Elusive Forest Fae
- Melisende
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.
- Alys
Origin:
Welsh form of Alice, GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.
- Firefly
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"glowing insect"
- Larkspur
Origin:
English botanical nameDescription:
A rarer-than-rare floral name with a sting in the tail!
- Vetiver
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
The name of a grass plant native to India, which is used in aromatherapy and for its essential oil. Vetiver could make for a striking alternative to Violet, Clover or Juniper.
- Sylvanna
Description:
Sylvanna is a feminine name with Latin roots, a variation of Silvana, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' This name evokes images of natural beauty and serene forest landscapes. Sylvanna combines the rustic charm of nature-inspired names with a touch of elegance through its flowing sound and classic ending. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady, low-level usage throughout the decades, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet recognizable. The spelling variation with 'y' instead of 'i' gives it a slightly more contemporary feel while preserving its connection to classical naming traditions.
- Alifair
Origin:
RomaniMeaning:
"elf warrior or all true"Description:
Variant of Alafair
- Silvanna
Description:
Silvanna is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It's a variant of Silvana or Sylvana, carrying associations with nature, trees, and woodland beauty. The double 'n' spelling gives the name a romantic, elaborate quality while maintaining its connection to natural elements. Historically, the name has been more common in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking regions. Silvanna evokes images of natural grace and sylvan elegance, making it appealing to parents drawn to nature-themed names. While never reaching top popularity charts in English-speaking countries, it maintains a steady presence as a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with classical roots and straightforward pronunciation.
- Cypress
Origin:
Botanical nameDescription:
Lovely entry into the tree name genre, joining Juniper, Maple, and Willow. Nearly 200 babies were named Cypress in the US last year, about 40 percent of them female.
- Cefariana
Description:
Cefariana is an extremely rare feminine name with exotic flair. Likely a modern creation or elaboration of other names, it may be related to the Spanish name Ceferina (feminine form of Ceferino) or possibly a creative variation of Zephyrine, derived from Zephyr, meaning "west wind." The name has a romantic, almost musical quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive sound. Cefariana carries a certain lyrical elegance that might appeal to parents seeking something genuinely unique with a Mediterranean or Latin essence. While its rarity means it lacks established historical significance, this also allows the name to be shaped by its bearer without preconceptions. The melodic construction gives it a feminine grace while remaining memorable and distinctive.
- Mirthe
Description:
Mirthe is a feminine name of Dutch origin that means 'mirth' or 'joy,' reflecting its connection to happiness and cheerfulness. Popular in the Netherlands and Flanders, the name embodies a sense of delight and lightheartedness. Mirthe (pronounced MEER-tuh in Dutch) has a soft, gentle sound that contributes to its appeal. While uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, it offers international parents a distinctive option with a positive meaning and relatively straightforward pronunciation. The name has connections to the myrtle plant as well, which symbolizes love and was sacred to the goddess Venus in ancient times. Mirthe combines simplicity with meaningful associations, creating a name that feels both modern and timeless in its celebration of happiness.
- Yadira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"worthy"Description:
Yadira is a popular choice in Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, and has also been a favorite among Latin American families in the US. Popularized by actress Yadira Jiménez in the mid-20th century, its exact etymology is unknown, but a likely possibility is that it comes from the Arabic Jadira, usually interpreted as meaning "worthy", though "bloom" is also suggested.
- Lillias
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lillias is a spin on Lilias, two international members of the popular Lily family. Whatever the spelling, the name is so rare that it was given to no baby girls in the US in 2015.
- Ehrena
Description:
Ehrena is an uncommon feminine name with possible Germanic origins. It may be related to the German word 'Ehre' meaning 'honor' or 'respect', suggesting noble qualities. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive spelling. Ehrena remains quite rare in most countries, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. The name carries a certain dignified elegance while its unusual nature ensures individuality. Though historical usage is limited, Ehrena has potential appeal in contemporary naming trends that favor uncommon names with meaningful origins and pleasant sounds.
- Morea
Description:
Morea is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek place name Morea (a medieval name for the Peloponnese peninsula), or it could be a variant spelling of Moriah, a biblical mountain mentioned in Genesis. Some see it as a variation of Maura, meaning 'dark' or 'moorish' from Latin. In Polynesian languages, particularly Maori, similar names relate to words meaning 'ocean journey.' Morea has never been common in English-speaking countries but has an appealing melodic quality. The name carries an exotic, somewhat mysterious air with its possible connections to ancient geography and biblical history. Its brevity and vowel-rich pronunciation make it accessible across cultural boundaries.
- Sylvestra
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"of the forest"Description:
A rare feminine form of Sylvester, also spelled Silvestra. Sylvie would make for a sweet and sophisticated short form.
- Fairylithe
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"grace of the fairies"Description:
Over-the-top whimsical — perhaps best suited as a middle name. Fairylithe is unrelated to Ferelith, a Scottish name meaning "true sovereignty."
- Myrthe
Origin:
Dutch variation of MyrtleDescription:
This botanical name is one of the few Dutch names that could work outside the Netherlands, especially in Germany or Scandinavia.
- Ptelea
Origin:
GreekDescription:
Greek spirit of the elm tree.
- Iara
Origin:
Variation of Yara, Arabic, TupiMeaning:
"small butterfly; lady of the water"Description:
Iara rhymes with Yara, an Arabic name of which it can be a variation. More commonly it's associated with Iara of Brazilian myth — a water nymph, sometimes mermaid, of Tupi and Guaraní legend. In the legends, Iara seduces men to the river to accompany her in her immortal life.
