AHEAD: The ultimate list of exotic baby girl names for 2025.

Get ready for a huge list of over 200 exotic girl names along with their meanings and current popularity.

I tried to give you lots of variety, keeping in mind that exoticness is totally subjective!

This is, in part, because there are multiple meanings and interpretations of the word exotic:

• of foreign origin or character;
• strikingly unusual / exquisitely unique;
• fresh, new, and cool; and
• relating to a tropical paradise.

Towards the end, peep my preditcions for which exotic girl names will go viral in 2025!

Earthy exotic girl names

These exotic baby names are inspired by plants, trees, animals, and land.

If this isn’t your vibe, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Acacia

• Name meaning: Feathery trees and shrubs in the pea family.
• Popularity: This exotic A name isn’t ranking.

Aitana

• Name meaning: A Spanish mountain range.
• Popularity: #217

Anahi

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings such as immortal, flower-like beauty, one who answers, speaker.
• Popularity: #462

Ayala

• Name meaning: Hillside or pasture. Female deer in Hebrew.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t popular in the U.S. but is popular in Israel.

Cassia

• Name meaning: Cinnamomum cassia is an evergreen tree most commonly known as Chinese cinnamon.
• Popularity: This unusual C name isn’t ranking.

Giada

• Name meaning: Italian for Jade.
• Popularity: This international name hasn’t ranked since 2013.

Indigo

• Name meaning: Blue or Indian dye.
• Popularity: #964

Keziah or Kezia

• Name meaning: The Hebrew term for the spice tree, Cassia.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked in the top 1000.

Oliana or Oleana or Oleanna

• Name meaning: A poisonous evergreen shrub with beautiful flowers.
• Popularity: None of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Sahara

• Name meaning: Desert.
• Popularity: This rare name is not ranking.

Samara

• Name meaning: A winged seed that falls from a tree. We used to stick these on our noses as kids!
• Popularity: #259

Sequoia

• Name meaning: A redwood tree of California.
• Popularity: This unusual name is not ranking.

Tamar or Tamara

• Name meaning: Date palm tree.
• Popularity: Tamara hasn’t ranked since 2009. Tamar is the most popular girls’ name in Israel.

Topaz

• Name meaning: Birthstone for the month of December.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

Yahara

• Name meaning: A river in Wisconsin. Catfish river.
• Popularity: This rare water name isn’t ranking.

Zariah or Zariyah or Zaria

• Name meaning: Radiance, blooming flower, or God remembers.
• Popularity: Zariah ranks #460, Zariyah ranks #638, and Zaria ranks #756.

Zinnia

• Name meaning: Colorful flower.
• Popularity: This nature-inspired baby name isn’t ranking.

If you like these earthy exotic girl names you might also like this list of tree names or this huge list of nature names.

Sea and sky-inspired exotic girl names

These exotic baby names have meanings related to the ocean and the heavens above.

If this isn’t your thing, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Araceli

• Name meaning: Altar of the sky.
• Popularity: #803

Aurelia

• Name meaning: Golden one. Also a type of jellyfish.
• Popularity: #371

Avianna or Aviana

• Name meaning: Bird.
• Popularity: Avianna ranks #562 and Aviana ranks #758.

Elara

• Name meaning: The 8th largest moon of Jupiter. In Greek mythology, Elara was the name of one of Zeus’s lovers and the mother of the giant Tityos.
• Popularity: This E name isn’t ranking.

Galia or Gallia

• Name meaning: “Born in waves.” Also the name of a cantaloupe melon.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked in the top 1000.

Kehlani or Kailani or Kaylani

• Name meaning: Sea and sky.
• Popularity: Kehlani ranks #156, Kailani ranks #285, and Kaylani ranks #246.

Meena

• Name meaning: A bird or blue semi-precious stone.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

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Moana

• Name meaning: Ocean.
• Popularity: This great Disney-reminiscent name isn’t ranking.

Myrla

• Name meaning: Blackbird or shining sea.
• Popularity: This 5-letter girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Nalani

• Name meaning: Calm skies. The heavens.
• Popularity: #590

Namiko

• Name meaning: Wave or surf child.
• Popularity: This unique sea name isn’t ranking.

Nerissa

• Name meaning: From the sea.
• Popularity: This rare ocean-inspired name isn’t ranking.

Nilani

• Name meaning: Enchanting moon.
• Popularity: This unique celestial name isn’t ranking.

Nyrobi

• Name meaning: Place of cool waters. The capital city of Kenya.
• Popularity: This international water name isn’t ranking.

Ocean

• Name meaning: Body of water.
• Popularity: This non-binary baby name (chosen by Lala Kent for her daughter) ranks #826 for girls and #609 for boys.

Related: Exotic Boy Names

Oriana or Orianna

• Name meaning: Sunrise.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Rayne or Rain

• Name meaning: Precipitation.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Solana

• Name meaning: Sunshine or eastern wind.
• Popularity: #934

Solara

• Name meaning: Of the sun.
• Popularity: This 6-letter girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Soleil

• Name meaning: French word for sun.
• Popularity: #978

Sumaya

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings: High above, heaven, sky, wise, having great plans.
• Popularity: This exotic baby name isn’t ranking.

Yareli

• Name meaning: Small butterfly. Lady of the water.
• Popularity: #721

Yolani

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown. Might mean royal hawk.
• Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.

Zenith

• Name meaning: The point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer.
• Popularity: This badass sky name isn’t ranking.

Zorina

• Name meaning: Golden dawn.
• Popularity: This uncommon name isn’t ranking.

If you like these nature-related exotic girl names you might also like this list of names that mean sun or these outer space names.

Happy exotic girl names

These exotic baby names have meanings related to love, light, life, happiness, beauty, grace, and gratitude.

If happiness isn’t your thing, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Alaia or Alayah

• Name meaning: Joyful.
• Popularity: Alaia ranks #120, Alayah ranks #389, Alaya ranks #408, and Alaiya ranks #988.

Aliana or Alianna

• Name meaning: Noble or bright.
• Popularity: Aliana ranks #596 and Alianna ranks #943.

Amora or Amoura

• Name meaning: Love.
• Popularity: Amora ranks #362 and Amoura ranks #633.

Anika or Annika

• Name meaning: Graceful. Sweet-faced.
• Popularity: Anika ranks #928 and Annika ranks #956.

Avayah

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: #941

Indira

• Name meaning: Beauty.
• Popularity: This rare girls’ name is not ranking.

Lucia or Luciana

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Lucia ranks #109 and Luciana ranks #329.

Nayana or Nayara

• Name meaning: Beautiful eyes.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Nayeli or Nayali

• Name meaning: I love you.
• Popularity: Nayeli ranks #331 and Nayali isn’t ranking.

Nayla or Naylah

• Name meaning: Achiever. I love you.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Solange

• Name meaning: Formal and dignified.
• Popularity: This rare name is not ranking.

Tahani

• Name meaning: Congratulations or best wishes.
• Popularity: This The Good Place-reminiscent name isn’t ranking.

Tazara

• Name meaning: Elegance + grace.
• Popularity: This badass name isn’t ranking.

Yahira or Yahaira

• Name meaning: To light or shine.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Yaretzi

• Name meaning: You will always be loved.
• Popularity: #551

Yarina

• Name meaning: Peace.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Zendaya

• Name meaning: To give thanks.
• Popularity: #834

If you like these happy exotic girl names you might also like this list of names that mean love or these names for rainbow babies.

Spiritual exotic girl names

These exotic baby girl names are perfect for families of faith.

If this isn’t you, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Amaris

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings including grace, God has said, immortal.
• Popularity: #911

Anaya

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings such as God has answered, look up to God, care, concern, freedom, misfortune, adversity.
• Popularity: #390

Aniyah or Aniya

• Name meaning: Helper. God is gracious.
• Popularity: Aniyah ranks #369 and Aniya isn’t ranking.

Azariah

• Name meaning: Helped by God.
• Popularity: #563

Eliana or Elliana

• Name meaning: God has answered.
• Popularity: Eliana ranks #34, Elliana is #115, Elianna is #291, and Ellianna is #622.

Halani

• Name meaning: Breath of heaven or thanks to heaven.
• Popularity: This exotic name for girls is not in the top 1000.

Idris

• Name meaning: Lord or studious. Name of a prophet.
• Popularity: This great exotic name ranks #788 for boys but is not ranking for girls.

Imania

• Name meaning: Faith or belief.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t currently ranking.

Nolani or Noelani

• Name meaning: Heavenly mist.
• Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.

Odelia

• Name meaning: Praise God.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Shivani

• Name meaning: Follower of Hindu deity, Shiva.
• Popularity: This unique name is not ranking.

If you like these spiritual exotic girl names you might also like this list of names that mean graceful.

Long exotic girl names

All of these exotic names for girls are comprised of 8 to 10 letters. They look especially pretty written in script!

If long names aren’t your thing, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Calliope

• Name meaning: Beautiful voice.
• Popularity: #492

Cataleya

• Name meaning: Type of orchid.
• Popularity: #294

Delphina or Delphine

• Name meaning: The French word for dolphin. Woman from Greek city, Delphi.
• Popularity: This great mermaid name isn’t ranking in either form.

Dominique

• Name meaning: Of God.
• Popularity: This D name hasn’t ranked since 2010.

Fiorella

• Name meaning: Little flower.
• Popularity: This fancy F name is not in the top 1000.

Gardenia

• Name meaning: A flowering plant in the coffee family.
• Popularity: This nature-inspired G name is not ranking.

Gianella

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: This elegant girls’ name is not in the top 1000.

Itzayana

• Name meaning: Rainbow lady.
• Popularity: This rare and beautiful name isn’t ranking.

Sabriana

• Name meaning: From the River Severn.
• Popularity: This rare S name is not ranking.

Sapphire

• Name meaning: Blue gem.
• Popularity: #973

Serafina or Seraphina

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: Seraphina ranks #974, while Serafina isn’t ranking.

Tallulah

• Name meaning: Leaping water.
• Popularity: #817

Torianna or Toriana

• Name meaning: Victory.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Yamileth

• Name meaning: Beautiful or elegant.
• Popularity: #909

If you like these long exotic girl names you might also like this list of 3-syllable names or this huge list of long names.

Short exotic girl names

These exotic names for girls are comprised of just 3 or 4 letters.

If short names aren’t your thing, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Asa

• Name meaning: Healer or physician.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Avia or Aviya

• Name meaning: Bird. God is my father in Hebrew.
• Popularity: This bird name isn’t ranking.

Aya

• Name meaning: Color. Bird.
• Popularity: #697

Ayla or Aila

• Name meaning: Oaktree. Blessed. Beautiful. Circle of light around the moon.
• Popularity: Ayla ranks #104 and Aila isn’t ranking.

Gaia

• Name meaning: Earth. In Greek mythology, Gaia is the mother of life.
• Popularity: This cool hippie name is not in the top 1000.

Hera

• Name meaning: Protector. Another name for the goddess Juno.
• Popularity: This unique H name isn’t currently ranking.

Ibis

• Name meaning: A long-legged wading bird.
• Popularity: This exotic I name isn’t ranking.

Idra

• Name meaning: Fig tree.
• Popularity: This short girls’ name is not currently ranking.

Isha

• Name meaning: Protector.
• Popularity: This rare girls’ name is not currently ranking.

Isla

• Name meaning: Island.
• Popularity: #33

Kai or Kaia

• Name meaning: Hawaiian for “sea”.
• Popularity: Kai ranks #940 for girls and #61 for boys. Kaia ranks #186 for girls.

Koa

• Name meaning: Hawaiian for “warrior”.
• Popularity: This exotic K name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #298 for boys.

Lynx

• Name meaning: A wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears. A constellation of a wild cat. Lynx would make an incredibly cool middle name!
• Popularity: This cool one-syllable name is not ranking.

Mazu

• Name meaning: Goddess of the sea and protector of seafarers.
• Popularity: This exotic M name isn’t ranking.

Mika

• Name meaning: Beautiful fragrance in Japanese. ‘Who is like God’ in Hebrew.
• Popularity: This cute girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Naia

• Name meaning: Wave or seafoam. Dolphin. Water nymph or flowing.
• Popularity: This exotic girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Nala

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown. This pretty name is famous because of The Lion King.
• Popularity: #846

Nava

• Name meaning: Pleasant or beautiful.
• Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.

Naya

• Name meaning: Bright. Purpose.
• Popularity: #824

Nia

• Name meaning: Bright. Purpose.
• Popularity: #642

Nira or Nyra

• Name meaning: Light. Symbolic name given to girls born on TuB’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
• Popularity: Nira isn’t ranking and Nyra ranks #976.

Niva

• Name meaning: Speech or expression.
• Popularity: This short exotic name isn’t ranking.

Novi

• Name meaning: New.
• Popularity: This cute name isn’t ranking.

Nyla or Nylah

• Name meaning: Winner or champion.
• Popularity: Nyla ranks #250 and Nylah isn’t ranking.

Onyx

• Name meaning: A layered black stone.
• Popularity: This totally badass name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #308 for boys.

Ori or Oria

• Name meaning: My light.
• Popularity: Neither version of this Hebrew O name is ranking in the U.S.

Orla

• Name meaning: Golden princess.
• Popularity: This royal girls’ name is not popular in the United States, but is quite popular in England and Scotland.

Ren

• Name meaning: Water lily.
• Popularity: Ren isn’t ranking. Wren ranks #991.

Reva

• Name meaning: Rain.
• Popularity: This great rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.

Ria

• Name meaning: Small river.
• Popularity: This exotic R name isn’t ranking.

Sia

• Name meaning: Unknown meaning. Possibly means victory, six, light, glow, bringer of joy.
• Popularity: This rare name is not ranking.

Suri

• Name meaning: Princess or red rose.
• Popularity: This sweet exotic baby name is not ranking.

Tana

• Name meaning: Star or fire goddess.
• Popularity: This unusual girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Tova or Tovi

• Name meaning: Good.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this Hebrew name is ranking.

Vada or Veda

• Name meaning: Famous ruler or knowledge.
• Popularity: Vada isn’t ranking and Veda ranks #818.

Yael

• Name meaning: A type of desert-dwelling goat. To ascend.
• Popularity: This Y name isn’t ranking for girls. It last ranked for boys in 2019.

Yana or Yannah

• Name meaning: God is gracious. He answers.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Yani or Yanni

• Name meaning: God is gracious. He answers.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Yari

• Name meaning: Gold. Straight spear.
• Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.

Yosi or Yoshi

• Name meaning: God shall add. Good luck. Righteous. Respectful.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Zana

• Name meaning: Variation of Jane, which means God is gracious.
• Popularity: This cool Z name isn’t ranking.

Zayn

• Name meaning: Beauty and grace.
• Popularity: This One Direction-reminiscent name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #246 for boys.

Zena

• Name meaning: Welcoming.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Zola

• Name meaning: Earth or ball of earth.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

Zori

• Name meaning: Golden dawn.
• Popularity: This cool name isn’t ranking.

Zuri or Zhuri

• Name meaning: Good + beautiful.
• Popularity: Zuri ranks #203 and Zhuri isn’t ranking.

Zyla

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This exotic girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Zyra or Zyrah

• Name meaning: Dawn or messenger.
• Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.

If you like these short exotic girl names you might also like this list of 3-letter names or this list of 4-letter names.

Mythical exotic girl names

These magical baby names have meanings inspired by mythology, fairytales, and dreams.

If this isn’t your vibe, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Illyria

• Name meaning: Mythological name.
• Popularity: This unusual name isn’t ranking.

Isadora

• Name meaning: Gift of the goddess Isis.
• Popularity: This exotic name is not in the top 1000.

Nerida

• Name meaning: Sea nymph or mermaid.
• Popularity: This unique mermaid name isn’t ranking.

Olympia

• Name meaning: From Mount Olympus, as the abode of the gods in Greek mythology.
• Popularity: This mythological name isn’t ranking.

Persephone

• Name meaning: Greek mythology name. Bringer of death and destruction. Goddess of spring growth.
• Popularity: #745

Phoenix

• Name meaning: A mythical bird that rises from the ashes and is born again.
• Popularity: This edgy name ranks #348 for girls and #269 for boys.

Reverie

• Name meaning: Daydream.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

Sedna

• Name meaning: Goddess of the sea and its creatures.
• Popularity: This unique sea name isn’t ranking.

Sirena

• Name meaning: The Spanish word for mermaid.
• Popularity: This unique mermaid name isn’t ranking.

If you like these fairytale exotic girl names you might also like this list of mermaid names.

(Relatively) popular exotic girl names

These exotic baby girl names are unique but not obscure—all of them are ranking in the top 1000.

If you prefer a name that’s totally rare, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Ailani

• Name meaning: Female chief.
• Popularity: #593

Amalia

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: #528

Amari

• Name meaning: Strength or eternal. (True meaning unknown.)
• Popularity: #307

Amira or Amirah

• Name meaning: Princess. (Means saying in Hebrew).
• Popularity: Amira ranks #322 and Amirah ranks #458.

Analia

• Name meaning: Ana (grace) + Lia (weary).
• Popularity: #666

Daleyza

• Name meaning: Invented name meaning delightful.
• Popularity: #448

Galilea

• Name meaning: Galilee is a region in Northern Israel.
• Popularity: #650

Iliana or Ilianna

• Name meaning: From the ancient city of Illium, better known as Troy.
• Popularity: Iliana ranks #827 and Ilianna isn’t ranking.

Malaya or Malayah

• Name meaning: Freedom.
• Popularity: Malaya ranks #847 and Malayah ranks #969.

Samira

• Name meaning: Evening conversationalist.
• Popularity: #802

Sariyah or Sariah

• Name meaning: Princess.
• Popularity: Sariyah ranks #577 and Sariah ranks #996.

Zaniyah or Zaniah

• Name meaning: Corner.
• Popularity: Zaniyah ranks #735 and Zaniah isn’t ranking.

If you like these popular-ish exotic girl names you might also like this list of modern names.

Exotic girl names with unknown meanings

These exotic baby girl names either have unknown meanings—or they are modern invented ones.

If you prefer a name with a known meaning, click here to jump ahead to the next category.

Idara

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Ilaya

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This cool girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Imaria

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This unique girls’ name is not currently ranking.

Ivella

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This girls’ name is not ranking.

Izaria

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This badass girls’ name is not currently ranking.

Milani or Malani or Meilani

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: Milani ranks #270, Malani ranks #350, and Meilani ranks #845.

Nalaya or Nalayah or Naleya

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: None of these exotic girl names are ranked.

Nalia

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This unique girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Nariyah

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This unique name isn’t ranking.

Nazari or Nazaria

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Sakara

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings, one of which is ‘thoughts become things’.
• Popularity: This rare name is not ranking.

Tahara or Taharah

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Talani

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This rare name isn’t ranking.

Tavana

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: This unique name for girls isn’t popular in the U.S.

Yalani or Yalanni

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Yamani or Yamari

• Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Ygritte

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This Game of Thrones name isn’t ranking.

Zamira or Zamirah

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings including nightingale and sweet voice.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Zella

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings including blessed, ‘one who knows the way’, shadow.
• Popularity: This unique girls’ name isn’t ranking.

If you like these mysterious exotic girl names you might also like this list of names ending in “a”.

More exotic girl names

One last batch of exotic baby girl names coming at you now!

After this, I’ll give you my predictions for which names will go viral in 2025.

Adalia

• Name meaning: Noble one.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Adara

• Name meaning: Noble or virgin.
• Popularity: This unique name is not in the top 1000.

Adira

• Name meaning: Strong or noble.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Avital

• Name meaning: My father is the dew in Hebrew.
• Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.

Aviva

• Name meaning: Spring.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Egypt

• Name meaning: Country.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Havana

• Name meaning: Port. Capital city of Cuba.
• Popularity: This city name for girls isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Itzel

• Name meaning: Rainbow lady.
• Popularity: #364

Merida

• Name meaning: One who has achieved honor.
• Popularity: This unique girls’ name is not in the top 1000.

Nairobi

• Name meaning: The capital of Kenya.
• Popularity: This unique international name isn’t ranking.

Nubia

• Name meaning: Gold. A region of Africa.
• Popularity: This unusual girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Odessa

• Name meaning: Long journey.
• Popularity: This exotic girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Ohana

• Name meaning: Hawaiian word for extended family.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Ophira

• Name meaning: Gold in Hebrew.
• Popularity: This Hebrew name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Sedona

• Name meaning: A city in Arizona.
• Popularity: This rare name is not ranking.

Triana

• Name meaning: Third or three rivers.
• Popularity: This unusual girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Xenia

• Name meaning: Hospitality.
• Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Zenia or Zeniah

• Name meaning: Hospitality.
• Popularity: Neither of these exotic girl names is ranked.

Did any of these exotic girl names stand out to you as faves?

Predictions for 2025

These names show every sign of being 2025’s breakout exotic girl names.

Aitana

Aitana is showing clear signs of an impending viral moment. The name jumped 110 spots in 2023 alone, reaching #217 – its largest single-year gain since entering the US Top 1000 in 2015.

The name’s rise mirrors the early patterns of Luna and Nova before they exploded in popularity. Since 2019, it has moved from #581 to #217, with acceleration increasing each year.

The name comes from a Spanish mountain that represented the last glimpse of home for poet Rafael Alberti as he fled into exile after the Spanish Civil War. He chose it for his daughter, beginning its journey as a given name.

Today’s primary cultural ambassador is singer Aitana Ocaña, who commands 4.1M Instagram followers and growing international recognition. Her rising profile coincides perfectly with the unprecedented mainstream appeal of Spanish-language music and culture in the US.

The name hits multiple contemporary sweet spots. Its three-syllable pattern (Ai-ta-na) matches currently trending names like Olivia and Amelia, while the ‘Ai-‘ prefix is showing strong performance across multiple names.

At #217, Aitana occupies the perfect position for viral growth – familiar enough to feel legitimate but still rare enough to feel special. Most tellingly, its largest jump ever occurred in 2023, suggesting we’re at the beginning of an exponential growth phase.

Itzel

Itzel just made its most dramatic move ever, jumping 134 spots to reach #364 in 2023. This follows a pattern of accelerating gains: from #612 in 2020 to #533 in 2021 to #498 in 2022.

The name carries profound cultural significance as a Mayan name meaning “rainbow goddess” or “star goddess.” This connection to ancient mythology and celestial meanings aligns perfectly with current naming trends.

The timing couldn’t be better for Itzel’s rise. Hispanic names are seeing unprecedented popularity in the US, with names like Luna (#10) and Nova (#35) leading the way.

The ‘Itz-‘ sound is emerging as a hot prefix in contemporary naming, seen in rising names like Itzayana. Its current position (#364) mirrors where several now-viral names were just before their explosive growth.

Lucia

Lucia has just reached its highest ranking (#109) in recorded U.S. history, after a steady climb from #266 in 2010. Unlike many trending names, its gains are accelerating rather than plateauing.

The name hits a cultural sweet spot: it’s simultaneously classic (with centuries of use) and fresh (with modern pronunciation options like “lou-SEE-ah” or “lou-CHEE-ah”). Its meaning – “light” – connects with the growing trend of luminous names like Luna and Stella.

Lucia’s position at #109 is particularly significant. This is exactly where Luna was positioned before its explosive rise to the top 10, suggesting Lucia may follow a similar trajectory.

The name benefits from multiple cultural boosts: its use in Spanish, Italian, and English-speaking countries gives it broad appeal. The success of similar names (Luna #10, Luca #24) suggests the ‘Lu-‘ prefix has hit its stride.

Lucia also offers the increasingly popular -ia ending (like #1 Olivia and #4 Amelia) while maintaining a distinctive sound. Its steady, accelerating gains indicate this is the beginning of its viral moment.

Calliope

Calliope has also shown remarkable momentum, climbing 449 spots since 2016. Most importantly, its largest jump came in 2023 (94 spots, reaching #492), suggesting we’re seeing acceleration rather than a plateau.

The numbers tell the story:
– 2016: Entered at #941
– 2020: Reached #692
– 2023: Surged to #492 (biggest yearly jump yet)

The built-in nickname Callie provides instant accessibility, currently ranking at #179. Parents often gravitate toward longer names with proven, established nicknames.

Calliope’s rise mirrors early patterns of other viral successes like Ophelia and Penelope. It’s distinctive enough to feel special (#492) while offering a familiar nickname option (#179).

The name is surfing multiple current trends: Greek mythology names (like rising Perseus), -pe endings (like Penelope at #23), and elegant multisyllabic choices (like Aurora and Theodora).

That 94-spot jump in 2023 – its biggest gain ever – suggests Calliope is hitting its inflection point. When names show sudden acceleration after steady growth, it often signals impending viral growth.

What do *you* think about these exotic girl names going viral in 2025?

Our four predictions – Aitana (#217), Itzel (#364), Lucia (#109), and Calliope (#492) – represent different stages of the viral growth cycle, each poised to explode in popularity.

What makes these names particularly compelling is their diverse yet complementary appeal: Aitana and Itzel bringing fresh multicultural energy, Lucia offering timeless international charm, and Calliope delivering mythological gravitas.

All four show the classic numerical patterns that preceded other viral successes – steady growth followed by dramatic acceleration in 2023. Most importantly, each name sits in that sweet-spot ranking range where names tend to catch fire: familiar enough to feel legitimate, but still rare enough to feel special.

The fact that all four of these exotic girl names made their largest gains ever in 2023 suggests we’re witnessing the beginning of their viral moments, not the end.

More baby names for girls:

• 350+ Totally Charming Southern Girl Names
• 35+ Very Awesome “V” Girl Names
• 40 Wonderful Girl Names that Start with W

Final thoughts on exotic baby girl names

Whether you prefer a name that’s totally unheard of (but cool), long and melodic, short and spicy, nature-inspired, spiritual, or somewhere in between, hopefully you’ve found it on this list of exotic girl names.

Choosing a baby name can be hard, especially if you want something a little different.

It’s a challenge to find an original name with a lot of personality (that isn’t too far out there).

Any one of these options will make your little one stand out from the crowd—in a good way!

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect baby name for your daughter!

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Feb 15, 2022 and was updated on Nov 13, 2024.

Exotic Girl Names