little_billie's list "Girls Names" of 14 great name ideas: Azzura - Leontine!

Girls Names

Extraordinary girl's names you won't hear every day.

Azzura is a feminine name of Italian origin, derived from 'azzurro,' meaning 'sky blue' or 'azure.' This lyrical name evokes the vivid blue of the Mediterranean sky or sea, carrying associations with clarity, tranquility, and natural beauty. While uncommon internationally, Azzura has particular resonance in Italian culture, where color names often have poetic significance. The double 'z' creates a distinctive pronunciation and appearance that sets it apart from other color-inspired names. Azzura offers parents a melodic choice with romantic European flair and beautiful natural imagery. The name's connection to the color blue also suggests qualities of depth, serenity, and emotional intelligence for a girl carrying this expressive name.

Azzura

Margerite is a feminine name derived from the Latin 'margarita,' meaning 'pearl.' This elegant variation of Margaret combines French sophistication with classical roots. Less common than its cousin Marguerite, Margerite maintains the same connection to the daisy-like flower that shares its name. Throughout history, the name has maintained a quiet presence, never becoming trendy but appreciated for its timeless quality and graceful sound. Margerite conveys a sense of refined beauty and natural elegance. The name suggests someone with inner strength and quiet dignity. While never among the most popular names, Margerite appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with historical depth and literary associations.

Margerite

Celebs Demi Moore and Bruce Willis made waves in the 80s when they named their now-grown daughter after novelist Rumer Godden. The author was actually born Margaret, with family surname Rumer as her middle name.
 
The name has two possible origins: one, as a last name, possibly from the Germanic hruom meaning "fame, glory", and two, as a play on the word name Rumor, giving it the meaning "story, gossip, information, misinformation, common talk" and so on. For some, the latter may feel like a negative association, while for others, it may give it the edginess of Rebel, Ryatt, and Rowdy.

Rumer

This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?

Lotta

Sweet and vintage, Jilly is a nickname of Jillian or Jill, perhaps most notably borne by British romance author, Jilly Cooper. Rarely used as a standalone name, unlike its sound-alikes Milly and Tilly, Jilly could make a fun choice, though some might find it a bit too close to jelly.



Jilly

Palin has suddenly become a hot new surname-name given usually to girls. The inspiration can only be former Alaska governor Sarah, though the name Palin is her husband's -- her original surname is Heath. Palin herself is no stranger to the adventurous baby name, as the mother of daughters Bristol, Piper, and Willow, and sons Track and Trig.

If you're a Sarah Palin fan and don't mind shouting it from the rooftops with a name your child will carry forever, then by all means choose Palin, which has a pretty sound. We are not, but then again we wouldn't name our child Obama, Reagan, or Kennedy either, as the association feels too weighty.

If you like the sound of Palin but not the association, why not consider the ancient, attractive, and underused Pallas?

Palin

Tacoma

Eloetta

Accola

Truley

MEGAIRA

Funky, boyish, old-style combo name chosen for their daughter by hip couple Donna D'Ericco and Nikki Sixx.

Frankie-jean

Idony is a Medieval variation of Idonea, itself an English form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth. She was notable for carrying, keeping, and guarding the box of apples from which the gods would eat to regain their youth.
 
The exact meaning of the name is debated, though one possibility is that it comes from the Norse elements ið meaning "repeated, again" and unna meaning "to love", in turn giving it the over all meaning of "love again". Other sources focus more on the first element however, suggesting it means "ever young" o "the rejuvenating one".
 
Appealing perhaps to those who like Ingrid, Valkyrie, Ianthe, Ebony, Sidonie, Briony, Indie, and Adelie, Idony makes a rare choice, having never appeared in the US stats. In fact, the only time it's appeared on any popularity charts anywhere was back in 1377, when it ranked at #35, which meant it was used nearly as often as Anne and Constance, and more than Eve and Mary. 
 
Idonie, Idonia, and Idonea are other English forms, while the Icelandic form is Iðunn (which has ranked in the Top 50). Idun recently ranked in the Swedish Top 100 too. 
 
Pronunciation varies by language and culture. English speakers tend to say IH-duh-nee, with the same emphasis as injury, while others say ih-DOH-nee or eye-DOH-nee.

Idony

Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price.  An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our lion-name-crazed moment.