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Octavianne

Octavianne is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Octavius, meaning 'eighth' or 'born eighth.' It's an elaborate feminine variation of Octavia, which was traditionally given to the eighth…

Lada

Slavic

Lada is the Slavic goddess of youth, merriment, beauty and fertility, usually associated with spring. Her name is referenced in wedding and folk songs in Eastern Europe, but largely unknown in the…

Osanna

Italian

"praise the Lord; deliver us"

An Italian form of expressive Hosanna, this spiritual name might appeal to those who enjoy nicknames Ozzy or Anna. Borne by a number of saints, including a 15th century Italian mystic, Osanna also…

Maurya

Irish variation of Maura or Mary

"bitter"

Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea . You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if…

Chanson

French

"song"

This musical name would have to be spoken with a French accent--otherwise it would sound like a trendy boy's name, a la BRANSON.

Hereswith

Old English

"Strength of the army"

Hereswith is a rare name that comes to us from the dark ages. She was a Northumbrian saint, whose more famous sister, Hilda, was the Abbess at Whitby and patron of the first English poet, Caedmon.…

Corin

Latin

"spear"

Corin is a Shakespearean male name that could easily be adapted for a girl, making a strong update for Corinne or Karen.

Isaure

Isaure is a feminine French name with ancient origins, possibly derived from the name Isaura, which referred to someone from Isauria, a region in ancient Asia Minor (now part of Turkey). The name has…

Hestia

Greek

"hearth, fireside"

Hestia is the name of the Greek goddess of the hearth, home and chastity. Though Hestia has been long dormant as a name, it's a possibility for the parent in search of a classic name with deep roots…

Ceire

Ceire is a feminine Irish name, pronounced roughly as "KEER-ah" or "KEER-uh." It represents an alternative spelling of the more common Ciara or Keira, derived from the Irish word "ciar" meaning…

Sable

English animal name

Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both…

Candace

Latin

"white, pure, sincere"

Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament, is associated both with actress Candice Bergen and Sex and the City writer Candace Bushnell. Both spellings…

Fern

English

"plant name"

Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web . Fern was…

Tirzah

Hebrew

"delight"

A fairly common Hebrew name without much crossover potential.

Magali

Magali is a feminine name with rich cultural connections, primarily of Provençal French and Occitan origin. The name evolved as a regional variation of Margaret, which derives from the Greek…

Circe

Greek

"bird, hawk"

In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea (or Aiaia) who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to…