sappho's longlist - girls

  1. Eilonwy
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "river melody"
    • Description:

      Eilonwy is a rare and poetic Welsh name first recorded in the late 19th century and used by Lloyd Alexander for his novel series The Chronicles of Prydain. The character appeared in Disney's adaptation of the series. In both the books and on the screen, Eilonwy is a feisty yet kind character. Read more about Eilonwy and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  2. Eir
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "peacefulness, mercy"
    • Description:

      So airy, it's almost not there.
  3. Eira
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "snow"
    • Description:

      This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
  4. Eirlys
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "snowdrop"
    • Description:

      This ethereal Welsh word name has a sound as pretty and delicate as its floral namesake. Pronounced with a bright IRE sound like in Iris or an AYR sound like in air, depending on region, Eirlys entered the US stats for the first time in 2024 when it was given to 8 babies. Also used for around 10 girls in England and Wales each year, parents may be inclined to consider Eirlys as an alternative to Eira which has been climbing up the charts.
  5. Eithne
    • Origin:

      Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "nut kernel"
    • Description:

      Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.
  6. Electra
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "amber, shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Though the plays by Sophocles and Eugene O'Neill and via the "Electra Complex" proposed by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, this name has, unfortunately, become associated with incest and murder.
  7. Elektra
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shining, bright"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.
  8. Eleocaisa
    • Description:

      Eleocaisa is an extraordinarily rare feminine name with obscure origins, possibly derived from Greek elements or representing a unique modern creation. The name has an ethereal, almost mythological quality to it, evoking images of ancient goddesses or classical literature. The melodious flow of its five syllables creates a rhythmic pronunciation that feels both exotic and elegant. Eleocaisa remains exceptionally uncommon in most naming databases and popular records, making it a truly distinctive choice. Parents might be drawn to this name for its uniqueness and musical quality. While its precise meaning is difficult to determine, the name's uncommon nature allows it to carry personal significance for those who choose it, unburdened by common associations or expectations.

  9. Eleodora
    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of the sun"
    • Description:

      Spanish form of Eleadora, a combination of Elio and Dora, meaning sun and gift respectively.
  10. Elettra
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Electra, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "amber, shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta, Lettie, and Elle make this doubly appealing.
  11. Elfrida
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "elf power"
    • Description:

      The name of the mother of Aethelred the Unready was once common among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was briefly revived during the 19th century, only to be lost once again to history.
  12. Elide
    • Description:

      Elide is a feminine name with Italian and Greek roots. It likely derives from ancient Greek elements meaning "sun" or "radiant," or may be related to the Greek mythological figure Elidis. In Italian usage, it can be a variation of Elodie or a feminine form of Elidio. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has modest usage in Mediterranean regions, particularly Italy. Elide has a delicate, melodic quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending, giving it an elegant and sophisticated character. Those named Elide are sometimes associated with brightness, warmth, and creative expression.
  13. Eliora
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my light"
    • Description:

      A pretty and melodic name of Hebrew origin that combines the elements el referring to God, li meaning "for me", and or meaning "light". The name entered the UK Top 1000 for the first time in 2023, and it's easy to understand why. With its rich vowel sounds and playful elegance, Eliora shares the sounds of other popular choices like Eleanor, Eliana, Aurora, and Elodie, which also remaining distinctive.
  14. Eliza
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Eliza is a name with a wonderful combination of streamlined zest and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk. It's a classic that's popular right now -- but not too popular.
  15. Elke
    • Origin:

      Dutch, German, and Frisian, diminutive of Adelheid
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah and as a Yiddish form of Eleanor.
  16. Elocadia
    • Description:

      Elocadia is an extremely rare feminine name with Latin roots. It likely derives from the Latin word 'eloquentia' meaning eloquence or fluent speech, possibly connected to the concept of elocution. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing syllables and melodious sound. Elocadia has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a truly uncommon choice throughout recorded naming history. The name has an antique, scholarly feel that evokes images of classical literature and refined education. With its distinctive sound and unusual letter combination, Elocadia offers a truly unique option for parents seeking a name with historical depth that few others will share. The name's elaborate structure gives it a formal, dignified quality while still maintaining feminine grace.

  17. Elodia
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alodia, German
    • Meaning:

      "foreign riches"
    • Description:

      As Elodie filters into the mainstream, parents may turn to the rarer Spanish form Elodia as an alternative.
  18. Elora
    • Origin:

      Variation of Eliora
    • Meaning:

      "my God is my light"
    • Description:

      While the etymology of the name is unclear, it's most likely a contraction of Eliora or Elnora. Despite the uncertain heritage, it's a winning construction, based on its El- prefix, the feminine three-syllable flow, and the a ending. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015, and by 2023, Elora was one of the fastest rising girl names.
  19. Elowen
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "elm"
    • Description:

      A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A fresh and magical member of the fashionable El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
  20. Else
    • Description:

      Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian cultures, Else has been used independently for centuries. The name carries a simple, clean elegance with its compact four-letter formation. In Danish and Norwegian, it's pronounced 'EL-seh,' while German speakers may say 'EL-zuh.' Despite its European popularity, Else remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but became less common after the 1940s. Today, it may appeal to parents seeking a minimalist yet classic name with European flair.