Long and Lovely

Marietta

Italian diminutive of Maria

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…

Michelina

Italian diminutive of Michele, feminine form of Michael, Hebrew

"who is like God"

Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.

Nicolina

Diminutive of Nicola

Another light new twist in the Nicole family.

Tatiana

Russian, from Latin family name Tatius, meaning unknown

Classic yet spritely, Tatiana has long been familiar and popular in Russia and Eastern Europe, though it wasn't until the 80s that it caught on in the English-speaking world. With short forms Tiana,…

Valencia

Spanish

"brave, strong"

This lovely orange-scented Spanish place-name would make an inventive namesake for an Aunt Valerie. Last on the popularity list in 1994, Valencia reached a high of Number 633 in 1969-70. The…

Xiamara

Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese

"famous in battle"

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

Jessenia

Variation of Yesenia, Spanish nature name

Jessenia and Yesenia are drawn from the Spanish name for a South American tree, making them new nature names .

Alessandrina

Alessandrina is a feminine name of Italian origin, derived from Alessandro, the Italian form of Alexander, which means "defender of mankind." This elegant and sophisticated name is an elaborated form…

Emmalina

English variation of Emmeline or a compound of Emma + Lina

"brave and courageous; universal tenderness; universal free man"

Princess-y but not overly fussy, thanks to the classic simplicity of Emma, Emmalina is a sweet, bright alternative to Emilia. The meaning can vary depending on if you see it as an elaboration of…

Feliciana

Feliciana is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'felix' meaning 'happy,' 'fortunate,' or 'lucky.' This elegant name represents the feminine form of Feliciano and is related to Felicity.…

Josephina

Josephina is a feminine form of Joseph, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' This elegant variation combines the biblical gravitas of Joseph…

Theodosia

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…

Catriona

Scottish form of Katherine, Greek

"pure"

This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr,…

Coralina

Coralina is a feminine name derived from 'coral,' the vibrant marine organism that forms colorful reefs in tropical waters. With Latin roots, the name evokes images of the ocean, suggesting beauty…

Corianna

Corianna is a melodic feminine name that blends elements of Cora and Anna, or may be seen as an elaborate form of Corinne. Its origins likely trace to the Greek name Korinna, meaning 'maiden' or…

Deyanira

Deyanira is a feminine name with ancient Greek mythological origins. In Greek mythology, Deianeira (alternative spelling) was the wife of Hercules whose actions unintentionally led to his death. The…