classic and unusual character names for Women

Ione

Greek

"violet flower"

This unusual Greek flower and color name has gained considerable recent attention via actress Ione Skye, who is the daughter of sixties folksinger Donovan. Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs —…

Iridiana

Spanish, Greek

"rainbow"

Iridiana is a name, predominantly used in Mexico, used as an even more elaborate form of Iridián. Both of these names are related to the Greek name Iris, who in Greek mythology was the…

Izora

Variation of Isaura

Janiya

American invented name; or Hebrew

"from Jana"

This name can be seen as a newly invented name, a sort of elaboration on Jane. It is also a rare Hebrew name—also spelled Jania—that means "from Jana." It has been declining steadily in the US since…

January

English month name from Latin

"doorway"

Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name. The first was a character named January Wayne in a bestselling 1973 Jacqueline Susann…

Jemima

Hebrew

"dove; daytime"

Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, and has since shifted to be used more generally too, replacing…

Jubilee

Hebrew

"ram's horn"

Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's…

Kassiani

Greek

"cinnamon"

Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in…

Katchen

Katchen is a feminine name with Germanic roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Katherine or Katrina. The suffix '-chen' is a German endearment indicating smallness or affection, essentially…

Kelda

Norse

"spring, fountain"

One of the few K names that sounds middle-aged.

Kerensa

Cornish

"love"

Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an ' s ' or ' z ', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys. Kerensa is a name favored by…

Kerenza

Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the…

Keshet

Hebrew

"rainbow"

This feminine name, pleasingly reminiscent of Kismet, has a similarly lovely meaning: Rainbow.

Kestrel

English, bird name

A kestrel is a bird of prey. It has good potential as a strong girls' name, similar to Falcon for boys.

Kiari

Modern invented name

Kiari is the middle name of the celebrity child of rappers Cardi B and Offset...and also the first name on her dad's birth certificate. If you like unique modern names, this is an attractive option…

Kilala

Sanskrit

"ambrosia"

Kilala is a rhythmic, lilting name that has emerged from the romance and adventure manga series, Kilala Princess. Its double 'l's are very much in synch with others such as Lila, Lola, Lilac, et al.

Kimora

Modern name, meaning unknown

Afro-Asian model, designer, and entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons brought this name into the public eye and it enjoyed more than a decade in the Top 1000 during the 2000s and early 2010s. It peaked in…

Kiranda

American invented name

A really inventive invented name, with a little of this and a little of that. Has a somewhat rhythmic African feel.

Kyria

Kyria is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from 'kyrios' meaning 'lord' or 'master.' The feminine form essentially translates to 'lady' or 'mistress.' It carries an air of dignity and…