Updated October 2024
Across 3 pages
of 3
Latin
"modesty"
Modesty is a virtue name dating to Roman times, but never widely used, except for hot 1960s movie spoof heroine, Modesty Blaise, based on a comic strip.
"warlike"
Marcellina is one feminine form of the names derived from the ancient Roman Marcellus. There was a Saint Marcellina who was a 4th century virgin and the only sister of Saint Ambrose.
"my lady"
There's only one. Okay, two.
"from the sea"
Marine was trending for a long time in France, but the far right politician Marine (born Marion) LePen has dampened the mood.
Marciana is a cooler (much cooler) elaboration of Marcia.
Latin, diminutive of Maurice
Soft and sensitive and elderly, associated with mega-best-seller Tuesdays with Morrie .
Male variation of Monica, Latin
"advisor"
Dashing and highly unusual variation does the feminine original one better by sounding both more modern and more usable. Or you can spell it Monaco and call it a place name.
Latin, Cornish
"better; honey"
Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.
Latin, Hebrew, or Japanese
"from Mars; bitter; or, myself"
Maro is an ancient saints' name -- he was an Italian follower of St. Flavia and was martyred -- rarely used in modern life. The name Maro may stem from the Roman Marcellus, related to Mars, the god…
Latin plant name
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
"little muse"
A musette is both a dance and an antique instrument, but the name is most associated with the classic opera La Bohème .
Variation of Marcia, Latin
Martia, more distinctive than cousins Marta, Marcia and Marsha, also has a strong image and slightly unexpected feel.
Feminine of Maximillian
"greatest"
Slightly weightier alternative to Maxine
Diminutive of Mercury, Roman mythological name
Merc has been introduced to the American public by the network executive character on Showtime's Episodes, and is a contemporary-sounding short form of the Roman god and planet name Mercury. Mercury,…
"song for unaccompanied voices"
Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison .…