Whimsical Girls' Names

Seren is a top girls' name in Wales – and a lovely choice almost unknown elsewhere. Seren, in the Sirona form, was an ancient goddess of the hot springs.

Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?

Siena is a soft and delicate Tuscan town name given a big fashion boost by lovely young actress/gossip column staple Sienna Miller. A real up-and-comer.

An attractive French word name known here via former child TV star Soleil Moon Frye, aka Punky Brewster. It started to be lightly used in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now attracting some attention as both a sunny nature and an international word name. It's currently in the Nameberry Top 500.

Solstice graduated from word to official first name when author Lionel Shriver used it for a character in her novel Big Brother. But of course, there were people named Solstice before: 16 baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021 (and it is occasionally used for boys too).

Sylvianne is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate extension of Sylvia, which derives from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The addition of the French-inspired suffix '-anne' creates a more ornate, sophisticated variation that maintains the nature-inspired roots while adding a touch of romantic flair. This melodic four-syllable name carries an air of classical femininity with a European sensibility, particularly French or Belgian influence. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvianne may have more presence in Francophone regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and natural beauty while its flowing pronunciation offers a lyrical quality. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but distinctive presentation, Sylvianne provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar forms like Sylvia or Sylvie.

Despite a rich history in Irish myth preceding its plantation appearance in Gone with the Wind, widespread use in the seventies caused Tara to lose its Irish accent.

Wendeline is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate form of Wendy or a feminine version of Wendell. The name has Germanic roots, likely connected to the elements 'wand' meaning 'to wander' and 'lin' being a diminutive suffix. Some might also connect it to Wendel, referring to the Vandals, a Germanic tribe. Though rare in modern usage, Wendeline has a graceful, old-world quality with its flowing syllables and elegant ending. The name gained minor recognition through Saint Wendelin, a Germanic hermit and abbot, though the feminine form has less historical documentation. Potential nicknames include Wendy, Lina, or Dell. The name appeals to parents drawn to vintage-sounding names with German or European heritage, offering familiarity through its connection to Wendy while remaining distinctively uncommon.

The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.

An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.

This unusual name belonged to a character played by Kirsten Dunst in an early film.

This name of a beautiful Moorish woman character in Don Quixote is rarely heard.