girls names I currently like

Cerulean

English color name from Latin

"deep sky-blue"

This vivid sky blue color name is at present used mostly for boys, but it is used in such small numbers that it could easily work on any gender. Whimsical and magical, but reminiscent of more…

Theolan

Theolan is a rare feminine name with an ethereal, almost mythological quality. Its origins are not widely documented, though it may be a modern creation drawing inspiration from Greek elements or…

Eilidh

Gaelic form of Eleanor

Long popular in Scotland, this attractive name is strictly-speaking the Gaelic version of Eleanor, but is also often considered part of the Helen family of names. After the Normans introduced it into…

Amabel

Latin

"lovable"

Amabel is an older name than Annabel and a lot more distinctive. Amabel was a very common name in the twelfth and thirteen centuries, then was revived during the nineteenth century British fad for…

Eos

Greek; Welsh

"dawn; nightingale"

Eos -- that's pronounced with a short e like eros without the r -- is the Greek Titan of the dawn. Any ancient name with a sleek modern feel has definite revival possibilities. Eos could be an…

Ellery

English

"island with elder trees; descendant of Hilary; cheerful, happy"

In the past few years Ellery has gone from middle-aged male detective -- from old school fictional hero Ellery Queen -- to a plausible girls' name, a la Hillary. Ellery is one of the golden names…

Russet

English, French

"reddish brown"

Rustic and cosy, Russet is a color name, associated with the reddish-brown hues of earth and autumn, with homespun cloth, apples, and perhaps less appealingly, potatoes. While it has never featured…

Cornelia

Feminine variation of Cornelius, Latin

"horn"

In ancient Rome, Cornelia was considered the paragon of womanly virtue, making it a handsome name with an excellent pedigree. It's rare today, so if you want a name no one else is using, somewhat…

Noli

Noli is a feminine name with diverse cultural connections. In Filipino culture, it may relate to José Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere," giving it literary significance. The name could also have Latin…

Farrell

Irish

"courageous"

Farrell is usually considered a boy's name, though the soft sound of this Irish surname makes it perfectly appropriate for a girl, reminiscent of Farrah.

Teddy

Diminutive of Theodora, Greek

"gift of God"

Cute boyish short forms like Stevie, Scottie, Frankie and Billie are in some ways a relic of the past, when girls were given feminized versions of their father's names, but now, they're back in as…

Thisbe

Greek mythological name, meaning unknown

Thisbe, the name of a beautiful but tragic lover in mythology, is lively and cute -- in a slightly thistly, prickly way. Ovid retold the story of Thisbe and Pyramus, young lovers in ancient Babylon…

Ezri

Variation of Ezra, Hebrew

"help"

Ezri is one of the cool new unisex names starting with E , except as a Biblical name, it's not so new. Used for both genders in Israel, in the US it's currently running five to one in favor of girls,…

Senara

Variation of Azenor, Breton

"light"

The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…

Coralie

French from Latin

"coral"

Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline . Other literary appearances:…

Finella

Scottish variation of Finola

"white shoulder"

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.

Beryl

Greek

"sea-green jewel"

Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.