Distinguished, lofty names not overused

  1. Heloise
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Heloise is an ancient name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
  2. Beretta
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      A Beretta is a gun, so named because of the Italian firearms manufacturer that makes it. And now Beretta is also a badass baby name, used in the middle for daughter Breeze by Bristol Palin baby daddy Levi Johnston. What a Tripp.
  3. Corentin
    • Origin:

      French, Breton
    • Meaning:

      "tempest, hurricane"
    • Description:

      Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
  4. Othello
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "he has the sound of God"
    • Description:

      Shakespeare's moor has exclusive ownership of this name.
  5. Magdalen
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "woman from Magdala or high tower"
    • Description:

      Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The Magdalene and Magdalena versions are perhaps even more stylish. Can be shortened to Maggie or Magda but the full version is prettiest. One of our new favorites!
  6. Arianne
    • Origin:

      French, from Latin Ariadne
    • Meaning:

      "very holy one"
    • Description:

      Soft and delicate French name rarely heard here.
  7. Lucilla
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille. It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda.
  8. Evita
    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Eva
    • Description:

      There's only one Evita.
  9. Romana
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "a Roman"
    • Description:

      Romantic name, feminine form of the ancient name Romanus or the modern Roman, that may rise again with the league of Rom-beginning names that also include Romy and Romilly. Romana's downside: Easy to confuse with the more familiar Ramona.
  10. Carlotta
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.
  11. Jael
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "mountain goat"
    • Description:

      This attractive Old Testament option is the name of a place in northern Israel.
  12. Fabiola
    • Origin:

      French, Spanish, Italian, and German variation of Fabia
    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"
    • Description:

      Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.
  13. Alexandrine
    • Origin:

      French and German variation of Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.
  14. Melisende
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"
    • Description:

      Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.
  15. Clotilda
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous in battle"
    • Description:

      Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.