Leave behind common girl names like "Rose" and "Lily" and find some uncommon but beautiful name ideas for your next heroine!
These names retain their femininity while being bold and unexpected! For this list, I've drawn on the names of goddesses, less common plant names, and unique variants on popular names.
1. Perenna
Meaning: everlasting, perennial, eternal, recurring
Origin: Latin
Nickname: Perry
In additional to the basic meaning, Perenna is associated with a Roman goddess: Anna Perenna. This Roman deity presented the circle of the year.
2. Elladine
Combination of the name "Ella" and the ending "dine". It is remoniscent of Claudine and Geraldine.
Meaning: shining, torch (from Greek Helen)
Nicknames: Ella, Ellie
3. Alyssum
Meaning: Alyssum plant
Origin: English
Nicknames: Alys, Allie
As a flower is means "worth beyond beauty” or “sweetness of soul”.
4. Pomona
Another Roman goddess name. Pomona was the goddess of fruit trees, fruitful abundance, plenty, gardens, and orchards.
Meaning: "fruit" from pomum
Origin: Latin
5. Sorrel
Meaning: Sorrel plant
Origin: English
Nickname: Rel
There are different types of "sorrel" plants including the garden sorrel and the wood sorrel.
The wood sorrel symbolises happiness, good fortune, and innocence.
6. Caliadne
Meaning: "beautiful and holy"
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Addie, Callie
This name belonged to a water nymph in Greek mythology.
7. Laurel
Meaning: Laurel (laurus nobiliis)
Origin: English
Nickname: Laurie
The laurel plant has a long history. A crown of laurels was often awarded in the ancient world to victors in athletic contests. Even today the laurel wreath is tied to victory.
8. Khione
The name of a Greek heroine. Khione was a demigoddess born to the Greek god Boreas and an Athenian princess. Boreas was the god of the North Wind who was said to blow in cold weather.
Meaning: "snowy"
Origin: Greek
9. Calanthia
Meaning: Calanthe
Origin: English
Nickname: Cal, Callie, Thea, Annie
This name is an elaborated form of Calanthe, a orchid. Its name originally comes from Greek meaning "beautiful flower" kalos + anthos.
10. Bryony
Meaning: the name of a climbing hedgerow plant with hairy leaves and red berries.
Origin: English
Nickname: Bree
This name comes from a vine. It's ultimate meaning goes back to Greek, from the word bryo "to swell, to sprout".
In Summary
Here were ten unusual girl names to inspire your next character! These focused on the cottagecore aesthetic, bringing in several nature themed names. Often these come in the form of Greek or Roman goddess and heroines. Or less common plant names.