Pretty Names
By NamesLover
Updated Tue Apr 25 2023
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- Alycia
Description:
Alycia is a feminine name representing a modern variation of Alicia, which itself derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble kind' or 'noble type.' This contemporary spelling gained traction in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive variants of classic names. The 'y' spelling gives the traditional name a fresh, stylish update while maintaining its recognizable pronunciation. Alycia experienced modest popularity peaks in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States but has never been among the most common names. It offers the appeal of being familiar yet not overused. The name carries connotations of nobility and grace while its modern spelling suggests creativity and individuality.
- Anastasia
Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of AnastasiosMeaning:
"resurrection"Description:
Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.
- Anya
Origin:
Russian diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.
- Arthur
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
" bear"Description:
Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals. Arthur has led the list of possible names for the young British princes, chosen as a middle name for Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales.
- Catherine
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
- Charline
Description:
Charline is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Charlotte or a feminine version of Charles. Both root names derive from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong one.' Charline gained modest popularity in France and French-speaking areas of Canada during the mid-20th century. In the United States, it saw brief periods of usage in the 1920s and again in the 1950s but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a delicate, refined quality with its soft 'ch' sound and elegant ending. Charline strikes a balance between classic and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Charlotte while maintaining its sophisticated French heritage and graceful sound.
- Christopher
Origin:
Greek and LatinMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."
- Cordelia
Origin:
Latin; CelticMeaning:
"heart; daughter of the sea"Description:
Cordelia is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name for girls that many parents are seeking for their daughters today. The name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, Cordelia has both style and substance along with its Shakespearean pedigree.
- Elaine
Origin:
French and ScottishMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the mother of Sir Galahad, referred to as 'Elaine the fair' and 'Elaine the lovable', to being the name of the most famous of New York's celebrity restaurants, to being the archetypal New York neurotic on Seinfeld.
- Eleanore
Origin:
French variation of EleanorDescription:
The final e introduces pronunciation questions. Is Eleanor pronounced just like Eleanor, or is it the more elaborate el-LAY-ah-nor? Or something else?
- Eliane
Origin:
Variation of Eliana, Hebrew, or Latin from GreekMeaning:
"my God has answered; sun"Description:
Eliane is a melodic name with the very fashionable El- beginning. Lovely and lilting as it is, be aware that there are many El- variations around these days, and little girls called Ellie as a result.
- Elias
Origin:
Greek variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Yahweh is God"Description:
Strong, charismatic, and sleek, Elias has followed in the footsteps of Elijah and Eli to become a popular choice among parents today.
- Emmanuelle
Origin:
French, feminine variation of EmanuelMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy Rossum's full name is Emmanuelle.
- Evelyn
Origin:
English from French and GermanMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.
- Florence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flourishing, prosperous"Description:
Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.
- Gabrielle
Origin:
French, feminine variation of Gabriel, HebrewMeaning:
"God is my Strength"Description:
The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.
- Haney
Description:
Haney is primarily recognized as a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Ó hÉanaigh' or 'Mac an Eanaigh,' meaning 'descendant of the bird.' As a given name, Haney is quite uncommon but follows the trend of surnames transitioning to first names. It has a friendly, approachable sound with its short syllables and easy pronunciation. The name carries a casual, unpretentious quality while maintaining distinctiveness. Haney might appeal to parents seeking a name with Celtic heritage that remains relatively undiscovered. Its rarity as a first name makes it notable, yet it sounds familiar enough to be accepted without difficulty, fitting well with contemporary naming trends that favor surnames and short, punchy names for boys.
- Hanna
Origin:
Spelling variation of HannahDescription:
This simplified version is not nearly as popular as the original (it also destroys a perfectly good palindrome), and has been on the decline in recent years.
- Isaac
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"laughter"Description:
Isaac has shaved off his biblical beard and leaped into the upper echelon of popular boys' names, outrunning cousin Isaiah. A favorite of the Puritans, Isaac has never dipped below Number 400 on the US list of top boy names.
- Jack
Origin:
English, diminutive of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jack may have fallen from its Number 1 place in England, but in the US it's as popular as it was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. A durable, cheery, everyman form of John, Jack ranks as one of the most popular boy names starting with J.