Instead of Olivia

Antigone

Greek

"worthy of one's parents, in place of one's parents"

In Greek mytholgy, Antigone was the noble and courageous daughter of Oedipus, who acts as his guide after he blinds himself. Antigone is also the eponymous heroine of a play by Jean Anouilh. Despite…

Aphria

Aphria is a rare feminine name with classical Greek origins, likely derived from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The name carries an ethereal, almost mythical quality with its soft sounds…

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…

Aquilia

Latin

"eagle"

This and two other female forms -- AQUILA and AQUILINA -- of the Roman family name Aquilius might live on in modern times.

Arcadia

Greek

"region offering peace and contentment"

Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of…

Aristeia

Literary term from Greek

"the best"

In epic poetry, the term aristeia is used to denote the climactic point where the hero/heroine has their finest hour. Aristeia feels at home with other big Greek names like Atalanta, Cassiopeia and…

Artemesia

Greek

"gift from Artemis"

Derived from Artemis, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon and hunting, Artemesia has a couple of notable associations, among them a fourth century Queen of Caria who was…

Asteria

Greek

"star"

Asteria is an Anglicized spelling of the Greek Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so all forms of this name would be especially appropriate…

Atalanta

Greek mythology name

"equal in weight"

Atalanta was a beautiful mythological maiden who refused to marry any man who couldn't beat her in a footrace -- quite a role model. This myth is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses and later in…

Audria

Audria is a feminine name with ancient roots, serving as a variant of Audrey. It derives from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð (Aethelthryth), meaning 'noble strength.' The name underwent various…

Avia

Latin, Hebrew

"bird; God is my father"

Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.

Biana

Literature

"fair, white"

A literary name used in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger. Could also be a short form of Bibiana or a spin on stylish names like Tiana and Liana.

Bibiana

Latin

"life"

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

Biviane

Biviane is a feminine name that appears to be a rare variant of Viviane or Vivian, with the initial 'B' creating a distinctive adaptation. The traditional name Vivian derives from the Latin 'vivus'…

Bohemia

Spanish place name, English word name

"Boii home"

More a concept than a place — or a name. The place name Bohemia ultimately derives from the tribe name Boii with the German heim , meaning "home".

Bryony

Greek

"to sprout, to swell"

Bryony is an unusually strong plant name --the bryony is a wild climbing vine with green flowers --that caught on in the U.K. before sprouting here. The name of the young character in the Ian McEwan…

Capria

Capria is a feminine name with Italian and Latin influences. It likely derives from the Italian word 'capra' meaning 'goat' or could be associated with the Isle of Capri in the Mediterranean. The…

Carmelia

Carmelia is a feminine name derived from Latin and Hebrew roots, closely related to Carmel or Carmela. It originates from 'Mount Carmel' in Israel, whose name comes from the Hebrew 'Karmel,' meaning…

Cassiopeia

Greek mythology name

"cassia juice"

Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related…

Cerelia

Latin

"relating to springtime"

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.