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Gutsy Gals

  1. Binnie

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "crib, wicker basket"

    • Description:

      Like Minnie and Winnie, eccentric enough to appeal to the iconoclastic parent.
  2. Dwyn

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dwynwen

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      Short, but still kind of a mouthful.
  3. Prunella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "small plum"

    • Description:

      Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.
  4. Benita

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.
  5. Prisca

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      The rarer long form of Priscilla, which comes from the Roman name Priscus, meaning "ancient".
  6. Tancy

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      This adorable name of the young daughter on "Big Love" might be thought of as a variation of Tansy, an obscure flower name whose star may rise on the heels of such current favorites as Lily and Daisy.
  7. Dorrit

    • Origin:

      Danish diminutive of Dorothea, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      The "Little Dorrit" title character of Charles Dickens' novel was actually named Amy; Dorrit was her last name. The Dorit spelling is a short form of Dorothea in Danish and Dorrit has been used as a first name, but its origins are as a surname derived from Dorothea or Durward.
  8. Delly

    • Description:

      Delly is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive form of names like Adele, Cordelia, or Delilah. With English origins as a nickname, it has occasionally emerged as a given name in its own right. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality with its bouncy sound and '-ly' ending. Delly gained some recognition following the popularity of Australian basketball player Matthew Dellavedova, nicknamed "Delly." As a standalone name, it remains uncommon, making it distinctive without being unrecognizable. The name evokes a sense of warmth and approachability with its informal, endearing quality. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages and cultures.
  9. Selda

    • Description:

      Selda is a feminine name with Turkish origins, derived from the elements 'sel' meaning 'flood' or 'stream'. In Turkish culture, the name carries connotations of flowing beauty and natural grace. While primarily used in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities, Selda has gained some recognition internationally through notable figures like Turkish folk singer Selda Bağcan. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its melodic sound and meaningful etymology make it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.
  10. Fannie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Fanny, diminutive of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      It's hard to believe, via a 21st-century sensibility, that Fannie was ever a Top 50 name. But Fannie was even more popular than Fanny in its late 19th-century heyday, and stuck around much longer, staying on the Top 1000 until the 1960s while Fanny fell off in 1940. Today, however, Fannie sounds antiquated at best, and rude at worst.
  11. Columbine

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      A beautiful flower name deriving from the Latin word for dove. Sadly, in America this name is now forever linked with a tragic terrorist attack on a Colorado high school.
  12. Floretta

    • Description:

      Floretta is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, serving as a diminutive form of Flora. It derives from the Latin 'flos' meaning 'flower,' conveying images of blossoming beauty and springtime. This ornate variation adds the charming Italian diminutive suffix '-etta,' giving it an extra touch of femininity and grace. Though uncommon in contemporary usage, Floretta enjoyed modest popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries a vintage elegance that aligns with the revival of elaborate, romantic names from this era. With its melodic four syllables and botanical associations, Floretta appeals to parents seeking a name that's both feminine and distinctive, while potential nicknames like Flora, Flor, Etta, or Retta offer versatility.

  13. Millay

    • Origin:

      English literary name

    • Description:

      Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.
  14. Clia

    • Origin:

      Invented literary name

    • Description:

      Clia could be seen as a variation of Clea (probably another invented literary name), or the creation of L. Frank Baum for a mermaid Princess character in one of his Oz books. Offers a similar choice to Cleo vs Clio.
  15. Paralee

    • Description:

      Paralee is a feminine given name that appears to have emerged in the United States primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name may be a compound formation combining elements like 'Para-' (possibly from Greek, meaning 'beside' or 'beyond') and '-lee' (a common suffix in American feminine names, possibly derived from the popular name Lee which has English origins meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'). Alternatively, it might be a variant of Paralie or Parley. Historical records show usage primarily in the Southern United States during the early 1900s. The name follows patterns of other melodic feminine names ending in '-lee' or '-lie' that were somewhat common during this period. Paralee has become quite rare in contemporary naming patterns, representing a style of naming that was more prevalent in earlier generations.
  16. Ardelia

    • Description:

      Ardelia is a feminine name with classical roots, derived from the Greek word "ardis" meaning "arrow" or possibly related to "ardent," suggesting warmth and passion. This elegant name has historical usage dating back centuries but remains relatively uncommon today. Ardelia appears in literature and historical records, including as a character name in various works. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and romantic sound. While never achieving mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Ardelia maintains appeal for parents drawn to vintage names with classical origins and a sophisticated, somewhat exotic flair.

  17. Darly

    • Description:

      Darly is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Darla or possibly as a feminine variation of Daryl. The name Darla derives from the English 'dear one' or 'beloved,' while Daryl has Old English roots meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' Darly has a sweet, approachable quality with its soft ending sound. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving a child a distinctive yet accessible identity. Darly has a contemporary feel while still connecting to traditional naming patterns. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it practical across languages and cultures. Though not frequently found in naming statistics, Darly fits with modern trends favoring shorter names with friendly, approachable sounds.

  18. Exie

    • Description:

      Exie is a vintage feminine name that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often used as a nickname for names beginning with 'Ex-' or as a diminutive for Elizabeth or Exilda, it has a quaint, old-fashioned charm. The name nearly disappeared from usage by the mid-20th century, making it extremely rare today. Its brevity and distinctive sound give it potential appeal to modern parents seeking truly uncommon vintage names. Exie has Southern American associations, as it appeared more frequently in Southern states during its peak usage. The name's simplicity and unique 'x' sound offer a combination of antique appeal and contemporary phonetic interest.