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By esita · Updated May 2023
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Related Lists
Latin
"new"
Nova has the feel of both newness, from its meaning, and great energy as an astronomical term for a star that increases suddenly in brightness before fading. Nova had some reasonable degree of…
Literary invention; also a species of butterfly
Vanessa was invented by writer Jonathan Swift for a lover named Esther Vanhomrigh—he combined the first syllable of her last name with the initial syllable of her first. Swift used it in the poem…
Arabic, Persian, Brazilian, Hebrew
"friend, helper; strength; water nymph; honeycomb"
The multicultural Yara is a sweet but substantial choice that could make a more unusual take on Sara and also work in multiple languages. Popular in Portugal, The Netherlands, and Switzerland,…
Greek
"moon"
While the Latin Selena is more familiar in the US these days, the sleek, Greek original has plenty to offer. Borne by the Greek Goddess of the moon, she is the sister of Helios the sun god. A recent…
Hebrew
"the Lord is exalted"
Athalia was an Old Testament daughter of Jezebel and a king's powerful wife with a gory history. You don't wanna know -- and you probably don't wanna name your kid after her either. Pretty name,…
Diminutive of Martina, Christina, Carolina, and similar
"warlike; Christian; free man"
Short, sweet, and to the point, Ina is a derived from the likes of Martina, Christina, Carolina, and so on. Used across Europe as a stand-alone name and as a diminutive, Ina was once popular in the…
Spanish
"butterfly"
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning. Uncommon but not unknown, Mariposa is an elegant entrant in the nature names category. And it comes with the adorable nicknames Mari or…
Australian Aboriginal
In the Noongar language of Western Australia, Bindi means butterfly. Bindi is usually seen as a girls' name, as seen in Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin.
Roman, Latin
"to lift"
Roman goddess of childbirth. Levana is one of the lesser-known ancient Roman goddess names and has a somewhat synthetic feel but authentic roots.
Spanish and Portuguese elaboration of Flora or Florence
Florinda may be taking a good thing, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and springtime, and making it too elaborate.
French color name
Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.
Agna is a feminine name with ancient roots spanning multiple cultures. In Latin contexts, it relates to 'agnus' meaning 'lamb,' symbolizing gentleness and purity. The name also appears in Indian…
word name
This name has many different connotations, from Tarot cards to a species of butterfly. It is related to the English word arcane, which means esoteric, mysterious, enigmatic.
Hindi
"goddess of the moon"
Chandra is the name of the Hindu moon goddess last groovy when incense and meditation were hot new concepts but a new possibility with the resurgence of astrology and other non-Western spiritual…
"bright blue enamel"
Cyane is a mythological Sicilian nymph who lived in a pool and whose name is an intriguing twist on the color name trend.
nature name
This name comes from a genus of beautiful black and white Australian butterflies. Given the rise of "el" names such as Eleanor, Eloise, and Ella, Elodina could make a good choice for someone looking…
Arabic
Farasha is butterfly in Arabic, which means that to English-speakers, it feels more like a soft feminine name and less like a fluttery animal. Pretty without feeling flighty.
The Issoria is a genus of butterflies found in Africa, one of which is known as the African Queen. This name would make a wonderful choice for those looking for a name which subtly honors Africa.
This name derives from the name of a genus of butterfly. Apart from this delightful connection, the name offers good nickname options such as Kallie and Lili, as well as fitting in to the current…
Native American, Shoshone
Kimana, the name of a resort in the foothills of Mountain Kilimanjaro in Kenya, would make an unexpected path to the nickname Kim.
