Latin Names for Girls

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.

A religious name, referring to the announcement by the Virgin Mary that she was with child.

A vivacious Italian name; also a diminutive of Annunziata.

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

Embodies both color and operatic style.

Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

Semiramis/Semiramide was the most important Queen of Assyria, who conquered much of Asia. Semiramis restored ancient Babylon and protected it with a high brick wall that completely surrounded the city. Then she built several palaces in Persia, reigned much of Asia Minor effectively and conquered Libya and Ethiopia. The version Semiramide was used by Giacomo Rossini in his opera of the same name.

Delicate and obscure version of this many-faceted name.

Octavia has the numerical meaning doubled (eighth) and is much more user-friendly.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.

Enshrined in the Latin and Catholic culture.

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

The name of Beethoven's third symphony, and too close to the word erotica.

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

Real name that sounds like a made-up combination of Dillon and Lillian.

If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.

Dexter turned ultracool for a girl when Diane Keaton named her daughter Dexter Dean. Dexter is getting a new style gloss for both genders thanks to (unlikely) baby name role model, television's Dexter the genial serial killer.

Has a medieval, slightly fusty but romantic feel.