Byzantine Royalty names for girls

  1. Dominica
    • Origin:

      Italian, feminine variation of Dominic
    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the Lord"
    • Description:

      Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.
  2. Ioanna
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Joanna
    • Description:

      Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.
  3. Galla
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gala
    • Description:

      Gala makes the name more festive.
  4. Elene
    • Description:

      Elene is a feminine name with ancient Greek roots, representing a variant of Helen or Elena. The name derives from the Greek 'helene,' possibly meaning 'torch' or 'bright one.' This classical name appears historically in different European cultures, including as a medieval English form of Helen and in Georgian tradition where Saint Elene (Nino) brought Christianity to Georgia. Though uncommon in contemporary English-speaking countries, Elene remains more popular in Eastern European and Caucasus regions. The name carries an elegant, timeless quality with its gentle sound and classical heritage. Elene offers a subtle alternative to the more common Elena or Helen while maintaining the same distinguished lineage.
  5. Fabia
    • Origin:

      Latin female variation of Fabian
    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"
    • Description:

      Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian.
  6. Yolande
    • Description:

      Yolande is a feminine name of medieval French origin derived from the Germanic elements 'yol' meaning 'viking' or 'valiant' and 'lande' meaning 'land' or 'territory'. It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and gained popularity throughout medieval Europe. The name has royal connections, having been borne by several medieval queens and noblewomen, including Yolande of Aragon in the 15th century. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Yolande has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its elegant, vintage sound and distinctive character. Alternative forms include Yolanda, Iolanthe, and Violante, which evolved in different European languages.
  7. Justina
    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Justin
    • Description:

      Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.
  8. Agathe
    • Origin:

      French variation of Agatha, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "good woman"
    • Description:

      Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The two-syllable French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
  9. Melania
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Greek variation of Melanie
    • Meaning:

      "black"
    • Description:

      The current wife of Donald Trump, Slovenian model Melania Knauss, brought this pretty version to the fore. Saint Melania was an heiress who freed thousands of enslaved people.
  10. Eupraxia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "good conduct"
    • Description:

      This rare name, used by a Byzantine saint, is not as attractive as other Greek "Eu" name like Eugenia, Eulalie and Eudora. This probably belongs in the footnotes of the history books.
  11. Albia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Description:

      A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.
  12. Constantia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "constant, steadfast"
    • Description:

      A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.
  13. Verina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "true"
    • Description:

      More often spelled VERENA, this name is attached to a third century Swiss saint. But the "virtue" name VERITY, is more appealing and comes more directly to the point.
  14. Xene
    • Description:

      Xene is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "foreigner." This distinctive name combines exotic appeal with a simple, two-syllable structure that makes it accessible despite its unusual initial 'X'. The name shares linguistic roots with words like "xenophile" (lover of foreign things) and the prefix "xeno-" relating to foreignness or differences. Xene remains extremely uncommon in most Western countries, appealing to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with ancient roots. The name's combination of exotic quality and brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its classical origins. Those named Xene typically enjoy having a name that stands out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce once heard.

  15. Hypatia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "highest, supreme"
    • Description:

      Hypatia, an ancient Greek name, has a distinguished namesake: Hypatia of Alexandria was an early philosopher and scholar of mathematics and astronomy--as well as inventor of several scientific instruments.
  16. Fausta
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "fortunate"
    • Description:

      Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA
  17. Arabia
    • Origin:

      Place name from Greek
    • Description:

      A phonetically attractive place-name that can be used for babies but rarely is.
  18. Simonia
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Simon, Hebrew, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "he has heard; flat nosed"
    • Description:

      Frillier and more fanciful that Simone, this feminization of the classic Simon may appeal to those who want to honor a Simon but prefer the style of Aurelia, Evelina, Felicity, and Ophelia.
  19. Thekla
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "fame of God"
    • Description:

      Deriving from the ancient Greek name, Theokleia, Thekla is a contracted form that appears in the New Testament. According to the Acts of Paul, Thekla (or Thecla) is a 1st century saint and the first virgin martyr who angers her mother and her suitor by vowing to remain chaste after hearing Paul speak.
  20. Placidia
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Placida
    • Meaning:

      "quiet, calm"
    • Description:

      Derived from an ancient Roman name, this is best known in its male form Placido, thanks to the tenor.