esita's list "Names from a Night at the Opera" of 20 great name ideas: Griselda - Xanthe!

Names from a Night at the Opera

Names of characters and famous opera singers

Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet. 

In the most famous telling of her story, Griselda's husband tests her fidelity and obedience three times. Once at the birth of her daughter, whom he asks Griselda to give up to be put to death. Griselda agrees. Her husband asks the same of their second child, a son. Again, Griselda agrees. Finally, her husband renounces her to marry another. Uncomplainingly, Griselda leaves. Eventually her husband reveals that he was testing her, and surprises her by showing her her alive and well children and taking her back in. 

Griselda is Anglicized as Grisell or Grizell. Zelda makes an attractive nickname option.

Griselda

Noemie is the French variation of Naomi, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'pleasantness' or 'delightfulness.' In the Bible, Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth and a figure of loyalty and perseverance. The French spelling adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to this ancient name. Noemie typically uses the accent mark (Noémie) in French, though it's often simplified in English usage. The name has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (no-ay-mee), the name combines biblical heritage with French refinement, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and graceful.

Noemie

Mirella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Mira, which means 'wonderful' or 'admirable.' In some interpretations, it's also connected to the Latin 'mirabilis' meaning 'miraculous.' Popular in Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries, Mirella combines elegance with a touch of lyrical charm. The name has remained consistently used in Mediterranean cultures but hasn't achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, making it both recognizable and distinctive. Mirella carries connotations of wonder and beauty, enhanced by its flowing, musical quality. For parents seeking a name with European flair that's both classical and uncommon, Mirella offers a sophisticated choice with a warm, feminine sound.

Mirella

This spelling of Delilah is disproportionately common among the Amish.

Delila

A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used.  Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some popularity in the early 20th century when there was a crazy for all things Egypt-related as the ancient tombs were opened and artifacts displayed.  In the US, Cleopatra became a popular silent film in 1917 starring Theda Bara.

Cleopatra

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany. 

Gustav

One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family. 

Enrico

Lisette, also spelled Lizette, is a dainty,, if somewhat dated, Gallic offshoot of Elizabeth. It reached its U.S. peak of popularity in 1999, then fell off the list in 2001.
 Lisette Model (born Elise) was an influential Austrian-born photographer; Lizette Reese was an esteemed early twentieth century poet. 
 There's a Lisette character in the new show Welcome to the Family.

Lisette

Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
 In the New Testament, Urban is an active member of the Christian church in Rome.
 Urbano is the commonly heard Italian version, and the French Urbain was used by Henry James for an--yes--urbane character in The American.
 These days, the name is associated with musician Keith Urban.

Urban

The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline. 

Altair

Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers, makes it softer and prettier than the version we're more familiar with. It's also very popular in Denmark and Noway, pronounced closer to the English variant.

Mathilde

Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.

Rosina

Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of Iseult, Yseut, Yseult, and Ysolt, however, it wasn't until the 19th-century that this form began to catch on, after the composer Richard Wagner used it for his 1865 opera (and for his own daughter!)
 
Seen as a symbol of undying love, Isolde was an Irish princess who accidentally drinks a love potion and falls in love with the nephew of the king she was betrothed to. The story ends in tragedy, but with Tristan, Romeo, and Juliet all familiar choices, this connection doesn't need to hold you back.
 
The exact etymology of the name is unknown but one suggestion is that it comes from Germanic elements to mean "ice ruler" or "ice battle" giving it a strong, wintery feel. Alternatively, it may have Brythonic origins, in which case it could mean "she who is gazed upon."
 
More likely to be used in the Netherlands or in Germany than in the US, it could appeal more widely as an intriguing alternative to Isabel, Iris, Ines, and Imogene. Given to 15 American girls in a recent year, it comes with user-friendly nicknames Izzy and Sol, though Iso is the one used in Marilyn French's novel The Women's Room.
 
Variations of Isolde include Iseult, Isolt, Isoud, Isolda, Izolda, Isotta,and Yseult.

Isolde

The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire.  Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its diminutive Kyrie.

Kiri

Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. 

Vasco

English speaking countries may only associate this with the fifth-century Hun, but the name is still well-used in contemporary Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
 
Usually said to derive from the Gothic word atta meaning "father", other sources suggest Attila might also have Turkic etymology. Theories include that it comes from the Turkic elements as and til meaning "the oceanic ruler"; that it derives from the word atli meaning "cavalry" or " horseman"; or, that it is borrowed from an old name for the Volga River in Russia, once known as Atil or Itil.
 
Other name sakes include tennis player Attila Balázs, ice dancer Attila Elek, and the metal band Attila.

Attila

The simple and attractive Bryn is well used for boys in Wales, and does have a history as a male name in the US, although both Bryn and Brynn are currently far more popular for girls.

 Fans of British TV sitcom Gavin and Stacey will recognize it as the name of Stacey's lovable and eccentric uncle, played by Rob Brydon.

Bryn

Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days.  While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times.  And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.

Fenton

A thirteenth-century Tuscan saint, patron of homemakers, Zita is the kind of name that sounded really creative in an earlier era. 

Zita

X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front.
 This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is pronounced as if it were a Z in English, is derived from the Greek word for the color yellow. A Homeric epithet of Demeter, Xanthe would be a striking choice, thanks to its "golden" meaning.
 
A consistent member of the UK Top 1000 since 2005, Xanthe was chosen by the social media star Emily Clarkson in 2024.