A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled and pronounced Bernice. Nicknames include Bernie, Berry, Binnie and Bunny.

In the Aristophenes comedy, Lysistrata is the Athenian woman who organizes her fellow wives to end war in their country by denying their disbands sex until a peace treaty is signed. An intriguing choice with nicknames Lissy or Lettie, Lysandra might be a more approachable possibility.

A possible Born Again name -- Amen -- in the same class as the still-popular Nevaeh (that's Heaven spelled backwards) and Trinity.

Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.

Lush and unusual.

Consuelo is a chic, highly sophisticated Spanish name that works well with Anglo surnames. It was regularly on the U.S. popularity list through 1983, reaching as high as Number 339 in 1930.

Asherah is probably one of the most ancient of mother goddess symbols, recorded in the pantheons of several civilisations from the tenth century BCE. As the mother to innumerable gods and goddesses, she is often depicted as having the capacity to walk on water, which makes Asherah an excellent choice for a baby born under one of the water signs of the zodiac, including names for Scorpio babies, as well as those born under Pisces and Cancer.

Possibility for a girl born under one of the water signs -- Cancer, Pisces, or Scorpio.

Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.

Samina is a little-known name in the US, given to only a handful of baby girls each year, that is prime for wider use. It's attractive, easy to spell and pronounce, and makes a perfect alternative to the waning Samantha. The only problem may be confusion over pronunciation. Native Arabic speakers may pronounce it with equal emphasis on all syllables, but English speakers will say sa-MEE-na (correct) or sa-MY-na (not, but be prepared for a lifetime of corrections).

Rhythmic and enchanting.

A simple and seamlessly international choice with a joyful sound and beautiful meaning.

The beautiful Consuelo, with its compassionate meaning, is deserving of being used in full.

See RETA.

Completely undiscovered double-l name with an abundance of rhythmic charm.