Broadway Names

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.

Super-sweet name that was the title of a Broadway play -- but best known as a type of apple. The Dutch variation is Pepijn is finding some popularity in that country, where short nickname names are stylish.

Velma likely originated as a phonetic spelling of the German name Wilma, itself derived from Wilhelmina. Velma Dinkley is a smart, if nerdy, character in Scooby Doo.

Gypsy, long associated with the intellectual stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and the musical that was made about her life, was used by Drea de Matteo and Shooter Jennings as the middle name of their daughter Alabama. Be aware, however, that the word gypsy is now considered an ethnic slur when used for the Romani, or Roma, people.

Eponine is attracting new notice via the movie of Les Miserables, based on the book by Victor Hugo. Eponine is the spoiled daughter of Cosette's foster parents whose name, according to the story, was lifted by her mother from a romance novel. As in a romance, Eponine redeems herself by becoming a martyr to love.

The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider.

Audacious offshoot of Roxanne, the wayward heroine of the musical Chicago.

As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.

Deena is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Arabic, it means 'religion' or 'faith,' while in Hebrew it can be interpreted as 'judged' or 'vindicated.' The name also has Sanskrit roots where it means 'day' or 'daylight.' As a variant of Dina or Diana, Deena gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, reaching its peak in the early 1970s. While never among the top 100 names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the decades. The name carries a soft, melodic quality that contributes to its enduring appeal. Notable bearers include American singer Deena Jones of the fictional group 'The Dreams' in the musical Dreamgirls.

There's only one Evita.

Fantine is a rarely heard French name except as a character in the Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables.

Glinda is famous as the name of the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, invented by author L. Frank Baum. but has there ever been a real life, non-fictional Glinda? Not in the US last year.

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.

The Hebrew, Biblical form of Eve. While English speakers will likely find the forms Ava or Eve easier in everyday life, Chava is a lovely variation for a family that speaks Hebrew or Yiddish - plus, English speakers could always learn.

Golde is a feminine name with Yiddish origins that literally means 'gold' or 'golden.' This precious metal association gives the name connotations of value, preciousness, and warmth. Popular in Jewish communities, particularly in Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Golde was often given to girls in hopes they would bring brightness and prosperity to their families. While not widely used in contemporary mainstream culture, it remains valued in traditional Jewish families. The name gained some recognition from the character Golde in the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof,' portraying a strong, traditional matriarch. It carries both historical significance and symbolic beauty.