Unique Butterfly Themed Names

A curated collection of stunningly beautiful and unique names pulled from butterfly genera. They lean mostly towards more feminine names, but there are opportunities for something more masculine.
  1. Carys
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      Light, pretty and distinctive in appearance, Carys is one of that sweet group of girl names with a loving meaning. A relatively modern name, it didn't come into use in its native Wales until the late nineteenth century, and even then, it wasn't a mainstream choice until the middle of the twentieth century.
  2. Elina
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, and English variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"
    • Description:

      Elina is one of the many variations of mother name Helen to make the US Top 1000 list, and is given to around 300 girls each year. While it might blend in among the Helenas, Elenas, and Alinas, it might be a good way to go if you want the eh-lee-nuh pronunciation or the potential for nicknames Elle, Ellie, or Ella.
  3. Iliana
    • Origin:

      Greek, Spanish variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "from Ilium or Troy; shining light"
    • Description:

      Iliana is one of the vaguely but usually undefinably international names that have a wide range of spellings and pronunciations. Ilium was the poetic name of the city of Troy, and variations of this name — especially Ileana and Ileanna — have been widely used, projecting a rather bohemian image. The traditional Greek pronunciation would be ee-lee-AH-nah while in English speaking countries, it might be ill-ee-AH-nah.
  4. Calisto
    • Description:

      Calisto is a masculine name derived from Greek mythology, where Callisto was a nymph who was transformed into the constellation Ursa Major. The masculine form shifts the mythological association while maintaining the celestial connection. The name comes from Greek 'kallistos' meaning 'most beautiful.' While the feminine form Callista is more common in English-speaking countries, Calisto offers a distinctive alternative for boys. The name carries an artistic, sophisticated quality with its classical roots and melodic sound. Popular in some Latin cultures, Calisto provides a unique option that balances exotic appeal with historical depth. Its connection to the stars gives it an aspirational, expansive quality that many parents find appealing.
  5. Aella
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "whirlwind"
    • Description:

      Aella is one of the Amazons in Greek mythology, killed by Heracles in his quest for Hyppolita’s magic girdle. Aella or Aelle (often written as Ælla or Ælle) is also an ancient Saxon masculine name, belonging to several kings of regions of modern-day England from the 5th to 9th centuries.
  6. Inessa
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Ines; Spanish from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure, chaste"
    • Description:

      Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.
  7. Tisiphone
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "Avenging murder"
    • Description:

      The name of one of the Furies in Greek mythology, a goddess who avenged crimes of murder. She is described as wearing a dripping blood-red robe, with a serpent coiled around her waist.
  8. Morys
    • Description:

      Morys is a masculine name of Welsh origin, representing a traditional Welsh form of 'Maurice.' The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'Mauritius,' meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish,' referring to the people of North Africa. While relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, Morys has deep historical roots in Welsh-speaking communities. It shares linguistic connections with Morris and Morrison. The name carries a dignified, somewhat antiquated character that connects to Welsh heritage and medieval European traditions. Morys might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with Celtic origins and historical significance, though its traditional nature and uncommon spelling may require occasional clarification in non-Welsh contexts.

  9. Zera
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to arise, dawn"
    • Description:

      This name is masculine in the Old Testament, as Zerah, a son of Judah and the twin of Perez. Now it is also been used for girls, perhaps inspired by its similarity to Sara and Zara.
  10. Issoria
    • Origin:

      nature name
    • Description:

      The Issoria is a genus of butterflies found in Africa, one of which is known as the African Queen. This name would make a wonderful choice for those looking for a name which subtly honors Africa.
  11. Zela
    • Origin:

      African variation of Zoe
    • Description:

      See ZELLA.
  12. Rohana
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "sandalwood"
    • Description:

      Beguiling alternative to Johanna.
  13. Adelpha
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "beloved sister"
    • Description:

      A seriously classic name meaning love, Adelpha is also the name for a genus of butterflies.
  14. Elodina
    • Origin:

      nature name
    • Description:

      This name comes from a genus of beautiful black and white Australian butterflies. Given the rise of "el" names such as Eleanor, Eloise, and Ella, Elodina could make a good choice for someone looking for a rarer name.
  15. Felicina
    • Description:

      Felicina is a feminine name with Latin and Italian origins, derived from 'felix' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' It serves as an elaborate form of Felice (Italian) or Felicia. This melodious name carries connotations of joy, good fortune, and blessedness. Felicina has remained quite rare in English-speaking countries but has historical usage in Italian communities and Latin American countries. The name has a romantic, old-world charm with its flowing syllables and meaningful etymology. Potential nicknames include Felice, Feli, or Cina. While not widely used, Felicina appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with positive meanings and a distinctly Mediterranean flair.

  16. Lexia
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Alexia
    • Description:

      See ALEXIA.
  17. Alenia
    • Description:

      Alenia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including a derivation from the Greek name Helen (meaning 'bright, shining light') or as a variant of Elena/Alena. Some sources suggest it may have Slavic roots or connections to the Latin 'alens' meaning 'to nourish.' This melodic name has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly as parents search for distinctive alternatives to more common names like Elena or Alina. Alenia presents a lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. The name carries an ethereal, graceful connotation that appeals to those seeking something feminine yet uncommon. While not ranking among top names in most countries, Alenia continues to be discovered by parents attracted to its elegant sound and international versatility.
  18. Kallima
    • Origin:

      nature name
    • Description:

      This name derives from the name of a genus of butterfly. Apart from this delightful connection, the name offers good nickname options such as Kallie and Lili, as well as fitting in to the current trend of Kal names such as Kalliope and Calista.
  19. Dalla
    • Description:

      Dalla is a feminine name with Norse and Germanic roots. In Old Norse, it may be related to 'dal' meaning 'valley,' suggesting someone who dwells in or comes from a valley. The name also appears in Norse mythology. Dalla has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and balanced syllables. While uncommon in modern usage, it offers an intriguing alternative to more popular names like Della or Dalia. The name carries a subtle natural connection through its valley association, evoking images of lush landscapes. Dalla's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with ancient roots but a fresh feel for contemporary use.

  20. Kerana
    • Description:

      Kerana is a feminine name with exotic appeal and multicultural connections. In Bulgarian folklore, Kerana appears as a beautiful maiden in mythology, giving the name romantic and legendary associations. The name may also have roots in various other cultures: in some Polynesian languages, similar words relate to concepts of strength or courage, while in Sanskrit-derived languages, elements of the name connect to rays of light or sunbeams. Kerana remains relatively rare in Western countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet melodic and feminine. The name's three syllables flow gracefully, with emphasis typically on the middle syllable (ke-RA-na). With its international quality and positive associated meanings, Kerana offers a balance of uniqueness and accessibility, potentially yielding the friendly nicknames Kera or Rana.