Roman Catholic Inspired Names

Akita

Japanese place name

"field of rice"

Also a dog breed

Alberta

English, feminine variation of Albert

"noble, bright"

This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor…

Alexandrina

Greek, variation of Alexandra,

"defending men"

Alexandrina is the most elaborate and unusual of the Alex- girls's names.The real first name of Queen Victoria, who was given it in honor of her godfather, Alexander I of Russia (her childhood…

Alexia

Diminutive of Alexandria, Greek

"defending men"

This diminutive, similar to Alex or Alexis, has been yo-yoing in popularity since the turn of the 21st century.

Amabel

Latin

"lovable"

Amabel is an older name than Annabel and a lot more distinctive. Amabel was a very common name in the twelfth and thirteen centuries, then was revived during the nineteenth century British fad for…

Amarie

Amarie is a feminine name that represents a modern blend of the popular prefix 'A' with elements of names like Marie and Amari. Its origins are contemporary, emerging primarily in the United States…

Amata

Italian feminine variant of the Latin Amatus

"beloved"

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.

Ambrosia

Latin, feminine form of Ambrose

"Immortal"

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the…

Angelia

Greek

"angel"

Angelia, also called Angelos, was a daughter of Zeus and Hera. She stole her mother's anointments and gave them to Europa, then to escape her mother's wrath went into hiding. Angelia's father Zeus…

Annissa

Annissa is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Anissa or Alyssa. It likely has roots in the Greek name Alyssa, meaning 'rational' or 'logical,' though some connect it to the Hebrew name…

Antoinette

French feminine diminutive form of Antoine

"priceless one"

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.…

Apollonia

Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name

"destroyer, strength; father's light"

This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain . It could…

Augusta

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"great, magnificent"

Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and…

Augustina

Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin

"the exalted one"

Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina.…

Ave

Ave is a concise feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Latin, it means 'hail' or 'farewell' and is recognizable from the prayer 'Ave Maria' (Hail Mary). It can also derive from the…

Avila

German

"desired; or island, water"

An unusual and appealing name that is the origin of Evelyn, via the Norman French name Aveline. It derives from an obscure Germanic root, the meaning of which is not clear. Theories include "desired,…