Ancient Names for Girls (You'll Love Right Now)

Bahaar

Persian, Turkish, Kurdish

"spring"

This popular Muslim name would more easily translate to English-speaking cultures in its Bahar form.

Basilia

Greek, feminine variation of Basil

Rare but attractive female form of Basil.

Beata

Swedish, German, Italian, from Latin

"blessed"

Beata, a Latinate saint's name, has been widely used primarily by Roman Catholics in several European countries, but is rarely heard in English-speaking countries. Playground alert: could be…

Belig

Mongolian name meaning "clever, wise"

"clever, wise"

Similar to the Turkish name Bilge (Bil-jeh), which has the same meaning.

Calvina

Latin, feminine form of Calvin

There are several better Cal- names that don't simply echo a male form.

Campana

Latin

"bell ringer"

Most often heard as an Italian surname, this might be an unusual yet musical option. While it's not among the traditional Italian names for girls , it can fill that role.

Candida

Latin

"white"

Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.

Clemencia

Latin

"mild, merciful"

This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday.

Columba

Latin

"dove"

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and…

Constantina

Latin, female variation of Constantinus

"constant, unchanging"

Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor…

Crispina

Latin

"curly-haired"

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

Damiane

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.

Decima

Latin

"tenth"

In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October,…

Fabia

Latin female variation of Fabian

"bean grower"

Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian.

Fannia

Diminutive of Frances

A cute alternative to FANNY, with a slight Russian accent.

Fausta

Latin

"fortunate"

Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations:…

Fortunata

Spanish variation of Latin

"luck, fate, wealth"

Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.

Galla

Spelling variation of Gala

Gala makes the name more festive.

Gaynor

Welsh

"white and smooth, soft"

Gaynor is an early androgynous name with a positive association, related to the Cornish megahit name Jennifer.

Gwenore

Variation of Guinevere

"white shadow, white wave"

An offbeat way to get to Gwen.