The Enchantresses

  1. Aisling
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dream, vision"
    • Description:

      Aisling is currently a very popular Irish name for girls. Pronounced variously as ASH-ling, ASH-lin or ash-LEEN, it was part of the revival of authentic Irish names in the twentieth century, and is now being sparingly used by U.S. parents in place of the dated Ashley--though often spelled phonetically as Ashlyn or Ashlynn.
  2. Albinia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"
    • Description:

      The original male name Alban is a lot sleeker and more usable.
  3. Avalon
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "island of apples"
    • Description:

      Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
  4. Acadine
    • Acrasia
      • Aello
        • Aeval
          • Aillean
            • Ainsel
              • Alaida
                • Alcina
                  • Aradia
                    • Argante
                      • Auryn
                        • Bafana
                          • Belisama
                            • Bellicent
                              • Belphoebe
                                • Bensozie
                                  • Berehynia
                                    • Blodeuwedd
                                      • Canace
                                        • Origin:

                                          Greek
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "barking"
                                        • Description:

                                          The name of a princess from Greek myth.
                                      • Cassandra
                                        • Origin:

                                          Greek
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "shining or excelling man"
                                        • Description:

                                          The name of the tragic mythological Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but was condemned never to be believed, Cassandra has been used for striking characters in movies and soap operas. Ethereal and delicate, Cassandra was in the Top 70 throughout the 1990s but is now descending in popularity.
                                      • Ceridwen
                                        • Origin:

                                          Welsh
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "beautiful as a poem"
                                        • Description:

                                          Celtic goddess of poetry, though less-than-poetic name.
                                      • Circe
                                        • Origin:

                                          Greek
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "bird"
                                        • Description:

                                          In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea, who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to Odysseus's crew in Homer's Odyssey, transforming them into swine. All was forgiven, however, as Circe and Odysseus later had a child together—Telegonus.
                                      • Carvilia
                                        • Celandine
                                          • Circea
                                            • Clarissant
                                              • Coventina
                                                • Eira
                                                  • Origin:

                                                    Welsh
                                                  • Meaning:

                                                    "snow"
                                                  • Description:

                                                    This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
                                                • Eirawen
                                                  • Elbereth
                                                    • Elentari
                                                      • Ellyllon
                                                        • Elysant
                                                          • Esclarimonde
                                                            • Escorducarla
                                                              • Esmeray
                                                                • Florie
                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                    Diminutive of Florence
                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                    "blooming, flowering"
                                                                  • Description:

                                                                    Florence is back, and the adorable short form Florie (or Flory) is too. Or you could just name her Flora and be done with it.
                                                                • Ferelith
                                                                  • Fionnualla
                                                                    • Florimell
                                                                      • Florisdelfa
                                                                        • Galadriel
                                                                          • Gililen
                                                                            • Glitonea
                                                                              • Gloriana
                                                                                • Gwyllion
                                                                                  • Hannelore
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      German
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "grace + god is my light"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      A pretty and substantial German smoosh name, a combination of Hanne and Eleonore. Most popular in Germany from the 1930s to the 1950s. Former German Chancellors Helmut Kohl and Helmut Schmidt both had wives named Hannelore.
                                                                                  • Hecate
                                                                                    • Hilja
                                                                                      • Isidora
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian variation of Isadora, Greek
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "gift of Isis"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          The Isidora spelling, though equally legitimate, is about 90 percent less common than Isadora.
                                                                                      • Lore
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom' in Latin, giving it an intellectual connotation. In folklore contexts, 'lore' refers to traditional knowledge and stories passed through generations. This gives the name a mystical, storytelling quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lore has a simple elegance and cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity makes it distinct while remaining easy to pronounce across language boundaries. The name's connection to wisdom and cultural traditions makes it appealing for parents seeking a name with depth and subtle sophistication.

                                                                                      • Lorelei
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          German
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "alluring, temptress"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          The lovely Lorelei, a name from old German legend, was a beautiful Rhine River seductress whose haunting voice led sailors to hazardous rocks that would cause them to be shipwrecked. And this siren image clung to the name for ages.
                                                                                      • Luned
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Luned is a feminine Welsh name with ancient Celtic origins, appearing prominently in Arthurian legends as a handmaiden to Lady Owain. The name is associated with the Welsh word for 'image' or 'idol' and has connections to lunar symbolism. In Welsh mythology, Luned is portrayed as clever and resourceful, known for her magical ring that could render the wearer invisible. Despite its rich heritage, Luned remains uncommon outside of Wales, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking a name with Celtic roots. Its short, melodic pronunciation (typically LOO-ned) and unique character make it appealing for parents drawn to names with mythological backgrounds and Welsh cultural connections.
                                                                                      • Lunette
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.
                                                                                      • Laudine
                                                                                        • Lile
                                                                                          • Lliannan
                                                                                            • Logistilla
                                                                                              • Lorien
                                                                                                • Luscinia
                                                                                                  • Lysiane
                                                                                                    • Mafalda
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Italian and Portuguese variation of Matilda
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.
                                                                                                    • Melusine
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        French, folkloric name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.
                                                                                                    • Meredith
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Welsh
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "great ruler"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Meredith is a soft, gentle-sounding name with subtle Welsh roots. Although originally a boys’ name , Meredith is used mainly for girls now.
                                                                                                    • Morgana
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Female version of Morgan, Welsh
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "sea-circle"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Since Morgan is used as--or more--frequently for girls as for boys, this feminization has fallen by the wayside. It drew some brief attention via the pop singer Morgana King.

                                                                                                        The similar Morgiana appears in Tales from the Thousand and One Nights.

                                                                                                    • Morganetta
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Morganetta is a feminine elaboration of the Welsh name Morgan, which means 'sea circle' or 'bright sea.' The suffix '-etta' adds a diminutive or feminine quality, essentially meaning 'little Morgan.' This name combines Celtic roots with a Latinate ending, creating a distinctive and elegant variation. While Morgan has been used for both genders throughout history, Morganetta is exclusively feminine. It's a relatively rare name that offers the strength and mythological connections of Morgan with a more ornate, feminine presentation. For parents fond of Morgan but seeking something more elaborate and unique, Morganetta provides an uncommon alternative with the familiar nickname options of Morgan or Etta.
                                                                                                    • Marisque
                                                                                                      • Marzanna
                                                                                                        • Merioneth
                                                                                                          • Morgause
                                                                                                            • Mythily
                                                                                                              • Nerissa
                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                  Greek
                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                  "from the sea"
                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                  An offbeat possible replacement for the overused Melissa and Marisa, Nerissa was used by Shakespeare for Portia's witty confidante in The Merchant of Venice. Queen Elizabeth has a cousin named Nerissa.
                                                                                                              • Niamh
                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                  Irish Gaelic
                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                  "bright"
                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                  Niamh, derived from the Old Irish Niam, is an ancient Irish name that was originally a term for a goddess. In Irish myth, one who bore it was Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the sea god, who falls in love with Finn's son Oisin and takes him to the Land of Promise, where they stayed for three hundred years. Niamh can be Anglicized as Neve, Nieve, or Neave.
                                                                                                              • Nehalennia
                                                                                                                • Nimue
                                                                                                                  • Niniane
                                                                                                                    • Olwen
                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                        Welsh
                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                        "white footprint"
                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                        Olwen is a Welsh favorite, the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to have been the earliest Arthurian romance, and in fact one of the first recorded examples of Welsh prose.
                                                                                                                    • Orchil
                                                                                                                      • Ostara
                                                                                                                        • Perizada
                                                                                                                          • Proserpina
                                                                                                                            • Raven
                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                Word and animal name
                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                Bird name Raven, once a symbol of pride for both African-American and Wiccan parents, is finding new life as a superhero name. Raven Darkholme is the real name of Mystique, heroine of the X-Men films played by Jennifer Lawrence. And there is another Raven superheroine in Teen Titans. Some parents may still choose Raven to signal black pride or mystical powers or maybe even Edgar Allan Poe fandom, but we are guessing most inspiration is coming from the comics.
                                                                                                                            • Rusalka
                                                                                                                              • Saga
                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                  Swedish word name
                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                  "story; seeress"
                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                  Apt name for a little drama queen with a long future ahead of her. Saga is a Top 30 girls' name in Sweden.
                                                                                                                              • Sybilla
                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                  Greek
                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                  "seer, oracle"
                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                  Sybilla and its near-identical twin Sibylla are dainty and demure names with a powerful namesake that also happen to be extremely rare -- no baby girls were given either name in the US last year.
                                                                                                                              • Sylvaine
                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                  Sylvaine is a feminine French name derived from Latin "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland." This elegant name carries connotations of natural beauty and has historical usage primarily in France and French-speaking regions. Related to the masculine Sylvain, Sylvaine represents a classic French feminine form that has never been extremely common but has maintained a steady presence. The name evokes images of wooded landscapes and carries a sophisticated, slightly ethereal quality. Sylvaine appeals to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections and nature associations. With its melodic sound and refined ending, Sylvaine offers a distinctive alternative to more common nature-inspired names while maintaining a timeless, elegant character.

                                                                                                                              • Sylvia
                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                  Latin
                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                  "from the forest"
                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                  The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.
                                                                                                                              • Saraide
                                                                                                                                • Sebile
                                                                                                                                  • Seli
                                                                                                                                    • Sylphide
                                                                                                                                      • Tanaquil
                                                                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                                                                          Etruscan
                                                                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                          "gift of God"
                                                                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                                                                          This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.
                                                                                                                                      • Titania
                                                                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                                                                          Greek
                                                                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                          "giant, great one"
                                                                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                                                                          This name of the queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream has a delicate, lacy charm similar to Tatiana's, but that first syllable could cause embarrassing problems.
                                                                                                                                      • Tinuviel
                                                                                                                                        • Tryamore
                                                                                                                                          • Tyrone
                                                                                                                                            • Una
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Latin, Irish, or Old Norse
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "one; lamb; happy"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity; this ancient name is popular in several European countries but less common in the US. The Oona spelling is slightly more popular but Una sleeker.
                                                                                                                                            • Vasilisa
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Feminization of Vasili, Russian from Greek
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "royal, kingly"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Vasilisa is the feminine form of Vasili, the Russian translation of Basil.
                                                                                                                                            • Vivianne
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Variant of Vivian, Latin
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "life"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Vivian is the classic spelling, now in the Top 100, while Vivien is the most common alternative. This one foregrounds the "Anne," and so could serve as a nod to a relative or friend by that name.
                                                                                                                                            • Vivienne
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                French variation of Vivian
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "life"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.
                                                                                                                                            • Verdande
                                                                                                                                              • Yvaine
                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                  Female variation of Yvain or Scottish
                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                  "evening star"
                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                  A mix of Yvonne and Elaine, Yvaine was first noticed in the Neil Gaiman fantasy novel and then movie Stardust, in which Claire Danes played the 'fallen star' Yvaine. This In all its forms, one of the most classic Scottish names for girls is now attracting namer attention--just as that other Gaiman-inspired name, Coraline, did. Yvaine has a definite romantic, medieval charm. A small segment of namers are definitely taking notice.