Popularity: Bernina is extremely rare worldwide, with only two occurrences in 2014, mainly in Indonesia.
Cute, Pretty
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Branwen

Branwen derives from the Welsh “bran,” meaning “raven,” and “(g)wen,” meaning “fair.” It means “beautiful raven” in Welsh. Branwen was also the feminine heroine in one of the Mabinogion folk tales.

  • Origin: Welsh
  • Meaning: Blessed raven
  • Pronunciation: BRAEN-Wehn
  • Variations: Branwenne, Branwyn, Branwynn, Branwynne
  • Namesakes: Branwen Gwyn, a Welsh TV presenter of the children’s program Planed Plant. Branwen Okpako, a Nigerian–Welsh German filmmaker, best known for The Education of Auma Obama.
  • Popularity: Branwen is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Wales, ranking 1,162nd in 2014.
Traditional, Mythical

Briar

Briar also refers to a “thorny bush of wild roses” and “brambles.” It’s used more for girls but ranks in the top 1,000 boy names in the U.S. Briar-Rose was the original name of the Sleeping Beauty fable.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Thorn
  • Pronunciation: BRIY-aar
  • Variations: Bryer
  • Namesakes: Briar Nolet, a Canadian actress appearing in The Next Step series.
  • Popularity: Briar is rare worldwide, primarily used in New Zealand, and ranked 513th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Unusual, Cool

Cat

Cat comes from the Latin “cattus,” for “cat.” It also means “pure” in Greek but is a cute way to name your young girl after your favorite black cat.

  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Cat (animal)
  • Pronunciation: KAET
  • Variations: Kat
  • Namesakes: Cat Stevens (known as Yusef Islam), a British singer-songwriter inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Charlyn Marshall (known as Cat Power), an American singer-songwriter whose 2012 album Sun debuted at number 10.
  • Popularity: Cat is rare worldwide and mostly used in Vietnam, where it ranked 380th in 2014.
Cute, Informal

Chandra

Chandra means “shining moon” in Hindi. It’s based on the Sanskrit “čandra,” meaning “pleasant” and “moon.” Chandra also belongs to figures in Hindu mythology, including a Suryavanshi king.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Goddess of the moon
  • Pronunciation: CHAEN-Drah
  • Variations: Chandrah
  • Namesakes: Chandra K. West, a Canadian actress known for The Salton Sea film. Chandra Wilson, an American actress known for the TV series Grey’s Anatomy.
  • Popularity: Chandra ranked 952nd worldwide, is mainly used in India and ranked 18th in Qatar in 2014.
Pretty, Mythical

Circe

Circe comes from the Greek “kirke,” meaning “bird.” In Greek mythology, Circe was a sorceress from the island of Aeaea. She transformed men into animals with her magic wand and is a great representative of gothic female names.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Bird
  • Pronunciation: SAHR-Siy
  • Variations: Circee, Circey, Circie, Circy, Cyrcee
  • Popularity: Circe is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Magical, Mythical

Cordelia

Cordelia uses the Latin root “cor,” meaning “heart.” It’s sometimes associated with the French “coeur de lion,” meaning “heart of a lion.” Cordelia is the tragic heroine in King Lear, which earns her a place on our list of dark names for girls.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Little heart
  • Pronunciation: Kaor-DIY-liy-Ah
  • Variations: Cordelea, Cordellia, Cordilea, Cordilia
  • Namesakes: Cordelia Strube, a Canadian playwright and novelist awarded the City of Toronto Book Award in 2016. Cordelia Cameron, an Australian actor and the first woman theater manager in Australia.
  • Popularity: Cordelia is rare worldwide, mostly used in Nigeria, and ranked 1,013th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Formal, Vintage

Corvina

Corvina is a much less common feminine version of Corvin. It was a surname given to people with dark hair or skin who resembled a raven. Corvina also means “fish” in Portuguese and is a variety of wine grapes.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Like a raven
  • Pronunciation: Kaor-VIHN-ah
  • Popularity: Corvina is extremely rare worldwide, with only 61 occurrences in 2014, mainly in Indonesia.
Formal, Rare

Crimson

Crimson is simply the sexiest color of red and the opposite of anything boring and pastel. It’s more common for girls, and the color is associated with love, passion, courage, and vigor.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Deep red color
  • Pronunciation: KRIHM-Zuwn
  • Variations: Crimsen, Crimsun, Crymson
  • Popularity: Crimson is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Unusual, Modern

Crow

Crow is based on the Old English “crāwa,” once used as a nickname for those with dark hair who looked similar to a raven. It’s used more for boys than girls, but a crow can still represent transformation and change.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Blackbird
  • Pronunciation: KROW
  • Variations: Crowe
  • Popularity: Crow is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Nigeria.
Rare, Unusual

Damienne

Damienne is a Greek variation of Damia. It means “tamer” and “domesticated,” which adds to its gothic fantasy feel among gothic names for girls.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: To tame
  • Pronunciation: DAE-miy-Ehn
  • Variations: Damiane, Damianne
  • Namesakes: Damienne Merlina, an American actress known for the film Grand Theft Auto V (2013).
  • Popularity: Damienne is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Benin, ranking 609th in 2014.
Formal, Rare
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Danica

Danica also means “from Denmark.” In ancient Slavic mythology, Danica was a goddess who personified a star that appeared at dawn. She was the Sun’s younger sister and was also called Venus.

  • Origin: Slavic
  • Meaning: Morning star
  • Pronunciation: DAEN-iy-Kaa
  • Variations: Danika
  • Namesakes: Danica McKellar, an American actress known for The Wonder Years from 1988 to 1993.
  • Popularity: Danica is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Serbia, and ranked 4th in Montenegro in 2014.
Pretty, Mythical

Delilah

In the Bible, Delilah famously deceives Samson, cutting his hair and robbing him of his strength. It also means “weakened,” but your little girl can feel edgy with this badass gothic name.

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Delicate
  • Pronunciation: Dih-LAY-Lah
  • Variations: Dalialah, Dalyla, Delilia, Delylah
  • Namesakes: Delilah Gore, a Papua New Guinean member of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea from 2012 to 2017. Delilah DiCrescenzo, an American distance runner who competed at the 2009 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
  • Popularity: Delilah is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 58th for girls in 2021.
Traditional, Pretty

Desdemona

Desdemona also means “unlucky.” It’s best known as the tragic character in Shakespeare’s Othello. Desdemona was never ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names. But it is one of the moons of Uranus.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Ill-fated
  • Pronunciation: Dehz-dah-MOWN-ah
  • Variations: Desdamona, Dezdemona
  • Popularity: Desdemona is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Italy.
Formal, Vintage

Draconia

Draconia is the female form of Drake or Drago. It may bring Dracula to mind, but the word “draconian” means “excessively harsh” and “severe” for girls who like the dark side.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Dire
  • Pronunciation: Draa-KOHN-iy-Ah
  • Popularity: Draconia is extremely rare worldwide, with only one occurrence in 2014 in Sweden.
Cool, Rare

Drusilla

Drusilla originated as the Roman surname Drusus, meaning “dew.” In the world of dark female names, Drusilla is most recognizable as a psychic vampire in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Dew, fruitful
  • Pronunciation: Druw-SIHL-ah
  • Variations: Druscilla, Drucilla
  • Namesakes: Drusilla Modjeska, an Australian writer and winner of the 2000 Australian Literature Society Gold Medal for Stravinsky’s Lunch. Drusilla Wills, a British actress appearing in Alfred Hitchcock’s Murder! (1930).
  • Popularity: Drusilla is very rare and primarily used in the U.S.
Formal, Vintage

Dusk

Dusk also means ‘twilight” and “soul.” The Czech variation appears as “Duska.” Dusk is associated with the darkening night sky and makes a name like no other for your young night queen.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Between day and night
  • Pronunciation: DUHSK
  • Variations: Duska
  • Popularity: Dusk is extremely rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Cool, Unusual

Edana

Edana is a rarely used feminine version of the Irish Aidan, the name of a 17th-century Irish saint. It also means “noble” in German but is perfect for your fiery little princess.

  • Origin: Gaelic
  • Meaning: Fire
  • Pronunciation: Eh-DAEN-ah
  • Namesakes: Edana of Ireland, an Irish monastic in the 6th-century whose name means “little fire” or “little flame.”
  • Popularity: Edana is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Rare, Powerful

Electra

Electra comes from the Greek Ēlektra, meaning “amber” and “incandescent.” In Greek tragedy, Electra was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, but she can shine as your baby girl too.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Shining
  • Pronunciation: Ah-LEHK-Trah
  • Variations: Elektra
  • Namesakes: Electra Waggoner, an American rancher and heiress to the Waggoner Ranch in Electra, Texas. Electra Havemeyer Webb, an American antique collector and founder of the Shelburne Museum in Vermont.
  • Popularity: Electra is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Argentina, and ranked 488th in Cyprus in 2014.
Mythical, Powerful

Elvira

Elvira also means “fair” in Spanish. Elvira ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names until 1981 but is still very popular in Sweden today. Elvira is at her most gothy because of the famous horror movie presented called Elvira, “Mistress of the Dark.”

  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Truth
  • Pronunciation: EhL-VAEY-rah
  • Variations: Elvirah, Elvyra
  • Namesakes: Elvira Abdić-Jelenović, a Bosnian-Croatian president of the Labour Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2013. Elvira Kurt, a Canadian comedian and host of the game show Spin Off.
  • Popularity: Elvira ranked 712th worldwide and is mostly used in Russia, where it ranked 101st in 2014.
Magical, Popular

Elysium

In ancient Rome, Elysium was called the “home of the blessed after death.” Also called “The Elysian Fields,” it was a place for the righteous in the afterlife.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Paradise
  • Pronunciation: Eh-LIH-siy-Ahm
  • Popularity: Elysium is extremely rare worldwide, with only 26 occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Unusual, Magical
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Endora

Endora also means “fountain” or “spring” in Hebrew. It’s most famously the name of Samantha’s mother on the 1960s TV series Bewitched.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Light
  • Pronunciation: Ehn-DAOR-ah
  • Variations: Endorah, Endorra, Endorrah
  • Popularity: Endora is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Magical, Unique

Eternity

Eternity also means “neverending” or “infinite.” It originally came from Latin, representing the idea of “forever,” which is always on any gothic girl’s mind.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Everlasting
  • Pronunciation: Iy-TER-nah-Tiy
  • Variations: Eternitie, Eternyti, Eternyty
  • Popularity: Eternity is extremely rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Modern, Rare

Feronia

Feronia derives from the Latin “Fērōnĭa,” meaning “patron of freed slaves.” In Roman mythology, Feronia was the goddess of forests and wildlife. She represented freedom and fertility in the most magical place around.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Untamed
  • Pronunciation: Fih-ROWN-iy-Ah
  • Variations: Feronea, Feroniah, Feroniya
  • Popularity: Feronia is extremely rare worldwide, with only 60 occurrences in 2014, mainly in Indonesia.
Mythical, Powerful

Garnet

Garnet is the Middle English word for the red gemstone resembling a pomegranate. It’s also an occupational surname referring to a “seller of hinges.” Garnet is the most evocative of once-popular Victorian jewel names like Ruby and Pearl.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Dark red gemstone
  • Pronunciation: GAAR-Niht
  • Variations: Garnete, Garnetta, Garnette
  • Popularity: Garnet is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 927th in Canada in 2014.
Cool, Unusual

Gossamer

Gossamer also means “goose summer” in Old English. It refers to the thin substance in spiderwebs, which makes it the most unusual of gothic girl names.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Fine silky thread
  • Pronunciation: GOS-ah-Mehr
  • Popularity: Gossamer is extremely rare worldwide, with only six occurrences in 2014, mostly in Australia.
Rare, Unusual

Grey

Grey was originally the surname Gray, once used for anyone with gray hair. It’s also a place name in France, but Grey represents all that is not black or white in the gothic world.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Gray-haired
  • Variations: Gray, Greye
  • Namesakes: Grey DeLisle (born Erin Grey Van Oosbree), an American voice actress appearing on The Simpsons since 2019.
  • Popularity: Grey is rare worldwide, mainly used in Malawi, and ranked 1,853rd for girls in the U.S. in 2014.
Modern, Unique

Hecate

Hecate is based on the Greek “hekatos,” meaning “worker from afar.” In Greek mythology, Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft, the underworld, and its demons. It also means “willpower” for little girls who aren’t afraid of witches.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Far-reaching
  • Pronunciation: HHEH-kah-Tiy
  • Variations: Hekate
  • Popularity: Hecate is extremely rare worldwide, with only 33 occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Mythical, Powerful

Hesperia

Hesperia is also the ancient Greek name for Italy, meaning “western land.” It’s the name for one of the Hesperides, the daughters of Hesperus, that personified the evening star. Hesperia is the even more ancient Greek way of calling your daughter Venus.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Evening star
  • Pronunciation: HHeh-SPEE-riy-Ah
  • Popularity: Hesperia is extremely rare worldwide, with only 65 occurrences in 2014, mostly in Brazil.
Mythical, Pretty

Hestia

In Greek mythology, Hestia is the goddess of hearth and home, like the Roman goddess Vesta. She’s also the goddess of chastity to keep the mythical world pure for your baby girl.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Hearth, fireside
  • Pronunciation: HHES-tiy-Ah
  • Variations: Hestea, Hesteah, Hestiah, Hestya
  • Popularity: Hestia is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Mythical, Rare

Ianira

Ianira also means “lady of the Ionians,” referring to characters in Greek mythology. Ianeira was one of the Oceanids, who were water-nymphs. In the anime series Black Clover, she is also a goth character called Ianira Erebus.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Enchantress
  • Pronunciation: Ay-ah-NEER-ah
  • Variations: Ianeira
  • Popularity: Ianira is extremely rare worldwide, with only 75 occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil.
Unusual, Magical
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Isolde

Isolde comes from the Old German “īs,” meaning “ice” and “hiltja,” meaning “battle.” It may also mean “she who is gazed upon.” Isolde is best known as the tragic lover of Tristan in the Wagner opera Tristan and Isolde.

  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Iron ruler, ice ruler
  • Pronunciation: Ih-SOWL-Dah
  • Variations: Izolde
  • Namesakes: Isolde Kostner, an Italian Alpine skier and silver medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Isolde Ries, a German member of the Landtag of Saarland since 1990.
  • Popularity: Isolde is rare worldwide, mostly used in Germany, and ranked 310th in Austria in 2014.
Vintage, Powerful

Jinx

Jinx originated with the Latin “jynx,” meaning “magical charm” or “curse.” It’s more popular for girls who want dark female names with a twist.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Spell, charm
  • Pronunciation: JINKS
  • Variations: Jinxx, Jynx, Jynxx
  • Popularity: Kinx is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cute, Unusual

Jocasta

Jocasta derives from the Greek Iokaste, based on “kaustikos,” meaning “burning.” In Greek mythology, Jocasta was Oedipus’s wife and can be as memorable as a full moon for your baby girl.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Shining moon
  • Pronunciation: Jhow-KAES-tah
  • Variations: Jocastah, Joccasta, Jockasta
  • Popularity: Jocasta is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Pretty, Mythical

Juliet

Juliet is the English version of the French Juliette, a diminutive of Julie. It’s the most dramatic of gothic female names, with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as inspiration.

  • Origin: English, French
  • Meaning: Youthful
  • Pronunciation: Jhuw-liy-EHT
  • Variations: Juliette, Juillet
  • Namesakes: Juliet Landau, an American actress known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Juliet Huddy, an American co-anchor of Good Day Wake Up on Fox 5 NY.
  • Popularity: Juliet ranked 1,231st worldwide, is mostly used in Uganda, and ranked 379th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Traditional, Popular

Kalma

Kalma is the Finnish god of death and decay. It also means “calm” in Hindi and Sanskrit, which is why it’s used more in India and Nepal these days.

  • Origin: Finnish, Hindi
  • Meaning: Goddess of the dead
  • Pronunciation: KAEL-Mah
  • Popularity: Kalma is very rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Unique, Rare

Keir

Keir was originally a masculine version of the Irish Ciarán. The surname was based on a place in Dunblane, Ireland, called Keir. It was given to boys (and now girls) with a darker complexion or simply a dark soul.

  • Origin: Gaelic
  • Meaning: Dark, dusty
  • Pronunciation: KIHR
  • Variations: Kear, Keare, Keire
  • Popularity: Keir is very rare worldwide, primarily used in England, and ranked 957th in Scotland in 2014.
Unusual, Cool

Ketura

Ketura is based on the Hebrew “qeṭûrâh,” meaning “incense.” In the Bible, Ketura (spelled Keturah) was Abraham’s concubine and second wife after Sarah died.

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Fragrance
  • Pronunciation: Keh-TUH-raa
  • Variations: Keturah, Keturra
  • Popularity: Ketura is rare worldwide and mostly used in Nigeria.
Pretty, Uncommon

Lamya

In Libyan mythology, Lamya was a Libyan queen who transformed herself into a mythological creature. It means “shining” or “radiant” in Arabic. The Bosnian form Lamija was the most popular name for newborn girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2012.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Dark complexion
  • Pronunciation: LAA-MYaa
  • Variations: Lamia, Lamyae, Lamiya, Lamija
  • Namesakes: Lamya Al-Mugheiry, a Kenyan-English singer-songwriter with the R&B group Soul II Soul.
  • Popularity: Lamya is rare worldwide, mainly used in Saudi Arabia, and ranked 278th in Bhutan in 2014.
Unusual, Mythical

Layla

Layla also means “dark” and was traditionally given to baby girls born during the night. Layla also means “daughter of the night.” In the Jewish Talmud, Layla (spelled Lailah) is the name of a mystic angel.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Night
  • Pronunciation: LEY-Lah
  • Variations: Lailah, Laylah, Laila, Leyla
  • Namesakes: Layla Balabakki, a Lebanese journalist known for the book Ana Ahya (I Live) in 1958. Layla McCarter, an American boxer and the WIBF welterweight champion since 2018.
  • Popularity: Layla is rare worldwide, primarily used in Bangladesh, and ranked 25th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Traditional, Pretty

Lilith

Lilith comes from the Akkadian “lilîtu,” a feminine word meaning “demon” or “spirit.” In Mesopotamian mythology, Lilith was Adam’s first wife. She was banished from the Garden of Eden for her deception.

  • Origin: Mesopotamian
  • Meaning: Belonging to the night
  • Pronunciation: LIHL-Ihth
  • Variations: Lilithe, Lillyth, Lillith
  • Namesakes: Lilith Naggar, an Israeli Arabic-language TV host of the Israeli children’s series “The Flying Carpet” in the 1970s. Lilith Stangenberg, a German actress appearing in the 2016 film Wild.
  • Popularity: Lilith is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 267th for girls in 2021.
Formal, Magical
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Lisha

Lisha is a traditionally Latin short form for names like Alicia and Felicia. It also means “sweet,” “honest,” and “truth,” but your Lisha can come alive at midnight if she prefers.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Darkness before midnight
  • Pronunciation: LIY-Shaa
  • Variations: Lishe, Lysha
  • Popularity: Lisha is rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Cute, Unique

Lola

Lola was originally a Spanish nickname for Dolores and is another title for the Virgin Mary, meaning “Our Lady of Sorrows.” Lola is also a diminutive of the German Aloisia and a more serious version of Lolita.

  • Origin: Spanish, Latin
  • Meaning: Sorrows
  • Pronunciation: LOW-Lah
  • Namesakes: Lola Beeth, an Austrian opera singer and member of the Vienna Opera Company. Lola Bravo, the first Mexican female photographer involved in the Mexican renaissance.
  • Popularity: Lola is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Uzbekistan, and ranked 312th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Informal, Cute

Luna

In Roman mythology, Luna was the divine personification of the Moon. Luna has grown in popularity in many countries lately, partly because of the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Moon
  • Pronunciation: LUW-Naa
  • Variations: Lunah
  • Namesakes: Gertrude Vachon (known as Luna Vachon), an American-Canadian wrestler posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Luna Boyd, an American actress for the NBC/Netflix series Manifest.
  • Popularity: Luna is rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 17th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Informal, Mythical

Lycia

Lycia was an ancient province of Asia Minor, now in modern-day Turkey. It also means “happy” and “hopeful” in Latin and “wolf” in Greek. Lycia is the name of an American darkwave band, covering all things gothic and historical.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: From Lycia
  • Pronunciation: LAEY-Shah
  • Variations: Licia
  • Namesakes: Lycia Naff, an American actress appearing on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Lycia Trouton is a Northern Irish-Canadian artist known for the Linen Memorial in 1999.
  • Popularity: Lycia is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Brazil.
Unique, Pretty

Maeve

Maeve comes from the Old Irish Medb, meaning “she who rules.” In Irish mythology, Maeve was the Queen of Connacht, also known as the queen of the fairies.

  • Origin: Irish
  • Meaning: Intoxicating
  • Pronunciation: MEYV
  • Variations: Maev, Maiv
  • Namesakes: Maeve Hillery, the first lady of the 6th President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery, from 1976 to 1990. Maeve Murphy, a Northern Irish filmmaker and winner of the Soka Art Award in 2004.
  • Popularity: Maeve is rare worldwide, primarily used in Ireland, and ranked 124th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Traditional, Mythical

Magena

Magena means the “coming moon.” It also derives from the Hebrew “māḡēn,” meaning “shield” and “protector,” along with “to cover” and “defend.”

  • Origin: Native American
  • Meaning: New moon
  • Pronunciation: Maa-GEH-Naa
  • Popularity: Magena is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Papua New Guinea.
Unusual, Pretty

Mara

Mara also means “of the sea.” In the Bible, Naomi uses the name Mara to grieve the death of her husband and sons. This most ancient of dark names for girls has ranked in the U.S. top 1,000 since the 1950s.

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bitterness
  • Pronunciation: MAA-Rah
  • Variations: Marrah, Mahra
  • Namesakes: Mara Hvistendahl, an American writer whose book Unnatural Selection was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize. Mara Brunetti, an Italian synchronized swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
  • Popularity: Mara is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 2nd in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014.
Traditional, Powerful

Marcelina

Marcelina also means “dedicated to Mars.” It’s a diminutive for Marcella. Marcelina is inspired by the Roman god Mars, the god of war and fertility, which strengthens this formal name.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: War-like
  • Pronunciation: Maar-sey-LIY-Naa
  • Variations: Marcellina, Marcelline
  • Namesakes: Marcelina Darowska, a Polish nun beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
  • Popularity: Marcelina is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Mexico, and ranked 1,218th in Italy in 2014.
Powerful, Formal

Midnight

Midnight also refers to “the middle of the night.” It comes from the Old English “middre niht” and is a romantic, super rare way to call up the night for your mysterious girl.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: 12 o’clock at night
  • Pronunciation: MID-Nayte
  • Namesakes: Midnight (born John McDonald), an American musician and vocalist of the heavy metal band Crimson Glory.
  • Popularity: Midnight is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Zambia.
Cool, Rare

Mina

Mina is a pet name for the German Wilhelmina. It also means “everybody” in Japanese and “royalty” in Greek. Mina was the famous heroine who couldn’t resist vampires in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

  • Origin: German, Arabic
  • Meaning: Love
  • Pronunciation: MIY-Nah
  • Variations: Minah, Minna, Myna
  • Namesakes: Mina Popović, a Serbian volleyball player for OK Crvena Zvezda. Mina Kimes, an American journalist and a senior writer at ESPN.
  • Popularity: Mina ranked 178th worldwide, is mainly used in India and ranked 589th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Informal, Cute
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Morticia

Morticia was originally an American word for “mortician.” It uses the Latin root “mort,” meaning “death.” American cartoonist Charles Addams invented Morticia in his comic, which inspired The Addams Family.

  • Origin: American
  • Meaning: Mortician
  • Pronunciation: Mohr-TIH-shaa
  • Popularity: Morticia is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Cool, Formal

Naenia

Naenia also means “divinity of memorials” and “theology of burial.” In Roman mythology, Naenia is the goddess of funerals and is the most originally gothic of dark names for girls.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Incantation
  • Pronunciation: NEHN-iy-Ah
  • Variations: Naenea, Naeniah
  • Popularity: Naenia is extremely rare worldwide, with only 16 occurrences in 2014, mostly in Brazil.
Unique, Mythical

Noir

Noir also means “dark.” It began as a French surname for anyone with dark eyes, skin, or hair who came from Italy, Spain, or North Africa. Your little Noir might love to wear black, even if you choose it for her middle name.

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Black
  • Pronunciation: No-AHR
  • Popularity: Noir is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 1,091st in Jordan in 2014.
Cool, Magical

Nyx

In Greek mythology, Nyx was a goddess who was a literal personification of the night. She was the only goddess Zeus feared, so why not pass on her power to your goddess of the night?

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Night
  • Pronunciation: NAHKS
  • Popularity: Nyx is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Mexico.
Cool, Uncommon

Ombra

Ombra also means “shade.” It’s inspired by the French word “ombre,” meaning “shaded.” Ombre is a color technique where a darker color slowly fades into a lighter shade.

  • Origin: Italian
  • Meaning: Shadow
  • Pronunciation: OEM-Brah
  • Variations: Ombre
  • Popularity: Ombra is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the Philippines.
Unique, Modern

Ophelia

Ophelia began as the ancient Greek “ōphéleia,” meaning “aid.” It’s most recognized as Shakespeare’s tragic heroine Ophelia in “Hamlet.” If Ophelia is too formal for your baby girl, you can also call her Leah or Lee.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Benefit
  • Pronunciation: Ow-FIY-lyaa
  • Variations: Opheliah, Ophelya, Ophilia
  • Namesakes: Ophelia Marie, a Dominican cadence-lypso singer called “Dominica’s Lady of Song.” Ophelia Benson, an American author and editor of The Philosophers’ Magazine.
  • Popularity: Ophelia is rare worldwide, mainly used in Ghana, and ranked 321st for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Pretty, Formal

Orenda

Orenda also means “magical powers” in Iroquois. It refers to the “extraordinary invisible power” of the divine and is the New York State-based Iroquois word for God.

  • Origin: Native American
  • Meaning: Great spirit
  • Pronunciation: Ow-REHND-ah
  • Variations: Orendah
  • Namesakes: Orenda Fink, an American musician and member of the duo Azure Ray.
  • Popularity: Orenda is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Unique, Rare

Ostara

In Germanic mythology, Ostara is the goddess of springtime, fertility, and the dawn. It derives from the Old German for “Easter.” Among gothic names for girls, Ostara was the name of an occult publication to inspire the magic of the dawn.

  • Origin: German
  • Meaning: Dawn
  • Pronunciation: Ohs-TAAR-ah
  • Popularity: Ostara is extremely rare worldwide, with only 39 occurrences in 2014, mostly in Indonesia.
Unusual, Mythical

Ozul

Ozul may be the most obscure choice for dark names for girls. In addition to Hebrew, it has actual Gothic origins as well, also meaning “shadow.”

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Shadow
  • Pronunciation: Oh-ZUHL
  • Popularity: Ozul is extremely rare worldwide, with only 46 occurrences in 2014, mainly in Indonesia.
Cool, Rare

Pandora

In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first mortal woman who was given a mysterious box while being told not to open it. It’s made up of the Greek “pan,” meaning “all” and “doron,” meaning “gift.” Pandora also means “she who sends up gifts” – perfect for the baby girl who is your all-time favorite present.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: All gifts
  • Pronunciation: Paen-DOW-rah
  • Variations: Pandorra, Panndora, Pandorah
  • Namesakes: Pandora Clifford, an English actress appearing on Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Pandora Gibson-Gomez, a Bahamian comedian after whom the Pandora Gibson-Gomez Award for Excellence in Drama is named.
  • Popularity: Pandora is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s still uncommon.
Vintage, Formal
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Perdita

Perdita comes from the Latin “perditus,” meaning “lost.” It also specifically refers to a “lost woman.” Shakespeare invented Perdita for his heroine in A Winter’s Tale, which might as well be gothic in nature.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Lost
  • Pronunciation: Per-DIY-taa
  • Variations: Perditah, Perditta, Perdyta
  • Namesakes: Perdita Weeks, a British actress in the 2018 series Magnum P.I. Perdita Felicien, a Canadian hurdler and silver medalist at the 2010 World Indoor Championships.
  • Popularity: Perdita is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Ghana.
Uncommon, Unusual

Phaedra

Phaedra is based on the Greek “phaidros,” meaning “bright.” It also means “glowing” and “splendid.” In Greek mythology, Phaedra was Minos’s daughter and Theseus’s wife.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Bright
  • Pronunciation: FAY-Drah
  • Variations: Phaidra, Phadra, Phadrah, Phedra
  • Namesakes: Phaedra Nicolaidis, an Australian actress appearing in the TV series Outriders. Phaedra Parks, an American TV personality on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
  • Popularity: Phaedra is very rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 661st in Cyprus in 2014.
Mythical, Pretty

Rain

Rain derives from the Old English and German “regn.” It’s gentler than Ragen, and represents the place where gothic female names meet hippie names.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Abundant blessing from above
  • Pronunciation: REYN
  • Variations: Raen, Raine, Rayne
  • Namesakes: Rain Graves, an American horror/fantasy author and the 2002 Bram Stoker Award winner for Best Poetry Collection. Rain Pryor, an American actress and daughter of comedian Richard Pryor, appearing on the TV series Head of the Class.
  • Popularity: Rain is rare worldwide, primarily used in Afghanistan, and ranked 1,431st for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Cool, Modern

Raven

Raven also means “dark-haired” or “wise.” It comes from the Old English “hræfn,” meaning “raven.” The raven is known for its black feathers and cleverness. No other raven is as gothic as the one found in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Blackbird
  • Pronunciation: REY-Vahn
  • Variations: Raeven, Raiven, Ravenn, Rayven
  • Namesakes: Raven Symoné, an American actress who appeared on the Cosby Show and is a recipient of five NAACP Image Awards.
  • Popularity: Raven is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 289th for girls in 2022.
Cool, Magical

Ravette

Ravette is an English surname for a “raven-like” person. It also means “justice” or “friendly” in Latin, which is the best kind of raven.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Raven like
  • Pronunciation: Rah-VEHT
  • Popularity: Ravette is extremely rare worldwide, with only 11 occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Cute, Unique

Rue

Rue means “regret” in English and “street ” in French. It means “friend,” “companion,” and “neighbor” in Hebrew as a diminutive of Ruth. Rue is also a herb that features bluish leaves, the color of the gothic depths.

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Regret
  • Pronunciation: RUW
  • Variations: Rhue, Roo, Rou, Ru
  • Namesakes: Rue McClanahan, an American actress known for The Golden Girls (1985 to 1992).
  • Popularity: Rue is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,739th for girls in 2021.
Cute, Unusual

Sabrina

Sabrina once referred to someone “from Cyprus” or near the Severn river. Sabrina is the name of a Welsh river and a Celtic maiden, but you probably know her best as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Legendary princess
  • Pronunciation: Sah-BRIYN-ah
  • Variations: Sabreena, Sabrena, Sabrinah, Sabryna
  • Namesakes: Sabrina Brazzo, a principal Italian ballet dancer with La Scala in Milan. Sabrina Ricciardi, an Italian member of the Senate of the Republic since 2018.
  • Popularity: Sabrina ranked 937th worldwide, is mostly used in Bangladesh and ranked 397th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Pretty, Magical

Salem

Salem also means “peaceful” and “perfect.” Salem is the biblical name for Jerusalem. It’s ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names since 2019. Your little girl can be inspired by the Salem witches, whether in life or myth.

  • Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
  • Meaning: Complete, safe
  • Pronunciation: SEY-Lehm
  • Variations: Seleme
  • Namesakes: Salem Mitchell, an American model known for her facial freckles associated with LA Ford Models.
  • Popularity: Salem ranked 1,737th worldwide, is mainly used in the United Arab Emirates and ranked 318th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Magical, Cool

Saoirse

Saoirse first became popular in Ireland in the 1920s during the Irish political revolution. It also means “liberty” and was used more in Ireland until it recently entered the top 1,000 U.S. names in 2022.

  • Origin: Gaelic
  • Meaning: Freedom
  • Pronunciation: SUR-shaa
  • Variations: Saoyrse
  • Namesakes: Saoirse Ronan, an Irish-American actress known for The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). Saoirse Noonan, an Irish footballer for Durham in the English FA Women’s Championship.
  • Popularity: Saoirse is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Ireland, and ranked 989th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Powerful, Unique

Sapphire

Sapphire comes from the Greek “sappheiros,” which originally referred to lapis lazuli. It’s the traditional birthstone of September and is known for its dark blue gothic undertones.

  • Origin: Latin, Greek
  • Meaning: Dark blue gemstone
  • Pronunciation: SAEF-Ayr
  • Variations: Saphire, Sapphyre, Saphyre
  • Namesakes: Ramona Lofton (known as Sapphire), an American author whose novel Push was adapted into the 2009 film Precious. Sapphire Elia, an English actress appearing in the soap opera Emmerdale.
  • Popularity: Sapphire is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,099th for girls in 2022.
Unusual, Modern
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Scarlett

Scarlett (as Scarlet) was once an English occupational surname for medieval fabric dyers. It arrived on the U.S. names list in 1940 and has been very popular since the 1990s. The color scarlet represents courage, passion, and love.

  • Origin: French
  • Meaning: Red
  • Pronunciation: SKAAR-Leht
  • Variations: Scarlet, Skarlette
  • Namesakes: Scarlett Johansson, an American actress and the world’s highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019. Scarlett Moffatt, the English winner of season 16 of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016.
  • Popularity: Scarlett is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 20th for girls in 2021.
Pretty, Traditional

Shadow

Shadow is another word for “shade,” or the places where the sun doesn’t reach. From a 1930s radio character called The Shadow to Shadow of the Vampire, the name abounds in gothic entertainment.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Shade from sun
  • Pronunciation: SHAA-Dow
  • Variations: Shaddo, Shadoe, Shadowe
  • Popularity: Shadow is rare worldwide and primarily used in Saudi Arabia.
Modern, Uncommon

Solanine

Solanine is the most unusual, literal name of the poison found in the berries of European black nightshade flowers. It’s all but extinct as a name, yet it can make a resurrection as the darkest of gothic girl names.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Poisonous substance in nightshade
  • Pronunciation: SOW-lah-NEEN
  • Popularity: Solanine is extremely rare worldwide, with only one occurrence in 2014 in England.
Rare, Cool

Storm

Storm may also derive from the Old Norse “stormr,” meaning “an uproar blow” or “gale.” It’s a powerful force to contend with in the worlds of light or darkness.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Tempest
  • Pronunciation: STOHRM
  • Variations: Stormm, Storme
  • Namesakes: Storm Constantine, a British science fiction and fantasy author known for the Wraeththu series. Storm Huntley, a Scottish TV presenter with the STV Glasgow Riverside Show.
  • Popularity: Storm is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,486th for girls in 2022.
Powerful, Unique

Tabitha

Tabitha is composed of the Arabic “tabhyetha,” meaning “gazelle.” It’s most known for good witch Samantha Stephens’ daughter Tabitha on the 1960s TV series Bewitched.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Beauty, grace
  • Pronunciation: TAEB-ih-Thah
  • Variations: Tabbytha, Tabithah, Tabbitha, Tabytha
  • Namesakes: Tabitha Soren, an American reporter for MTV News. Tabitha Tsatsa, a Zimbabwean runner who competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
  • Popularity: Tabitha is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Kenya, and ranked 1,735th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Pretty, Magical

Thora

Thora is the ancient Norse thunder goddess whose name relates to Thor, the son of Odin. It also means “Thor’s struggle” and was the wife of the famous Danish king Ragnar Lodbrok.

  • Origin: Scandinavian
  • Meaning: Thunder goddess
  • Pronunciation: THAOER-ah
  • Variations: Tora
  • Namesakes: Thora Birch, an American actress known for American Beauty (1999). Thora Bjorg Helga, an Icelandic actress known for the film Metalhead.
  • Popularity: Thora is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 758th in Denmark in 2014.
Powerful, Mythical

Titania

Titania also means “great one” in Greek. It’s based on the Greek “titánes,” meaning “revenge” and “punishment.” In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, the daughters of the giant race of Titans are the Titanias. It’s also the mischievous queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Giant
  • Pronunciation: Taey-TEY-niy-Ah
  • Popularity: Titania is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Mythical, Powerful

Tristessa

Tristessa also means “bold, sad woman.” Tristessa could be the female version of the tragic hero Tristan, with enough sadness for any list of dark female names. It may be a combination of Trista and Vanessa.

  • Origin: Italian, Gaelic
  • Meaning: Sadness
  • Pronunciation: Trihs-TESS-ah
  • Variations: Tristezza
  • Popularity: Tristessa is extremely rare worldwide, with only 24 occurrences in 2014, mainly in England.
Pretty, Vintage

Twilight

Twilight comes from the Middle English “twyelyghte,” made up of “twi-,” meaning “half” and‎ light. It refers to the “half-light” of dusk, but you might know it from the Twilight series, which is all about vampires and love.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Dusk
  • Pronunciation: TWAY-Layt
  • Popularity: Twilight is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Unusual, Cool

Velonia

Velonia is a very ambiguous name that may simply be a combination of “Val” and “onia.” It may refer to Wallonia in Belgium, but we know that gothic names for girls are where shadows reside.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Shadow valley
  • Pronunciation: Veh-LOW-niy-Ah
  • Variations: Vellonia, Valonia
  • Popularity: Velonia is extremely rare worldwide, with only 86 occurrences in 2014, mostly in the Philippines.
Pretty, Unique
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Vespera

Vespera originated with the Latin “vesper,” meaning “evening.” It also means “evening tide” and “of the evening.” The Vespers are the evening prayers said daily in the Catholic church.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Evening Star
  • Pronunciation: Veys-PEH-rah
  • Popularity: Vespera is extremely rare worldwide, with only ten occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Unusual, Magical

Victoria

Victoria is the feminine equivalent of Victor. In Roman mythology, Victoria is the goddess of victory, like the Greek goddess Nike. It’s been one of the most popular U.S. girls’ names since 1900 and won’t disappoint you.

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Victory
  • Pronunciation: Vihk-TOW-riy-Ah
  • Variations: Victoriah, Victorria, Viktoria, Vicktoria
  • Namesakes: Victoria Pendleton, a British track cyclist and gold medalist at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Victoria Tolbert, the First Lady of Liberia from 1971 to 1980.
  • Popularity: Victoria ranked 206th worldwide, is primarily used in Nigeria and ranked 58th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Formal, Traditional

Violet

Violet comes from the Old French Violete, based on the Latin “viola,” meaning “purple.” The Violet flower is associated with death and resurrection as the prettiest of dark names for girls.

  • Origin: Latin, French
  • Meaning: Blue/purple flower
  • Pronunciation: VAEY-Leht
  • Variations: Viollet, Viollette, Vyolet
  • Namesakes: Violet Attlee, the English first lady to Prime Minister Clement Attlee from 1945 to 1951. Violet Carson, a British actress appearing in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.
  • Popularity: Violet is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 17th for girls in 2023.
Pretty, Vintage

Whisper

Whisper comes from the Old English “hwisprian,” meaning “to mutter” or “to murmur.” It’s hardly used as a name but is a lovely middle name surprise for your soft-voiced baby girl.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Soft voice
  • Pronunciation: WIHS-Per
  • Variations: Whysper, Wisper, Wysper
  • Popularity: Whisper is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Zimbabwe.
Modern, Rare

Winter

Winter was originally a German word meaning “time of water.” It’s ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. girls’ names since 2012. Winter has been in the top 400 names since 2011, so bring on the cold!

  • Origin: English, German
  • Meaning: Winter (season)
  • Pronunciation: WIHNT-er
  • Variations: Wintar, Wintr, Wynter
  • Namesakes: Winter Vinecki, an American marathon runner who placed third in the 2013 Antarctica Marathon. Winter Zoli, an American actress known for FX’s TV series Sons of Anarchy.
  • Popularity: Winter is rare worldwide, primarily used in Zambia, and ranked 344th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Magical, Pretty

Wren

Wren is the English word for the songbird. It has ranked in England and Wales’s top 500 girls’ names since 2014. Sir Christopher Wren was a 17th-century British architect known for the Gothic style, so Wren isn’t just super cute.

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Songbird
  • Pronunciation: REHN
  • Variations: Wrene, Wrenn
  • Namesakes: Wren Blackberry, an American children’s fiction author known for the Métrico Mesh series.
  • Popularity: Wren is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 250th for girls in 2021.
Cute, Unique

Xylia

Xylia also means “wood dweller” and “from the forest.” It’s a Spanish name for girls meaning “queen” or “ruler,” so your little queen of the forest can certainly stand out.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Woodland
  • Pronunciation: ZIY-Liy-aa
  • Variations: Xilia, Xiliah, Xilya
  • Popularity: Xylia is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Pretty, Unusual

Zakira

Zakira also means “remembrance.” It’s the Arabic female form of Zechariah, meaning “God has remembered,” so it makes an impressive start for your baby girl.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Speaker
  • Pronunciation: Zaa-KIY-Rah
  • Popularity: Zakira is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 837th in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014.
Pretty, Unique

Zenobia

Zenobia is derived from the Greek Zenos. It also means “force of Zeus” and “life of Zeus,” so it is focused on the supreme Greek deity. Zenobia means “father’s ornament” in Arabic, which is another connection to the highest being.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Of Zeus
  • Pronunciation: Zeh-NOW-biy-Ah
  • Variations: Zenobiah
  • Namesakes: Zenobia Shroff, an Indian-American actress known for the 2017 film The Big Sick. Zenobia Galar, a Dominican painter and board member of the Dominican College of Plastic Artists.
  • Popularity: Zenobia is rare worldwide, mainly used in Peru, and ranked 429th in Bolivia in 2014.
Powerful, Mythical

Zephyr

Zephyr refers to the seasonal west wind controlled by the ancient Greek god Zephyrus. It’s more popular for boys but definitely makes a strong statement for dynamic little girls.

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: West wind
  • Pronunciation: ZEHF-ihr
  • Variations: Zefir
  • Namesakes: Zephyr Wright, an African-American civil rights activist and personal chef for President Lyndon Johnson from 1942 until 1969.
  • Popularity: Zephyr is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Israel, ranking 1,900th in 2014.
Powerful, Mythical
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About the Author

Maryana Vestic

Maryana Vestic is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and food photographer with a background in entertainment Business Affairs. She studied film at NYU, Irish Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, and has an MFA in Creative Writing Nonfiction from The New School. She loves cooking, baking, hiking, and horror films, as well as running a local baking business in Brooklyn with her boyfriend.
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