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

  1. Rosfrith
    • Origin:

      Old English
    • Meaning:

      "glory, fame, peace and happiness"
    • Description:

      Derived from the Old English elements hroð and friþ, Rosfrith is a poetical yet rugged sounding choice, meaning "glory, fame, peace, and happiness". It has been used since at least the 7th century, but most notably was chosen by the founder of the Oxford English Dictionary, James A. H Murray, for one of his daughters. It also appears in the popular novel The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.
  2. Horatia
    • Origin:

      Latin feminine variation of Horatio
    • Description:

      Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.
  3. Hilaria
    • Origin:

      Latin, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"
    • Description:

      Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.
  4. Indah
    • Origin:

      Indonesian
    • Meaning:

      "pretty"
    • Description:

      An Indonesian name that is virtually unknown in the Western World but that is eminently portable, sister of India and Indre or Indra.
  5. Neferura
    • Origin:

      Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "the beauty of Re"
    • Description:

      Also transliterated as Neferure. This alluring name belonged to an Ancient Egyptian princess, the daughter of the pharaohs Hatshepsut and Thutmose II. Unlike other royal Egyptian names, her name has since faded to obscurity, but it would make for a bewitching choice reminiscent of Aurora.
  6. Crispina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "curly-haired"
    • Description:

      Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.
  7. Neferure
    • Origin:

      Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "the beauty of Re"
    • Description:

      Also transliterated as Neferura. This alluring name belonged to an Ancient Egyptian princess, the daughter of the pharaohs Hatshepsut and Thutmose II. Unlike other royal Egyptian names, her name has since faded to obscurity, but it would make for a bewitching choice.
  8. Bahaar
    • Origin:

      Persian, Turkish, Kurdish
    • Meaning:

      "spring"
    • Description:

      This popular Muslim name would more easily translate to English-speaking cultures in its Bahar form.
  9. Eoforhild
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon
    • Meaning:

      "boar battle"
    • Description:

      Eoforhild is an Anglo-Saxon name, the source of Everild, Everil, and Averill. In its Latinized forms, Everild and Everilda, it was the name of a 7th century saint.
  10. Urbana
    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine form of Urban
    • Meaning:

      "of the city"
    • Description:

      If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.
  11. Placidia
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Placida
    • Meaning:

      "quiet, calm"
    • Description:

      Derived from an ancient Roman name, this is best known in its male form Placido, thanks to the tenor.
  12. Zenda
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "sacred"
    • Description:

      Anyone who remembers the classic novel or film "The Prisoner of Zenda" would find this an odd choice.