By Emma Waterhouse · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Spanish
"Candlemas"
A bright and appealing Spanish name traditionally given to honor the church festival of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.
Italian
"young woman, girl"
The sound is quite lovely, but it still comes down to naming your little girl young girl.
Greek
"gift of God"
This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter…
"splendid brightness"
Leocadia marries a mix of sounds: the strength of a lion, with a rhythmic Latin ending. St. Leocadia was an early martyred Spanish saint, and "La Leocadia" is a famous Goya painting of Leocadia…
Greek, variation of Artemis
You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an…
Female variation of Maximilian
Vies with Maximiliana for the title of most obscure Maximilian variant. You could argue that both were made obsolete by Jessica Simpson's use of Maxwell for her daughter.
Evangelia is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning 'bearer of good news' or 'messenger of good tidings.' It shares its roots with the word 'evangelist' and the male name Evangelos. While relatively…
Latin
"desire"
Feminine form of Desiderio, borne by a 19th-century queen of Sweden, the wife of Karl XIV.
Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine
"pure"
This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
Hyacinthia is a feminine name with ancient Greek roots, derived from the flower name Hyacinth. In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo, who was tragically transformed…
Spanish diminutive of Mariana
"of the sea"
An elaboration of Mariana and a sea-inspired choice that once ranked in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century.
This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English…
Feminine variation of Aurelianus, Latin
"the golden one"
Aureliana is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'aureus' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded.' It's the feminine form of Aurelianus, which was a Roman family name associated with the emperor…
Latin place-name for Scotland
"hard or rocky land"
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.
Aramaic
"of the furrow"
Feminine form of Bartolomeo
Combination of Maria + Angela
"Angel Mary"
A traditional smoosh name with a peaceful, religious feel.
"brave, strong"
An elaboration on the sunny Spanish place name Valencia.
"the desired one"
Desiderata is a feminine name from antiquity which, although fussy and long, has a lovely meaning for that longed-for daughter.
Bartolomeo is a masculine Italian form of Bartholomew, derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' The name gained prominence through Saint Bartholomew,…
Combination of Michael and Angelo
The ultimate artist's name would make an unforgettable impression. It's the first name of famed Italian director Antonioni.
