The Obscure Goddesses

Cacia

Cacia is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'acacia,' the name of a flowering tree known for its durability and beauty. In some contexts, it may be used as a shortened form of…

Caia

Latin, feminine variation of Caius

"to rejoice"

Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.

Carna

Latin

"flesh"

Carna was a Roman goddess of the heart and flesh. She was eventually conflated with Cardea, goddess of hinges.

Catha

Catha is a feminine name with roots in various cultures. It may be derived from the Greek name 'Katharine' or 'Katherine,' meaning 'pure.' In some contexts, Catha relates to the plant genus that…

Clementia

Latin

"showing clemency"

Clementia, related to names like Clementine and Clemence, was the older and original feminine version of this name. It was used most frequently in the Middle Ages in continental Europe. Clementia was…

Concordia

Latin

"peace, harmony"

This name of the goddess of peace creates a lovely ideal.

Cuba

Place name, Latin

"where fertile land is abundant; great place"

The most prominent person with this unusual geographical choice might be actor Cuba Gooding Jr., however, Cuba has a far longer history as a feminine name. Deriving from the island in the Caribbean…

Cyane

Greek

"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.

Decima

Latin

"tenth"

In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October,…

Dido

Greek, meaning obscure

Dido was the heroine of Virgil's Aeneid and of the opera "Dido and Aeneas," and in Roman mythology the founder of Carthage. A strong ancient name in the Juno mode, but it could have some awkward…

Elissa

Variation of Alice or Elizabeth

The Elissa version of a long-popular name is fading in favor of Alyssa, Eliza and other variants. The legion of other forms and spellings includes Alissa, Allissa, Allyssa, Alyssa, Elissah, Ellisa,…

Evan

Welsh variation of John

"God is gracious"

Evan is a boys' favorite that has been given the feminine touch by talented actress Evan Rachel Wood. If you want to move beyond Eva and Evelyn and like unisex names, this may be a good bet for you…