Female names - L-Z

Themis

Greek

"law of nature, divine law"

Themis was the Titan — one of the Elder Gods (or in this case Goddesses) — of Justice and Order, usually depicted blindfolded and holding the scales of justice. The mother of the Fates and the…

Theodosia

Greek

"gift of God"

This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter…

Therese

German and Scandinavian variation of Theresa

"to reap, gather, harvest"

A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in…

Thessaly

Greek, place name, meaning unknown

The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely…

Thisbe

Greek mythological name, meaning unknown

Thisbe, the name of a beautiful but tragic lover in mythology, is lively and cute -- in a slightly thistly, prickly way. Ovid retold the story of Thisbe and Pyramus, young lovers in ancient Babylon…

Thomasin

English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic

"twin"

Pre-Thomasina female form of Thomas, now seen as more literary and upscale British. In Thomas Hardy's novel The Return of the Native, a leading character is Thomasin Yeobright.

Thomasina

English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic

"twin"

Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal. Thomasina Coverly plays a large part in…

Timea

Hungarian feminine variation of Timaeus or invented name

"honor; good spirits, cheerful"

Familiar in Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Czechia, and Slovakia, but rare elsewhere, Timea is a name with several possible origins. Some suggest is was a literary invention, created by the writer Mór…

Timothea

Greek

"honoring god"

Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual…

Tiuu

This name of an Estonian supermodel might more sensibly by translated as Thea.

Topaz

Greek gem name

As a name, Topaz is a quietly used option, with a distinctive ending and a sleek but sassy feel. As a golden gemstone, it is said to have energizing properties and bring good luck to those who wear…

Tuesday

English

"Tiu's Day; Tiw's day"

When actress Susan Ker Weld changed her name to Tuesday, she opened up a whole calendar of possibilities. This was decades before the arrival of Sunday Rose Urban and years before Wednesday Addams…

Tullia

Feminine from of Tullius, Roman

"meaning unknown"

The unusual and intriguing Tullia has been used since Roman times and may appeal to parents who like Tallulah, Julia, and Lillia but want something that's very rarely heard. A feminine form the…

Umber

Color name

A rich brown hue, but can be misheard as Amber, said with a pretentious accent.

Una

Latin, Irish, or Old Norse

"one; lamb; happy"

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…

Ursa

Short form of Ursula, Latin

"little female bear"

Ursa might be a good choice if you're looking for a bear name for your daughter but want to avoid the She Witch curse placed on Ursula by Disney's The Little Mermaid . Too bad, because Ursula is a…

Ursula

Latin

"little female bear"

A saint's name with a noteworthy literary background, including uses by Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Much Ado About Nothing , by Ben Johnson, Walter Scott, Longfellow, D. H. Lawrence…

Valentine

French variation of Valentina

"strength, health"

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

Vanille

French

"vanilla"

While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.

Vashti

Persian

"lovely"

This Persian name with an Old Testament pedigree has a warm Sasha-like feel. The Biblical Vashti was a queen who refused her husband's orders to appear naked in front of his party guests and so was…