Rynbeth's Favorites

Dolce

Italian

"sweet"

Dolce is the Italian word for "sweet," derived from the Latin word dulcis of the same meaning. It's a rare feminine first name in Italy, more often seen as a surname, as in that of Domenico Dolce,…

Dulcie

Latin, diminutive of Dulcibella

"sweet"

A sweet-meaning and sounding name dating back to the Roman Empire, and later found in the antebellum South, Dulcie has in the modern era been heard most often in Australia. In Agatha Christie's…

Elethia

Elethia is a feminine name of uncertain etymology, possibly related to Greek roots or a variant of Alethea, which means 'truth' in Greek. This rare and melodious name has a lyrical quality with its…

Essa

Essa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it's a variation of Isa (the Arabic form of Jesus) and means 'God is salvation.' In Irish contexts, Essa derives from the Gaelic…

Fiamma

Italian

"flame"

Fiery names are blazing hot right now, and this one would fit right in.

Klee

German and Jewish surname

"clover"

The whimsical quality of the work of Swiss artist Paul Klee is somehow reflected in his name, although many would mispronounce it to rhyme with key. Say it like clay.

Kloris

Kloris is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Chloris, a figure from Greek mythology. In Greek, Chloris was the goddess of flowers and spring, with her name deriving…

Leigh

English variation of Lee

"pasture, meadow"

This spelling adds a little more femininity to the neutral Lee. Leigh and sister Lee were quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s among the first cool wave of unisex names for girls, but now have…

Meryl

Variation of Muriel via Meriel, Irish

"of the bright sea"

Meryl is a name that's at once rare and famous, thanks to Meryl (born Mary Louise) Streep. Streep's name is an invented short form of Mary Louise, but Meryl might also be a contraction of the unique…

Oona

Irish, variation of Una

"lamb"

Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own…

Phaidra

Phaidra is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins. Derived from the Greek word "phaidros" meaning "bright" or "radiant," it embodies qualities of luminosity and brilliance. In Greek mythology,…

Rhys

Welsh

"ardor"

Less than ten percent of the babies named Rhys are girls, whereas Reese is given five times more often to girls than to boys, thanks to Ms. Witherspoon. It's a sleek and attractive name, but one that…

Sascha

German variation of Sasha

"defending warrior"

Largely male throughout Europe, this name--spelled with or without the c , is an energetic choice that has really taken off for girls here; it's been used for the daughters of Steven Spielberg, Jerry…

Tabia

East African, Swahili

"talents, gifts"

Has a feminine feline feel.

Xanthe

Greek

"golden, yellow"

X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…

Yonina

Feminine variation of Jonah, Hebrew

"dove"

Unlikely to catch on the way the male original has, though it may appeal to some parents as a more formal version of Nina.