out of the box: girls

  1. Apollonia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "destroyer, strength; father's light"
    • Description:

      This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain. It could make an unexpected route to sweet nickname Polly — or perhaps to the quirky apple!
  2. Magdalena
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "from Magdala"
    • Description:

      Magdalena is a pretty name forever associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen; often heard in the Hispanic community. But forward thinking parents are reviving Magdalena along with Magdalene and the unrelated but similar-sounding Marguerite.
  3. Winslow
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's hill or burial mound"
    • Description:

      Winslow, despite its creative connection to the distinguished American painter Winslow Homer, does still retain remnants of the image of a Victorian boy in a sailor suit, making Winston or even just Win a preferable modern choice.