Honorata is the feminine form of Honoratus, the name of several saints including the patron saint of bakers.

St Quiteria was a second-century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in order to marry.

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

This is the spelling that old-time film star Katharine Hepburn used, and it's still favored by fans wanting to reference her classic strength and beauty. But in general, it's losing ground to Katherine and even Ms. Hepburn's own favorite short form, Kate.

As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Tekakwitha was a 17th-century Mohawk woman, who survived the smallpox epidemic that killed her family. She is known for rejecting pressures from those around her to give up her Catholic beliefs and to marry someone who they approved of instead. She later fled her village and converted to Catholicism.

With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically unusual. Tina Fey used it as her daughter Alice's middle name.

The final e introduces pronunciation questions. Is Eleanor pronounced just like Eleanor, or is it the more elaborate el-LAY-ah-nor? Or something else?

A rare saint name, more commonly transcribed in its French form, Maxellende, Maxellendis is associated with a 7th-century French martyr, who is invoked to cure eye diseases and is considered the patron saint of the visually impaired.

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

A rare saint's name, Maxellende was a 7th-century martyr, associated with the French Catholic church. She is invoked to cure eye diseases and is more generally the patron saint of the visually impaired. Her name itself is a French form of Maxellendis, possibly linked to Maxence and Maximus meaning "greatest". Other forms of the name are Maxelende (borne by Filipino composer Maxelende Ganade) and Maxeline.

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.

Domitilla is the name of the wife of the Roman emperor Vespasianus and the mother of the emperors Titus and Domitianus. There is a Santa Domitilla with catacombs in Rome named after her.

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.

The name of a 6th century Christian saint, Arthelais was the daughter of a Roman official who had to flee to Italy after the emperor Justinian tried to compromise her vows of chastity. She was kidnapped by highway men on her way, but was later freed, after the servants travelling with her prayed for her release. She is venerated as the patron saint of kidnap victims, exiled people, and the sick.

Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.

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

Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.