By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 24 pages
of 24
Greek
"heavenly"
The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.
Russian
"foreign"
Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.
Veronike represents a variant spelling of Veronica, a name with classical roots. The traditional Veronica derives from the Latin 'vera icon' meaning 'true image,' associated with Saint Veronica in…
Greek and Latin
"purple flower"
Too close to violent.
"yellow horse"
Xanthipe, also spelled Xanthippe, is the name of the wife of Socrates. Challenging for English speakers, it's also dramatic and alluring.
"golden-haired one"
The ethereal name of a Greek mythology sea nymph.
"of Zeus"
As long as nobody connects it with xenophobia -- the fear of strangers and the unknown.
Greek variation of Selena
See SELENA.
Feminine variation of Zephyr, Greek
"west wind"
Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina,…
"thunder"
This lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name, makes a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights . While the original name took an umlaut over…
Greek, Zulu, Xhosa
"lover, friend; to live of life"
In the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, Phila is a unisex name pronounced "PEE-la" and means "to live of life" It's also the feminine version of the ancient Greek name Philo, pronounced…
American, Greek
"chosen, elected; amber"
An early American name inspired by the word spiritual word "elect" and by a passage in the New Testament in which the Christian Church is referred to as "The Elect Lady and Her Children". Used in the…
"girdle"
The name of a star in the constellation of Leo, Zosma is an intriguing, celestial choice that could make an unexpected middle name option, especially for babies born under the lion sign. Meaning…
"immortal"
This adorable name of the young daughter on "Big Love" might be thought of as a variation of Tansy, an obscure flower name whose star may rise on the heels of such current favorites as Lily and Daisy.
Greek literary name
Queen Hecuba was the legendary queen of King Priam of Troy, mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. Euripedes' tragedy Hecuba depicts Hecuba's grief over the death of her daughter Polyxena,…
Diminutive of Alcina, Greek
"strong-willed"
Alcie and Alsie are antiquated short forms that feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned…
"glory"
Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. since 1982) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things…
Diminutive of Alexis and Alexandra
"man's defender"
Lex is still used mostly for boys, but like Alex, may cross over with the rising popularity of all long forms of the name. Lexi is another, more feminine option.
"thorn, prickle"
Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and…
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…
