Lopes da Silva (female names, Part 2 of 12)

Adah is a biblical name twice over—one was the mother of Jabal and Jubal, the other was a wife of Esau. The latter Adah and Esau’s descendants settled in Edom and became the Edomites. Adah is unrelated to the visually similar name Ada, which is Germanic in origin.

A feminization of Adam with several sweet nickname options — Addie, Ada, Minnie, or Mina being a few.

Adamine is an extremely rare feminine name possibly derived from Adam, which has Hebrew origins meaning "earth" or "man." This elaborate feminine form adds romantic, jewel-like qualities reminiscent of adamant or adamantine, terms relating to hardness and brilliance like a diamond. The name carries connotations of strength, permanence, and natural beauty. Its unusual nature makes it a truly distinctive choice, likely to be unique in any social setting. Adamine combines ancient biblical connections through its root with a flowing, melodic quality in its extended feminine form. Despite its rarity, the name remains accessible in pronunciation while offering an uncommon option for parents seeking something genuinely distinctive with subtle connections to both biblical tradition and natural elements.

Adrianne is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria,' an ancient town in northern Italy. This elegant variation of Adrian combines classical roots with a feminine ending. The double 'n' spelling distinguishes it from the more common 'Adriane,' giving it a sophisticated touch. Adrianne reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon today, making it distinctive without being unusual. The name carries connotations of strength and intelligence, stemming from its association with the Roman Emperor Hadrian. With its flowing three-syllable pronunciation (ay-dree-ANN), Adrianne balances traditional feminine elegance with historical substance, appealing to parents seeking a classic yet not overused name with international recognition.

Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."

Amanda may no longer be the most popular girls' name in her class, but it still holds appeal with its pleasing meaning and solid yet romantic sound. Its heyday however was back in the eighties when it skyrocketed alongside Samantha, Vanessa, Melissa, and co.

Amy is the English variation of the Old French name Amée—Aimée in modern French. Amée was a translation of the Latin name Amata, which derived from amatus, meaning "beloved." Other spelling variations include Amie and Ami.

Andrina is best-known as an older sister of The Little Mermaid.

Finally, an attractive, undiscovered Old Testament choice for girls.

Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.

The name of the tragic mythological Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but was condemned never to be believed, Cassandra has been used for striking characters in movies and soap operas. Ethereal and delicate, Cassandra was in the Top 70 throughout the 1990s but is now descending in popularity.

This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.

Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.

Ciera is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Sierra, which comes from the Spanish word for 'mountain range.' This contemporary spelling became popular in the United States during the 1990s, offering a fresh twist on the nature-inspired original. Ciera has a light, flowing quality with its soft consonants and three-syllable rhythm. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and distinction, as its pronunciation is intuitive while its spelling sets it apart. Often associated with qualities like strength and natural beauty, Ciera appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds modern yet has subtle connections to nature. It shares sonic elements with popular names like Ciara and Kiera, placing it within a recognizable family of names while maintaining its own identity.

If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the Lambs pronunciation. Clarice was the name of the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Clarice Cliff was a famed British ceramics artist. Though a Top 300 name from 1906 to 1934, modern parents might prefer the more delicate Clarissa.

Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.