Lovely names for baby girls

Lainie is a nickname for Elaine that has been in the public eye via Lainie Kazan (that was her full given name), who was a popular singer in the 1960s and 1970s (she was Barbra Streisand's understudy in "Funny Girl"), and then became a motherly character actress. We still find Lainie a bit flimsy for a full first name.

Elyssa is a feminine name with ancient roots, representing a variation of Elissa, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage (also known as Dido in Virgil's Aeneid). The name has Phoenician origins and may be related to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, potentially sharing the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. Elyssa offers a more distinctive spelling of the classic Elissa while maintaining its mythological connections and elegant sound. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as parents sought alternatives to common names like Alyssa or Melissa. With its ancient heritage and melodic quality, Elyssa provides a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, giving it timeless appeal.

One of the Sirens in Greek mythology, Ligeia was also the title character in an Edgar Allan Poe story. The mythological Ligeia was half-bird, half-woman. Spelling may also be Lygeia or Ligia.

There's only one Evita.

Carmina is a feminine name of Latin origin that derives from the word 'carmen,' meaning 'song,' 'poem,' or 'verse.' The plural form 'carmina' literally translates to 'songs' or 'poems,' giving the name artistic and musical associations. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has stronger usage in Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries. The name carries a lyrical quality and evokes the beauty of musical expression and poetic artistry. Carmina's classical roots connect it to ancient Roman culture, where poetry and songs were highly valued art forms. The name gained some recognition through Carl Orff's famous musical composition 'Carmina Burana.' For parents, Carmina offers a melodious choice with cultural depth, artistic associations, and a timeless, elegant quality.

In Norse mythology, the valkyries decided the fate of men in battle and conveyed the spirits of the fallen to Valhalla, to dwell with the god Odin. Often associated with ravens, swans, and horses, over time the valkyries have been portrayed as strong, female figures, callous and monstrous creatures, and sometimes both at the same time.

Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.

Ellamae was given to over 60 baby girls in the US last year, although the data doesn't record punctuation, so we don't know how many of those will actually go by Ella Mae or Ella-Mae. The fourth most popular compound name for girls in the US, It's a modern smoosh name with a sweet, old-timey feel.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

Gilly is a name that's popped up from time to time in different contexts: As a nickname for Gillian, for instance, and as the name of a town in Switzerland. But it's increasingly associated with Hannah Murray's character Gilly in HBO's Game of Thrones, whom Sam Tarly rescued from Craster's Keep.

A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".

If you're torn between Marissa and Alyssa.