Unusual Female Names From My Genealogy A-D
- Constance
Origin:
English version of Latin ConstantiaMeaning:
"steadfastness"Description:
Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
- Aoife
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"beautiful, radiant"Description:
Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
- Aveline
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"desired; or island, water"Description:
Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
- Adela
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
- Damaris
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dominant woman"Description:
In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a favorite among the Puritans. Having slid off the bottom of the Top 1000 in 2012, Damaris might be deserving of more attention by parents in search of a New Testament name that is unusual but accessible, especially since girls' names ending in 's' are coming back into fashion.
- Alix
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"noble type"Description:
A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex, the French name Alix actually derives from a medieval French form of the name Alice or Adelaide.
- Annora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"honor"Description:
Annora is a noble name, a distinctive twist on its most essential form: Honor. Other variations to explore include Honora and Nora.
- Clemence
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClementMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
- Dulce
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"sweet"Description:
Popular Portuguese and Spanish name that refers to "dulce nombre de Maria" -- the sweet name of the Virgin Mary. English variant Dulcie has a different pronunciation, and is significantly less popular in the US, given to 8 babies compared to the 438 girls called Dulce in 2024.
- Adelais
Description:
Adelais is a feminine name of Old German origin, representing a beautiful medieval variant of Adelaide. The name means 'noble kind' or 'of noble type,' combining 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind, type). Popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, Adelais carries an aristocratic, vintage charm. The name fell from common usage by the Renaissance but has seen occasional revivals among those appreciating historical names. Its pronunciation (AD-eh-lays) offers a pleasing rhythm, while its spelling evokes images of medieval courts and chivalry. Though rare today, Adelais provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Adelaide or Adeline, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and feminine elegance.
- Adeliza
Origin:
Medieval English and Old Swedish form of AdelaideMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adeliza is a unique member of the popular Adelaide-Adeline family. Different enough to distinguish it from all the others? Maybe, and it's definitely got an appealing sound that makes it sound a bit like a smoosh of Adele and Eliza.
- Bethia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"daughter of Jehovah"Description:
Long forgotten Old Testament name with modern potential.
- Benedicta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.
- Dema
Description:
Dema is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it means 'lasting rain' or 'continuous rainfall,' symbolizing nurturing abundance and blessing. In Greek, it's related to 'Demeter,' the goddess of agriculture and harvest, connecting the name to fertility and sustenance. As a Russian diminutive of Demid or Demetra, it carries warm, familiar connotations. The name also appears in Hebrew contexts with connections to silence or stillness. Dema remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it distinctive while still being straightforward to pronounce. Its short, two-syllable structure with the feminine '-a' ending gives it a gentle yet strong quality. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it appealing for families with diverse heritage or those seeking a simple but meaningful name.
- Clothilde
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.
- Constancia
Description:
Constancia is a feminine name with Latin origins, meaning 'constancy' or 'steadfastness.' It derives from the Latin word 'constantia,' which embodies perseverance and unwavering determination. This elegant name has historically been used in Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian-speaking countries. Constancia appears in historical records dating back centuries, though it's less common today than its variant Constance. The name carries connotations of reliability, patience, and moral strength—qualities parents might wish to inspire in their daughters. The Spanish pronunciation gives the name a flowing, musical quality with its emphasis on the second syllable. Though not frequently used in English-speaking countries, Constancia offers an air of classical femininity with a meaningful virtue at its core.
- Bethoc
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"life"Description:
see BEATHAG
- Amice
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"friend"Description:
Amice is a name that was used in the Middle Ages but has fallen out of use now. It seems completely suited for modern life, though, with a pronunciation that's like Alice wth an m.
- ADELISE
- ADELIZ