Dusty Ancient Gems

Caledonia

Latin place-name for Scotland

"hard or rocky land"

Caledonia is a rhythmic and alluring place name used by singer Shawn Colvin for her daughter. It would make an interesting and apt choice for a girl with Scottish ancestry.

Caliadne

Greek

"beautiful and holy"

A little-known Callie name, belonging to a naiad in Greek mythology – a daughter of the god of the Nile. She was one of the wives of Aegyptus.

Callidora

Greek

"gift of beauty"

An extremely rare name of Ancient Greek origin which could be a novel way to Callie. There is a minor Harry Potter character by the name: Callidora Black (later Longbottom).

Callirrhoe

Greek

"beautiful flow"

Callirrhoe is a Greek mythological nymph and companion of Persephone. It offers nicknames Calli, Ro, Clio, and Coco.

Callista

Greek

"most beautiful"

Calista Flockhart spotlighted this lovely Greek name that has a long future in the English-speaking world. Kallista is another spelling; Calixta and Calixto are related.

Callisto

Greek mythology

"most beautiful"

Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.

Calpurnia

Latin "chalice; cup"

"chalice; cup"

Calpurnia is a name with a massive history. As the third and final wife of Julius Caesar, Calpurnia has been forever depicted in literature (Shakespeare) and film ( Cleopatra ; Rome ) as a modest and…

Candelaria

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.

Casilda

Spanish

"poem, ode; battle"

An obscure medieval saint's name which nevertheless sounds pretty on-trend right now: a softer alternative to Matilda, perhaps. If you're searching for Spanish names for girls , this can make an…

Casiphia

Hebrew

"place of the treasury"

A Biblical place name referred to by the Old Testament prophet Ezra. It may be a corruption of Caspian, or may derive from Hebrew keceph "silver, money".

Cassiopeia

Greek mythology name

"cassia juice"

Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related…

Celestia

Variation of Celeste, Latin

"heavenly"

Celestia is a heavenly name that sounds more ethereal than Celeste, Celestia might make a distinctive, feminine choice if your taste runs toward names like Angelina and Seraphina. Celestia was more…

Cerelia

Latin

"relating to springtime"

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.

Chrysanthe

Feminine form of Chrysanthos,Greek

"golden flower"

A unique option for a November baby (the November birth flower is a chrysanthemum) or to honor an ancestral Chris, Chrysanthe feels more wearable than the full Chrysanthemum, despite the storybook…

Circe

Greek

"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…

Claudia

Feminine variation of Claude

"lame; enclosure"

Claudia is a classic name with ancient Roman roots. Never truly in or truly out, Claudia feels like a strong, modern choice that hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual.. Claudia was…

Clementia

Latin

"showing clemency"

Clementia, related to names like Clementine and Clemence, was the older and original feminine version of this name. It was used most frequently in the Middle Ages in continental Europe. Clementia was…

Cleocharia

Greek, meaning unknown

An elaborate way to get to Cleo, rooted in Greek mythology. Cleocharia was a water nymph married to King Lelex of Laconia.

Cleodora

Greek

"gift of glory"

The name of a nymph in Greek mythology, one of the prophetic Thriai, who divined the future by throwing pebbles. She was a lover of the sea god Poseidon. The name also belongs to a species of…

Cleopatra

Greek

"glory of the father"

A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used. Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some…