By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 24 pages
of 24
Greek
"region offering peace and contentment"
Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of…
"sun"
The feminine form of Helios or Helio is occasionally heard in Spain and Portugal. In Greek mythology, Helia is one of the Heliades, daughters of the sun god Helios by Clymene the Oceanid.
Greek variation of Joanna
Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.
Diminutive of Nicola
Another light new twist in the Nicole family.
Italian feminine variation of Cosmo, Greek
"order, beauty, universe"
Cosima, the kind of elegant and unusual name the British upper classes love to use for their daughters, is given to a handful of baby girls in the US after being chosen by two high-profile celebs in…
"fair speech"
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
English variation of Eileen, Irish
"desired, water, island; light, shining torch"
Eileen is technically already an Anglicization of Eibhlin, the Gaelic form of Aveline, that may additionally be considered a variation of Helen. This form streamlines the spelling further, drawing…
Greek variation of Selena
See SELENA.
Hungarian variation of Alice, from German
"noble"
Aliz, traditionally spelt Alíz, is a Top 50 name in Hungary and puts a zippy spin, thanks to that final z, on the classic Alice. Its similarity to names such as Elise may cause some confusion, but…
English variation of Darius, Latin from Greek and Persian, or Darren, English from Irish
"possessing goodness; little great one"
Unusual option, with a Waspy Connecticut air.
"shining, bright"
This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.
"goal"
A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.
Greek mythology name
The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
"cinnamon"
Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in…
"foam or born from the sea"
The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion…
Greek, feminine variation of Dion
"divine"
Dionne is an Americanized version of the Greek Dione, with many sub-versions of its own, identified with singer Dionne Warwick. It was also the surname of the Canadian quintuplets born in 1934, who…
Greek variation of Helen
Ilena-style variants have all been considered more stylish than Helen for many years.
Greek variation of a diminutive of Alexis
Lexus, an automotive newcomer, has recently entered the Top 1000 -- more because of its association, we fear, with the status symbol car than its relation to the name Alexis. If you love this name,…
Spelling variation of Phoebe, Greek
"bright, pure"
Like Gwenyth and Issac, Pheobe is one of those names that many a delivery-dazed parent has accidentally spelled "wrong". It just doesn't make sense that the o comes before the e! If you really mean…
