Mythical Names for Girls
- 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.
- Isolde
Origin:
Welsh, GermanMeaning:
"ice ruler"Description:
Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.
- 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.
- Guinevere
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white shadow, white wave"Description:
Guinevere was the name of the beautiful but ill-fated queen of Camelot, for so many years eclipsed by its modern Cornish form Jennifer. Today, Guinevere could be a cool possibility for adventurous parents intrigued by this richly evocative and romantic choice.
- Marion
Origin:
English and French diminutive of MarieMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
An underused classic that has proved surprisingly unisex over the last few decades, being given to roughly the same number of baby girls and boys in the US from the 1970s to the 2000s. For a girl, Marion has a sturdy old-fashioned charm.
- Avalon
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"island of apples"Description:
Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
- Marian
Origin:
French medieval variation of Marie, HebrewMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M. Broderick twin daughter Marion and the glamorous French actress Marion Cotillard.
- Brittany
Origin:
English name of the French region Bretagne, meaning 'from Briton'Description:
Brittany first arrived on the US popularity list in 1971, and rapidly zoomed up the charts, in the Top 100 a decade later. By 1986 it had entered the Top 10, becoming the third most popular girls’ name in the country by 1989.
- Morgana
Origin:
Female version of Morgan, WelshMeaning:
"sea-circle"Description:
Since Morgan is used as--or more--frequently for girls as for boys, this feminization has fallen by the wayside. It drew some brief attention via the pop singer Morgana King.The similar Morgiana appears in Tales from the Thousand and One Nights.
- Emer
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swift"Description:
Popular name in Ireland -- it's pronounced ee-mer -- from the legendary wife of Cuchulainn who was supposed to possess the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and of course, needlework. Is found in the poetry of Yeats.
- Gwendolen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white ring, circle"Description:
Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.
- Vivianna
Description:
Vivianna is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, elaborating on the name Vivian or Viviana, ultimately from 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' This melodic four-syllable name carries connotations of vitality, energy, and vibrance. Vivianna appears across several European naming traditions, particularly in Italian, Spanish, and Latin American cultures. The extra syllable adds a flowing, romantic quality to the already lyrical Viviana. While less common than Vivian or Viviana, Vivianna has maintained steady if modest usage. The name's repeated 'vi' sound creates a pleasing rhythm, while the 'anna' ending connects it to classic feminine names. Vivianna offers the perfect balance of familiarity and distinction, conveying both timeless elegance and life-affirming meaning.
- Viviane
Origin:
French variation of Viviana or VivienDescription:
Viviane is one of a cluster of names that may or may not be related. They include the Latin Viviana, which means life, and its modern forms Vivian and the French form Vivienne. But Vivien, pronounced identically, may be a literary invention connected instead to Ninian. Some sources also connect the Viv variations to the Irish Bebinn, the name of the goddess of childbirth, or Bevin.
- Elenore
Description:
Elenore is a graceful feminine name that serves as a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. The name has roots in various ancient forms, possibly connected to the Greek 'helē' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' This particular spelling, with the final 'e,' gives the name a slightly more antique and romantic quality. Elenore has maintained a quiet presence throughout history, experiencing occasional revivals during periods when vintage names return to favor. Though less common than Eleanor, it carries the same sophisticated charm and historical richness, while offering a subtle distinction. The name evokes images of elegance and timeless beauty, appealing to parents drawn to classic names with a slight twist.
- Morgaine
Description:
Morgaine is a feminine name with mystical Celtic origins, being a variant of Morgan or Morgana. The name is steeped in Arthurian legend, where Morgaine (also known as Morgan le Fay) appears as a powerful enchantress and half-sister to King Arthur. Derived from Old Welsh elements meaning 'sea-born' or 'sea-circle,' Morgaine carries connotations of mystery, magic, and connection to natural elements. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has maintained a steady presence among those drawn to names with mythological significance and Celtic heritage. The French-influenced spelling with the '-aine' ending gives it a slightly more ethereal quality than the more common Morgan. Morgaine appeals to parents seeking a name with depth, mystical associations, and feminine strength.
- Igraine
- Nivana
- Nimueh
- Asrai
- Mercia