By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 29 pages
of 29
Elaboration of Eva
"life"
A fresh feeling elaboration of Eva or Eve, in the style of Liliana or Eliana. It could be considered a compound name too, blending Eve and Ana, giving it the meaning "life and grace" or "graceful…
Irish, English
"between two hills"
Arlo, an unexpectedly popular name for boys these days, is also finding new life as a girls' name. Its roots are primarily as an Irish or English surname, but it might also be a short form of the…
Greek mythology name, diminutive of Amelia, or Hawaiian
"ash tree; honey; work; plumeria"
This is a rich, melodic shortening of the popular girls' name Amelia that can stand on its own. There are several figures in Greek myth named Melia, most notably a daughter of Oceanus. The Meliae are…
Spanish
"lady of sorrows"
Though it's related to the Virgin Mary, this name was once perceived as the height of sensuality, a role since taken over by nicknames Lola and Lolita. Dolores is one of the many titles given to the…
Spanish nickname
Inspired by the Mexican singer who uses it as her single name.
Spanish, feminine variation of Emmanuel
"God is with us"
Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name. In the 1948 film The Pirate , set in the…
"rich, strong"
Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.
Breton
"angel"
Breton cognate of Angela, from Breton ael "angel".
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
Spanish diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew Raphaela
"God has healed"
This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella…
Melisa is a feminine name with roots in Greek mythology, derived from 'melissa' meaning 'honey bee' or 'honeysuckle.' This sweet and melodious name carries connotations of industriousness, community,…
Spanish, Portuguese
"free man"
Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
Italian and Spanish feminine variation of Fabian
"bean grower"
The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.
Spanish, “little wolf”
This lively pet name has recently been associated with Mexican-born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, acclaimed for her role in the 2013 film Twelve Years a Slave . The mother name Guadalupe, literally…
Spanish from Greek
"violet flower"
Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a…
"white snow"
Has a pure, clean aura, but is also evocative.
"pillar"
The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice. The…
Italian, Latin
"of the forest"
Silvana is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman Silvanus, sharing the same woodsy meaning. A mix of elegance and energy, Silvana may appeal to those who enjoy Sylvie, Sylvia, Savannah, and Solana.
"dewdrops"
This name, which refers to Mary as the Virgin of the Dew, is all but unknown in the Anglo community, but popular enough in Hispanic families that it made the US Top 1000 until least until 2006. Also…
