Aglae to Zulma: Names of my Spanish-Cajun Ancestors
By geeknamezyo
Updated Sat May 20 2023
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The most unusual names from digging way back into the history of New Iberia/New Orleans/St. Martinville. Lots of French/Spanish fusion. Most info is coming thirdhand, so any could be misspelled/inaccurate. It's often unclear which names are double-barrel and which are first/middle.
- Elodie
Origin:
French, variation of Alodia, GermanMeaning:
"foreign riches"Description:
The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. This once uncommon member of the El- family is a Top 100 name in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, while in the US, it was one of the fasted rising names of 2024 and now sits in the Top 400.
- Ophelia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"help"Description:
Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
- Odette
Origin:
French, from GermanMeaning:
"wealthy"Description:
Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.
- Viola
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"violet"Description:
Viola has plenty of positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. With a touch of international flair, it also avoids the violent/Violet some parents have.
- Adelina
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Slavic variation of AdelineMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adelina is back in the Top 1000 after an absence of nearly a century, thanks to the meteoric rise of her sister name Adeline -- along with Adelaide, Adele, and Ada.
- Celestine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.
- Elina
Origin:
Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, and English variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
Elina is one of the many variations of mother name Helen to make the US Top 1000 list, and is given to around 300 girls each year. While it might blend in among the Helenas, Elenas, and Alinas, it might be a good way to go if you want the eh-lee-nuh pronunciation or the potential for nicknames Elle, Ellie, or Ella.
- Odile
Origin:
French variation of German OtthildMeaning:
"prospers in battle"Description:
Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of favor.
- Ferdinand
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bold voyager"Description:
Ferdinand, a traditional name in the royal families of Spain and a handsome young prince shipwrecked on Prosper's island in Shakespeare's The Tempest has, unfortunately, to the American ear a somewhat heavy and clumsy feel – most likely because of the bull connection. In the 1880's it was in the 200's on the US pop list, but has been off completely since 1986.
- Prosper
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"favorable, prosperous"Description:
In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.
- Junius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"born in June"Description:
Junius is one of those names that's growing on us, along with many of its Roman countrymen such as Julius and Atticus. We once thought it was a combination of the least attractive elements of Junior and Julius but now we think...well, we think it's okay. Not great, but okay.
- Elida
Origin:
Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Portuguese, Spanish, GreekMeaning:
"fast-sailing ship; noble; valley, lowland"Description:
A multicultural choice and an unusual way to nicknames Ellie or Elle, Elida has its origins in Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Scandinavia. It has appeared in the charts in the US, France, and Spain back in the 20th century, but more recently in Brazil and Norway.
- Fernand
Description:
Fernand is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning "journey" and "brave." It's the French and Catalan form of Ferdinand, a name with royal connections throughout European history. Fernand has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Spanish-speaking communities. The name exudes a certain aristocratic charm while maintaining a strong, masculine quality. Though less common today than in previous generations, Fernand continues to be appreciated for its distinguished history and international appeal. Notable bearers include French painter Fernand Léger and Belgian cyclist Fernand Jacobs. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name offers a sophisticated European alternative to more common names while being easy to pronounce and spell.
- Elizabelle
Origin:
Compound name, blending Elizabeth and IsabelleMeaning:
"God is my oath"Description:
What do you do when you love two variations of the same name that also sound quite distinct? One option is to blend them together and keep the best of both. Elizabelle - and Elizabella - have been in use since the 2000s, though they haven't caught on just yet. Possibly divisive, but both are rather pleasing to say.
- Theodule
Origin:
French form of Theodulus, “slave of god”Description:
While some might assume this to be a variation on Theodore, Theodule's etymolgy actually stems from Theodulus. Though neither of these forms have attraction much attention recently, both Theodore and nickname Theo are rising up the US popularity charts. This could create an alternate path to the desirable nickname.
- Adele Celimene
- Aglae
- Belisaire
- Delphine Adele
- Emilda