Lopes da Silva (female names, Part 11 of 12)
- Clea
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet.
- Crystal
Origin:
Gem nameDescription:
Peaking at #9 in 1982, Crystal's popularity in the 70s and 80s stems from its sparkling natural namesake and several notable bearers, like country music singer Crystal Gayle and Dynasty character Krystle Carrington. But it has since lost some of its luster for American parents, now ranking in the mid-600s. Ruby, Gemma and Pearl are fashionable alternatives, but nowadays Crystal could actually be a more unexpected choice for your little gem.
- Careley
- Daina
Origin:
Japanese; Lithuanian and LatvianMeaning:
"my greens; song"Description:
A name with an international sound, similar to Diana and Dana, used very commonly in Latvia in the 20th century.
- Dayna
- Delia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"born on the island of Delos"Description:
Delia is a somewhat neglected southern charmer that stands on its own but also might be short for Adelia or Cordelia.
- Della
Origin:
Diminutive of Adela, Adele or AdelaideMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
- Elena
Origin:
Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
- Elviana
- Esra
- Flora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback— alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.
- Florina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flower"
- Francine
Origin:
French diminutive pet form of FrancoiseMeaning:
"from France or free man"Description:
With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a dated midcentury Mad Men feel. But its choice for their daughter by modern glamour couple Casey Neistat and Candice Pool, respectively a video star and a jewelry designer, has made Francine chic again.
- Gwenaelle
- Jasmin
Origin:
Variation of Jasmine, a Persian flower nameMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Jasmin doesn't have the grace of Jasmine (which in 2016 ranked at 122 in the US Top 1000), but it is far more preferable to the trendier versions doing the rounds like Jazmin or Jazzmyn. If you are looking for a more unusual variant try Yasmin or Jessamine.
- Jasmine
Origin:
Flower name, from PersianMeaning:
"gift from God"Description:
Jasmine was derived from the Persian word yasmin, referring to the jasmine flower. Scented oil was made from the plant, and it was used as a perfume throughout the Persian Empire. Variants include Jazmin, Yasmin, Yasmine, and Jessamine.
- Joann
- Jolanda
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"violet"Description:
A sweet and feminine Italian name almost unheard of here.
- Kaela
Origin:
Variant of Kayla or diminutive of MikaelaDescription:
The letters "ae" are always a little tricky, and the more familiar Kayla has started to fall out of fashion, but there's nothing glaringly wrong with this version.
- Kaleigh
Description:
Variation of Kaylee and Kali with the popular "-leigh" suffix.