Dreams often serve as a reflection of our subconscious mind, and the people we encounter in them may not always be recognizable to us from our waking life. Here are a few insights into why you might be dreaming of unfamiliar faces instead of people you know:

1. Symbolic Representation: The individuals in your dreams may represent certain traits, emotions, or aspects of yourself. They could symbolize qualities you associate with those traits rather than being an actual person.
2. Exploration of Social Dynamics: Dreaming of unknown people may reflect your desire to explore social interactions and relationships. Your mind may be experimenting with different social scenarios and dynamics.
3. Creative Processing: Your brain is constantly processing information, and when dreaming, it might create new characters and scenarios that incorporate elements from your experiences without directly involving known individuals.
4. Personal Growth: Dreams can be a way for your subconscious to explore new experiences or feelings that you haven't fully engaged with in your waking life. Unknown characters may represent new possibilities or paths in your personal journey.

If you find this recurring theme interesting, you might consider keeping a dream journal to note the emotions and scenarios involving these unknown people. This could help you uncover deeper meanings and connections over time.