Carasynthia's list "Unique and Elegant Baby Names" of 20 great name ideas: Osirus - Zephyrine!

Unique and Elegant Baby Names

Osirus

Petronia is the feminine form of Petronius, a Roman family name derived from the Latin 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' With ancient Roman origins, it shares its roots with more common names like Peter and Petra. Petronia carries an air of classical dignity and strength. While never widely popular, the name has historical significance and has been used intermittently throughout European history, particularly in regions with strong Roman influence. The name possesses a formal, somewhat aristocratic quality with its classical roots and rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation. Petronia might appeal to parents interested in history or seeking a feminine name with substance and gravitas that remains relatively uncommon in contemporary usage.

Petronia

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone.  With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Petronilla

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/316/baby-names-that-mean-new-beginnings?all=1">names that mean new beginnings</a>.
 It's a name used by sixteenth century poets and writers: Lyly has a character named Phyllida in his 1592 play Galathea, and there is a poem of the same period called Phyllida and Corydon.
 The distinguished Scottish actress Phyllida Law is the mother of actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson; Phyllida Lloyd directed such films as Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady.

Phyllida

Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.

Polyxena

Preciosa

Pomiline

Satine, the name of the Nicole Kidman character in Moulin Rouge,, is, by definition satiny smooth. Jacinda Barrett named her daughter Satine Anais.

Satine

A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.

Scirocco

The tale-spinning heroine of The Thousand and One Nights, Sheherazade is an extravagantly elaborate name for a little girl. Too extravagantly elaborate? It's lovely and beguiling, and with the rise of such evocative monikers as Persephone and Ophelia, Sheherazade may have a chance in the modern baby name world.

Another accepted spelling is Scheherazade. While the origin of this name is Persian, there are also modern Arabic forms of the name.

Sheherazade

An ancient name belonging to "the most beautiful of all women" in Germanic mythology, whose tragic story features in many northern European legends. The daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun, her jealous husband had her murdered after she was accused of infidelity, and was then himself killed by Swanhild's brothers.

 On a less heavy note, the name also features repeatedly in German, Austrian and Scandinavian royal lines. And it appears in several works of art and literature as well, including the ballet Coppélia, Henrik Ibsen's play Love's Comedy, and the opera Hulda.

 Swanhild feels rather unwieldy for a modern girl, but potential short form Swan feels right on trend.

Swanhild

Swanhilde

A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.

Tamarind

This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq. 

Tanaquil

This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English variation Tiffany may be more wearable, but with a much less elegant image.

Theophania

A creative choice, suggesting the Venetian Renaissance painter (born Tiziano), and the brownish orange red hue that was featured on his palette.  But try explaining to the boys in seventh grade that it's pronounced tee-shun. 

Titian

Venetia, the name of the region encompassing Venice, has a radiant, picturesque authenticity, as do the related Venezia and Venice. 
 Venetia is the title of a novel by Benjamin Disraeli centering on the character Venetia Herbert, and Venetia Anastasia Stanley was a famous seventeenth century beauty. 
 Verona is another pretty Italian place name possibility.

Venetia

Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.

Veridian

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

Xanthippe

Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina, has distinctive possibilities.
