The Names of Elfane

Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.

Yasmina is a feminine name of Arabic and Persian origin. It is a derivative of the name Yasmin, which refers to the jasmine flower, known for its sweet fragrance and delicate white blossoms. The jasmine flower symbolizes purity, love, and sensuality in many cultures. The addition of the 'a' ending gives the name a more feminine touch in some traditions. Yasmina has gained popularity beyond the Middle East and North Africa, becoming increasingly common in Europe and other parts of the world. The name carries a beautiful exotic quality while remaining easy to pronounce in many languages, contributing to its international appeal.

A subtle virtue name, a name that can be shortened to two popular nicknames (Izzy and Ella) and a rare Cornish name - what isn't to love about this modest appellation? It has been used as a name in Cornwall since the 1970s.

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.

Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina, has distinctive possibilities.

Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after an eighteenth German botanist called Johann Gottfried Zinn, it appears in Roald Dahl's Matilda as the young protagonist's mother.

Name of a fertility goddess said to confer luck on its bearer, though to avoid confusion you may want to use the phonetic spelling Anya or Enya.

Éimhear (also sometimes written as Éimear or Anglicized as Emer) is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin. In Irish mythology, Éimhear was the wife of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn and was renowned for her beauty, wisdom, and fierce spirit. The name is believed to derive from elements meaning 'swift' or 'ready,' reflecting qualities of alertness and quick-wittedness. The accent over the 'E' (called a fada in Irish) elongates the vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Éimhear remains relatively rare internationally, though interest in authentic Irish names has increased globally. The name combines ancient heritage with a melodic pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking a name with strong cultural roots and feminine strength.