Dusty Ancient Gems

Urania

Greek

"heavenly"

The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.

Valkyrie

Old Norse

"chooser of the slain"

In Norse mythology, the valkyries decided the fate of men in battle and conveyed the spirits of the fallen to Valhalla, to dwell with the god Odin. Often associated with ravens, swans, and horses,…

Veradisia

Variation of Vera, Russian

"faith"

The simple, sleek Vera gave birth to the more elaborate Veradis and Veradisia. Neither name was used for any baby girls in the US last year.

Verbena

Latin

"sacred foliage"

This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.

Verena

Latin

"integrity"

Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call. St. Verena was a third century nurse; Verena Tarrant is a…

Vespertine

Latin

"of the evening"

An elaborate form of the stylish Vesper, taken from the Latin vespertinus meaning "evening". It may work for those who want to step away from the religious connotations of Vespers.

Victorina

Victorina is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Victoria, meaning "victory." This elaborated form adds a romantic, ornate quality to the more common Victoria, particularly in Spanish,…

Violante

Greek and Latin

"purple flower"

Too close to violent.

Viridiana

Latin

"green"

Viridiana is a frillier version of the medieval name Viridis, meaning green. Viridiana briefly made it into the top 1000 in the US in the 1990s.