Roman Catholic Inspired Names

Narcisa

Spanish form of Narcissa, Latin

"daffodil"

If you can tolerate the narcissist jokes, Narcisa or Narcissa are lovely and unique flower names, perfect for a springtime baby.

Nicola

German; English, from Greek

"people of victory"

Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…

Nicolette

French, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

"people of victory"

Frilly and feminine, Nicolette is the name of an enchanting princess in the medieval French romance, Aucassin et Nicolette , but really got its publicity from the heyday of Desperate Housewives and…

Nicolina

Diminutive of Nicola

Another light new twist in the Nicole family.

Noel

French

"Christmas"

Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.

Noela

Noela is a feminine name with Latin origins, primarily derived from 'Noël,' meaning 'Christmas' or 'born at Christmas.' This elegant name traditionally was given to girls born during the Christmas…

Noelia

Spanish, feminine variation of Noel

This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.

Nonna

Nonna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Italian and Russian, it literally means 'grandmother,' giving it a warm, familial association. However, it also has ancient…

Oceana

Greek

"ocean"

If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider. Oceana is the female form of Oceanus, the god of…

Odilia

Germanic

"fatherland; wealth, fortune"

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix. St. Odile of Alsace, also…

Olga

Slavic variation of Helga, Norse

"holy"

This Slavic form of the Norse name Helga is a classic in many Slavic countries, including Russia and Poland, where it currently ranks within the Top 100 girl names. It has historically ranked among…

Osanna

Italian

"praise the Lord; deliver us"

An Italian form of expressive Hosanna, this spiritual name might appeal to those who enjoy nicknames Ozzy or Anna. Borne by a number of saints, including a 15th century Italian mystic, Osanna also…

Ottilia

German and Swedish

"prosperous"

Form of Ottilie or Odilia

Patience

Latin virtue name

"ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"

Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's…