Medieval Beauties

Matilda is a sweet vintage name that has been gently climbing the popularity list for the past 15 years, after a half-century slumber. The spunky children's book heroine Matilda is one factor in its rise, along with others of its class like Eloise and Caspian.

The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.

Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from Germany to France and was borne by a daughter of Charlemagne.

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.

An appellation for the Virgin Mary, "Queen of the apostles." After three years off the US popularity charts, Reina rejoined the list in 2014, though it lags behind alternate spellings Raina, Rayna, and Reyna. It is also used in Yiddish and in Japanese.

Actress Sigourney -- born Susan -- Weaver made this unusual name (which she found in The Great Gatsby) famous, if not popular.

Trea is a concise masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Treavor or Patrick (via the Irish nickname Patrea), or it could derive from the Irish 'treasach,' meaning 'warlike' or 'fighter.' In some cases, it might represent a variation of the word 'treasure,' suggesting someone highly valued. As a standalone name, Trea remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity makes it straightforward to pronounce and spell across cultures, though its rarity means people may occasionally need to clarify it. The name has a contemporary feel despite potential traditional roots, making it appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with a strong, confident sound.

Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last year, while Isabel and Isabelle were each given to about 1800 babies.