By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Japanese
"thousand generations"
The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
Mary has hundreds of variations around the world, and this German form, pronounced Ma-RYE-keh, is virtually unknown in English-speaking lands. A possible alternative to Mariah?
Greek, female variation of Aeneas
"the praised one"
This name found in the fantasy series Endymion/Rise of Endymion has a slightly physiological feel to it.
Literary name
Douglas Adams invented this name for a character (aka Tricia) in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . It has a nice, trilly sound, and is accessible via its kinship with Gillian/Jillian.
Amharic
"aroma or essence"
Pronounced mah-zah, Maaza means a pleasant scent, usually from a yellow daisy popular in Ethiopia. Hot young Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste introduced the name to our shores.
Irish variation of Maura or Mary
Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea . You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if…
German short form of Cornelia
"horn"
Cute tomboyish diminutive that's popular in Germany but has not spread far. An interesting choice for the parent who wants an elaborate feminine proper name with a modern short form.
Swedish and Norwegian variation of Tove
"beautiful"
Tove is a modern variation of an Old Norse name, related to Thor. Tuva is a form of the name popular in modern Scandinavia.
Literary character
Name of the imaginary Queen of Ix created by L. Frank Baum for one of his Oz books.
Invented literary name
Lady Aurex is a character in L. Frank Baum's Glinda of Oz , a sequel to The Wizard of Oz .
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…
A combination-type name invented by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character who first appears in his book Ozma of Oz .
A fanciful concoction whipped up by L. Frank Baum for a beautiful and powerful princess in one of his Oz books.
A name created for Jellia Jamb, a sweet and beautiful servant in the Royal Palace in the Emerald City of Oz, who appears in several books in the series.
Literary invention
Princess Ozma was the leading character of L. Frank Baum's book Ozma of Oz and could provide a fun way to nickname Ozzie for a girl. Alternatively, it may occasionally be used as a variation of the…
Ancient Greek
"sapphire"
Name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love. Though this name is rarely used today, it certainly could be and, some…
Hawaiian goddess of fire
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple,…
French surname
Bardot joined the first and last names of other glamour girl icons such as (Jean) Harlow when David Boreanaz chose the surname of '50s French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot for his daughter. Bardot…
Hindi, “shining, honor”
A soft, sweet, distinctive name with a noble meaning.
"apricot"
A representative Japanese name with a meaning symbolizing ripeness.
