Girls Names Beginning With O
- Oasis
Origin:
EgyptianMeaning:
"fertile spot in a desert"Description:
A distinctive word name with musical ties, Oasis was given to 20 girls in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023.
- Orie
Description:
Orie is a feminine name with diverse origins. It can be derived from the Latin 'oriens' meaning 'rising' or 'east,' symbolizing new beginnings and dawn. In Japanese culture, Orie (織恵) can mean 'woven blessing' depending on the kanji characters used. As a female name in Western contexts, Orie sometimes appears as a diminutive form of names like Orielle or Aurora. The name has maintained a quiet presence throughout history without ever becoming mainstream. Its brevity and melodic quality make it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. Orie offers a cross-cultural versatility with its simple pronunciation and spelling, while still feeling distinctive and somewhat ethereal.
- Odelette
Description:
Odelette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, essentially a diminutive form of Odette. The name Odette derives from the Germanic name Oda or Ode, meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune', with the French diminutive suffix '-ette' adding a sense of smallness or endearment. The addition of the diminutive creates an ultra-feminine, lyrical quality. Odelette is extremely rare, even in French-speaking regions, giving it a distinctive, antique charm. The name may evoke associations with ballet through Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake', where Odette is a principal character. Its uncommon nature makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical roots yet virtually no contemporary namesakes.
- Olympe
Origin:
French variation of Olympia
- Ottiline
Description:
Ottiline is a rare feminine name with Germanic and Old English influences. It appears to be a variant of Ottoline, which combines elements meaning 'prosperity' and 'serpent' or 'dragon.' The name carries an aristocratic, vintage quality, having been occasionally used among European nobility, particularly in the early 20th century. British socialite and literary patron Lady Ottoline Morrell helped bring attention to this elegant name. Ottiline offers distinctive melody with its flowing syllables and refined sound. While decidedly uncommon in contemporary usage, it appeals to parents drawn to elaborate vintage names with historical depth. The name provides opportunities for friendly nicknames like Otti or Line while maintaining its dignified full form for formal contexts.
- Ozelle
Description:
Ozelle is a rare feminine name with possible French origins, likely derived as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Os-' combined with the French feminine suffix '-elle.' This uncommon name peaked in limited popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in southern states. Ozelle has a delicate, lyrical quality with its melodic pronunciation and distinctive 'z' sound. The name carries an air of vintage sophistication and uniqueness, making it stand out among more common feminine names. While Ozelle has never been widely used, it represents the tradition of creating distinctive feminine names through ornamental suffixes. Its rarity gives it a special quality for those seeking a name with both antique charm and originality.
- Octava
Description:
Octava is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'octavus' meaning 'eighth.' Historically, this name was often given to the eighth daughter in a family or to a girl born in the eighth month. While uncommon as a first name in most cultures, Octava has an elegant, classical quality that connects to both musical and literary traditions. In music, an octave represents a complete and harmonious interval, while in literature, 'octava' refers to an eight-line stanza form. The name carries a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and distinctive 'v' sound. Octava provides a more feminine alternative to the male forms Octavius or Octavian while maintaining the same connection to the rich symbolic heritage of the number eight.
- Orleanna
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Orleanna was the young heroine of Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.
- Otha
Description:
Otha is a feminine name with American origins, though it was historically used for both genders. It may have evolved as a variant of other names like Otho or Othello, which have Greek and literary origins respectively. During the early 20th century, Otha had modest popularity in the United States, particularly in southern states, but has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage charm and simplicity with its two syllables and soft ending. Otha's uniqueness might appeal to parents looking for a name with historical American roots but that stands apart from contemporary naming trends.
- Onneli
Origin:
Feminization of Onni, FinnishMeaning:
"happiness; luck"Description:
An attractive name that's uncommon even in its native Finland. Onneli ja Anneli is a Finnish children's movie translated to English as Jill and Joy, although the names are unrelated.
- Orlagh
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
A variation of Orla and a fast rising choice in England and Wales in 2022.
- Orel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"light of God"Description:
Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.
- Oprah
Origin:
Variation of Orpah, HebrewMeaning:
"fawn or gazelle"Description:
The misspelling that created an indelibly one-person name. And we mean that literally: Despite Oprah Winfrey's fame and appeal, there were no baby girls named Oprah last year, OR Orpah.
- Orselina
Description:
Orselina is a feminine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin 'ursa' meaning 'bear,' with the diminutive suffix '-lina' creating the sense of 'little bear.' The name may also be connected to Saint Ursula, a popular medieval saint. Orselina is extremely rare, primarily found in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in northern Italy where it may have connections to the Madonna of Orselina, venerated in Locarno, Switzerland. The name carries connotations of strength tempered with gentleness, reflecting the bear symbolism. Orselina has a melodic, flowing quality typical of Italian feminine names. Despite its rarity, it offers familiar nickname options like Lina or Selina while maintaining its distinctive character.
- Olina
Description:
Olina is a feminine name with Scandinavian roots, primarily used in Norway. It evolved as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'ola' or as a feminine version of Olin. The name carries meanings associated with 'ancestor's relic' or 'inheritor,' though some sources connect it to 'holy' origins. Olina has a melodic quality that combines traditional Nordic heritage with a gentle, flowing sound. While relatively uncommon globally, it has seen modest usage in Scandinavian countries and among those with Norwegian ancestry. The name has an appealing blend of uniqueness and accessibility, with the attractive 'ina' ending that has become popular in contemporary naming trends. Olina projects an image of quiet strength and natural beauty.
- Orlee
Description:
Orlee is a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, derived from the word 'or' meaning 'light.' It's a variant of the more common Orli or Orly, carrying connotations of brightness and illumination. While relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Orlee has maintained a steady presence in Jewish communities. The name has a delicate, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. In recent decades, Orlee has seen modest usage in the United States and Israel, appreciated for its distinctive sound and positive meaning without being overly unusual.
- Oana
Origin:
Romanian short form of IoanaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
An lesser-known member of the John-Joan family, though popular in its native habitat, has never emigrated, possibly due to its non-intuitive pronunciation.
- Orabella
Origin:
Latin variation of ArabellaMeaning:
"beautiful altar"Description:
Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.
- Ofilia
Description:
Ofilia is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Ophelia, which has Greek origins meaning 'help' or 'assistance.' While Ophelia gained literary fame through Shakespeare's character in 'Hamlet,' the Ofilia variant is less common and primarily found in Spanish-speaking cultures. This spelling adaptation maintains the melodic quality of the original while giving it a distinctive flair. The name carries a sense of classical beauty and poetic resonance. Despite its appealing sound and literary connections, Ofilia remains relatively uncommon in most countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth but uncommon usage in contemporary society.
- Orra
Origin:
Variation of Ora, LatinMeaning:
"prayer"Description:
Orra and Ora are simple yet rare names with a lovely religious meaning.
