Fancy Girl Names

  1. Annabella
    • Origin:

      Variation of Annabel or English compound name, Anna + Bella
    • Meaning:

      "loving or grace + beautiful"
    • Description:

      Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.
  2. Swanhilde
    • Origin:

      Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "swan battle"
    • Description:

      Form of Swanhild
  3. Xanthippe
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "yellow horse"
    • Description:

      Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.
  4. Tamarind
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "tree and spice name"
    • Description:

      A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.
  5. Ephigenia
    • Description:

      Ephigenia is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Iphigenia in Greek mythology—the daughter of Agamemnon who was nearly sacrificed to appease the goddess Artemis. The name combines elements meaning "strong" and "born," suggesting someone born with strength or might. This elaborate and classical name has never achieved widespread popularity in modern times, remaining an extraordinarily uncommon choice with strong literary and historical associations. Ephigenia offers a dignified, scholarly air with its classical roots and melodic sound pattern. For parents seeking a truly distinctive name with historical depth and feminine elegance, Ephigenia provides a rare option with built-in nickname possibilities like Effie, Genie, or Nia.

  6. Epiphany
    • Origin:

      Word name, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "manifestation, striking appearance"
    • Description:

      Spiritual in multiple senses of the word, Epiphany has been given to a handful of girls since the late 1980s, peaking in 1988 when it was given to 55 babies, following the release of the movie Angel Heart in 1987, which featured a character of the name, played by Lisa Bonet.
  7. Petronilla
    • Origin:

      Roman and Italian feminine variation of Petronius
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Scirocco
    • Origin:

      Italian, from Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "warm wind"
    • Description:

      A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.
  9. Mignonette
    • Origin:

      Form of Mignon, French
    • Meaning:

      "delicate, dainty"
    • Description:

      Mignonette is kind of a diminutive of a diminutive. Mignon is the French word for cute, so Mignonette is more or less cutie.
  10. Arcangela
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "high-ranking angel"
    • Description:

      Arcangela is a heavenly possibility if Angel or Angela isn't elevated enough for you.
  11. Sheherazade
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. 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.
  13. Samaria
    • Origin:

      Place-name, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to guard, to keep"
    • Description:

      Similar to but distinct from Samara, this pretty name was chosen for his daughter by rapper LL Cool J. It's the name of an ancient Palestinian city, located in present-day Jordan, and is associated with the Biblical story of "The Good Samaritan" who came from Samaria. Derived from shamar meaning "to guard" this name was chosen for 100 girls in 2023 in the US.
  14. 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.

  15. Fidelity
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Lysistrata
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "she who disbands armies"
    • Description:

      In the Aristophenes comedy, Lysistrata is the Athenian woman who organizes her fellow wives to end war in their country by denying their disbands sex until a peace treaty is signed. An intriguing choice with nicknames Lissy or Lettie, Lysandra might be a more approachable possibility.
  17. 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.

  18. Abyssinia
    • Origin:

      African place-name
    • Description:

      Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.
  19. Preciosa
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "precious, valuable"
    • Description:

      See PRECIOUS.
  20. Polyxena
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.

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