Girl Names

The intriguing and creative feeling Twila is a vintage name that was semi-popular in the first half of the 20th century. Evoking the glowing light of twilight, it might appeal as an alternative to Lila, Tyler, or Skylar, or for the for the grown-up fans of the Stephanie Meyer's vampire series, Twilight.

Twila — also spelled Twyla — has a number of possible origins. On one hand, it could simply be inspired by the word "twilight", connecting it to the time of evening when the sun is below the horizon. Alternatively, it could come from the word "twill", a type of textile weave that creates a sturdy fabric, or, it could be inspired by the French Étoile (said EH-TWAL), meaning "star".

Umbria is a lovely, virtually unused Italian name for girls, reflecting the beautiful rolling hills of the area's countryside. And since it's right next door to Tuscany, in which Siena resides, maybe Umbria could be a follow-up to the popular Siena-Sienna.

Valdis is a feminine name with Norse and Baltic origins, particularly prominent in Latvian culture. The name derives from elements meaning 'rule' and 'goddess' or 'power,' suggesting a woman of strength and authority. In Latvian tradition, Valdis is actually more commonly used as a masculine name, though it has been adopted for girls in some regions and contexts. The name has a concise, powerful sound with its two syllables and strong consonants. Valdis carries connotations of leadership, wisdom, and divine connection in its traditional usage. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive option for parents drawn to names with Nordic or Baltic heritage. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible despite its unfamiliarity in many Western naming traditions.

Verania is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from the Roman family name Veranius or from "verus" meaning "true" or "truthful." It may also connect to the Latin "ver" meaning "spring," suggesting youthfulness and renewal. Historically, Verania appears occasionally in ancient Roman contexts, though it remained uncommon throughout the centuries. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing syllables and romantic ending. Verania offers the appeal of ancient heritage while being rare enough to feel distinctive. Its lyrical sound pattern makes it accessible across various language backgrounds despite its rarity. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but limited usage, Verania represents an uncommon but melodious choice.

If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.

While this is usually thought of as a girls' name because of the Bond Girl connection, its sound is masculine and there's no reason it couldn't work for boys.

A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."

Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.

Wren, a lilting songbird name, could be the next Robin. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012 and is among the new wave of popular English names for girls.