User-created list
By Beverlyragon · Updated May 2023
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Italian form of Laelia, meaning unknown
A rare and delicate choice, Lelia is a modern variation of an ancient Roman family name. It came to Britain in the mid-nineteenth century, following the publication of George Sand's popular romantic…
Irish
"sorrowful"
Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
French, blend of Vivian and Anne
A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."
Welsh
"very fair, beautiful"
Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.
Scottish from Norse
"elf victory"
Ailsa is a traditional Scottish name for girls related to a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular…
Literary name
This lovely name from Spenser's The Faerie Queene is borne by a character who represents married love. A related unusual-yet-usable choice: Amabel.
Cierre is an uncommon feminine name with a melodic quality. It likely has romance language origins, possibly deriving from Spanish or French linguistic roots. The name may be related to the Spanish…
"pretty and blessed"
If you like soft, lispy Welsh names like Gwyneth, or want an alternative to Delilah, Adele, or Edith, consider this out-of-the-ordinary option.
Welsh, river name
The striking name of a Welsh river, Eleri feels as mystical as it does modern. A recent year saw it feature in the England and Wales Top 1000, with 49 babies given the name: of them, 29 were born in…
Diminutive of Gwenllian, Welsh
"white, flaxen"
While it may look like a variation of popular Leo, Llio is in fact a Welsh name, derived from Gwenllian, the medieval name of a legendary princess who is a national heroine in Wales. Given to a small…
Welsh form of Mary
One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus. Mair appears in the many Welsh towns and villages…
Sylvianne is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate extension of Sylvia, which derives from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The addition of the French-inspired suffix…
Greek mythology
"most beautiful"
Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.
Hebrew
"Aster"
Pronounced as-TAIR-ah, this is one of many frequently heard Israeli flower names. Other floral choices popular in Israel include Dafna, which means laurel; Dailia; Irit, which means daffodil; and…
