Intriguing names for girls

Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.

Elisabeta is the Romanian and Portuguese variant of Elizabeth, a name with Hebrew origins meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This elegant feminine name has been used by European royalty throughout history, contributing to its timeless appeal. Popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Romania, Elisabeta maintains the regal quality of its original form while offering a distinctive pronunciation with its soft consonants and melodic flow. While less common in English-speaking countries than Elizabeth or its other variants (Eliza, Lisa, Beth), Elisabeta appeals to parents seeking a sophisticated name with international flair and historical depth.

This slightly more compact version of Sabina has ties to France and Germany. Unlike its sister name, Sabine has never charted in the United States Top 1000. Today, both names are given to roughly the same number of baby girls in the US, about 70 each year.