Fingernails On a Blackboard

  1. Virginia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "virginal, pure"
    • Description:

      Virginia is a lovely place name starting with the fashionable V and having deep historical roots, yet, unlike some other other girls' classics, has been sorely neglected in recent years.
  2. Wyatt
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "brave in war"
    • Description:

      Wyatt has been hot, which is to say cool, for several years now. With its easy Wyatt Earpish cowboy charm, it's relaxed but still highly respectable.
  3. Wynona
    • Description:

      Wynona is a feminine name with Native American origins, specifically from the Sioux language, meaning 'firstborn daughter.' The name gained wider recognition through various cultural references, including actress Winona Ryder (though her spelling differs) and country singer Wynonna Judd. The spelling with 'y' rather than 'i' is considered the more traditional rendering. Wynona carries a romantic, slightly vintage appeal with its flowing syllables and natural connection. Despite its beautiful sound and meaningful origin, it remains relatively uncommon, offering parents a distinctive choice with authentic cultural roots. The name evokes images of natural beauty and carries a sense of heritage and tradition.

  4. Xander
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Xander is a diminutive of Alexander, the Latin variation of the Greek Alexandros. Its meaning, "defending men," is taken from the Greek roots aléxein, "to defend," and andros, "men." Zander, pronounced the same way, is an alternate spelling.
  5. Yolanda
    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "violet flower"
    • Description:

      Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.