My female quirks

A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a-ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would probably choose Adriana.

Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.

Aurelia is an ancient Roman name that's become a surprise hit in the contemporary world. A top favorite on Nameberry, it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 70-year absence and continues to climb.

Cassondra is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Cassandra, which derives from Greek mythology. The original Cassandra was a Trojan princess blessed with the gift of prophecy but cursed so that no one would believe her predictions. The name stems from Greek elements possibly meaning 'shining upon men.' This particular spelling, with the inserted 'o,' emerged in the 20th century as a way to create a more distinctive version of the classic name. Cassondra peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the trend for more elaborate name variations. It offers the familiar sound and mythological weight of Cassandra while providing a unique spelling that sets its bearers apart.

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.

Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.

Cordelia is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name for girls that many parents are seeking for their daughters today. The name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, Cordelia has both style and substance along with its Shakespearean pedigree.

A Top 200 choice in the US from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, Irma has nevertheless fallen out of favor with modern parents, and doesn't look set for the sort of comeback that some of her vintage sisters have enjoyed in recent years. The devastating hurricane which hit the Caribbean Islands and the south-east coast of the US in 2017 has no doubt dealt its chances of revival a further blow.

Jonah as a feminine name represents an uncommon gender crossover from its traditional use as a masculine name. Originally from Hebrew origins, Jonah (יוֹנָה) means 'dove,' symbolizing peace and gentleness—qualities that translate beautifully to feminine usage. While predominantly known as a biblical masculine name associated with the prophet swallowed by a great fish, its soft ending sound and meaningful symbolism make it an intriguing choice for girls. This feminine application of Jonah aligns with contemporary trends of repurposing traditionally male names for girls. Though still rare for females, it offers a spiritual connection, recognizable pronunciation, and a subtle uniqueness that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive for their daughters.

Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.

Some parents are hoping to bestow good karma on their children with this name, derived from the Sanskrit word for "fate". Associated with the Hindu and Buddhist belief that someone's actions in this life (and their previous ones) decide their future existences, it is more informally used in the Western world to refer to good or bad luck.

A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.

Keturah, the Old Testament name of Abraham's second wife, is a possibility for anyone seeking a truly unusual and interesting biblical name; certainly a lot more distinctive than that of Abraham's first wife, Sarah.

Lavinia is a charmingly prim and proper Victorian-sounding name which actually dates back to classical mythology, where it was the name of the wife of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who was considered the mother of the Roman people.

The eternal fiancee of Superman turned sweet gray-haired lady who's always available to babysit her grandkids turned....hot new baby name?

Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.

Marlowe is very much in the air, with its lovely -o ending and the modern twist it offers on the likes of Margaret, Margot, Martha, and Marlene. But is it Marlowe, Marlow, or Marlo? Well, for a girl in the US at least, it's probably Marlowe, with this spelling the only one to appear in the Top 1000.