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Hera
Greek
"protectress"
She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today…
Inez
Spanish variation of Agnes
"pure, virginal"
Also spelled Ines, this name of the prudish mother of Don Juan in the Byron poem has a touch of mystery, but has also been fully integrated into the American name pool. Inez Milholland and Inez Hayes…
Keiko
Japanese
"happy child"
Japanese classic with optimistic meaning.
Madelaine
French variation of Madeleine
"high tower"
This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.
Marielle
Dutch and French diminutive of Mary
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Popular in France in the 60s, Marielle is one of many international variations and diminutives of Mary. While actress and author Mariel Hemingway made us aware of the more abbreviated spelling —…
Maureen
Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along…
Merry
English
"lighthearted, happy"
She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies .
Minerva
Latin
"of the mind, intellect"
Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents.…
Nike
Greek
"victory"
The goddess and personification of victory in Greek mythology – sister to strength, force, and zeal – could make a powerful namesake for a daughter. The goddess would fly a chariot across…
Reva
Hindi river name; Hebrew
"rain"
Refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
Svetlana
Russian
"star"
Popular Russian name, familiar here via author Svetlana Stalin, the dictator's daughter.
Tressa
Short form of Theresa, English, Greek, or Cornish
"to harvest; third"
While Tessa is now preferred, this slightly sharper diminutive of Theresa was the more familiar option in the early 20th-century. It enjoyed a brief return to the US charts in the 60s and 70s but is…
Vinnie
English, diminutive of Lavinia
A winning, gold locket nickname name of the turn of the last century, though also a common nickname for Vincent.
Xenia
Greek
"hospitable, welcoming, guest"
The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film "GoldenEye."…
Yule
English
"winter solstice"
Yule is one Christmas baby name that doesn't sound very festive. We prefer Winter or even Christmas itself.
Zarya
Slavic mythology name
In Slavic myth, this name belonged to the water priestess and protector of warriors.
Zhen
Chinese
"a treasure"
A striking choice, but might possibly be taken for Jen.
Raisa
Russian; Yiddish; Arabic
"easygoing; rose; leader"
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…