Thespian Names

Antionette is a variation of Antoinette, the feminine diminutive form of Antoine, which is the French version of Anthony. The name ultimately derives from the Roman family name Antonius, possibly meaning 'priceless' or 'praiseworthy.' This spelling variant with 'ion' instead of 'oin' gives the name a slightly more modern and distinctive look while maintaining its elegant French character. Most famously associated with Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the Revolution, the name carries an air of aristocratic refinement. Though less common than the traditional spelling, Antionette remains an appealing choice for parents drawn to classic feminine names with a slight twist.

Beatrice is back. Stored in the attic for almost a century, the lovely Beatrice with its long literary (Shakespeare, Dante) and royal history is being looked at with fresh eyes by parents seeking a classic name with character and lots of upbeat nicknames, like Bea and Bee.

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.

Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.

Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right at Number 78, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.

Edith was a hugely popular name a hundred years ago that's being revived among stylish parents in Stockholm and London. It's currently beginning to gain traction in the US among those with a taste for old-fashioned names with a soft but strong image.

Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.

Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.

Gwendolin is a feminine name of Welsh origin, representing a variant spelling of Gwendolyn. It derives from Welsh elements 'gwen' meaning 'white, fair, blessed' and 'dolen' meaning 'ring, bow.' This elegant name carries Celtic heritage and literary associations, notably through Gwendolen, a character in George Eliot's novel 'Daniel Deronda.' The slight spelling variation gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its classic sound. Though less common than Gwendolyn, Gwendolin shares its vintage charm and graceful rhythm. The name experienced modest popularity during the early 20th century and has seen occasional revivals among parents appreciating traditional Welsh names. Gwendolin offers potential nicknames including Gwen, Wendy, or Dolly.

Helena is one of those classic names that just misses making the US Top 1000 girl names for its entire history, falling off for a single year in 1992. Since then it's been drifting lazily up the charts, and makes a perfect choice if you want a name that both fits in and stands out.

One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.

Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.