unusual girls' names bookended by a

Apollinia

Apollinia is an elegant feminine name with classical roots, derived from Apollo, the Greek god of light, music, and healing. This feminine form adds grace to the powerful original, creating a name…

Asteria

Greek

"star"

Asteria is an Anglicized spelling of the Greek Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so all forms of this name would be especially appropriate…

Augusta

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"great, magnificent"

Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and…

Augustina

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"the exalted one"

Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina.…

Aimiliona

Aimiliona is an elaborate feminine name that appears to be a unique creation, possibly drawing inspiration from names like Amelia, Emilia, or Meilani, with a flowing, polynesian-influenced sound.…

Arietta

Compound name, variation of Harriet

"little song; little lion; home ruler"

A name that is either inspired by the classic Harriet (and by the character Arrietty in The Borrowers ), or, a compound name, merging Aria and Ari with Etta, to generate the meanings "little song" or…

Aeliana

Latin

"sun"

This female form of the ancient Latin Aelian has an appealing sound, though kids might have a hard time handling that initial "ae" spelling. Just remember that the "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think…

Aquilina

Feminine variation of Aquilo, Latin

"eagle"

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

Avonlea

Place name

"river by a field"

As all good Anne of Green Gables buffs would know, Avonlea is the fictional Canadian town created by L. M. Montgomery that Anne Shirley considers home. The literary creation inspired a real Canadian…