Elegant, ancient, not so popular names for girls

By Daria

Updated Thu May 25 2023

Adora
- Origin:
  Latin
- Meaning:
  "adored"
- Description:
  A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
Aracely
- Description:
  Aracely is a feminine name with Spanish origins, particularly popular in Latin American countries like Mexico. It likely derives from Araceli, which comes from the Latin phrase "ara caeli" meaning "altar of heaven" or "altar of the sky." The name has religious connections, as Ara Coeli is also the name of a basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Aracely has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. In the United States, the name saw modest popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Hispanic communities. The variations Araceli and Aracely both remain in use, with the latter offering a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining the name's beautiful meaning and cultural connections.

Ardelle
- Description:
  Ardelle is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'ardent,' meaning passionate or fiery. This elegant name gained modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. Ardelle can be considered a variation of Ardell or an elaboration of Ardith, both of which share similar etymological roots. The name carries connotations of warmth, enthusiasm, and intensity of feeling. Though relatively uncommon today, Ardelle maintains a classic, vintage charm that may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional-sounding name. Its melodious quality and French heritage give it a touch of sophistication and romance.
Cadence
- Origin:
  Latin
- Meaning:
  "rhythm, beat"
- Description:
  The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
Carella

Cinxia
Dariena
Florella
- Description:
  Florella is a delicate feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'flora' meaning 'flower.' This charming elaboration adds the diminutive suffix '-ella,' creating a name that essentially means 'little flower' or 'flowering one.' Popular during the Victorian era when floral names were fashionable, Florella has since become quite rare, maintaining an antique, romantic quality. The name shares roots with Flora, Florence, and other botanical names while offering a more ornate and distinctive alternative. With its melodic three-syllable rhythm and flowing sound, Florella exemplifies the 19th-century preference for elaborate, nature-inspired feminine names. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Florella appeals to parents seeking a vintage name with natural associations and inherent femininity.

Leandra
- Origin:
  Feminine variation of Leander, Greek
- Meaning:
  "lion-man"
- Description:
  With the rise of many once-dated leonine names, from Leona to Lionel to Leonora, Leandra is an unusual choice that might be looking at a comeback..
Levina
- Description:
  Levina is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Lavinia, an ancient Roman name associated with Latin roots meaning 'woman of Rome' and featured in Virgil's 'Aeneid.' Alternatively, it could derive from Lovina, a name with Germanic origins meaning 'beloved friend.' In some contexts, Levina may also connect to names like Levin or Levi, which have Hebrew origins meaning 'joined' or 'attached.' Throughout history, Levina has remained relatively uncommon, appearing sporadically in English-speaking countries and parts of Europe. The name carries a vintage charm with its soft sounds and elegant ending, making it appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with historical resonance.
Lotta
- Origin:
  Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta
- Description:
  This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?

Lucilla
- Origin:
  Latin
- Meaning:
  "light"
- Description:
  A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille. It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda.
Mercedez
- Description:
  Mercedez is a feminine name derived from Spanish origins, representing an alternative spelling of Mercedes. The name comes from 'merced,' meaning 'mercy' or 'grace,' and has religious connotations connected to one of the titles of the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Mercy). The distinctive 'z' ending gives this version a modern twist while maintaining its Spanish heritage. The name gained additional recognition through the luxury car brand, though its use as a personal name predates this association. Mercedez appeals to parents seeking a name with Latin flair and spiritual significance. While less common than the traditional spelling, this variation offers a unique touch to a name with deep historical and cultural roots.
Myrelle

Vonda
- Description:
  Vonda is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from African languages, or possibly be a variant of the Germanic name Wanda, meaning "wanderer." The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. Vonda has a gentle, melodic sound with its soft consonants and open ending. Singer Vonda Shepard brought some attention to the name in the 1990s. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Vonda maintains a vintage charm with a slightly exotic quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible and melodic for their daughters.
Zaria
- Origin:
  African place-name, variant of Zahra, Arabic
- Meaning:
  "rose; to shine, to bloom"
- Description:
  Zaria, the name of the Nigerian capital city, could be another Z name for parents to consider. It currently ranks lower than variations Zariah and Zariyah.