Novela Names
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- Ambar
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"amber"Description:
The Spanish variation of the 80s and 90s American favorite Amber has an international flair.
- Andreina
Description:
Andreina is a feminine name primarily used in Spanish and Italian speaking countries, derived from the male name Andreas or Andrew, which comes from the Greek word 'andreios' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' This beautiful elaboration creates a distinctly feminine form through the addition of the diminutive suffix '-ina.' Andreina has been particularly popular in Venezuela, where it ranks among familiar feminine choices, as well as in parts of Italy. The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Andreina has maintained steady usage throughout Latin America and Mediterranean regions, offering a romantic alternative to the more common Andrea. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it recognizable across multiple language traditions.
- Aurea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden"Description:
This golden Saint name was familiar in Spain during the first half of the 20th century, however, it fell out of favor in the 60s. Usually written as Áurea, the similar sounding Aurora is often preferred today.
- Dario
Origin:
Italian variation of DariusMeaning:
"possessing goodness"Description:
More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's popularity in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland?
- Domenica
Origin:
Italian feminine form of DominicMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
Much fresher and more energetic than Dominique.
- Esmeralda
Origin:
Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"emerald"Description:
Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
- Fernanda
Origin:
Feminine variation of Fernando, Spanish and Portuguese version of German FerdinandMeaning:
"bold voyager"Description:
Fernanda is very popular in the Latino community, with a lot more charm than its male counterpart. The standard nickname is Nanda, and variations include Ferdinanda and Fernandina.
- Griselle
Description:
Griselle is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Germanic 'gris' meaning 'gray,' or could be a variation of Griselda, which means 'gray battle maiden.' It also has possible connections to French and Spanish linguistic roots. Griselle carries an exotic, elegant sound with its soft 'g' and melodic ending. The name evokes images of grace and distinction while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. This rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with international flair and feminine resonance without being overly used. Griselle's multicultural origins give it versatility across different cultural backgrounds.
- Jairo
Origin:
Spanish, variation of JairusMeaning:
"God enlightens"Description:
While Jairus is rare, this Spanish variation is heard in the US, having ranked in the Top 1000 for the last three decades. It currently ranks in the latter end of the charts, while similar sounding Kairo, Cairo, and Kyro rank higher.
- Milagros
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"miracles"Description:
Even in the Hispanic community, very religious and old-fashioned.
- Marimar
- Paloma
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.
- Raisa
Origin:
Russian; Yiddish; ArabicMeaning:
"easygoing; rose; leader"Description:
Known in America via the wife of Soviet head Mikhail Gorbachev; a possibility for parents of Eastern-European descent wanting to move beyond Natasha and Nadia or for parents from the Middle East looking for a name that works in both cultures.
- Regina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"queen"Description:
A classic name with regal elegance--Queen Victoria, like other queens, had Regina appended to her name. She was a Top 100 name in the 1960s.
- Rubi
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, JapaneseMeaning:
"ruby; precious gemstone, lapis lazuli + beautiful"Description:
The Spanish and Portuguese form of popular Ruby is another addition to the list of attractive gem names for girls, that might sometimes be used by English speaking parents who want their child's name to stand out when written down. Rubi is also of Japanese origin, and associated with another gemstone: the lapis lazuli.
- Yesenia
Origin:
Spanish, ArabicMeaning:
"palm tree; flower"Description:
Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.