Oregon Trail era names but for girls
- Narcissa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"daffodil"Description:
This Greek flower and mythological choice doesn't make it into the pantheon of possibilities because of its association with narcissism. But narcissa is December's flower of the month, so Narcissa and Daffodil theoretically make perfect names for December babies.
- Narcisse
Description:
Narcisse is a refined feminine name with French origins, derived from the Greek word 'narkissos,' referring to the narcissus flower. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty who fell in love with his own reflection. While the masculine version has historical usage, particularly in France and French-speaking regions, the feminine form Narcisse is considerably rarer. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with literary and botanical associations. Despite potential connections to narcissism, the name primarily evokes the delicate beauty of the narcissus flower rather than vanity. Narcisse has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries but maintains a certain appeal for parents seeking a distinctive French-inspired name with classical roots. Its uncommon nature makes it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate names with rich historical and mythological connections.
- Nellie
Origin:
Diminutive of Helen, Ellen, and Eleanor, English, SwedishMeaning:
"light, shining torch"Description:
This sweet nickname name has seen a recent revival in the US, breaking the Top 1000 in 2019 for the first time in 40 years. By 2023, Nellie became one of the fastest rising girl names, chasing sister name Eleanor up the charts. Nellie is an elaboration of Nell, a medieval diminutive of names starting with El, such as Eleanor and Ellen. It may have arisen from the affectionate phrase "mine El" which was later reinterpreted as "my Nel".
- Nelly
Origin:
Variation of Nellie and NellMeaning:
"light"Description:
Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing in popularity. While Nelly can be used for several different names, from Helen to Eleanor to Cornelia, it has stood on its own for more than a century. It was one of the most popular names – spelled as Nellie – in the U.S. at the end of the 1800s.
- Nettie
Origin:
English, diminutive of names ending in -ette or -etta, or variation of Neta, HebrewMeaning:
"plant"Description:
You may never have known a Nettie personally, but there well might be one hidden in your family history, considering that she was a Top 100 name until 1901 and stayed on the Social Security list until 1962.
- Nina
Origin:
Short form of names that end in -ninaDescription:
Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.
- Nora
Origin:
Diminutive of Honora or Eleonora, LatinMeaning:
"honor or meaning unknown"Description:
Nora is a lovely, refined name that conjures up images of Belle Epoch ladies in fur-trimmed coats skating in Central Park. Long seen as a quintessentially Irish name though its roots are not in Ireland, Nora is a quietly stylish favorite that's tiptoed to the top of the popularity ladder.
- Nory
- Obedience
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.
- Odile
Origin:
French variation of German OtthildMeaning:
"prospers in battle"Description:
Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of favor.
- Olive
Origin:
English, from Latin, nature nameMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.
- Olivia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.
- Ophelia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"help"Description:
Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
- Orelia
Description:
Orelia is a melodious feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's closely related to Aurelia and can be considered a variant form. The name evokes a sense of preciousness, warmth, and radiance—qualities associated with gold. Orelia has a romantic, slightly antique feel with its flowing syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, the name has seen occasional usage throughout Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, and among Hispanic communities. In recent years, Orelia has gained some attention from parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with classical origins. Its similarity to more familiar names like Olivia and Amelia makes it approachable, while its relative rarity offers uniqueness.
- Orilla
Description:
Orilla is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'ora' meaning 'coast' or 'shore.' This uncommon name evokes imagery of peaceful coastal landscapes and ocean borders. While never reaching mainstream popularity in the United States or other English-speaking countries, Orilla has historical usage particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and may appeal to parents seeking a rare vintage name with natural associations. Orilla shares similarities with names like Aurelia and Oriole but maintains its distinct character and coastal connection.
- Orinthia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"to excite, to stir the mind"Description:
A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'
- Orpha
Origin:
Variation of Orpah, HebrewMeaning:
"fawn"Description:
Orpha, with its Biblical roots and its animal meaning, was once a fairly popular name, but fell from sight around the time of the Second World War, along with so many other Old School Names. And its similarity to the word orphan probably didn't help.
- Otilia
Origin:
Spanish, RomanianMeaning:
"wealth, fatherland"Description:
Spanish and Romanian form of Ottilia or Odilia
- Odivina
- Ostanda