Island Beneath the Sea Names

Credit the award-winning single-named British singer for taking the girls’ name Adele from a quiet semi-retirement back into currency. Adele reentered the US Top 1000 popular baby names in 2011 and has remained there ever since.

Adi is a versatile unisex name with rich multicultural origins, though primarily used for girls in Western contexts. In Sanskrit, Adi means 'first' or 'beginning,' while in Hebrew it can mean 'ornament' or 'jewel.' The name also appears in Indonesian, Germanic traditions, and as a nickname for names like Adelaide or Adina. Its brevity and international recognition make it appealing across cultural boundaries. Adi's simplicity belies its depth of meaning and cultural significance, particularly in Hindu tradition where 'Adi' refers to the primordial or first principle. The name's short, melodic sound with soft consonants gives it a gentle yet distinct quality. For parents seeking a minimalist name with global appeal and spiritual undertones, Adi offers elegant simplicity.

Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.

Delphine is a sleek, chic French name with two nature associations — the dolphin and the delphinium, a bluebell-like flower, a well as a link to the ancient city of Delphi, which the Greeks believed to be the womb of the earth. All of these derive from the Greek word delphus "womb".

Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.

Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.

Loula is a feminine name with multiple origins. In French contexts, it appears as a diminutive of Louise, meaning 'renowned warrior.' In Greek usage, it serves as a shortened form of Paraskevoula. The name also functions as a variation of Lula, which emerged in the American South as a nickname for names beginning with 'Lu.' Loula enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but became uncommon by mid-century. The name has seen slight renewed interest among parents seeking vintage, melodic names with an international feel. Loula's gentle sound pattern with the flowing 'l' consonants gives it a soft, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and charm.

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.

Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.

Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon formation. The name combines botanical beauty with artistic flair, conveying images of elegance and refinement. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rosette has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its sophisticated French flair. The name carries the rose's symbolic associations with love and beauty while adding a touch of uniqueness compared to the more common Rose or Rosie. Rosette appeals to parents seeking a name that's recognizable yet distinctive, combining floral inspiration with European charm.

Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.