Heroes and Heroine names

Amazing names that I wish my mother had named me.
  1. Amarantha
    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "unfading"
    • Description:

      Amarantha is a rare botanical name whose mythical equivalent was believed to be immortal. The Italian and Spanish form is the somewhat-more-acccessible Amaranta.
  2. Bronwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "white breast"
    • Description:

      One of the loveliest of the Welsh names, striking the perfect balance between being familiar and unusual. In Wales, the female spelling is always Bronwen, but Americans usually see a "y" as adding femininity.
  3. Cerys
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
  4. Elspeth
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of his female characters.
  5. 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.
  6. Milena
    • Origin:

      Czech; Slovak; Serbian; Croatian; Polish; Italian
    • Meaning:

      "love, warmth, grace"
    • Description:

      This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, most noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.
  7. Reinette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little queen"
    • Description:

      Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.
  8. Serenella
    • Origin:

      Italian, elaboration of Serena
    • Meaning:

      "serene"
    • Description:

      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?
  9. Verena
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "integrity"
    • Description:

      Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call.
  10. Zephyrine
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Zephyr, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "west wind"
    • Description:

      Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina, has distinctive possibilities.