Badass Princess Names

Julietta feels newly fresh and friendly thanks to the growing familiarity of Juliet and French sister Juliette.

Variant of Sylvana

Antonella is an elaborate feminine form of Anthony growing in popularity throughout Latin America as well as in the US. It first entered the US charts back in 2017 and has since shot into the Top 300, given to around 1330 girls in a recent year.

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.

The Spanish version, with its -eena ending, takes the name out of the Oh My Darlin' realm, which for many American parents may be just the thing.

Sabelle is a graceful feminine name that blends French elegance with modern appeal. Likely a variation of Isabel or Isabella, which ultimately derive from Elizabeth (meaning 'God is my oath' in Hebrew), Sabelle carries similar noble associations. Some may interpret it as a combination of 'Sabel' and the French suffix '-elle,' creating a softer, more delicate variant. This name remains relatively uncommon, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Sabelle has a romantic, lyrical quality that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet unique. Its musical syllables flow beautifully, and while it doesn't rank among top naming trends, it has seen modest increased usage in recent years among parents favoring sophisticated French-inspired names.

Keturah, the Old Testament name of Abraham's second wife, is a possibility for anyone seeking a truly unusual and interesting biblical name; certainly a lot more distinctive than that of Abraham's first wife, Sarah.

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, the tenth month.

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.

An interesting cousin of Natalie (the 'h' is silent) found in the Louisiana Cajun community, Athalie is the name of a tragedy by classic French playwright Racine.

This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.

Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.

More intriguing than the more familiar form Nerida, this name is perfect for a beach baby, or a baby born under a water sign.

A plausible color name, it was chosen by the singer Sting as a middle name for his daughter, after a character in the Gormenghast fantasy trilogy, of which he's a big fan. Another bearer is Fuchsia Voremberg, a member of the BBC Show, Antiques Roadshow who specializes in diaries and manuscripts.

Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a common feminine suffix that functions as a diminutive. While Amarissa is pretty and frilly, it may frequently be misunderstood as Marissa, Melissa, and may ultimately be more trouble than it's worth.

A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.