By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Chuva is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In Portuguese, 'chuva' means 'rain,' giving the name a beautiful natural significance. It may also have roots in various African languages or…
Trindade is a feminine name of Portuguese origin meaning 'trinity.' It has strong religious connotations, referring to the Holy Trinity in Christianity. The name is particularly meaningful in…
Victorina is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Victoria, meaning "victory." This elaborated form adds a romantic, ornate quality to the more common Victoria, particularly in Spanish,…
Victoriana is an elaborate feminine name derived from Victoria, which originated from the Latin word 'victoria' meaning 'victory.' This extended form adds a romantic, vintage quality to the classic…
Portuguese
"bay"
This possible word name, which rhymes with Maia, makes an even more distinctive alternative.
Feminine variation of Ovidius, Roman family name
"shepherd or sheep"
Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is…
Basque, diminutive or local variant of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
A rare name even among Basque speakers (fewer than 20 women in Spain are called Elixane), this beautiful name has drawn some attention via Elixane Lechemia, the French pro-tennis player. With its…
French after the Greek name for the Queen of Atlantis
In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled;…
Portuguese and Spanish diminutive of Evangelina
"bringer of good news"
Vanina is a name that is, at first glance, miles apart from its origin. But once you say it aloud and look for it, you can see the direct line from Evangelina to Vanina. Vanina could also be a good…
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Viridiana, Latin
"green"
A rarer variant of Viridiana, this name is a frilly yet strong sounding choice that may appeal as verdant option for a spring or summer baby. It could also intrigue those who want a rarer alternative…
Variation of Hilary
"happy, cheerful"
Alair is a lighter, more unusual form of Hilary.
Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, German
"noble, bright"
Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can…
French and Portuguese variation of Andrew
"strong and manly"
Andre is traditionally a male name, but it is not completely unknown for girls. Think of it as an abbreviation of Andrea and it makes more sense.
Portuguese place name
"land of brazilwood; ember-colored land"
The name of the 20th-century-created capital of Brazil has a good measure of Latin rhythm and could make a possible female choice, while Brazil might work for a boy.
Place name, English from Portuguese and Sanskrit
"lionlike"
Lovely, international, tea-scented possibility undiscovered by baby names. Ceylon may ultimately be derived from the Sanskrit siṃhala , meaning "island of lions" or "abundance of lions."
Word name, English from Spanish and Portuguese
"banana"
Banana is one fruity name we wouldn't recommend. Pick Plum instead. There is a Japanese novelist whose pen name is Banana Yoshimoto--birth name Mahoko.
Diminutive of Cristina, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Romanian,"a Christian"
"a Christian"
Unisex nickname that feels fresher than Chris.
Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese
"famous in battle"
A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.
Brazilian Portuguese and German feminization of Damian, Greek
"to tame, subdue"
A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.
