Badass Princess Names

Ethel is one of those vintage names that will always will be out...or will it? A generation ago we might have said the same for now-fashionable names like Florence and Ida. Even if Ethel rises, Etheline might sound too much like a chemical compound.

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.

Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a common feminine suffix that functions as a diminutive. While Amarissa is pretty and frilly, it may frequently be misunderstood as Marissa, Melissa, and may ultimately be more trouble than it's worth.

Sabelle is a graceful feminine name that blends French elegance with modern appeal. Likely a variation of Isabel or Isabella, which ultimately derive from Elizabeth (meaning 'God is my oath' in Hebrew), Sabelle carries similar noble associations. Some may interpret it as a combination of 'Sabel' and the French suffix '-elle,' creating a softer, more delicate variant. This name remains relatively uncommon, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Sabelle has a romantic, lyrical quality that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet unique. Its musical syllables flow beautifully, and while it doesn't rank among top naming trends, it has seen modest increased usage in recent years among parents favoring sophisticated French-inspired names.

Some names rise in tandem in their male and female forms, but Sebastia is very rare while the male Sebastian is quite popular. But it certainly might be an attractive choice.

This elaborate form of Cornelia derives from the Late Roman family name Cornelianus, borne by a 2nd century rhetorician, Sulpicius Cornelianus. It might appeal to those who don't want to choose between Cora, Nellie, and Eliana.

In Etruscan mythology, Feronia was the goddess of wildlife, liberty, fertility, health, and abundance, who also granted freedom to slaves and rights to the poor. She was worshipped by the Sabine and Etruscan people of ancient Italy and was later adopted into Roman religions.