Badass Princess Names
- Forsythia
Origin:
Flower name, from English surnameMeaning:
"Forsyth's flower"Description:
This yellow harbinger spring bloom was named for Scottish botanist William Forsyth, and is even more unusual than such species as Acacia and Azalea.
- Tanaquil
Origin:
EtruscanMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.
- Leontine
Origin:
French female form of Leontios, GreekMeaning:
"lion"Description:
Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price. An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our lion-name-crazed moment.
- Clementina
Origin:
Spanish feminine form of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
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.
- Frederica
Origin:
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
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.
- Fuchsia
Origin:
Plant and color nameMeaning:
"vivid purplish-red; tubular flower"Description:
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.
- Delphinia
Description:
Delphinia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Delphi,' the sacred site in ancient Greece famous for its oracle. The name is connected to Apollo, who was called 'Delphinian Apollo' after transforming himself into a dolphin. Delphinia can also be associated with the delphinium flower, known for its striking blue color. This elegant, classical name has never been common but appeals to parents drawn to botanical names with historical depth. It has a flowing, feminine quality with its soft consonants and musical rhythm. Delphinia offers multiple nickname options including Delphi, Del, or Fina. The name projects an image of mystical wisdom, natural beauty, and classical refinement.
- Nereida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sea nymph"Description:
More intriguing than the more familiar form Nerida, this name is perfect for a beach baby, or a baby born under a water sign.
- Sabelle
Description:
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.
- Petronilla
Origin:
Roman and Italian feminine variation of PetroniusMeaning:
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"Description:
Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
- Kalindi
Origin:
Hindi, variation of KalindaMeaning:
"sun"Description:
Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
- Caledonia
Origin:
Latin place-name for ScotlandMeaning:
"hard or rocky land"Description:
Caledonia is a rhythmic and alluring place name used by singer Shawn Colvin for her daughter. It would make an interesting and apt choice for a girl with Scottish ancestry.
- Alexandrine
Origin:
French and German variation of AlexandraMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
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 them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Keturah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"incense"Description:
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.
- Augustina
Origin:
Feminine variation of Augustus, LatinMeaning:
"the exalted one"Description:
While Augusta is the more traditional feminine form of the name, tacking on the -ina ending makes Augustina more feminine and contemporary sounding.
- Kassiani
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"cinnamon"Description:
Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in the Greek Orthodox Church, is associated with fallen women. The 9th century saint Kassiani was supposed to be in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than he.
- Xanthippe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"yellow horse"Description:
Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.
- Rafaella
Origin:
Italian variation of Raphaela, HebrewMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
Oh, the many spellings of Rafaella. Those with Fs and double-Ls denote Italian origins, while an F and a single L is Spanish and Portuguese. The original Hebrew form is Raphaela.
- Athalie
Origin:
Hebrew and FrenchMeaning:
"God is praised"Description:
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.