Fanciful Names for Girls
- Morganna
Description:
Morganna is a feminine name derived from the Welsh 'Morgan,' meaning 'sea-born' or 'sea-circle.' This elaborated form adds a romantic, medieval flair to the traditional Morgan. The name is strongly associated with Arthurian legend through Morgan le Fay, a powerful enchantress often portrayed as King Arthur's half-sister. This literary connection gives Morganna mystical and magical connotations. The doubled 'n' spelling variation creates a more ornate version of the more common Morgana. While never reaching widespread popularity, Morganna has attracted parents drawn to names with mythological significance and Celtic roots. The name evokes images of strength, mystery, and ancient magic, appealing to those seeking a name with dramatic presence and historical depth.
- Farida
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"unique, precious pearl"Description:
Farida is a Muslim name more distinctive than the Americanized Farah/Farrah.
- Augustina
Origin:
Feminine variation of Augustus, LatinMeaning:
"the exalted one"Description:
Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina. Briefly popular in the US, France and Czechia a century ago, Augustina blends clunky and frilliness.
- Laurenza
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of Lorenzo, LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
Unusual and appealing, Laurenza might make a perfect honor name for an ancestral Laura or Lawrence. Count Laurenza among the unknown-yet-usable Italian names for girls.
- Ninetta
Origin:
Italian and Spanish diminutive of NinaMeaning:
"little girl"Description:
Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.
- Cantara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"little bridge"Description:
An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.
- Gitana
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"traveller, Romani person"Description:
The Spanish travelling or Romani community are called Gitanos, and Gitana is the feminine word. The term evolved from the Old Spanish word egiptano "Egyptian".
- Marcellina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Marcellina is one feminine form of the names derived from the ancient Roman Marcellus. There was a Saint Marcellina who was a 4th century virgin and the only sister of Saint Ambrose.
- Selenia
Origin:
Elaboration of Selene, GreekMeaning:
"moon"Description:
This elaboration is sometimes used in Italy.
- Kalama
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flaming torch"Description:
Kalama is a rare-yet-accessible Hawaiian name you may want to consider. Since President Obama put the spotlight on Hawaii and Hawaiian names such as that of his daughter Malia, a choice such as Kalama -- unusual, rhythmic, yet easy-to-apprehend -- seems more possible for the world at large.
- Ulrica
Origin:
Feminine form of Ulrich or Wulfric, Swedish, GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage; wolf ruler"Description:
Ulrica has an Old World sound, but is perhaps enough like Erika and Annika that it could work today. Also spelled Ulrika, it was borne by a 18th century Swedish queen and Olympic ice hockey player, Ulrica Lindström.
- Maridel
Description:
Maridel appears to be a compound name combining 'Mari' (from Maria, meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved' in Latin) with 'del' (possibly from Adele or Delilah). This melodic combination creates a distinctive yet accessible name with a romantic, somewhat Spanish or Italian flavor. Maridel gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a sweet, feminine quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. Maridel shares characteristics with other compound names that blend traditional elements into new forms, offering familiarity and uniqueness simultaneously. Its lyrical quality gives it an enduring charm despite its rarity.
- Corsica
Origin:
Place name, English from Latin, or Italian, Corsican surnameMeaning:
"from Corsica"Description:
Corsica, the picturesque Mediterrean island birthplace of Napoleon, makes an easy switch from atlas to baby name book, with its delicate, feminine ending. Just don't consider neighboring island Sardinia.
- Emeralda
Description:
Emeralda is a feminine name derived from the precious green gemstone emerald, with an elaborated romantic ending. It likely developed as a variation of Esmeralda, which comes from the Spanish word for emerald. The name evokes the beauty, rarity, and rich green color of the gemstone, often associated with spring, rebirth, and prosperity. While less common than Esmeralda, Emeralda has appeared occasionally in usage records throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name carries a lyrical, somewhat exotic quality that appeals to parents seeking names with natural associations and an elegant, distinctive sound. The emerald connection also ties it to May's birthstone.
- Audria
Description:
Audria is a feminine name with ancient roots, serving as a variant of Audrey. It derives from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð (Aethelthryth), meaning 'noble strength.' The name underwent various transformations through medieval English, eventually becoming Audrey and its variations like Audria. This name carries connotations of nobility, strength, and resilience. While less common than Audrey, Audria has maintained a quiet presence in English-speaking countries. It offers a slightly more melodic and feminine sound with its ending. Audria experienced brief periods of increased usage in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Those named Audria benefit from its recognizable nature while still having a name that stands apart from more popular alternatives.
- Elsavetta
Description:
Elsavetta is an elaborated feminine name that appears to be a variant of Elizabeth or possibly a fusion of Elsa and the Russian diminutive suffix '-vetta.' The name Elizabeth ultimately derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath.' Elsavetta carries a distinctly Slavic or Eastern European flair, evoking images of imperial Russia and Old World elegance. Though extremely rare in English-speaking countries, it offers a unique alternative to the ubiquitous Elizabeth and its countless variants. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. Parents might choose Elsavetta for its exotic sound paired with its connection to the classic and royal Elizabeth.
- Oleana
Description:
Oleana is a lyrical feminine name with possible Slavic or Greek origins. It may be a variant of Elena/Helena (meaning 'bright, shining light') or could relate to Oleander, a flowering plant name. In some Slavic languages, particularly Ukrainian, Oleana appears as a folk variant of Olena (Helena). The name gained some recognition through a Norwegian folk song about a utopian community called 'Oleana.' With its flowing vowels and soft sounds, Oleana has a romantic, almost ethereal quality. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it carries a natural musicality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. The name's international connections and gentle sound give it a sophisticated, worldly character while maintaining accessibility.
- Favianna
Description:
Favianna is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name 'Favius,' which means 'bean grower' or relates to the Latin 'favere' meaning 'to favor.' This elegant and uncommon name carries a rhythmic quality with its flowing syllables. While relatively rare in most English-speaking countries, Favianna has a presence in Hispanic communities and appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with classical roots. The name offers versatile nickname options such as Favi, Anna, or Vivi. Favianna combines melodic beauty with historical depth, conveying a sense of elegance and uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Ismenia
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"great treasure"Description:
Despite appearances, Ismenia does not seem to be related to Greek Ismene ("knowledge"). Instead, one possible derivation is from Celtic elements meaning "excellent" and "treasure".
- Armande
Origin:
French, feminine variation of ArmandDescription:
Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm.
