Ballet Names
- Violette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"purple"Description:
Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.
- Alla
Origin:
Galician diminutive of Olalla, or Russian, Ukrainian Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, or DanishMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
A short form of Alexandra and Alice used everywhere from Russia to Spain. A fresh alternative to Allie.
- Antonina
Origin:
Slavic, Italian and Nordic from LatinMeaning:
"priceless"Description:
Despite the popularity of Anthony and its masculine variants, female derivatives of its source – the Roman family name Antonius, of unknown meaning – have never caught on in the same way. Sister name Antonia peaked at #336 in the US way back in 1882, while Antonina itself has never ranked higher than #865 (in 1915). It has been outside of the Top 1000 ever since.
- Rosella
Description:
Rosella can be seen as a nature name (a rosella is the name of a variety of beautiful Australian cockatoos and an Australian flower) or a diminutive version of Rose.
- Polina
Origin:
Russian and Basque, feminine variation of PaulDescription:
This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.
- Corina
Description:
Corina is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots, appearing in Romanian, Spanish, Italian, and Greek naming traditions. Derived from the Greek name 'Korinna' meaning 'maiden' or possibly from 'kore' meaning 'girl,' it has ancient literary connections to a Greek lyric poetess. The name enjoyed notable popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly after singer Corina Chiriac in Romania and through various musical references in other cultures. Corina balances classical elegance with a contemporary sound, offering the appealing nickname 'Cora.' Its melodic quality, with the gentle flow of the 'r' sound, gives it a romantic, feminine character. While not among the most common names today, Corina maintains consistent usage across several European countries and in Latin American communities.
- Coralia
Origin:
Romanian, Italian, Galician and Spanish variation of Coralie, French from LatinMeaning:
"coral"Description:
Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet. As Cora — which has another root and means maiden — rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.
- Lise
Origin:
Diminutive of Elisabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
- Mikhail
Origin:
Russian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
- Noella
Origin:
Variation of Noelle and Noel, FrenchMeaning:
"Christmas"Description:
Noelle may be literally 15 times as popular, but Noella was given to more than 100 baby girls in the US last year, a not insignificant number. The growing popularity of Nola may increase the attraction to the rare variation on a classic Christmas name.
- Ambra
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"amber"Description:
An Italian word name and an international form of Amber, this gemstone name is popular in its native Italy, where it ranked in the Top 30 in a recent year. Easily associated with the golden-orange fossilized stone, Ambra feels slightly fresher than Amber, a little more like Alba, Anna, and Amara than the '80s favorite, Amber.
- Felia
Description:
Felia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Felia, derived from Latin 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Ophelia or serve as a shortened form of names like Ofelia or Felicia. In some cultures, particularly in parts of Europe, Felia exists as a distinct traditional name. The name has a delicate, melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Felia offers an elegant, somewhat exotic choice with classical roots. Its association with happiness and good fortune gives it a positive connotation and uplifting meaning.
- Merce
Origin:
Diminutive of MercerMeaning:
"a merchant"Description:
Merce Cunningham (born with the French version Mercier) was a highly influential avant garde dancer-choreographer and his name still resonates with an aura of bold originality.
- Olesia
Origin:
Polish, diminutive of AleksandraDescription:
Sounds a bit pharmaceutical.
- Dorothée
Description:
Dorothée is a feminine name representing the French form of Dorothy, derived from the Greek 'Dorothea' meaning 'gift of God.' This elegant variation retains the original name's spiritual significance while adding distinctly French sophistication through its accent mark and pronunciation (dor-oh-TAY). In France and French-speaking regions, Dorothée enjoyed periods of popularity, particularly in the mid-20th century. The name gained additional recognition in francophone countries through French television personality Dorothée (born Frédérique Hoschedé) who hosted popular children's programs in the 1980s and 90s. While less common today, Dorothée continues to appeal to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections, classical roots, and a graceful, feminine quality that travels well internationally.
- Feya
Description:
Feya is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the word 'fey' meaning fairy-like or otherworldly, connecting to the enchanting world of fairies and magical beings. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Faye or a diminutive of Feodora. The name has Slavic connections as well, where similar variations mean 'fairy.' Feya carries a whimsical, ethereal quality that evokes images of nature and magic. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, its simplicity and magical associations make it increasingly attractive to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity and melodic sound contribute to its appeal, offering an unusual choice that remains easy to pronounce and spell.
- Gelsey
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"flower"Description:
This name was given a lithe and graceful image by ballerina Gelsey Kirkland, but was later far surpassed by Kelsey and Chelsea.
- Liane
Description:
Liane is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'lia' such as Julia, Amelia, or Cecilia. It may also derive from the French word 'liane,' referring to a climbing tropical vine or liana. In German usage, it developed as a variant of Juliane or Eliane. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century and has maintained steady though uncommon usage since. Liane has a delicate, elegant quality with its soft sounds and French aesthetic. It appeals to parents seeking a name that's feminine and sophisticated while remaining relatively straightforward and internationally recognizable.
- Anneli
Introducing the Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.