Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Isleen

Isleen is a rare feminine name with Celtic or Irish origins, possibly a variation of Aisling (meaning 'dream' or 'vision') or derived from elements meaning 'island.' With its gentle sound and unique…

Leelee

Short form of Liliane

"lily"

Actress Leelee Sobieski's real name is Liliane, after her French grandmother -- a better choice for any baby-namer.

Marciana

Latin

"warlike"

Marciana is a cooler (much cooler) elaboration of Marcia.

Snejana

Bulgarian

"snowy"

This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.

Azni

Armenian, meaning unknown

Though it might be acceptable in its native land, the fact of Azni being an anagram of a word with unpleasant World War II associations would limit its usage here.

Velvette

Velvette is a feminine name inspired by the luxurious fabric velvet, with an added French-style 'ette' ending that enhances its ornate, refined quality. Though not derived from traditional naming…

Allegory

English word name

If Fable, Story and Saga are getting a look in, why not Allegory? Allegory offers the cute nickname Ally.

Eternal

English

"everlasting, infinite"

Associated with eternal love and infinite time, Eternal is a spiritual choice, akin to Heaven or Ever, though far less common. In fact, it has only appeared in the stats for boys. Eternity is on the…

Eilah

Eilah is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Eilah (עֵילָה) from Hebrew, meaning 'oak tree,' symbolizing strength and endurance. Alternatively, it could be…

Lysistrata

Greek

"she who disbands armies"

Literary and ancient, Lysistrata is the Latinized form of the Greek Lysistrate and the variation used by the ancient Greek playwright Aristophenes in his comedy of the same name. Set around the…

Lorelie

Lorelie is a feminine name variant of Lorelei, which originates from German folklore about a beautiful siren who sat on a rock above the Rhine River and lured sailors to their doom with her…

Pádraigín

Pádraigín is a feminine Irish name that functions as a diminutive form of Pádraig (the Irish form of Patrick). The suffix '-ín' in Irish adds a sense of endearment or smallness. This distinctively…

Elizabella

English combination of Eliza + Bella

"pledged to God + beautiful"

Elizabella is a much more obscure smoosh than sisters Isabella and Annabelle, but the megapopularity of Isabella may give this unusual combo name a boost.

Merona

Aramaic, breed of sheep

The name of a breed of Spanish sheep is hardly worthy of a child.

Doutzen

Dutch, meaning unknown

Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its…

Itzayana

Spanish variation of Itzel

Itzayana, one of the fastest-rising girls' names of 2016, feels like a distant cousin of the ultra-popular Isabella.

Quintaysha

Quintaysha appears to be a modern feminine name that combines elements of different naming traditions. The prefix 'Quint-' likely derives from Latin 'quintus' meaning 'fifth,' which historically was…

Aberdeen

Scottish place-name

This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.

Isha

Sanskrit

"master, lord"

A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.

Zaltana

Native American

"high mountain"

Has an evocative feel, unusual to the Western ear without being identified with any particular culture.