Daring Middle Names for Girls
- Shasta
Origin:
Place-name, SanskritMeaning:
"teacher, guide, ruler"Description:
A Californian mountain name revered by healers and spiritualists, Shasta has a New Age, cowboy feel. The mountain takes its name from the Indigenous American tribe, the Shasta people - though this name is believed to have been given to them either by white people, or by the nearby Klamath people.
- Flair
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Beware: extremely high pressure, high-expectation name.
- Tangerine
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
We've had Apples, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, and Berries added to the fruit basket: you could be the first to pick a Tangerine.
- Flower
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"flower"Description:
It may sound sweet smelling, but remember, it was the name of the little skunk in Bambi. Better to pick a single bloom from the bouquet, like Violet or Lily or Daisy.
- Cat
Origin:
Diminutive of Catherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
- Florentina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blooming"Description:
The Latin names for girls Florentina may be the most feminissima and flowery of the 'Flor" names. Another option would be Fiorentina, though you can also downshift to Flora or Florence.
- Ethereal
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Otherworldly.
- Manila
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
The name of the capital city of the Philippines is just conceivable as a baby name, giving off the faint scent of vanilla.
- Narnia
Origin:
Literary place-nameDescription:
This Latin-sounding place-name, created by C. S. Lewis for his Chronicles, will undoubtedly be adopted by a few admiring parents.
- Majesty
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Alternative to Princess or Queenie.
- Endelienta
Origin:
CornishDescription:
Saint Endelienta is the woman whose name became Endellion, of David Cameron fame. Endelienta was the daughter of a king and reputed to be the god-daughter of King Arthur. Her feast day is 29 April, making this name an interesting choice for a daughter born on that day.
- Madonna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"my lady"Description:
There's only one. Okay, two.
- Lace
Description:
Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word names and short, distinctive choices gained popularity. The name evokes images of elegance, intricacy, and feminine beauty. Lace has never been a common choice for girls, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive option. It falls into the category of subtle virtue or aesthetic names, alongside choices like Grace, Pearl, or Ruby. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its meaning connects to traditions of craftsmanship and refinement. For parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with graceful associations, Lace offers an understated elegance.
- Dulcibella
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"sweet and pretty"Description:
Dulcibella is an old name that's fallen into disuse but may rise again with the new wave of fashionable names that end in -bel, -belle, and -bella. Behind the Name says that the medieval form of the name was the Dowsabel, which we definitely do not see making a comeback. But Dulcibel or Dulcibelle could work.
- Kassiopeia
Description:
Kassiopeia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the mythological figure Cassiopeia, who was a queen in Greek mythology known for her beauty and vanity. The name carries a sense of celestial elegance, as Cassiopeia is also the name of a prominent constellation in the northern sky. While the traditional spelling is Cassiopeia, this variant with 'K' and 'ei' gives it a more unique and modern feel. Though relatively rare in English-speaking countries, Kassiopeia appeals to parents seeking a name with classical roots and mythological significance. It offers memorable nickname possibilities such as Kassi or Peia, combining regal heritage with celestial connections.
- Shellina
Description:
Shellina is a feminine name likely derived as an elaboration of 'Shelly,' which itself is a diminutive of Michelle (Hebrew, 'who is like God') or a reference to shells found on beaches. The suffix '-ina' adds a feminine, diminutive quality common in many languages. This elegant variation creates a more formal-sounding alternative to Shelly while retaining its connection to natural elements and its gentle sound. Shellina remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, with its connection to seashells suggesting delicacy and uniqueness. Its flowing syllables and feminine ending give it a graceful, melodic quality suitable for a girl's name.
- Turquoise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Gable
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"triangular feature in architecture"Description:
The iconic Gone With the Wind star Clark's surname was brought into the first-name mix when Weeds' Kevin Nealon picked it for his son. Gable makes a strong and unusual possibility, a rhyming cousin to Abel and Mabel.
- Siouxsie
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"alternative spelling of Susie"Description:
Familiar due to the English musician Siouxsie Sioux, singer of the 1970s-80s rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Apart from its complicated look, the inclusion of the Native American tribe name Sioux in this name feels inappropriate by today's standards. Stick with Susie or Suzie.
- Ailani
Origin:
Hawaiian, Hispanic variation of Aileen or Aylin, "high chief; shining light; of the moon"Meaning:
"high chief; shining light; of the moon"Description:
Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 when it rose 267 places, placing it in the Top 400 of that year. With Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish, and Turkish influence, it is an appealingly multicultural choice.
