​
​
Advanced Search

classic and unusual character names for Women

  1. Levana

    • Origin:

      Roman, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to lift"

    • Description:

      Roman goddess of childbirth. Levana is one of the lesser-known ancient Roman goddess names and has a somewhat synthetic feel but authentic roots.
  2. Serenella

    • Origin:

      Italian, elaboration of Serena

    • Meaning:

      "serene"

    • Description:

      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?
  3. Turquoise

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Turkish stone"

    • Description:

      Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.
  4. Thistle

    • Origin:

      English flower name

    • Meaning:

      "to prick"

    • Description:

      Quirky and charming flower name. Thistle is Scotland's national symbol.
  5. Eureka

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "I have found [it]"

    • Description:

      For most, Eureka will be tied up with the bathtub myth of Archimedes' discovery of volumetric displacement, making it linked to the idea of invention, discovery and innovation. Some Australians might more closely link it to the Eureka stockade, a 19th Century rebellion of miners and workers against the colonial British government. Amanda Knox named her baby girl Eureka in 2021.
  6. Abyssinia

    • Origin:

      African place-name

    • Description:

      Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.
  7. Elvia

    • Description:

      Elvia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'alb' or 'elf' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' It can be considered a variation of names like Elva or Alba. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, Elvia has a delicate, melodious quality that gives it enduring appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Despite its relative rarity, Elvia maintains a timeless elegance and cross-cultural versatility. The name often evokes associations with brightness, purity, and beauty, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots.
  8. Faustina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate one"

    • Description:

      A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
  9. Alaïa

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "sublime"

    • Description:

      Fashion designer surname that could make a dynamic first.
  10. Olimpiada

    • Origin:

      Russian and Ukrainian feminization of Olympias, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Mount Olympus"

    • Description:

      At a whopping five syllables long, Olympiada is a lot of name for a little girl. Thankfully, nicknames abound. Try Pia, Ollie, or Ada.
  11. Willodean

    • Origin:

      American

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection + valley; resolute protection + high ranking priest; willow valley"

    • Description:

      The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states, where it likely appealed alongside Clarabel and Marigold. It feels part double-barrel, part surname, and part nature-inspired, which may encourage more parents to consider it in the future.
  12. Athaliah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is exalted"

    • Description:

      Unisex name from the Old Testament, which is very in-keeping with current naming trends for girls.
  13. Wellesley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "the farm amonst the willows"

    • Description:

      Even if you'd like your daughter to attend the venerable women's college, don't saddle her with this pretentious British surname.
  14. Oleana

    • Description:

      Oleana is a lyrical feminine name with possible Slavic or Greek origins. It may be a variant of Elena/Helena (meaning 'bright, shining light') or could relate to Oleander, a flowering plant name. In some Slavic languages, particularly Ukrainian, Oleana appears as a folk variant of Olena (Helena). The name gained some recognition through a Norwegian folk song about a utopian community called 'Oleana.' With its flowing vowels and soft sounds, Oleana has a romantic, almost ethereal quality. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it carries a natural musicality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. The name's international connections and gentle sound give it a sophisticated, worldly character while maintaining accessibility.

  15. Aanisah

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "good-natured"

    • Description:

      The original spelling of a name often Anglicized as Anisa was chosen by singer Macy Gray for her daughter.
  16. Escarleth

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "scarlet"

    • Description:

      Scarlet or Scarlett with a Spanish twist, based on the Spanish pronunciation of the name. Escarlett and Escarlet are also occasionally used.
  17. Accalia

    • Origin:

      Latin, mythological name

    • Description:

      Accalia was the human foster-mother of twins Romulus and Remus. Her name is even more obscure than theirs.
  18. Lillemor

    • Origin:

      Scandinavia

    • Meaning:

      "little mother"

    • Description:

      Lillemor is a relatively recent coinage in Scandinavia, where it was most popular in the 1930s and '40s, especially in Sweden. As such, it is considered rather dated in Scandinavia, but it would certainly make a fresh choice for lovers of "Lily" names abroad — although the "Lil" in this case actually comes from lille "little".
  19. Primavera

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.
  20. Pomme

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "apple"

    • Description:

      Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.