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Rose by Any Other Name
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Clemency
English feminine variation of Clement, Latin
"mild, merciful"
One of the rarest of virtue names, Clemency could come back along with the more familiar Puritan virtue names such as Hope and Faith. It has a rhythmic three-syllable sound, and offers a more…
Cybele
Greek
"the mother of all gods"
The Anatolian mother goddess Cybele had a place in Greek, Roman, Trojan, and Anatolian mythology. Today, she has special meaning as a symbol of gender nonconformity. In ancient Rome, Cybele's cult…
Celestria
Damaris
Greek
"dominant woman"
In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a favorite among the Puritans. Having slid off the bottom of the…
Desdemona
Greek
"ill-starred"
Desdemona is as Shakespearean as a name can be, but because the beautiful and innocent wife of Othello came to such a tragic end, her name has been avoided for centuries. But at this point in time,…
Drusilla
Latin
"fruitful"
Drusilla is an ancient Roman name, (probably) borne by descendants of Antony and Cleopatra, and is one of the 'illa' names that are ready for a comeback, especially with its cute short form Dru.…
Estrid
Estrid is a feminine name with ancient Norse origins that carries a sense of Nordic strength and heritage. Historically used in Viking-age Scandinavia, the name combines the elements 'ás' referring…
Elaiodora
Faustina
Latin
"fortunate one"
A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
Flannery
Irish
"descendant of Flannghal"
Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending…
Florencia
Spanish, from Latin
"flourishing, prosperous"
A pretty elaboration on Florence used in Hispanic countries.
Floriana
Floriana is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'flor' meaning 'flower.' It's essentially an elaborated form of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. The name has been…
Gardenia
Flower name, from English surname
"Garden's flower"
More uncommon and powerful than garden varieties like Rose and Lily. Named for Scottish botanist Dr Alexander Garden.
Isadora
Greek
"gift of Isis"
For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a…
Isolde
Welsh, German
"ice ruler"
Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of…
Laelia
Latin family name and botanical name
Upside: it has an interesting ancient look and feel, related to the Roman family name Laelius of uncertain meaning. There is also a type of orchid called the Laelia. Downside: possible confusion with…
Laurentina
Laurentina is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from Laurentius (Lawrence), which means 'from Laurentum' or 'crowned with laurel.' The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in…
Opaline
Elaboration of Opal, French, Sanskrit
"gem"
A word name with a touch of Adeline/Caroline/Apolline mixed in, Opaline has a sleek and stylish yet whimsical feel.
Patience
Latin virtue name
"ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"
Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's…
Prudencia
Prudencia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'prudentia' meaning 'prudence' or 'discretion.' It embodies the virtue of wisdom and careful judgment in conduct. This classic name has…