User-created list
By justthinkin · Updated May 2023
Across 13 pages
of 13
Literary elaboration of Clara
"bright, clear"
A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are…
Cornish, Welsh or Breton
Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.
Place name, English from Latin, or Italian, Corsican surname
"from Corsica"
Corsica, the picturesque Mediterrean island birthplace of Napoleon, makes an easy switch from atlas to baby name book, with its delicate, feminine ending. Just don't consider neighboring island…
Latin
"like a raven"
Corvina sounds quite similar to a car model, although it has a gorgeous meaning and could be an interesting dramatic full name for the nickname Cora.
Spanish from Greek
"golden flower, chrysanthemum"
Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of…
Daralis is an uncommon feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from Greek elements or representing a modern variation of names like Darla or Daria. Some suggest it may be a blend of…
"tenth"
In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October,…
Spanish
"sweetness"
Miguel de Cervantes invented this elaborate-sounding name -- which roughly translates as "sweetness" -- for the beautiful maiden Don Quixote is obsessed with in his great novel. Even in the fictional…
"covered with gold"
An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.
Cornish
"Iris"
Less known than other Cornish beauties like Elowen, Demelza, and Kerensa, Elestren is a pretty botanical name ripe for wider usage. While it may have a starry, celestial feel, likely owning to…
Elsavetta is an elaborated feminine name that appears to be a variant of Elizabeth or possibly a fusion of Elsa and the Russian diminutive suffix '-vetta.' The name Elizabeth ultimately derives from…
English, Germanic
"temple path"
An intriguing medieval name found in various forms across Europe. Variants include Elisende, Elisenda, Elysant, Elysande, Elisent and Helisent. It likely derives from a Visigothic name meaning…
Cornish and Medieval English variation of Emmeline, French
"work"
The Cornish version of Emmeline holds many charms.
French
"Emerald"
Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?
Cornish place and saint's name
"fire soul"
Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient…
"she who smiles"
Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.
Favianna is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name 'Favius,' which means 'bean grower' or relates to the Latin 'favere' meaning 'to favor.' This elegant and uncommon name…
Celtic
"white-shouldered one"
More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country. Fenella first became known outside of Ireland when Sir Walter…
Scottish
"true sovereignty"
Ferelith is an unusual yet deeply-rooted Scottish girl's name, also found in ancient Ireland and drawn from the Gaelic Forbhlaith or Forbflaith. While it went through a period of dormancy after the…
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German
"peaceful ruler"
Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness. The name…
