classic and unusual character names for Women

Naiad

Naiad originates from Greek mythology, where Naiads were a type of water nymph who presided over fountains, wells, springs, and other freshwater bodies. The name derives from the Greek word 'náein,'…

Nathaniella

Nathaniella is a feminine elaboration of Nathaniel, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Netan'el meaning 'gift of God.' This feminine variant emerged as part of the trend of creating feminine…

Nereida

Greek

"sea nymph"

More intriguing than the more familiar form Nerida, this name is perfect for a beach baby, or a baby born under a water sign.

Nerys

Welsh

"chief, lady"

A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief",…

Oleana

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…

Olevia

Olevia is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Olivia, which derives from Latin elements meaning 'olive tree,' a symbol of peace and fertility in ancient cultures. This particular…

Olimpiada

Russian and Ukrainian feminization of Olympias, Greek

"from Mount Olympus"

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

Oline

Norwegian feminine form of Ole or Olaf, Scandinavian, Norse

"ancestor's legacy, ancestor's relic"

Oline is an old school feminization of the classic Scandinavian names, Ole or Olaf, whose light, timeless sounds means it still ranks in the Norwegian Top 100 today.

Orenthia

Orenthia is a feminine name with a stately, classical sound. It may be related to the Greek word "oranthus" (mountain flower) or could be a creative elaboration of names like Orenda or Orinth. The…

Oriel

Latin

"golden"

Pretty Victorian-feeling cousin of Ariel; also, more prosaically, a kind of bay window.

Orinthia

Latin

"to excite, to stir the mind"

A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'