​
​
Advanced Search

Soft-Spot-In-My-Heart Names

  1. Owena

    • Description:

      Owena is a feminine name of Welsh origin, derived from Owen (meaning 'young warrior' or 'well-born'). This gentle adaptation transforms the masculine classic into a melodic feminine form while retaining its Celtic heritage. Though never widely popular, Owena has been used sporadically throughout the 20th century, particularly in Wales and other areas with strong Celtic connections. The name carries a soft, flowing quality with its three syllables and ending in 'a' - a pattern common in feminine names. With its combination of traditional roots and uncommon status, Owena appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic heritage that remains distinctive and graceful without being entirely unfamiliar.

  2. Pella

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, diminutive of Petronella, or Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "stone or marvel of God"

    • Description:

      This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?
  3. Philomena

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lover of strength"

    • Description:

      Philomena is an earthy Greek name now used in various Latin countries. While it has felt simply clunky for many years, it's starting -- along with such sister names as Wilhelmina and Frederica -- to sound so clunky it's cool.
  4. Phoebe

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "radiant, shining one"

    • Description:

      Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from phoibos, meaning "bright." In classical mythology, Phoebe is the by-name of Artemis, goddess of the moon and of hunting. The masculine version of Phoebe is Phoebus.
  5. Rain

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image.
  6. Rose

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "rose, a flower"

    • Description:

      Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.
  7. Rowan

    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rowan tree; little redhead"

    • Description:

      Stylish, gentle, and rustic at the same time, Rowan is a name that falls into various categories. Unisex and cool, mystical and woodsy, with the feel of both Rose and Riley, Rowan is a fresh but familiar choice.
  8. Rowen

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rowan, Scottish and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rowan tree; little redhead"

    • Description:

      While the Rowan spelling is in the Top 1000 for both boys and girls, this spelling is much more unusual though maintains the same gender split at nearly four boy Rowens for every girl.
  9. Titus

    • Origin:

      Latin, meaning unknown, possibly "title of honour"

    • Meaning:

      "title of honour"

    • Description:

      Titus, once seen as a slightly forbidding Roman, New Testament, and Shakespearean name, was brought back to contemporary life in the USA by the TV series Titus 2000, increasing in popularity along with other revived ancient names like Linus and Silas.
  10. Wilhelmina

    • Origin:

      German and Dutch, feminine variation of Wilhelm

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, the number of babies called Wilhelmina has doubled, with 140 girls receiving the name in 2023.
  11. Willa

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of William

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.
  12. Zoe

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Zoe is one of those surprising names that has been on the Top 1000 nearly every year since 1880, but it's only since the turn of this century that it's ranked in the Top 100.