G I R L S

Leocadia

Spanish

"splendid brightness"

Leocadia marries a mix of sounds: the strength of a lion, with a rhythmic Latin ending. St. Leocadia was an early martyred Spanish saint, and "La Leocadia" is a famous Goya painting of Leocadia…

Melusine

French, folkloric name

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is…

Kathleen

Anglicized form of Irish Caitlin

"pure"

Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of…

Sai

Hindi or Japanese

"holy or difference"

As an Indian name, Sai honors spiritual master Shirdi Sai Baba, who was revered by both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Sai is the name of the young heroine of Kiran Desai's prizewinning The Inheritance…

Revel

English word name

"rejoice"

Revel is a joyous word name that may appeal to parents wanting a non-traditional Biblical choice or simply a name that expresses how they feel.

Ezri

Variation of Ezra, Hebrew

"help"

Ezri is one of the cool new unisex names starting with E , except as a Biblical name, it's not so new. Used for both genders in Israel, in the US it's currently running five to one in favor of girls,…

Air

Word name

This nature name hasn't escaped the hippie dippy air of others like River or Sky.

Terencia

Roman clan name, feminine variation of Terence

Let's leave this one packed away in the attic.

Maelys

French or Breton

"chief or prince"

Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.

Adrienne

Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

"man from Adria"

A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a -ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would…

Adria

Adria is a feminine name with multiple origins. It derives primarily from the Adriatic Sea, which was named after the ancient city of Adria in northern Italy. The name has Latin roots, connecting to…

Hanan

Hebrew

"graciousness"

Hanan is an obscure (male) biblical figure, who was a chief member of the tribe of Benjamin. Reminiscent of Hannah, this name could be a cute choice for a little girl whose parents are looking for…

Anice

Variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

Anice and Annis are variations of Agnes that have fallen from use, perhaps because of pronunciation issues. Neither spelling was used for any baby girls in the US in the most recent year counted,…

Bellatrix

Latin

"female warrior"

J.K. Rowling is a modern master of naming who brought a whole constellation of ancient and celestial names to modern parents. Bellatrix, of one of the stars of Orion, combines fashionable names Bella…

Corvina

Latin

"like a raven"

Corvina sounds quite similar to a car model, although it has a gorgeous meaning and could be an interesting dramatic full name for the nickname Cora.