Opulent Girls' Names

Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here.

Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.

Most famously, the name of a 1920s alley cat.

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.

The short-lived magazine edited by former Vogue chief Grace Mirabella put this beautiful name off-limits for a while, but now it's perfectly fit to join the fashionable Bella pantheon. More distinctive than Isabella.

Pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems -- it's meer-AY -- but is well worth the effort.

An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.

Nicolasa is a feminine name of Greek origin, functioning as the feminine form of Nicholas, which means 'victory of the people.' This name is primarily used in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, offering a distinctly feminine alternative to the more common Nicola or Nicole forms found in English-speaking regions. Nicolasa carries a certain traditional elegance while maintaining connections to the widely recognized Nicholas name family. The rhythmic four-syllable pronunciation (nee-koh-LAH-sah) creates a melodious quality. While not among the most popular names internationally, Nicolasa remains in use particularly in Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities worldwide. The name conveys strength and triumph through its meaning, while its flowing sound gives it a graceful feminine quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with both substance and beauty.

If you loved Nicole growing up but now are looking for a new spin, Nicoletta may interest you. The slightly sleeker French version is Nicolette. A shorter form is Coletta, or you could shorten it even further to Nico or Etta.

Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.

With its relation to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, and to the Olympic games, this name has an athletic, goddess-like aura, making it the perfect Olivia substitute.

Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?

Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.

The name of one of the 35 tribes of ancient Rome, virtually unknown in the modern world

A 3rd century saint's name sometimes used in Catholic communities, and in Western European countries like Portugal and Italy.