Fancy Girl Names
- Petronia
Description:
Petronia is the feminine form of Petronius, a Roman family name derived from the Latin 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' With ancient Roman origins, it shares its roots with more common names like Peter and Petra. Petronia carries an air of classical dignity and strength. While never widely popular, the name has historical significance and has been used intermittently throughout European history, particularly in regions with strong Roman influence. The name possesses a formal, somewhat aristocratic quality with its classical roots and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation. Petronia might appeal to parents interested in history or seeking a feminine name with substance and gravitas that remains relatively uncommon in contemporary usage.
- Sheherazade
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"noble lineage"Description:
The tale-spinning heroine of The Thousand and One Nights, Sheherazade is an extravagantly elaborate name for a little girl. Too extravagantly elaborate? It's lovely and beguiling, and with the rise of such evocative monikers as Persephone and Ophelia, Sheherazade may have a chance in the modern baby name world. Another accepted spelling is Scheherazade. While the origin of this name is Persian, there are also modern Arabic forms of the name.
- Phyllida
Origin:
Greek variation of PhyllisMeaning:
"green bough"Description:
Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.
- Amapola
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"poppy"Description:
A rarely heard flower name, Amapola comes from the Spanish word for "poppy", in turn associating with name with remembrance and the months of August and November. Pronounced as a-ma-POH-la, with the emphasis on the third syllable, it may feel similar enough to Amalia, Amaia, and Paula to work.
- Giuliana
Origin:
Italian variation of JulianaMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Italian names like Gianna, Giovanna, Ginevra, Giulia, and Giuliana are being used increasingly by trendy baby namers — whether they have Italian roots or not. The Gi standing in for the more conventional J at the beginning seems to automatically make a name more appealing to some, perhaps because it gets you to nickname Gigi.
- Melisende
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.
- Cipriana
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from the Island of Cyprus"Description:
Offbeat and romantic place-name.
- Swanhilde
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"swan battle"Description:
Form of Swanhild
- Illuminata
Description:
Illuminata is a rare feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'illuminatus' meaning 'enlightened' or 'illuminated.' This distinctive name carries connotations of brightness, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment. Historically, it appeared in religious contexts, sometimes given to girls born on feast days associated with light or to honor St. Illuminata, an early Christian martyr. Despite its beautiful meaning and melodious quality with its flowing syllables, Illuminata remains extremely uncommon in modern usage. The name offers potential nicknames like Lumi, Mina, or Nata, making this elaborate name more accessible for everyday use while maintaining its unique heritage and profound significance.
- Parthenia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"chaste maiden"Description:
Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.
- Corymbia
Origin:
Botanical nameDescription:
Corymbia is the botanical name of many species of beautiful flowering gum trees. It is a rare, but attested, girls' name in Australia.
- 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.
- Leontyne
Origin:
English female form of Leontios, GreekMeaning:
"lion"Description:
Almost exclusively associated with opera diva Leontyne Price. If you want to use the suddenly-stylish Leontyne, we'd recommend the French Leontine spelling.
- Preciosa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"precious, valuable"Description:
See PRECIOUS.
- Arcangela
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"high-ranking angel"Description:
Arcangela is a heavenly possibility if Angel or Angela isn't elevated enough for you.
- Scirocco
Origin:
Italian, from ArabicMeaning:
"warm wind"Description:
A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.
- Elocadia
Description:
Elocadia is an extremely rare feminine name with Latin roots. It likely derives from the Latin word 'eloquentia' meaning eloquence or fluent speech, possibly connected to the concept of elocution. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing syllables and melodious sound. Elocadia has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a truly uncommon choice throughout recorded naming history. The name has an antique, scholarly feel that evokes images of classical literature and refined education. With its distinctive sound and unusual letter combination, Elocadia offers a truly unique option for parents seeking a name with historical depth that few others will share. The name's elaborate structure gives it a formal, dignified quality while still maintaining feminine grace.
- Fidelity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Fidelity is an admirable virtue, yes, but as a name it tends to sound like a financial institution. Faith, Honor, or Patience would be easier to live with than Fidelity.
- Heliotrope
Origin:
botanical nameDescription:
Despite the beauty of this flower's appearance and fragrance, this is one of the clumsier flower names.
- Polyxena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"very hospitable"Description:
Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.
