Aries inspired names

Noelia

Spanish, feminine variation of Noel

This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.

Nuri

Short form of Nuria or Hebrew

"my fire"

Nuri might be a nickname for the place name Nuria, popular in Spain and Portugal as a honorific for the Virgin Mary. Nuri is also a usually-masculine name heard in the Middle East, but to the Western…

Nuria

Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan, Arabic

"place between the valleys; light"

Deriving from the Catalan title for the Virgin Mary, Nostra Senyora de Núria , meaning "Our Lady of Nuria", this distinctive name is a popular choice in Spain and Portugal. Nuria is a Spanish…

Offred

Literary name

"of Fred"

Offred is not technically a name but the "slave name" of a woman given to a man — literally Of Fred — in Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale . Offred, who was stripped of her own…

Oline

Norwegian feminine form of Ole or Olaf, Scandinavian, Norse

"ancestor's legacy, ancestor's relic"

Oline is an old school feminization of the classic Scandinavian names, Ole or Olaf, whose light, timeless sounds means it still ranks in the Norwegian Top 100 today.

Olukemi

Yoruba

"God cares for me"

Borne by British MP Olukemi (Kemi) Badenoch, this Yoruba name has a beautiful meaning.

Omaira

Arabic

"long life; red"

Omaira is an intriguing Middle Eastern possibility.

Onezime

Creole variation of Onesime

Onezime is a rare name that experienced the highest usage in French-speaking locales prior to the twentieth century, including French Canada and parts of Louisiana.

Oracia

Spanish, feminine variation of Horace

Rarely used aristocratic name with ancient roots and less than appealing sound.

Orlanda

Spanish and Italian, feminine variation of Orlando

Orlanda is an intriguing feminization of Orlando, almost unknown in this country.

Orna

Irish

"little pale green one"

This Irish saint's name sounds like a lopped-off Lorna.

Ovidia

Feminine variation of Ovidius, Roman family name

"shepherd or sheep"

Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is…

Palomina

Spanish

"dove-colored filly"

Doubtful if a child would appreciate being given such a horsy name.

Pamela

English

"all honey"

Pam was a somewhat pampered prom queen of the sixties who was never called by her full name, which is a pity because Pamela is so mellifluous and rich in literary history. A Top 25 name from the late…

Pamina

Italian

"little honey"

This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy.

Panya

African, Swahili; or, Russian, diminutive of Stephania

"mouse, tiny one; or, crowned one"

Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.

Paolina

Italian and Portuguese, feminine variation of Paul

"small"

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.

Paulana

Feminine variation of Paul, Latin

"small"

Paulana is an unusual feminine form of Paul or may be considered a combination name, smooshing Paula and Ana. It sounds international without truly being attached to any particular culture. As Paul…

Paule

French, feminine variation of Paul

This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.

Paulette

French, feminine diminutive of Paul

"small"

It's interesting how names imported to the US from other countries and cultures have fashion cycles based on their culture of origin. Paulette along with cousins Annette and Claudette were the most…