Names from the Paragons
By TheWanderingFae
Updated Tue Apr 04 2023
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sometimes you just wanna categorize all the names you have used so far a a a
- Eloise
Origin:
French and English variation of HeloiseMeaning:
"healthy; wide"Description:
Well balanced between sleek, sweet, strong, and vintage, newly chic Eloise re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2009, following a 50-year absence. In 2022, it broke into the Top 100 in the US and across the pond in the UK. Given to nearly 3000 babies each year, Eloise is showing no sign of stepping out of the spotlight.
- Juno
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"queen of the heavens; young"Description:
Juno is an ancient name that feels as fresh as if it had been minted, well, not yesterday, but in 2007. Since the release of the popular indie film Juno, this lively but strong Roman goddess name has held new potential as a baby name. Currently in the UK Top 500 and used in The Netherlands too, Juno is on the rise in the US - and is 15 times more popular than it was before the release of the film.
- Althea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"with healing power"Description:
Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
- Casimir
Origin:
English; French, from PolishMeaning:
"destroyer of peace"Description:
Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too.
- Neve
Origin:
Anglicized spelling of Irish Niamh or Italian and PortugueseMeaning:
"snow"Description:
Introduced to the American public by actress Neve Campbell; it was her Dutch-born mother's maiden name. Neve is an interesting and fresh new possibility, one which Conan O'Brien chose for his daughter.
- Eira
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"snow"Description:
This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
- Milena
Origin:
Czech; Slovak; Serbian; Croatian; Polish; ItalianMeaning:
"love, warmth, grace"Description:
This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.
- Vesper
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"evening star"Description:
This Latin word used for evening spiritual services was introduced to baby namers by the Eva Greene character Vesper Lynd in the modern James Bond film Casino Royale in 2006, based on the Ian Fleming novel, and is just now beginning to provoke interest among namers, with its spiritual reference and soft, whispery sound.
- Yvaine
Origin:
Female variation of Yvain or ScottishMeaning:
"evening star"Description:
A mix of Yvonne and Elaine, Yvaine was first noticed in the Neil Gaiman fantasy novel and then movie Stardust, in which Claire Danes played the 'fallen star' Yvaine. This In all its forms, one of the most classic Scottish names for girls is now attracting namer attention--just as that other Gaiman-inspired name, Coraline, did. Yvaine has a definite romantic, medieval charm. A small segment of namers are definitely taking notice.
- Regina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"queen"Description:
A classic name with regal elegance--Queen Victoria, like other queens, had Regina appended to her name. She was a Top 100 name in the 1960s.
- Cyrilla
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"lordly"Description:
Cyrilla is an obscure feminization of Cyril that's a bit buttoned-up but also intriguingly unique, with an authentic pedigree. Spelling Cirilla is more visible thanks to The Witcher series, in which its the name of the heroine Princess Cirilla, nicknamed Ciri. 40 baby girls were named Cirilla in the US in 2021, vs. only 10 called Cyrilla.
- Isolda
Description:
Isolda is a feminine name with Celtic and Germanic origins, best known from the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde (also spelled Iseult or Isolde). The name may derive from elements meaning 'ice' and 'ruler' or 'battle,' though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. Isolda carries an air of romance, tragedy, and medieval nobility due to its legendary associations. While never extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout European history, experiencing occasional revivals when medieval themes become popular in culture. The name offers a dramatic, romantic option with rich literary connections. Isolda appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and a touch of mystical, legendary quality.
- Gwyneira
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white snow"Description:
An unusual Gwyn name with a lovely meaning, this compound name pairs Gwyn with the name Eira, meaning "snow". A relatively modern creation, it remains very rare.
- Efa
Description:
Efa is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as the Welsh equivalent of Eve. The name derives from the Hebrew 'Chavah,' meaning 'life' or 'living one.' Simple yet distinctive, Efa carries the same biblical connections as Eve, referring to the first woman in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In Wales and Welsh-speaking communities, the name has maintained consistent usage, appreciated for its cultural authenticity and brevity. Outside Wales, Efa offers parents a refreshing alternative to the more common Eve or Eva, while still connecting to their shared heritage. The name's short, two-syllable structure makes it accessible across language barriers while retaining its Celtic charm.
- Farasha
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Farasha is butterfly in Arabic, which means that to English-speakers, it feels more like a soft feminine name and less like a fluttery animal. Pretty without feeling flighty.
- Samina
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"healthy"Description:
Samina is a little-known name in the US, given to only a handful of baby girls each year, that is prime for wider use. It's attractive, easy to spell and pronounce, and makes a perfect alternative to the waning Samantha. The only problem may be confusion over pronunciation. Native Arabic speakers may pronounce it with equal emphasis on all syllables, but English speakers will say sa-MEE-na (correct) or sa-MY-na (not, but be prepared for a lifetime of corrections).
- Ivara
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"yew tree, archer"Description:
Similar to Ivana but less personality-driven.
- Severina
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of SeverinoMeaning:
"stern, serious"Description:
Not only stern and serious, but a little too severe.
- Chantal
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"stone, boulder"Description:
Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
- Mitra
Origin:
Hindi, Persian, GreekMeaning:
"friend; earth mother"Description:
Deriving from the Sanskrit Mithra, Mitra is the Hindu god of the sun and of friendship. This transcription is unisex in Hindi, while in Persian, it is the feminine form.
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