User-created list
By lavenderwitch · Updated May 2023
Across 29 pages
of 29
Latin
"fortunate one"
A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
Italian place-name
Ravenna is a lovely, untouristed Italian place-name just waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its fantastic Byzantine mosaics, it's a city that has a rich historic and artistic heritage. Part of…
Greek
"gift of God"
This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter…
"star"
Asteria is an Anglicized spelling of the Greek Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so all forms of this name would be especially appropriate…
Spanish for Greek flower name
"hyacinth"
Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta.…
Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
"destroyer, strength; father's light"
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain . It could…
Spanish
"Candlemas"
A bright and appealing Spanish name traditionally given to honor the church festival of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.
"bird, hawk"
In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea (or Aiaia) who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to…
Hebrew
"incense"
Keturah, the Old Testament name of Abraham's second wife, is a possibility for anyone seeking a truly unusual and interesting biblical name; certainly a lot more distinctive than that of Abraham's…
Nubia is a feminine name derived from the ancient northeast African region of the same name, which was home to one of civilization's earliest advanced societies along the Nile River. The name carries…
Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin
"the exalted one"
Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina.…
"generous gift"
Eudora is the name of five minor goddesses of Greek mythology and a major goddess (in the person of Pulitzer Prize-winning Eudora Welty) of modern American literature. Eudora is pleasant and…
Greek, alternate form of Demeter
Demetria is a dramatic ancient Greek earth goddess possibility with the star-studded nickname Demi. Young actor/singer/songwriter Demi Lovato was born Demetria, but contrary to common hearsay, Demi…
Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian variation of Isadora, Greek
"gift of Isis"
The Isidora spelling, though equally legitimate, is about 90 percent less common than Isadora.
"golden"
This golden Saint name was familiar in Spain during the first half of the 20th century, however, it fell out of favor in the 60s. Usually written as Áurea, the similar sounding Aurora is often…
"perpetual"
A 3rd century saint's name sometimes used in Catholic communities, and in Western European countries like Portugal and Italy.
"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.
"region offering peace and contentment"
Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of…
"fair speech"
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
