Female Royalty Names
- Constance
Origin:
English version of Latin ConstantiaMeaning:
"steadfastness"Description:
Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
- Joan
Origin:
English feminine variation of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Joan was the perfect name choice for one of the leading characters on Mad Men, being a quintessential girls' name of the period. A Top 10 name in the 30s, a Top 50 name from the 40s through the early 60s, it was the fifth most popular name in the country for three years running and ranks as one of the most common names for girls in the 20th century. But alas, Joan hasn't even appeared in the Top 1000 for a dozen years, and these days it's primarily associated with Joans of the generation of Joan Crawford, Joan Collins and Joan Rivers--just a few of the noted Joans whose ranks also include the singers Joan Sutherland, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading and Joan Jett. But it's possible that modern parents who are reviving Jane might move on to Joan, inspired by Joan Hollaway Harris.
- Adele
Origin:
French diminutive of AdelaideMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Credit the award-winning single-named British singer for taking the girls’ name Adele from a quiet semi-retirement back into currency. Adele reentered the US Top 1000 popular baby names in 2011 and has remained there ever since.
- Amalia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"work"Description:
Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. It can be pronounced ah-MAH-lee-a or ah-mah-LEE-a.
- Elvira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"white, fair"Description:
Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.
- Valeria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.
- Euphemia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fair speech"Description:
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
- Adela
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
- Artemisia
Origin:
Greek, variation of ArtemisDescription:
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 esteemed Italian Baroque painter, unusual in an era when not many women were acknowledged. Artemisia is also a genus of plants which include sagebrush and tarragon.
- Alix
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"noble type"Description:
A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex, the French name Alix actually derives from a medieval French form of the name Alice or Adelaide.
- Cleopatra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory of the father"Description:
A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used. Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some popularity in the early 20th century when there was a crazy for all things Egypt-related as the ancient tombs were opened and artifacts displayed. In the US, Cleopatra became a popular silent film in 1917 starring Theda Bara.
- Sybilla
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"seer, oracle"Description:
Sybilla and its near-identical twin Sibylla are dainty and demure names with a powerful namesake that also happen to be extremely rare -- no baby girls were given either name in the US last year.
- Adelais
Description:
Adelais is a feminine name of Old German origin, representing a beautiful medieval variant of Adelaide. The name means 'noble kind' or 'of noble type,' combining 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind, type). Popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, Adelais carries an aristocratic, vintage charm. The name fell from common usage by the Renaissance but has seen occasional revivals among those appreciating historical names. Its pronunciation (AD-eh-lays) offers a pleasing rhythm, while its spelling evokes images of medieval courts and chivalry. Though rare today, Adelais provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Adelaide or Adeline, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and feminine elegance.
- Fey
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Fey, for middle name purposes, could be thought of as a fey spelling of Fay. These days, however, Fey would be considered by most people to be honoring comedian Tina.
- Germaine
Origin:
Feminine variation of Germain, FrenchMeaning:
"from Germany"Description:
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany.
- Gisela
Origin:
German; Dutch; Spanish; PortugueseMeaning:
"pledge, hostage"Description:
A variation of Giselle.
- Ota
Description:
Ota is a feminine name with Japanese origins, though it also appears in Czech, Hungarian, and Finnish naming traditions with different etymologies. In Japanese, it can mean 'large field' or carry other meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. In European contexts, it often derives from the Germanic element 'ot' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' This cross-cultural versatility gives Ota an international appeal while remaining distinctively uncommon. The name's brevity—just three letters—contributes to its elegant simplicity, making it easy to pronounce across language barriers. Throughout history, Ota has maintained consistent but limited usage, never becoming trendy but persisting as a traditional option in several cultures. Its rarity in English-speaking countries makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something both authentic and uncommon.
- Nonia
Description:
Nonia is a feminine name with ancient roots, potentially deriving from Latin origins where it may have been used as a feminine form of Nonius, a Roman family name. In some cultural contexts, it might be connected to the Spanish 'nona,' meaning 'ninth.' Nonia has an elegant, classical feel with its open vowel sounds and flowing quality. The name has remained quite rare throughout history, making it an uncommon choice that nonetheless carries historical legitimacy. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages and cultures. Nonia might appeal to parents seeking a name with ancient resonance and feminine elegance that remains distinctive in modern contexts. The name's brevity and melodic nature give it a timeless quality.
- Anabella
Origin:
Spanish variation of AnnabelMeaning:
"loving"Description:
We like all forms of this name—Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, Anabela, and Annabella—so you decide how elaborate you want to get. Actress Sela Ward chose the Anabella spelling.
- Bonne
Description:
Bonne is a feminine name of French origin meaning 'good' or 'kind.' Derived directly from the French word for good (bon/bonne), this simple, elegant name embodies positive qualities and virtuous character. Historically, it appeared occasionally in medieval France but has remained quite rare in the English-speaking world. The name has connections to the phrase 'bonne femme' (good woman) in French culture. While uncommon today, Bonne offers a straightforward, positive meaning with a distinctive French flair. Its brevity and easy pronunciation contrast with longer trending names, potentially appealing to parents seeking a simple yet meaningful name with European roots.