Girls

Rochelle

French

"little rock"

While Rochelle may sound like a twist on Rachel, it has a different origin entirely. Rather than having Biblical and Hebrew ties, it comes from the name of a city on the west coast of France, La…

Richelle

Richelle is a feminine name of French origin, created as a feminine form of Richard, meaning 'brave power' or 'strong ruler.' This elegant name gained modest popularity in the United States during…

Avalon

Celtic

"island of apples"

Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina--…

Eveline

English or French

"desired; or water, island"

Variant of Evelyn or Aveline

Kristiana

Greek

"Christian, anointed"

See CRISTIANA.

Tasmin

Tasmin is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Tamsin, which itself originated as a medieval diminutive of Thomasina, the feminine form of Thomas. With roots in Aramaic meaning "twin," the…

Adalia

Hebrew, German, "God is my refuge; noble one"

"God is my refuge; noble one"

Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is…

Aloisa

German variation of Louisa

"renowned warrior"

Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.

Elethea

Variation of Alethea, Greek

"truth"

Unusual and pretty, if lispy.

Anthea

Greek

"flowery"

This unjustly neglected floral name is smart and crisp, with a touch of Athena, Anna, and Cynthia about it. It also has that stylish Greek mythological heritage: Anthea is an epithet of Hera, the…

Malena

Malena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's often used as a diminutive of Magdalena, deriving from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In Greek contexts, it relates to…

Madelena

Madelena is a graceful feminine name representing a variation of Magdalena, ultimately derived from Magdala, an ancient place name meaning "tower" in Aramaic. This name connects to the biblical…

Elisabetta

Italian variation of Elizabeth

"pledged to God"

This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.

Emmalin

Emmalin is a charming feminine name that combines elements of the classic Emma with the lilting suffix -lin. This melodic name can be considered a variant of Emmaline or Emmeline, which themselves…

Emmalee

English variation of Emily or combination of Emma + Lee

"rival; universal + meadow"

Is it a smoosh of Emma and Lee or a spelling variation of Emily? With Em- names so popular, it's no surprise to see Emmalee in use, but there are other Em- and -lee names that might feel less…

Krista

Czech variation of Christina

Krista may be past its peak -- along with all similar C-starting sisters and their K variations -- yet it's still a pretty name.

Annia

Latin, female variation of Antonius

"priceless one"

An ancient Roman name that has never made it into the modern world.

Sari

Arabic

"noble"

Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name…