Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

St Quiteria was a second-century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in order to marry.

Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany.

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

Honorata is the feminine form of Honoratus, the name of several saints including the patron saint of bakers.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

A rare saint name, more commonly transcribed in its French form, Maxellende, Maxellendis is associated with a 7th-century French martyr, who is invoked to cure eye diseases and is considered the patron saint of the visually impaired.

The name of a 6th century Christian saint, Arthelais was the daughter of a Roman official who had to flee to Italy after the emperor Justinian tried to compromise her vows of chastity. She was kidnapped by highway men on her way, but was later freed, after the servants travelling with her prayed for her release. She is venerated as the patron saint of kidnap victims, exiled people, and the sick.

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.

Tekakwitha was a 17th-century Mohawk woman, who survived the smallpox epidemic that killed her family. She is known for rejecting pressures from those around her to give up her Catholic beliefs and to marry someone who they approved of instead. She later fled her village and converted to Catholicism.

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.

A sleek, more elaborate alternative to Maxine, Maxeline is a rare name of French origin, derived from the saintly name Maxellende. St. Maxellende is the patron saint of the visually impaired and invoked to cure eye diseases.

Vincenza makes romance of Vincent. Vincenza Gerosa was one of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere and was later made a saint.

Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain.

Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

Domitilla is the name of the wife of the Roman emperor Vespasianus and the mother of the emperors Titus and Domitianus. There is a Santa Domitilla with catacombs in Rome named after her.

This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.