On my Dad's side, the most unusual female name is Kezia(h), which I think is very pretty.
I found an 'Anaseth', when seeking out my maternal grandfather's ancestry.
My maternal grandmother had Greek ancestors, so we find Caliope, Cleopatra, Stimati, Emanuel, Agostina, Demetrius. Constantine, Aristadis, Lazaros.
A female relative is called Valentine.
Some names, which others have considered quite unusual, are quite popular around here ~ specifically Harriett.
I also know little-ones called Noah, Ezra, Oscar ~ which are unusual.
And there are, indeed, nationality differences. A French girl stayed with us for a while, when my eldest son was little. She was amazed that we should call a baby by an old man's name: Richard. She and her brother had modern names, she said: Muriel and Eric. I told her that I would consider those names too old fashioned for a child. Another French friend has a young nephew called Cyril & a cousin named Agnes.
Family names can tell us a fair bit about time & place, I think.
Have you read this book?
'Christian Names in Local and Family History ' by George Redmonds.
'Surnames have always provided key links in historical research. This groundbreaking new work shows that first names can also be highly significant for those tracing genealogies or studying communities.'http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christian-Names-Local-Family-History/dp/190336552X/ref=sr_1_3/202-7956033-3736626?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174561070&sr=8-3
