gabhart's baby name dna

Bayou

Native American nature name

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word…

Prim

English

"first or demure"

As a name, Prim is generally short for Primrose – as in the sweet younger sister of heroine Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games . But a word of warning: it also coincides with the English word…

Dandelion

Flower name, from French

"lion's tooth"

The bright yellow weed lends itself to a creative baby name, although we don't recommend the nickname Dandy.

Ursuline

Diminutive of Ursula

"little bear"

Ursula, while beautiful, still carries a whiff of the Disney sea witch. Perhaps Ursuline smells a bit sweeter?

Abyssinia

African place-name

Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names…

Basilia

Greek, feminine variation of Basil

Rare but attractive female form of Basil.

Mahogany

Spanish

"rich, strong"

Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.

Syntyche

Greek

"common fate"

Unique baby name featured in the New Testament.

Obelia

Greek

"needle"

Victorian feel.

Odyssia

Variation of Odysseus or Odessa

Whether you take this as a female form of the mythical wanderer's name Odysseus or a spin on the place name Odessa makes a huge difference. But both names have that potential playground problem of…

Tulia

Spanish feminine form of Roman family name Tullius, meaning unknown

Tulia, rhyming with Julia, is one of several offshoots of the noble Roman family name Tullius, best known as the middle name of the philosopher Cicero. While the single L is considered the Spanish…

Hesperia

Greek

"evening, evening star"

Hesperia is the name of one of the Hesperides, known as the daughters of Hesperus or evening. Hesperus is the personification of the evening star in Greek mythology, better known as Venus in Roman…

Persia

Country name

"land of the Parsa"

The name Persia derives from Avestan Parsa , the name of the Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into southern Iran in about 1000 BCE. Persis or Persea, the feminine form of Perseus, feel more…

Euphoria

English word name

"a feeling of intense excitement or joy"

A pretty and modern word name for a daughter, expressing great happiness.

Caledonia

Latin place-name for Scotland

"hard or rocky land"

Caledonia is a rhythmic and alluring place name used by singer Shawn Colvin for her daughter. It would make an interesting and apt choice for a girl with Scottish ancestry.

Finella

Scottish variation of Finola

"white shoulder"

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.

Rosella

Rosella can be seen as a nature name (a rosella is the name of a variety of beautiful Australian cockatoos and an Australian flower) or a diminutive version of Rose.

Serenella

Italian, elaboration of Serena

"serene"

Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?

Sonora

Place-name

Sonora may be a more unusual and melodic choice than Sierra, but this Mexican state name may sound too much like Senora to work as a name.

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…