The Art of Naming

 

🌟 Unusual and Quirky Middle Names for Girls: The 2025 Edition (An Update to a 2013 Article by The Art of Naming)

In 2013, we published a list of "quirky" names that we thought were daring. Looking back now, it’s amazing to see how many of those "unusual" picks—like Maeve, Ember, and Iris—have become the new classics. Modern parents continue to push boundaries, seeking names that feel like a discovery rather than a repeat.   

Check out my YouTube video on this topic here:

I Found My 2013 "Quirky Girl Names" List... And It’s Shocking! (12 Years Later What Changed?)

📈 2013 Names That Are No Longer Uncommon

According to the latest Social Security Administration (SSA) data and current 2025 naming trends, these names have surged in popularity and are frequently found on playgrounds today:

• Maeve: Now a Top 100 name and a massive favorite for the "vintage-cool" aesthetic.

• Iris: A firmly established Top 100 classic; no longer unusual.

• Juniper: One of the most popular nature names of the 2020s, often appearing in the Top 150.

• Amaya: Very common across various demographics and has been a staple in the Top 200 for years.

• Ember: A leading "fire" name that is now well within the Top 250.

• Poppy: Extremely popular in the UK and now a trendy, recognizable choice in the US (Top 350).

• Maisie: Rising rapidly due to the trend of "grandma-chic" nicknames.

• Aurora & Luna: While not on the exact text list but within that "quirky 2013" genre, these are now Top 10 names.

• Briar: A mainstream nature choice, often used for its "fairytale" association.

• Artemis: No longer niche due to the rise of Greek mythology in pop culture.

• Bellamy: Popularized by TV shows like The 100, it's now a common surname-as-first-name choice.

• Coraline: While it felt unusual in 2013, the film and book have made this a familiar, top-700 name.

• Evergreen & Meadow: These nature names have followed the "Juniper" path and are no longer considered "out there."

• Raven & Jada: These have been established in the Top 500 for over a decade.

Below is our updated list of quirky and unusual names for 2025. These are for the parents looking for a spunky middle name or a truly standout first name that hasn't hit the mainstream yet.

✨ 20 New "Quirky" Names for 2025

If you are looking for names that carry that same "unusual" energy your 2013 list once had, these 20 names are currently on the fringe but trending upward for parents seeking something truly distinct:

1. Astraea (Greek goddess of justice; celestial and powerful)

2. Zephyra (A feminine twist on the west wind)

3. Elowen (Cornish for "elm tree"; mystical and "elven")

4. Ottilie (A French vintage revival that still feels very rare in the US)

5. Solstice (The ultimate nature-concept name)

6. Nyx (The Greek personification of the night; short and edgy)

7. Marigold (The "new" Juniper—vintage, floral, and bright)

8. Revel (A celebratory, gender-neutral verb name)

9. Thessaly (A lyrical geographic name from Greece)

10. Aviora (Modern Hebrew for "airy" or "luminous")

11. Cyrilla (Meaning "noble"; feels like a forgotten vintage gem)

12. Zinnia (A bold, architectural flower name)

13. Pneuma (An ancient Greek word for "breath" or "spirit")

14. Hestia (Goddess of the hearth; a softer mythological alternative)

15. Veda (Meaning "knowledge"; ancient but feels modern and sleek)

16. Isabeau (A medieval French variant of Isabelle that feels regal but rare)

17. Lucina (The Roman goddess of childbirth/light; a quirkier alternative to Lucy)

18. Moon (Once just a middle name, now moving to the first name slot)

19. Virelle (A nature-inspired, "fresh life" sounding name)

20. Thalira (A seafaring, "sea queen" energy name)

My Top 10 Favorites for 2025

1. Astraea

The "Goddess of Justice." A celestial powerhouse that feels more distinct than the now-common Aurora.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Lyra, Vesper, Juno | (B) Orion, Cassian, Zenith

• Middle Name Pairings: Astraea Blue, Astraea Fern, Astraea Lux

• As a Middle Name: Penelope Astraea, Margot Astraea, Chloe Astraea

2. Solstice

The ultimate "nature-concept" name. It’s rhythmic, gender-neutral, and feels deeply grounded.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Meadow, Indigo, Story | (B) Archer, Wilder, River

• Middle Name Pairings: Solstice Rain, Solstice Eve, Solstice Pearl

• As a Middle Name: Matilda Solstice, Clara Solstice, Ivy Solstice

3. Elowen

This Cornish name meaning "elm tree" has a mystical, elven quality that sounds like a vintage classic but remains rare.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Arwen, Freya, Hazel | (B) Stellan, Ronan, Alaric

• Middle Name Pairings: Elowen Grace, Elowen Sage, Elowen Blair

• As a Middle Name: Beatrice Elowen, Flora Elowen, Alice Elowen

4. Revel

A "word name" that feels celebratory and spunky. It’s short, punchy, and modern.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Echo, Pax, Jovie | (B) Dash, Crew, Merit

• Middle Name Pairings: Revel Elizabeth, Revel Sunday, Revel Rose

• As a Middle Name: Gianna Revel, Sienna Revel, Naomi Revel

5. Nyx

In Greek mythology, Nyx was the powerful personification of Night. It’s edgy, chic, and fits the "short name" trend.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Lux, Zora, Cleo | (B) Jax, Onyx, Wolf

• Middle Name Pairings: Nyx Aurelia, Nyx Valentine, Nyx Isolde

• As a Middle Name: Seraphina Nyx, Elena Nyx, Alexandra Nyx

6. Hestia

While Artemis and Athena have gone mainstream, Hestia (Goddess of the Hearth) feels warm, cozy, and untouched.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Rhea, Vesta, Flora | (B) Apollo, Silas, Jude

• Middle Name Pairings: Hestia June, Hestia Noelle, Hestia Moon

• As a Middle Name: Imogen Hestia, Opal Hestia, Phoebe Hestia

7. Ottilie

A French vintage revival. It’s quirky because of its unique "T" sound and delicate, lace-like feel.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Elodie, Sylvie, Margot | (B) Hugo, Casper, Leopold

• Middle Name Pairings: Ottilie Maude, Ottilie Jane, Ottilie Kate

• As a Middle Name: Rosalind Ottilie, Mabel Ottilie, Josephine Ottilie

8. Veda

Meaning "knowledge," this name is ancient but feels incredibly sleek and modern in 2025.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Lyra, Thea, Niamh | (B) Ezra, Soren, Arlo

• Middle Name Pairings: Veda Marigold, Veda Solis, Veda Briar

• As a Middle Name: Evelyn Veda, Juliet Veda, Hazel Veda

9. Zinnia

With Lily, Rose, and Daisy being so common, Zinnia offers a bold, architectural floral alternative.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Dahlia, Juniper, Poppy | (B) Hawthorne, Birch, Reed

• Middle Name Pairings: Zinnia Mae, Zinnia Florence, Zinnia Colette

• As a Middle Name: Violet Zinnia, Eleanor Zinnia, Georgia Zinnia

10. Marigold

The "new" vintage darling. It’s sunny, golden, and carries a wonderful "shabby-chic" energy.

• Sibling Ideas: (S) Clementine, Tallulah, Birdie | (B) Arthur, Theodore, Otis

• Middle Name Pairings: Marigold Alice, Marigold Scout, Marigold Faye

• As a Middle Name: Louisa Marigold, Sophie Marigold, Ada Marigold

💡 The Modern Innovator: Embracing Freshness and Future-Proof Style

Are you the kind of parent who values current aesthetics, playful energy, and names that feel entirely fresh? If your favorite names are sleek, modern, and perfectly suited for a child growing up in the 21st century, you might be a Modern Innovator.

You're not afraid of trends; in fact, you embrace contemporary names and unique spellings, but you also seek choices that maintain a playful spirit and will transition gracefully from kindergarten to CEO.

The Modern Innovator's Naming Vibe

The style of the Modern Innovator is defined by three key elements:

• Contemporary Style: Gravitating toward names that feel current and polished, often with short, snappy sounds or nature-inspired elements.

• Playful Spirit: Choosing names that have a light, buoyant sound (like Poppy or Pippa), injecting instant joy into the nursery.

• Fresh Perspective: Selecting names that offer a modern twist on classics or are newly popular, ensuring the name stands out without being unrecognizable.

Names that Define the Modern Innovator Style

This style celebrates names that have burst onto the scene in recent decades or found renewed contemporary appeal. These names feel bright, dynamic, and full of youthful energy:

Why These Names Work

The Modern Innovator's selections are always future-proof.

For Boys, the popularity of surname names like Mason, Carter, and Jackson provides a strong, established feel that is undeniably modern. Names like Aiden and Liam are short, punchy, and global favorites.

For Girls, names like Everly and Avery provide a gender-neutral strength rooted in the surname trend, while names like Brielle and Kinsley offer a sophisticated, modern sound that feels uniquely of our time.

If your list features names that make you smile and feel perfectly suited for a vibrant, creative future, then congratulations—you've found your style!