Ballet Names

  1. Domenico
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian variation of Dominic, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the Lord"
    • Description:

      Romantic and artistic Domenico is ripe for the picking as a relatively rare name that fits in with current favorites such as Leonardo and Emiliano.
  2. Dulcinea
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "sweetness"
    • Description:

      Miguel de Cervantes invented this elaborate-sounding name -- which roughly translates as "sweetness" -- for the beautiful maiden Don Quixote is obsessed with in his great novel. Even in the fictional world of the book, though, Dulcinea is not the woman's real name; Aldonza is. And because she never appears in person in the text, it's unclear whether she is as beautiful and saintly as the protagonist believes her to be. Probably not, given Don Quixote's track record.
  3. Danilova
    • Ekaterina
      • Origin:

        Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine
      • Meaning:

        "pure"
      • Description:

        This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
    • Eudokia
      • Felia
        • Description:

          Felia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Felia, derived from Latin 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Ophelia or serve as a shortened form of names like Ofelia or Felicia. In some cultures, particularly in parts of Europe, Felia exists as a distinct traditional name. The name has a delicate, melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Felia offers an elegant, somewhat exotic choice with classical roots. Its association with happiness and good fortune gives it a positive connotation and uplifting meaning.

      • Galina
        • Origin:

          Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek
        • Meaning:

          "calm, healer"
        • Description:

          Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.
      • Gisella
        • Description:

          Gisella is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in ancient times, noble children were sometimes exchanged as political hostages to ensure peace between kingdoms). It's a variant of Giselle, which gained recognition through the romantic ballet of the same name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Hungary, where Saint Gisela was the wife of King Stephen I. Gisella carries an elegant, classical quality with its melodic sound and romantic associations. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to its international appeal and sophisticated sound.

      • Giselle
        • Origin:

          German
        • Meaning:

          "pledge, hostage"
        • Description:

          Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.
      • Joaquin
        • Origin:

          Spanish variation of Joachim
        • Meaning:

          "God will judge"
        • Description:

          Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.
      • Jules
        • Origin:

          French form of Latin Julius
        • Meaning:

          "youthful; soft, downy"
        • Description:

          Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it is a current hit in its native France—where it's currently in the Top 10—and we can definitely see it making a comeback here, being far more romantic than, say, Jim.
      • Karena
        • Origin:

          Variation of Karen
        • Description:

          Karena modernizes middle-aged Karen but also creates pronunciation confusion. Is it ka-REN-a, ka-REEN-a, or just plain Karen with an a at the end? Spelled Karenna as in Gore goes partway toward clarifying things.
      • Kitri
        • Klavdia
          • Leda
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "happy"
            • Description:

              Leda is that rare name that has not yet been discovered in the current craze for ancient names from mythology. In classical Greek myth, Leda was a great beauty who mothered another great beauty, Helen of Troy.
          • Lev
            • Origin:

              Hebrew, Russian
            • Meaning:

              "heart; lion"
            • Description:

              This concise one-syllable name, has two possible derivations and two positive meanings associated with it. In Hebrew, it means "heart", while in Russian it means "lion". So strong and simple Lev has both a soft and a fierce side.
          • Lidiya
            • Description:

              Lidiya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, representing a variation of Lydia, which derives from the ancient Greek name Λυδία (Lydia), referring to a person from Lydia, a region in Asia Minor. This beautiful name carries historical significance, as Lydia appears in the New Testament as the first European convert to Christianity. The spelling 'Lidiya' is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and other Slavic languages, giving it a distinctive Eastern European character. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While less common in Western countries, Lidiya has maintained consistent popularity in Eastern Europe, valued for its classical roots, religious connections, and elegant simplicity.
          • Lise
            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Elisabeth, Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "pledged to God"
            • Description:

              Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
          • Lucien
            • Origin:

              French form of Lucian
            • Meaning:

              "light"
            • Description:

              Sophisticated Gallic version of Lucian, Lucien may appeal to parents attracted to this meaning over that of Lucas and Luke, which have a different root, and also looking for a more unusual choice.
          • Lukas
            • Origin:

              German variation of Lucas
            • Meaning:

              "man from Lucanus"
            • Description:

              Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.