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Fresh Girls' Names from the Arts

evelynmargaret
By evelynmargaret
Updated Sat May 20 2023
Not Yet Overused Literary and Historical Names for Girls
  1. AGLAIA
    • Alene

      • Description:

        Alene is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Ailene or Aileen, derived from the Gaelic name Aveline, meaning 'pleasant' or 'beautiful.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Helen, meaning 'bright, shining light.' Some sources suggest Alene has Hebrew connections, possibly as a variation of Magdalene. The name has a delicate, vintage quality that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since become relatively uncommon. Its gentle sound and simple spelling make it accessible while still feeling distinctive. Alene strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, as most people recognize it as a name but encounter it infrequently. The name's cross-cultural roots and soft, flowing pronunciation give it a timeless elegance that works well across different cultural contexts.

    • Antheia

      • Description:

        Antheia derives from ancient Greek origins, where it was the name of the goddess of flowers, gardens, and flowery wreaths. She was one of the Charites (Graces) associated with vegetation, blossoms, and human fertility. The name comes from the Greek word 'anthos,' meaning 'flower' or 'bloom.' Antheia remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, appealing to parents drawn to names with classical roots and meaningful nature associations. Its melodic quality with the soft 'th' sound gives it an ethereal, feminine feel. The name offers the charming nickname option of 'Thea,' which has gained popularity independently. For those seeking a name with ancient heritage, botanical connections, and a distinctive yet accessible sound, Antheia represents a beautiful choice.

    • Beatrix

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "she who brings happiness; blessed"

      • Description:

        Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
    • Calliope

      • Origin:

        Greek mythology

      • Meaning:

        "beautiful voice"

      • Description:

        Melodic and beautiful but with a touch of sass, Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry — and perhaps less glamorously, the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and in more recent year, IT appeared in the Top 500.

        Also spelled as Kalliope — the more traditional Greek transliteration — Calliope means "beautiful voice", making this a musical and poetic choice. It was rarely heard in the US until the 2000s when Calliope "Callie" Torres from the show Grey's Anatomy helped introduce it to a wider audience.
    • Clelia

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "famous"

      • Description:

        The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.
    • Cora

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "maiden"

      • Description:

        Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
    • Daisy

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, English

      • Meaning:

        "day's eye"

      • Description:

        Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. In 2024, it burst back into the Top 100 for the first time since 1908.
    • Della

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide

      • Meaning:

        "noble"

      • Description:

        Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
    • Edith

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "prosperous in war"

      • Description:

        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.
    • Ellis

      • Origin:

        English surname derived from Elijah or Elias or Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "benevolent"

      • Description:

        Ellis, a surname used sparingly as a first in the Wallace/Morris period, sounds new now for girls, as a gender-neutral alternative to Ella or Alice. It debuted in the US Top 1000 for girls in 2015.-- Ellis has always been in the Top 1000 for boys -- and seems to be headed straight up. One of the most popular gender-neutral names, currently there are two baby boys named Ellis for every girl.
    • Flannery

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "descendant of Flannghal"

      • Description:

        Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
    • Flora

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "flower"

      • Description:

        Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback— alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.
    • Georgia

      • Origin:

        English, feminine variation of George

      • Meaning:

        "farmer"

      • Description:

        Georgia is so rich, lush and luscious, it's almost irresistible. Georgia's now a rising star among the feminizations of George, helped by associations with the southern state (named for British King George II) and painter Georgia O'Keeffe, with the Ray Charles song "Georgia On My Mind" or maybe "Sweet Georgia Brown" playing in the background.
    • Hermione

      • Origin:

        Greek, feminine version of Hermes, "messenger, earthly"

      • Meaning:

        "messenger, earthly"

      • Description:

        Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.
    • Ida

      • Origin:

        German

      • Meaning:

        "industrious one"

      • Description:

        Many vowel names stylish a century ago are coming back, and Ida seems like a possible, logical successor to Ada and Ava.
    • India

      • Origin:

        Place name, from the River Indus

      • Description:

        Euphonious and long stylish in England, India was one of the fastest-rising names on the 2013 list, after jumping 240 spots back into the Top 1000.
    • Irene

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "peace"

      • Description:

        Serene Irene, the name of the Greek goddess of peace and one of the most familiar Greek goddess names, was hugely popular in ancient Rome and again in the United States a hundred years ago.
    • Iris

      • Origin:

        Flower name; Greek

      • Meaning:

        "rainbow"

      • Description:

        Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
    • Marilla

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "shining sea"

      • Description:

        Marilla is a names that's familiar via its resemblance to Mary and variations, but also distinctive: It hasn't been on the Top 1000 since the 1800s and was given to only 27 baby girls last year.