name hoard

Tamar

Hebrew

"date palm tree"

Tamar is a rich, strong Old Testament name sometimes given to girls born on the holiday of Sukkoth, as palm branches were used to make the roof of the sukkah. In the Bible, there are several Tamars,…

Tatjana

German, Finnish, Estonian, Slovene, Croatian, Serbian

"from Latin family name"

Tatjana is an interesting twist on an already uncommon name, borne by German-born supermodel Tatjana Patitz. Note that as j is pronounced as y in German, the name is spoken just like sisters Tatiana…

Thomasina

English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic

"twin"

Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal. Thomasina Coverly plays a large part in…

Titania

Greek

"giant, great one"

This name of the queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream has a delicate, lacy charm similar to Tatiana's, but that first syllable could cause embarrassing problems.

Velvette

Velvette is a feminine name inspired by the luxurious fabric velvet, with an added French-style 'ette' ending that enhances its ornate, refined quality. Though not derived from traditional naming…

Verity

Latin

"truth"

If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in…

Virgilia

Feminine variation of Virgil, Latin

"staff bearer"

This Shakespearean name is even more out of step than its male counterpart, but it may possibly be so far out it could make its way back in.

Viveca

Swedish, Nordic

"alive, life; place of refuge"

This is one of the most vibrant and feminine of the names meaning life , and it's sure to gain more attention as the whole sisterhood of Viv- names rise. Celebrated Swedish actress Viveca Lindfors,…

Xanthe

Greek

"golden, yellow"

X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…

Xiamara

Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese

"famous in battle"

The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.

Xochitl

Nahuatl, Aztec

"flower"

Xochitl is a Nahuatl or Aztec floral name used in southern Mexico and pronounced SO-chee-tl or SHO-chee-tl, although sometimes the "tl" at the end is not pronounced, making it SO-Chee. A Nameberry…

Yael

Hebrew

"ibex"

Yael is an Old Testament name often heard in Israel that could work well here: just remember that it's pronounced with two syllables...it is also spelled Ya'el. In the Bible she was a Kenite woman in…