Dusty Ancient Gems

Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.

Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.

Accalia was the human foster-mother of twins Romulus and Remus. Her name is even more obscure than theirs.

A feminization of Adam with several sweet nickname options — Addie, Ada, Minnie, or Mina being a few.

This female form of the ancient Latin Aelian has an appealing sound, though kids might have a hard time handling that initial "ae" spelling. Just remember that the "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think Aesop's fables).The Annals of Aeliana is a children's fantasy series by Ryan Watters. The meaning is uncertain but is thought to derive from the Greek helios, which means sun.

The name of one of the three Graces or Charites in Greek mythology, sometimes spelt Aglaea.

A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).

A name with a rich history in Ancient Greece and Rome, Agrippina was the sister of Caligula and mother of Nero, who had her murdered. The original male version, Agrippa, can also used for girls. The name Agrippina arose in ancient times to further distinguish it as a feminine form of Agrippa.

Spelled Alastríona in its native language, this Irish cousin of Alexandra is little-known but fairly intuitive.

A melodious ancient saint's name now more commonly heard in its French form, Elodie.

The name of a cluster of stars in the constellation Vela, also known as Delta Velorum.

Amadea is a strong and musical feminine form of Amadeus, as in Mozart.

In Greek mythology, Amalthea is the name of a goat (or, sometimes, a goat-keeping nymph) who nursed the infant Zeus and protected him from his murderous father, Cronus. Thanks to the goat’s protection and nourishment, Zeus grew up to overthrow Cronus.

Amarantha is a rare botanical name whose mythical equivalent was believed to be immortal. The Italian and Spanish form is the somewhat-more-acccessible Amaranta.

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.