Girl Names Lists · Historic and Vintage Names · Cool Baby Names
Ancient Names for Girls (You'll Love Right Now)
Across 7 pages
of 7
Laurentia
Latin, feminine form of Laurence
This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing Latin names for girls worth consideration by…
Ligeia
Greek
"clear-voiced, whistling"
One of the Sirens in Greek mythology, Ligeia was also the title character in an Edgar Allan Poe story. The mythological Ligeia was half-bird, half-woman. Spelling may also be Lygeia or Ligia.
Lucilla
Latin
"light"
A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille. It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda.
Lucretia
Latin, female form of Lucretius
"profit, wealth"
A pretty and plausible Latin name that's gotten a bad rap through the years via a link to Lucrezia Borgia, who, though long considered a demon poisoner, was actually a patron of learning and the…
Maaza
Amharic
"aroma or essence"
Pronounced mah-zah, Maaza means a pleasant scent, usually from a yellow daisy popular in Ethiopia. Hot young Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste introduced the name to our shores.
Mahala
Hebrew and Arabic
"tender"
An interesting and rhythmic name often heard in the Native American community; in fact,in the Gold Rush era in California and Nevada, it was so common that it became a generic English term for a…
Marciana
Latin
"warlike"
Marciana is a cooler (much cooler) elaboration of Marcia.
Marilla
Latin
"shining sea"
Marilla is a names that's familiar via its resemblance to Mary and variations, but also distinctive: It hasn't been on the Top 1000 since the 1800s and was given to only 27 baby girls last year.…
Maxima
Latin, feminine variation of Maximus
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want…
Melisent
Variation of Millicent, English, Germanic
"strong in work"
Derived from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, this form was brought to England by the Normans, though it was later adapted into the variation we know better today: Millicent. This form may remind…
Meriall
English, meaning unknown
A name found in 16th century marriage records, but still manages to sound like a modern, made-up elaboration of MERRY.
Merneith
Egyptian
"beloved by Neith"
An alluring ancient name with feminist history: Merneith was an Ancient Egyptian consort and ruler who may have been the first female pharaoh, and even the first queen regnant in all of recorded…
Minerva
Latin
"of the mind, intellect"
Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents.…
Mirabai
Sanskrit
"ocean"
The Hindu princess and poetess Meera, was also known as Mira Bai. Mira Bai was a Rajput princess, the only child of Ratan Singh, younger brother of the ruler of Merta. Her royal education included…
Mucia
Latin, meaning unknown
The name of a high-born ancient Roman matrona who led a dramatic life--she was said to have had an affair with Julius Caesar--is similar to LUCIA, but not as attractive.
Nahara
Aramaic and Hebrew
"light"
Beguiling cousin of Sahara.
Nefertiti
Egyptian
"the beautiful one has arrived"
This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.
Nerilla
Invented literary name or Latin
"strong, vigorous"
A character name that makes an appearance in Shakespeare's King Lear , Nerilla has hardly been heard in modern times. Fewer than five baby girls received the name in the US last year, which places it…
Nicasia
Latin, female variation of Nicasio
"victorious"
An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.
Niloufar
Persian
"lotus, water lily"
Niloufar is a gorgeous Persian name used in Iran, Turkey (as Nilüfer), and Azerbaijan. It has many alternate spellings including Nilofar, which is used by Urdu speakers.