Esswei's list "Girl Names" of 14 great name ideas: Marlys - Linnet!

Girl Names

Marlys is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Marlene or Marlis, which themselves derive from combinations of Mary and other elements like Elizabeth or Louise. The name has Germanic roots and was moderately popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. Marlys has a distinctive, somewhat sophisticated sound with its unusual ending compared to more common feminine names. It combines the traditional Mar- beginning (as in Mary) with a more unique suffix, giving it both familiarity and distinctiveness. The name has declined in use since its peak, making it now an uncommon choice that carries a certain vintage charm while avoiding overuse.

Marlys

Traditionally a male name, Leith now can make a highly unusual, strong but soft, and intriguing girls' possibility.


Leith

This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin. 

Deryn

The tale-spinning heroine of The Thousand and One Nights, Sheherazade is an extravagantly elaborate name for a little girl. Too extravagantly elaborate? It's lovely and beguiling, and with the rise of such evocative monikers as Persephone and Ophelia, Sheherazade may have a chance in the modern baby name world.

Another accepted spelling is Scheherazade. While the origin of this name is Persian, there are also modern Arabic forms of the name.

Sheherazade

Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice.

Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE. 

Felice

Occasionally heard in England, rarely here. 

Penna

Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.
 'La belle Corisande' was the poetic name applied to Diane de Poitiers, the beautiful and powerful mistress of King Henry II&mdash;-Henri of Navarre-- of France.
 
 Lady Corisande is the leading character in
Benjamin Disraeli's 1870 novel Lothair, and, more recently, was heard in Annabel Davis-Goff's novel This Cold Country.

Corisande

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.

Melusine

Cordis is an unusual and substantial unisex choice. 

Cordis

Laurette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Laura or Lauren. Derived from the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'sweet bay tree,' the laurel wreath has historically been a symbol of victory and honor in classical antiquity. The addition of the feminine French suffix '-ette' gives it a particularly dainty and graceful quality. Laurette enjoyed some popularity in France throughout history and saw limited usage in the United States during the early 20th century. Though uncommon today, it maintains a timeless charm with its melodic sound and cultural heritage. The name evokes images of artistic French culture and carries a soft, romantic quality.

Laurette

A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief", Nerys is a feminization and could then mean "lady". 
 
The name has featured in Star Trek (Kira Nerys) and in Doctor Who (a friend of Donna Noble), while it is also borne by actress Nerys Hughes.

Nerys

Carling is an uncommon feminine name with Old Norse and English origins, historically used as a surname derived from 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'peasant.' As a first name, it emerged through the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names. The name has a pleasant, melodic quality while maintaining a sense of strength and independence. In Britain, Carling may evoke associations with the beer brand, while in Scandinavian contexts, it connects to ancient Norse traditions. The gender-neutral sound of Carling makes it versatile, though it's more frequently given to girls in recent usage. Its rarity offers distinctiveness while its familiar structure and sound make it accessible. Parents might choose Carling for its subtle blend of traditional roots and contemporary style.

Carling

Pronounced lee-sha, Laoise is the feminine form of the Irish mythological names Lugh and Lugus, which means light. Lugus was the Celtic god of commerce and craftsmanship, the equivalent of the Roman Mercury, thought to inspire the later Irish hero Lugh. Laoise is among the Top 100 <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/804/irish-names-for-girls">Irish names for girls</a>, but Americans will definitely have pronunciation issues.

Laoise

Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette. 