Dreamy Water Maiden

Names in this category are daydreamers and sensitive souls, escapists and runaways, river dancers and water sprites, wandering spirits with wandering thoughts. Colors and textures include green, green, green - emerald and glass, lichen and moss, with sprinkles of blossom pink; impressionist paintings of willows and waterlilies; bare toes dipped in burbling brooks; cherry blossoms drifting in swirling eddies; the wavering view of trees from beneath the surface; empty rowboats meandering through clusters of lily pads; branches of weeping willow reflected in slow-moving streams; billowing white dresses of ivory lace and creamy chiffon, weighed down by water and dripping with algae; delicate hopes and pools of melancholy and the undertow of longing for something more.
  1. Acacia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "thorny"
    • Description:

      Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
  2. Aeronwen
    • Description:

      Aeronwen is a feminine Welsh name combining 'aeron,' meaning 'fruits' or 'berries,' with 'gwen,' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' Sometimes spelled Aronwen, this traditional Welsh name celebrates nature's bounty and purity. The name reflects Wales' rich linguistic heritage and connection to the natural world. While widely recognized in Wales, Aeronwen remains relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, though interest in Celtic names has brought increased attention to such traditional Welsh names. The pronunciation (eye-RON-wen) may present challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its distinctive character and meaningful etymology appeal to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and natural symbolism.
  3. Ailana
    • Origin:

      Kazakh
    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"
    • Description:

      A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".
  4. Alethea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "truth"
    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  5. Allouette
    • Description:

      Allouette is a feminine name derived from the French word "alouette," meaning "lark" (a type of small songbird). The name evokes imagery of music, freedom, and natural beauty. In French culture, "Alouette" is well-known through the popular children's folk song "Alouette, gentille alouette." As a given name, Allouette remains quite rare, offering a distinctive quality with its melodic sound and French flair. The spelling with double 'l' is a variation of the more traditional Alouette. This name might appeal to parents with French heritage or those seeking a musical-inspired name with an elegant, international feel.
  6. Allura
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to entice, attract"
    • Description:

      Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale.
  7. Aloe
    • Origin:

      Plant name from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "resin"
  8. Alouette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "lark"
    • Description:

      Alouette is a sweet Gallic twist in the stylish bird name genre made familiar via the charming French children's song, Alouette, gentile alouette.
  9. Alsephina
    • Description:

      The name of a cluster of stars in the constellation Vela, also known as Delta Velorum.
  10. Altalune
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "over the moon"
    • Description:

      Altalune is an invention used by Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson as one of several middle names for their daughter. It's evocative Latin meaning roughly translates to "over the moon." Celebrity baby Altalune will be called the more familiar Luna for short.
  11. Althea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "with healing power"
    • Description:

      Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
  12. Amaryllis
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to sparkle"
    • Description:

      If you love both unique baby names and flower names for girls, Amaryllis might be a perfect choice for you.
  13. Amelie
    • Origin:

      French variation of Amelia
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      Emily gets a Bohemian spin and a French accent when it becomes Amelie. This favorite among French girl names has been gaining notice here thanks to the charming 2001 French film Amelie; it entered the American popularity list in 2002 and is now solidly established in the Top 1000.
  14. Amoret
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      This lovely name from Spenser's The Faerie Queene is borne by a character who represents married love. A related unusual-yet-usable choice: Amabel.
  15. Anhelina
    • Description:

      Anhelina is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Ukrainian and Polish cultures. It's a variation of Angelina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' The distinctive 'h' in Anhelina reflects the pronunciation in Eastern European languages where the 'g' sound is often softened. The name carries connotations of heavenly beauty and gentleness. While less familiar in Western countries than Angelina, Anhelina has gained some international recognition through migration and cultural exchange. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. For parents with Eastern European heritage, Anhelina offers a way to honor cultural roots while giving their daughter a name with spiritual associations and feminine elegance.
  16. Anne
    • Origin:

      French variation of English Ann and Hebrew Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
  17. Anthe
    • Description:

      Anthe is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the word 'anthos' meaning 'flower' or 'blossom.' In Greek mythology, Anthe was one of the Alkyonides, daughters of the giant Alkyoneus. This delicate and poetic name carries connotations of natural beauty and grace. Despite its classical heritage, Anthe remains quite rare in modern usage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet historically rich name. Its botanical connection also places it within the category of nature-inspired names, though it's less obvious than names like Rose or Lily. Anthe offers an elegant simplicity with its concise two-syllable structure.

  18. Antheia
    • Description:

      Antheia derives from ancient Greek origins, where it was the name of the goddess of flowers, gardens, and flowery wreaths. She was one of the Charites (Graces) associated with vegetation, blossoms, and human fertility. The name comes from the Greek word 'anthos,' meaning 'flower' or 'bloom.' Antheia remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, appealing to parents drawn to names with classical roots and meaningful nature associations. Its melodic quality with the soft 'th' sound gives it an ethereal, feminine feel. The name offers the charming nickname option of 'Thea,' which has gained popularity independently. For those seeking a name with ancient heritage, botanical connections, and a distinctive yet accessible sound, Antheia represents a beautiful choice.

  19. Antoinette
    • Origin:

      French feminine diminutive form of Antoine
    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"
    • Description:

      This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
  20. Apolline
    • Origin:

      French form of Apollonia, feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "destroyer"
    • Description:

      Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world. Derived from the mythological name Apollo, the name may mean strength; Apollo was the god of sun and light. Apolline is a perfect choice for those attracted to the name Apple who don't want to go quite that far.