User-created list
Old Names
Across 14 pages
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Nolwenn
Welsh
"shining, holy"
Nolwenn is popular in Wales but would be a very adventurous choice in the US. Though with the increased visibility of names like Arwen, thanks to Lord of the Rings , it may not feel as odd going…
Gwenore
Variation of Guinevere
"white shadow, white wave"
An offbeat way to get to Gwen.
Estellina
Estellina is a charming diminutive form of Estelle or Estella, names deriving from the Latin 'stella' meaning 'star.' This elegant elaboration adds the affectionate Italian suffix '-ina,' creating a…
Venecia
Venecia is a feminine name derived from Venice, the famous Italian city built on water. The name carries the romantic and artistic associations of its namesake city, known for its canals,…
Lucina
Roman
"grove or light"
Lucina, deriving from Latin lucus "grove" and also associated with lux "light", is an epithet given in Roman mythology to the goddess Juno (and sometimes also Diana) in her role as goddess of…
Havelock
Scandinavian
"sea competition"
A name from medieval romance with an endearingly clunky sound, à la Sherlock. The most famous modern wearer was twentieth-century psychologist/sexologist Havelock (born Henry) Ellis.
Margaux
French spelling variation of Margo
Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…
Lysander
Greek
"liberator"
Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary…
Clayrinda
Clayrinda is an extremely rare feminine name that appears to be a creative variation combining elements of Clara, Claire, or Clay with the ending of names like Clarinda or Dorinda. The distinctive…
Finola
Irish
"white shoulders"
Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.
Pembroke
English
"bluff, headland"
Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy, but it nevertheless has a preppy air that may appeal to some.
Kenelm
English
"brave, bold helmet, keen protection"
A rarely used member of the Ken- family, Kenelm has a rugged, surname-style feel. Borne by a 9th century martyr and a member of the Mercian royal family, it could make an intriguing namesake for a…
Cristalina
Cristalina is a feminine name with Romance language origins, particularly Spanish and Portuguese. The name derives from 'crystal' (cristal), suggesting clarity, purity, and transparency. Cristalina…
Lorelie
Lorelie is a feminine name variant of Lorelei, which originates from German folklore about a beautiful siren who sat on a rock above the Rhine River and lured sailors to their doom with her…
Calista
Greek
"most beautiful"
Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she…
Joselin
Joselin is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Germanic name Gauselin, a diminutive of Gauz or Goz, meaning 'Goth.' It came to England with the Norman Conquest and evolved into…
Simeon
Hebrew
"he [God] has heard"
Could Simeon be the next Gideon? Parents seeking a less simple form of Simon might consider this biblical appellation that was chosen by Wynton Marsalis for his son. Simon is actually the Greek…
Thamarra
Thamarra is an ornate feminine name likely derived as a variant spelling of Tamara. While Tamara has Hebrew origins meaning 'palm tree' and historical connections to Biblical and Eastern European…
Frederika
Feminine variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
Frederika is one of many feminine variations of the many variations of Frederick, which include Frederica, Friederike, and Frederieke. The name carries an air of nobility and elegance, having been…
Jerome
Greek
"sacred name"
Jerome has a bespectacled, serious, studious image, just like its namesake saint, who was a brilliant scholar. St. Jerome is the patron saint of students, librarians, and archaeologists. Musical…