Ballerina Names

Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.

A short form of Alexandra and Alice used everywhere from Russia to Spain. A fresh alternative to Allie.

Unusual yet accessible Hawaiian choice. The Noel beginning makes it a possible name for baby girls born at Christmas.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

This name was given a lithe and graceful image by ballerina Gelsey Kirkland, but was later far surpassed by Kelsey and Chelsea.

This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

This name of a daughter of Zeus has an intriguing air of antiquity.

Darcey is a feminine name with both French and Irish influences. Originally a surname derived from the French place name 'Arcy' with the prefix 'd'' (meaning 'from Arcy'), it transitioned to a given name in the 20th century. Some also connect it to the Irish name Dorsey, meaning 'dark one' or 'from the dark fortress.' Darcey gained notable visibility through ballet dancer Darcey Bussell in the UK. The name has a graceful, artistic association while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though never extremely common, it has enjoyed steady usage since the 1990s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Parents often choose Darcey for its combination of traditional roots and modern appeal, with spelling variations including Darcy and Darcie.

This spelling adds a touch of the unusual to Veronica.

A name with a rich history in Ancient Greece and Rome, Agrippina was the sister of Caligula and mother of Nero, who had her murdered. The original male version, Agrippa, can also used for girls. The name Agrippina arose in ancient times to further distinguish it as a feminine form of Agrippa.

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.