Latin Names for Girls

Like Quentin, Quintin and Quintana, Quintia was once reserved for the fifth child in a family, but now would make an interesting choice for a child coming anywhere in the birth order.

This elaboration of Vera makes an attractive and uncommon choice.

Most distinctive of the Dominic-related girls' names.

Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.

Delicate and obscure version of this many-faceted name.

Quirina is the feminine form of Quirinus, the name of the Sabine god of war. This is one mythological name that has not traveled to the modern world -- we've found no babies ever name Quirina or Quirinus in the US -- but with this newly-trendy class of names, anything is possible.

Completely undiscovered double-l name with an abundance of rhythmic charm.

Faunia is more often rendered as Fauna, who was a Roman goddess of fertility, women and healing. Faunia was the downtrodden yet loving heroine of Philip Roth's Human Stain. Faunia and Fauna have more gravitas than the doe-like Fawn.

In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.

Seems to cry out for another syllable.

The unusual hybrid Tuliana, which rhymes with Juliana, combines the Roman offshoot Tulia with the more familiar Ana, the Latinate form of Anna or Ann. Tulia comes from the Roman family name Tullius, best known as the middle name of the philosopher Cicero. While Tuliana is intriguing, any little Tuliana, upon introducing herself, will always be asked, "Juliana?"

A town in the San Fernando Valley: slightly better than Encino or Tarzana.

This Latin word for love is not traditionally used as a name, but why not? It's got a pretty sound and some distinctive flair. Variants Amori or Amorie can also be thought of as different spellings of Amory, which has a very different meaning and roots. Only downside: Sounds almost exactly like "amorous," meaning in the mood for love, which could provoke some adolescent teasing.

A contemporary sounding word name with an ancient history, widely used in the Roman Empire, and based on the mythic goddess of good luck and fertility.

Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations. The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).

The name of an area of Peru, this could be a possibilty for a springtime baby born under the sign of Taurus.

Sounds like a child in a Gothic novel.

This name of eight popes might appeal to confirmed city-dwellers, but Urbana would be more feminine.

Name of the Roman goddess of harvest and grain, appropriate for a fall baby. And a palindrome too!