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sappho's longlist - girls

  1. Idalie

    • Origin:

      French and Swedish variation of Idalia, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "behold the sun"

    • Description:

      A warm, sunny, and extremely rare name, even within its native France. Idalie would be especially perfect to honor an Ida.
  2. Muse

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Remember, the Muse is passive: someone else's inspiration.
  3. Tuilelaith

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "princess of abundance"

    • Description:

      Original Gaelic form of Talulla, often connected with the Choctaw name Tallulah due to the similar sound and spelling.
  4. Acadia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "idyllic place"

    • Description:

      Acadia, the French name for Nova Scotia and the name of a gorgeous national park in Maine makes a fresh, rhythmic choice for your little girl. Acadia is an original yet accessible member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
  5. Capucine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "nasturtium"

    • Description:

      Capucine was a chic French actress half a century ago and has been one of the most fashionable girl names in France in recent decades, ranking in France's Top 100. Capucine is also popular in French-speaking Belgium. To Americans and other English speakers, this name still feels fresh -- so fresh that last year, no baby girls were named Capucine in the US.
  6. Ilse

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Ilsa

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
  7. Sappho

    • Origin:

      Ancient Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sapphire"

    • Description:

      Name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love. Though this name is rarely used today, it certainly could be and, some might say, SHOULD be revived.
  8. Aristeia

    • Origin:

      Literary term from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the best"

    • Description:

      In epic poetry, the term aristeia is used to denote the climactic point where the hero/heroine has their finest hour. Aristeia feels at home with other big Greek names like Atalanta, Cassiopeia and Galatea. We think this name has potential for parents who think Poem, Saga and Rhapsody are too obvious.
  9. Alienor

    • Origin:

      French, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.
  10. Elysande

    • Origin:

      English, Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "temple path"

    • Description:

      An intriguing medieval name found in various forms across Europe. Variants include Elisende, Elisenda, Elysant, Elysande, Elisent and Helisent. It likely derives from a Visigothic name meaning "temple path".
  11. Flordelis

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fleur de lys"

    • Description:

      This name was occasionally used in the Middle Ages by members of the House of Sicily. A revival of this floral name would make an interesting addition to the increasingly broad selection of botanical names being used at the moment.
  12. Clelia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "famous"

    • Description:

      The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.
  13. Ocean

    • Origin:

      English, nature name

    • Description:

      Ocean is a nature name that comes right out and states its meaning and association. Full of power and depth, Ocean is one of the fastest-rising baby names for both girls and boys, making the US Top 1000 for both genders in 2021. Oceane, the version that's trendy in France, was used for only 11 baby girls in the US in the same year. Ocean-lovers who want to be less obvious can choose such subtler names that mean ocean as Jennifer or Marissa, but coming right out and using Ocean is a perfectly valid way to go.
  14. Dido

    • Origin:

      Greek, meaning obscure

    • Description:

      Dido was the heroine of Virgil's Aeneid and of the opera "Dido and Aeneas," and in Roman mythology the founder of Carthage. A strong ancient name in the Juno mode, but it could have some awkward associations down the line.
  15. Psyche

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "breath"

    • Description:

      This name of the mortal girl loved by Eros is too loaded with psyche/psycho/psychic associations. The mythological Psyche became goddess of the soul.
  16. Ephigenia

    • Description:

      Ephigenia is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Iphigenia in Greek mythology—the daughter of Agamemnon who was nearly sacrificed to appease the goddess Artemis. The name combines elements meaning "strong" and "born," suggesting someone born with strength or might. This elaborate and classical name has never achieved widespread popularity in modern times, remaining an extraordinarily uncommon choice with strong literary and historical associations. Ephigenia offers a dignified, scholarly air with its classical roots and melodic sound pattern. For parents seeking a truly distinctive name with historical depth and feminine elegance, Ephigenia provides a rare option with built-in nickname possibilities like Effie, Genie, or Nia.

  17. Sorrell

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"

    • Description:

      Soft, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. The proper spelling: Sorrel.
  18. Parthenia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "chaste maiden"

    • Description:

      Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.
  19. Boudicca

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.
  20. Viatrix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "voyager"

    • Description:

      This Beatrix alternate could make a good choice for globetrotting parents.