Elusive Forest Fae

In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.

Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.

Delphine is a sleek, chic French name with two nature associations — the dolphin and the delphinium, a bluebell-like flower, a well as a link to the ancient city of Delphi, which the Greeks believed to be the womb of the earth. All of these derive from the Greek word delphus "womb".

Diana, the tragic British princess, inspired many fashions, but strangely, not one for her name. For us, Diana is a gorgeous and still-underused choice.

One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.

Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse. Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love.

This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.

Ehrena is an uncommon feminine name with possible Germanic origins. It may be related to the German word 'Ehre' meaning 'honor' or 'respect', suggesting noble qualities. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive spelling. Ehrena remains quite rare in most countries, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. The name carries a certain dignified elegance while its unusual nature ensures individuality. Though historical usage is limited, Ehrena has potential appeal in contemporary naming trends that favor uncommon names with meaningful origins and pleasant sounds.

Eilonwy is a rare and poetic Welsh name first recorded in the late 19th century and used by Lloyd Alexander for his novel series The Chronicles of Prydain. The character appeared in Disney's adaptation of the series. In both the books and on the screen, Eilonwy is a feisty yet kind character. Read more about Eilonwy and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.

This ethereal Welsh word name has a sound as pretty and delicate as its floral namesake.

Less known than other Cornish beauties like Demelza, Elowen and Kerensa, Elestren is a pretty Cornish botanical name ripe for wider usage.

Elfie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It originated as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'alf' or 'elf', which in Germanic mythology referred not to tiny creatures but to supernatural beings of great beauty and power. It can also be a nickname for names like Elfrieda or Elizabeth in some cultures. The name evokes qualities of whimsy, magic, and enchantment, with its fairy-tale associations giving it a playful, ethereal character. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Elfie has experienced periodic interest, particularly in European countries. Its brevity and sweet sound appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet endearing. The name's magical connotations give it a sense of wonder and imagination.

The name of the mother of Aethelred the Unready was once common among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was briefly revived during the 19th century, only to be lost once again to history.

Elida is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a rich tapestry of meaning. In Greek tradition, it's connected to Elis, an ancient Greek district and city, offering historical depth. The name also appears in Norse mythology as a variant of Hlíð, meaning 'slope' or 'hillside.' In Spanish-speaking communities, Elida has gained modest popularity, possibly as a variation of Elidia or Adelida. The name possesses a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft consonants. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Elida has maintained consistent, if minimal, usage throughout the 20th century. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable in structure but uncommon enough to stand out. Its cross-cultural presence makes it versatile for families with diverse heritage connections.

Eliette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of names like Elie (the French version of Elijah) or Elizabeth. The name carries the meaning 'the Lord is my God' through its connection to these Hebrew-origin names. With its distinctly French flair, Eliette combines elegance with a gentle, sophisticated sound. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained modest usage in France and French-speaking regions. The name offers a refined alternative to more common El- names, appealing to parents seeking something melodic with European charm. Eliette's soft syllables and graceful ending create a name that sounds both classic and somewhat unexpected, conveying femininity with subtle strength.

A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.

An Anglo-Saxon name borne by the queen of Alfred the Great. American novelist Helen Ricker wrote under the pen-name Elswyth Thane. Variants include Elswith, Ealswith and Ealhswith.

Elva is a multicultural choice, being both an anglicization of the Irish Ailbhe and an feminine form of the name Alf, meaning "elf". Popular in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, it remaining in the charts until the '70s, but it has not been given since. The alternative form Alva has faired slightly better, while in Ireland, Ailbhe remains the preferred spelling. Nevertheless, Elva combines the sounds of Elsa, Ella, Eva, and Ever and may also appeal to those expecting a baby at Christmas.

Sounds elven in every sense of the word.

Elvine is a delicate feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'elf' or 'magical being' and 'friend.' It emerged as a variant of names like Alvin or Alvina, carrying a mystical, ethereal quality. While never reaching widespread popularity, Elvine has appeared periodically throughout European naming history, particularly in Germanic and Scandinavian regions. The name has a gentle, melodic sound that evokes images of woodland enchantment and fairy tales. In modern usage, Elvine remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its soft consonants and flowing pronunciation lend it an elegant, timeless appeal despite its relative obscurity.