Lopes da Silva (female names, Part 2 of 12)
- Doreen
Origin:
Variation of Dora; also Anglicized variation of Irish DoireannMeaning:
"sullen"Description:
Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.
- Daireann
- Ebony
Origin:
EnglishDescription:
An attractive and now underused nature name belonging to a tree whose wood is prized for its dark color and dense texture, which shines when polished. Ebony joined the most popular girl names list in the US in the early 1970s, peaked in 1982 at #132, and dropped back below the Top 1000 in 2006.
- Edina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wealthy"Description:
Edina is an infectious-sounding Minnesota place-name, featured in the British cult hit TV show "Absolutely Fabulous." Edina is also a poetic name for Edinburgh and is a common name in contemporary Hungary. Though some sources list its origins as Hungarian, more peg it as a variation of Edwina, the feminine form of Edwin, an English name.
- Elia
Origin:
Italian variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Though the most famous Elia, screenwriter Kazan, was male, this name sounds like a spin on many popular girls' names, from Ella to Ellie to Isla and Leah. While the Italian pronunciation has the middle syllable as LEE, making it closer to the original Elijah would give the middle syllable a long I sound -- eh-LYE-ah.
- Emerald
Origin:
Gem name; PersianMeaning:
"green"Description:
Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.
- Evelyn
Origin:
English from French and GermanMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.
- Faith
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
Faith is one of the most straightforward of the virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the seventeenth century, many parents still choosing it as an indicator of their religious conviction. Faith peaked in 2002 at Number 48.
- Fay
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
- Felia
Description:
Felia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Felia, derived from Latin 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Ophelia or serve as a shortened form of names like Ofelia or Felicia. In some cultures, particularly in parts of Europe, Felia exists as a distinct traditional name. The name has a delicate, melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Felia offers an elegant, somewhat exotic choice with classical roots. Its association with happiness and good fortune gives it a positive connotation and uplifting meaning.
- Farina
- Finia
- Gabriella
Origin:
Italian feminine variation of GabrielMeaning:
"God is my strength"Description:
Gabriella is the feminine form of Gabriel, a name derived from the Hebrew Gavri’el. Gavri’el is composed of the elements gever, meaning "strong," and ’el, referring to God. Gabriella is used among a variety of cultures in the US, including Italian Americans, Latinos, and in the Jewish community. Gabriela is the Spanish spelling.
- Genia
Description:
Genia is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. It can be considered a diminutive of Eugenia (from Greek, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'), a variant of Jenya (a Russian nickname for Evgeniya), or a shortened form of names containing 'gen' elements relating to birth or creation. With its soft sound and simple two-syllable structure, Genia has a delicate, feminine quality. Though never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained a quiet presence across various cultures. Its international versatility makes it recognizable in many language contexts while remaining relatively uncommon, giving it both accessibility and distinctiveness.
- Gillian
Origin:
Feminine variation of JulianMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Gillian is a name that was in common usage in Great Britain until the 1970s, when it dropped out of the Top 100 and is yet to return. Until recently, it had not crossed the Atlantic in significant numbers, except in the short form Jill.
- Gladis
Description:
Gladis is a feminine name that represents a spelling variation of the more common Gladys. Derived from the Welsh name Gwladus, meaning 'princess' or 'kingdom,' it carries a sense of dignity and nobility. Gladis was most popular in the early 20th century, then experienced a significant decline mid-century. This spelling variant, with an 'i' instead of 'y,' gives the traditional name a slightly different visual appeal while maintaining its classic sound. Gladis has remained in use particularly in Hispanic communities, where it retains its vintage charm. The name evokes qualities of strength and grace, with its association to the word 'glad' adding a subtle connection to happiness and positivity.
- Hailey
Origin:
English and Scottish clan nameMeaning:
"Hay's meadow"Description:
There are no less than ten different variations of Hailey on the current Most Popular list, but this is the spelling that brought it into the Top 10 of 2010, although it has quickly fallen in popularity. So, although Hailey has a shiny, unpretentious charm, its mass popularity makes it very much of the moment.
- Jerica
Description:
Jerica is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Jericha or a feminine form of Jeric, ultimately connected to the biblical city of Jericho. The name has Hebrew origins, loosely associated with meanings like 'city of the moon' or 'fragrant place.' Emerging in popularity during the latter part of the 20th century, Jerica offers a modern update to the more traditional Jessica or Erica. The name possesses a melodic quality with its three syllables and soft ending. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Jerica appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains relatively uncommon. In the United States, its peak usage occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, though it maintains a modest presence today.
- Jill
Origin:
Diminutive of Gillian or JulianaMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Probably due to its nursery rhyme association, Jill has the perpetual air of a rosy-cheeked tot -- even though it is one of the oldest names on the roster, a medieval variation on the Roman Julia. The pairing of Jack and Jill to connote a generic boy and girl goes back at least to the fifteenth century. But can knowing Jill's history keep it from sounding like a cute mid-twentieth century invention? There may be some possibility of Jill making it back up the hill.
- Kailyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of KaylinDescription:
Kaylin and all of its forms have made many appearances in the Top 1000 in recent years. Kailyn is also the Turkish goddess of crossroads, kings and queens.