Turtle Names

his engaging French saint's name, pronounced like tangy, with a hard 'g,' also has a creative connection to French surrealist painter Yves Tanguy.

Shelba is a feminine name with variations like Shelby and Shelva. It likely originated as a variant of Shelby, which came from an English place name meaning 'estate on a ledge' or 'willow grove.' Shelba has Anglo-Saxon roots but remains relatively uncommon in modern usage. It gained some recognition during the mid-20th century but never achieved widespread popularity. The name has a soft, vintage quality that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. Shelba might be chosen to honor a family member named Shelby while giving a slightly more feminine twist to the traditional spelling.

Myshell is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variant of Michelle, which derives from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God.' This modern adaptation gives the traditional name a unique flair while maintaining its recognizable sound. Myshell emerged primarily in the United States during the late 20th century when alternative spellings became increasingly popular. The name reflects a desire for individuality while keeping connections to familiar naming traditions. Though not among the most common names, Myshell appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet easy to pronounce with a soft, feminine quality.

Shelli is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive or variant spelling of Michelle or Shelley. The name Shelley itself originally derived from Old English, meaning 'from the meadow on the ledge' or 'clearing on a bank.' With its friendly 'i' ending, Shelli has a cheerful, approachable quality that became particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. The variant spelling gives the name a more casual, playful feel than its more formal counterparts. Though less common today than in previous decades, Shelli retains a certain youthful charm and unpretentious warmth. This spelling variation offers a slightly more unique option while maintaining the recognizable sound of more traditional forms.

Torbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin, likely derived from elements meaning 'thunder' (thor/tor) and 'bright' or 'famous' (bert/brecht). This powerful combination creates a name suggesting strength and distinction. Torbert evolved primarily as a surname before occasionally transitioning to first-name usage. Like many Germanic names containing the 'bert' element (such as Albert, Robert, and Herbert), Torbert carries an air of traditional masculinity and substance. It remains quite uncommon as a first name, making it an option for parents seeking a distinctive choice with historical roots. The name has a solid, somewhat formal quality that conveys stability and strength, while its rarity ensures individuality for its bearer.

You’re unlikely to hear Howardena on a baby girl today, but art lovers may recognize it as the name of Howardena Pindell, an American painter and mixed media artist.

Torille is the name of an Italian town, and is also found as a surname/

Until now, most girls called Shell used it as a nickname for Shelley or Michelle. Today's Shell is much more likely to be a nature name, cool and beachy, fit for all genders.

If you love the venerable Southwestern painter but feel Georgia's gotten too overheated, you might want to go all the way to this Irish surname in the fashionable O' family.

Gertina is a feminine name that appears to be a diminutive or variant form combining elements of Gertrude, Greta, or Gertie with the feminine suffix '-ina.' The name has Germanic roots, as Gertrude derives from elements meaning 'spear' and 'strength.' Gertina softens the more formal Gertrude while maintaining its traditional European heritage. This name has an old-world charm and vintage quality that connects to early 20th century naming styles. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Gertina might appeal to parents looking for a unique name with historical resonance that isn't widely used. The '-ina' ending gives it a gentle, feminine quality while preserving connections to the strength implied in its Germanic origins.