By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
Latin
"praised"
Delicate and obscure version of this many-faceted name.
Latin, feminine form of Laurence
This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing Latin names for girls worth consideration by…
"joy, gladness"
Letitia is a delicate, once prim and proper sounding name whose staid image has been unbuttoned by numerous phonetic spellings. The original, often used in Spanish-speaking families, would still make…
Swiss place-name or Latin
"lamp"
Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.
"song for unaccompanied voices"
Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison .…
Variation of Marcia, Latin
"warlike"
Martia, more distinctive than cousins Marta, Marcia and Marsha, also has a strong image and slightly unexpected feel.
Latin, Cornish
"better; honey"
Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.
Latin plant name
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
"little muse"
A musette is both a dance and an antique instrument, but the name is most associated with the classic opera La Bohème .
"home"
Very rarely used, could provide a distinctive alternative to Lydia.
"goddess of childbirth"
The Nixi were a tribe of childbirth goddesses in ancient Rome. The similar Nixie is a girls' name associated with German water nymphs. Whichever variation you choose, this is a unique name with a…
"unwilling"
A saucy Latin name that also defines a trendy New York area north of Little Italy.
"messenger"
A vivacious Italian name; also a diminutive of Annunziata.
"little wave"
Mythological spirit of the waters; spelled Undine, she was an Edith Wharton heroine.
Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
"mariner"
Has a medieval, slightly fusty but romantic feel.
Italian
"praise the Lord; deliver us"
An Italian form of expressive Hosanna, this spiritual name might appeal to those who enjoy nicknames Ozzy or Anna. Borne by a number of saints, including a 15th century Italian mystic, Osanna also…
Latin, from Palmyra, ancient Syrian city
"palm tree; pilgrim"
A place name relating to the tropical palm tree, or a feminine form of Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim".
"peace"
A cool name, representing the Roman goddess of peace and offering a positive message to bestow upon a child. Pax is one of the most stylish new names that mean peace .
"feather"
Occasionally heard in England, rarely here.
