My favorite girl names.

A kestrel is a bird of prey. It has good potential as a strong girls' name, similar to Falcon for boys.

See PHILOMENA.

Both Maire and Mare have begun making inroads with parents seeking novel yet authentic ways of honoring an ancestral Mary. The Finnish variation derives from the word mairea, meaning "sweet."

This pleasant modernization of a dated original is still rare but has real modern possibilities. Alternate versions include Merial and Meryl.

Derived from the Latin Crescentius and Crescens, Crescentia is a bold, strong but elaborate name borne by a 4th century saint and also the heroine of a 12th century German romance. Also spelled Kreszentia, it feels connected to the moon, due to its similarity to the word crescent.

Saira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a beautiful cross-cultural connection. In Arabic, it means "traveler" or "one who travels by night," while in Persian it can mean "bird" or "swift." The name also appears in Indian cultures with various meanings including "princess" or "flowering shrub." Saira gained some recognition in Western countries through Bollywood actress Saira Banu. The name features a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants, making it both elegant and approachable. While not among the most common names in the United States, Saira has steadily increased in usage as parents seek globally recognizable names with meaningful origins. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across different languages and cultures.

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.

A name bestowed in honor of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Nieves, referring to a miracle she performed with unmelted snow in the August heat of Rome.

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

Herminia is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods. This elegant name means 'messenger' or 'interpreter.' Herminia has historical significance in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it has maintained steady usage for centuries. The name combines classical origins with a melodic, feminine quality. Herminia reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century but continues to appeal to parents drawn to vintage names with historical depth. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Herminia offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names like Hermione. The name conveys dignity, intelligence, and cultural richness, making it appealing to families seeking a name with substance and traditional elegance.

Variation of Katherine.

Laetitia adds a layer of ancient patina to the more prosaic LETITIA.

Floriana is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'flor' meaning 'flower.' It's essentially an elaborated form of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. The name has been particularly popular in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, conveying images of blossoming beauty and natural grace. Floriana carries a romantic, vintage quality while remaining timeless. In English-speaking countries, it's relatively uncommon, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce. The name suggests qualities of delicacy, beauty, and flourishing growth, making it an elegant choice that connects its bearer to classical traditions and natural imagery.