​
​
Advanced Search

classic and unusual character names for Women

  1. Arliss

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledge"

    • Description:

      Best remembered as one of the boys in "Old Yeller" and the title of a late 1990s HBO sitcom, "Arliss," featuring sports agent Arliss Michaels. Also sometimes heard as a girl's name and a surname (as in early film star George Arliss).
  2. Turquoise

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Turkish stone"

    • Description:

      Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.
  3. February

    • Origin:

      Word name or Latin

    • Meaning:

      "purification feast"

    • Description:

      If January, April and August are useable and fashionable, why not February? February as a word derives from the Latin februa, which was the name of a purification feast coming at the end of winter, to prepare for the coming spring.
  4. Kerenza

    • Description:

      Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the region. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'z' sound. Despite its appealing meaning and sound, Kerenza remains relatively rare outside of Cornwall and among those with Cornish heritage. For those seeking a name with Celtic roots that's less common than popular options like Keira or Kerry, Kerenza offers a distinctive choice. The name carries warm associations through its meaning of love and compassion, while its unusual status gives it a special quality for those who bear it.

  5. Kyria

    • Description:

      Kyria is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from 'kyrios' meaning 'lord' or 'master.' The feminine form essentially translates to 'lady' or 'mistress.' It carries an air of dignity and authority. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Kyria has maintained a quiet presence in Greek communities and among parents seeking a name with classical heritage. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and can be pronounced as KEE-ree-ah or KEER-ee-ah. Some parents may choose it as a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Kyra or Kira.
  6. Imperia

    • Origin:

      Latin "imperial"

    • Meaning:

      "imperial"

    • Description:

      Rather imperious as a baby name, but has an interesting history. Imperia is the name of an obscure French saint, also known as Impère and Impérie, also borne by the famous Italian courtesan Imperia Cognati. Honoré de Balzac later used it in his short story La belle Impéria (1832), where it belongs to a fictional courtesan. A similar name, Bel-imperia, was used by Elizabethan dramatist Thomas Kyd for a character in his play The Spanish Tragedy.
  7. Osyth

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "god war"

    • Description:

      Saint Osyth was a 7th century martyr who founded a monastery and was beheaded by pirates. She is usually depicted in images carrying her own head. Variations of her name include Osgyth, Osith, and Ositha.
  8. Columba

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.
  9. Zinaida

    • Origin:

      Russian, from Greek, related to Zeus

    • Description:

      This unusual name belonged to a character played by Kirsten Dunst in an early film.
  10. Varvara

    • Origin:

      Russian, Greek, and Czech variation of Barbara

    • Description:

      An interesting and appealingly international spin on Barbara, with a lot of charm and energy.
  11. Melita

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honey"

    • Description:

      A coffee filter.
  12. Sophonisba

    • Origin:

      Punic via Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sheltered by Ba'al"

    • Description:

      The original Sophonisba was a Carthaginian noblewoman who was alive at the time of the Second Punic War, who became a legend for drinking lethal poison rather than be humiliated by Carthage's Roman conquerors. She's been the subject of countless literary works throughout history.
  13. Snowdrop

    • Description:

      Snowdrop is a delicate nature-inspired feminine name derived from the early-blooming white flower that often emerges while snow still covers the ground. This botanical name symbolizes hope, purity, and resilience as snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom at winter's end. Though uncommon as a given name, Snowdrop belongs to the category of modern flower and nature names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name carries a whimsical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names. Snowdrop combines the purity associations of snow with the gentle beauty of a small flower, creating a name that's both distinctive and meaningful.
  14. Primavera

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.
  15. Crescent

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "increasing, growing"

    • Description:

      Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.
  16. Eolande

    • Description:

      Eolande is a feminine name of French and Germanic origins. It is a variant of Yolanda, which derives from the medieval French name Violante, meaning 'violet flower.' The name may also have connections to the Greek elements meaning 'violet' and 'flower.' Eolande has a distinctly antique and elegant quality that sets it apart from more common variants. While never widely popular in English-speaking countries, the name carries an aristocratic charm and historical depth. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents seeking something unique with classical roots. The softer pronunciation and flowing sound of Eolande give it a romantic, ethereal quality reminiscent of medieval tales and courtly literature.

  17. Ellaria

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "literary name"

    • Description:

      Ellaria Sand is a slightly obscure character in HBO's Game of Thrones, part of the notoriously half-baked Dorne plot that bedeviled later seasons of the show. She was paramour to Oberyn Martell, mother to several of the so-called "Sand Snakes" and murderer of Myrcella Baratheon. Not exactly a primo namesake, despite a fine performance from Indira Varma.
  18. Pema

    • Origin:

      Tibetan

    • Meaning:

      "lotus flower"

    • Description:

      Pema is related to the more familiar Hindu name Padma and means lotus flower. This delightful name was given to only 14 girls in the USA last year, so it's guaranteed to be a unique choice. Pema is probably most familiar to Westerners through Buddhist nun Pema Chodron and through Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama's sister.
  19. Swanhilda

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "swan battle"

    • Description:

      Form of Swanhild, borne by the heroine of the ballet Coppélia. The -a ending certainly gives this ancient name a lighter, more balletic feel.
  20. Fortuna

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "luck"

    • Description:

      The Roman goddess Fortuna personified luck and ruled over fortune and fate. She is often depicted as blindfolded, and remains an important figure in Italian culture today, where a common saying translates to "Luck is blind."