Latin Names

Could be the next Nova, now that celestial baby names are in the ascendent.

One high-fashion brand that's actually a legitimate first name, though still linked to the tainted Adolph.

Saint Germain, the intellectual center of Paris, lends the name a creative aura. But most Americans would say jer-mayn. The Latin Germanus may mean sprout or bud, or brother.

Junius is one of those names that's growing on us, along with many of its Roman countrymen such as Julius and Atticus. We once thought it was a combination of the least attractive elements of Junior and Julius but now we think...well, we think it's okay. Not great, but okay.

Cesar is the sleeker version of Caesar, as in emperor Julius, used in the US most frequently by Hispanic parents who put the emphasis on the second syllable. With ancient Roman names back in vogue, Cesar might become more popular.

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.

Very rarely used, could provide a distinctive alternative to Lydia.

With the rise of many once-dated leonine names, from Leona to Lionel to Leonora, Leandra is an unusual choice that might be looking at a comeback..

The revival of long-dormant Roman names would put this back in the lexicon if it wasn't so connected to a telecommunications network.

Has a decidedly middle-aged image.

Alternate spelling Amias is one of the biggest hit names of the past ten years, going from very uncommon -- it had never been in the Top 1000 -- to a firm spot in the Top 1000. The Amyas version is much rarer, used for only five baby boys last year. Down side: The spelling of the name starting with the familiar Amy might make some pronounce is Amy-us, but it's more correctly ah-MYE-as.

This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday.

Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"

Corvina sounds quite similar to a car model, although it has a gorgeous meaning and could be an interesting dramatic full name for the nickname Cora.

Pretty Victorian-feeling cousin of Ariel; also, more prosaically, a kind of bay window.

Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year.

Variant spelling of Camila, common in Eastern Europe. Kamila and Kamilah are also feminine forms of the Arabic name Kamil, meaning "perfect".

Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple German name for girls.may appeal to parents searching the untraveled name routes.

The unusual and intriguing Tullia has been used since Roman times and may appeal to parents who like Tallulah, Julia, and Lillia but want something that's very rarely heard.