The Fantastical List of Fantasy Names
- Aoibh
Origin:
Celtic, Short Form Of aoibheannMeaning:
"beautiful, radiant"Description:
One of many Irish names that, despite pronunciation challenge, are beginning to be taken into consideration here as authentic Celtic versions of familiar English names.
- Mairi
Origin:
Scottish variation of MaryMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name, Mhairi (pronounced VAH-ree), is also used as a given name in Scotland.
- Nerys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"chief, lady"Description:
A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief", Nerys is a feminization and could then mean "lady".
- Amadea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"God's beloved"Description:
Amadea is a strong and musical feminine form of Amadeus, as in Mozart.
- Nolwenn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"shining, holy"Description:
Nolwenn is popular in Wales but would be a very adventurous choice in the US. Though with the increased visibility of names like Arwen, thanks to Lord of the Rings, it may not feel as odd going forward as it might have a generation ago. Other, similar ideas: Olwen, Anwen, Bronwen, Rowena.
- Anaise
Origin:
Variation of AnaisDescription:
Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
- Eirian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver"Description:
A modern Welsh name that will be misunderstood as Irene.
- Ethelinda
Origin:
German, Spanish compound name, Ethel + LindaMeaning:
"noble + pretty"Description:
Ethelinda is a feminine name that combines the elements "ethel" meaning "noble" or "of noble birth" and "linda" meaning "pretty." The name was used in medieval England but became less common after the Norman Conquest and is virtually extinct today, given to no baby girls in the US at the most recent count.
- Adalia
Origin:
Hebrew, German, "God is my refuge; noble one"Meaning:
"God is my refuge; noble one"Description:
Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is masculine. The similar Adlai might be easier to wear for boys in English speaking countries, while Adalia fits in with Adeline, Amelia, and Dahlia.
- Olwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white footprint"Description:
Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.
- Auretta
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"light wind"Description:
A pretty addition to the Au-girl names like Audrey, Aurora and Autumn. The beginning Aur syllable, which often relates to gold, makes this an appropriate and one of the more unusual names for autumn babies.
- Arianwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white, fair, blessed"Description:
Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen is one of many pretty wen-ending names prominent in ancient Welsh legend.
- Auriel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Auriel is a Roman name that was revived during the nineteenth-century craze for unique names. Could make an interesting substitution for the popular Aurora or Ariel.
- Brunhilda
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"armed for battle"Description:
Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.
- Peridot
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"a green gemstone"Description:
Peridot is the gem of the month of August, a vibrant green mineral, said to be good for helping people put the past behind them, and an interesting, undiscovered jewel name. It was regarded in ancient times as the symbol of the sun.
- Aithne
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fire"Description:
This soundalike for the famous volcano, Mount Etna, is a fiery Irish choice that could be perfect for a red-haired baby girl.
- Lys
Description:
Lys is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from 'fleur-de-lis' meaning 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and the French monarchy. In Welsh and Scandinavian contexts, Lys relates to 'light' or 'brightness.' This concise, single-syllable name carries an elegant simplicity while retaining deep symbolic connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lys has maintained steady usage in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer feminine names, while its cross-cultural roots give it versatility. For parents seeking minimalist naming choices with historical depth and natural symbolism, Lys offers a refined yet understated option.
- 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.
- Elm
Origin:
English, German, Norse, Danish tree nameMeaning:
"red, brown"Description:
Strong, straight, and leafy, one of the new tree names used mostly as middles.
- Corvina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"like a raven"Description:
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.