Dusty Ancient Gems

Apolline

French form of Apollonia, feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name

"destroyer"

Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris -- it's a Top 100 name for baby girls in France -- and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world. Derived from the mythological name Apollo,…

Apollonia

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…

Aquila

Latin

"eagle"

An evocative ancient word that's used as a first name in the New Testament, among other places. It's also the name of an eagle-shaped constellation. That said, contemporary interest in the name…

Arcadia

Greek

"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…

Ardelia

Ardelia is a feminine name with classical roots, derived from the Greek word "ardis" meaning "arrow" or possibly related to "ardent," suggesting warmth and passion. This elegant name has historical…

Arethusa

Greek

"quick water"

In Greek mythology, Arethusa is a nymph who is transformed into a fresh water fountain. The name is also used for a type of orchid and featured in Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

Argenta

Latin

"silvery"

More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.

Ariadne

Greek

"most holy"

This name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is most popular now as the more melodic Ariana, but Ariadne has possibilities of its own. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. The renewed interest…

Aristella

Spanish, Brazillian, Greek

"excellent, best"

Likely a variation of the Spanish Aristea, combined with the popular -ella suffix, Aristella has its origins in Greek, drawn from the element aristos meaning "excellent" or "best". Predominantly used…

Artemisia

Greek, variation of Artemis

You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an…

Asherah

Sumerian

"she who treads on the sea"

Asherah is probably one of the most ancient of mother goddess symbols, recorded in the pantheons of several civilisations from the tenth century BCE. As the mother to innumerable gods and goddesses,…

Astarte

Phonecian

"mother goddess"

Astarte is the ancient goddess of sexuality, fertility, and war, associated with Ishtar as well as Venus.

Asteria

Greek

"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…

Asterope

Greek

"lightning"

Asterope is an undiscovered name that has three wonderful nature connotations: 1) (from its meaning) lighting; 2) it is a type of butterfly 3) it is the name of an asteroid. Asterope is a great name…

Astraea

Greek

"of the stars"

Astraea —also found as Astraia — is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who left earth to become the constellation Virgo after she grew unhappy with the state of humanity. She was prophesised…

Atalanta

Greek mythology name

"equal in weight"

Atalanta was a beautiful mythological maiden who refused to marry any man who couldn't beat her in a footrace -- quite a role model. This myth is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses and later in…

Athanasia

Greek

"immortal"

A feminine form of Athanasius, a name that literally translates to "undying" or "not dying" from Ancient Greek. ah-thah-nah-SEE-ah would be the Greek pronunciation but ath-ah-NAY-sha or…

Athenais

Athenais is a rare feminine name with classical Greek origins. It derives from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength,…

Atropos

Greek

"inevitable, inflexible"

Atropos is one of the three Fates of Greek Mythology. She and her sisters determined life from birth to death—Atropos determined how one would die and would cut the thread of life. Her Roman…

Augusta

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"great, magnificent"

Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and…