Sleek, woodsy European choice.

Feminine of Aidan, but now girls would prefer to use the original.

The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a cave on the Mount of Olives. Because of her early vocation, she is the patron saint of actresses.

A mythological name, Parthenope is a rare and distinctive choice that may nevertheless appeal to those looking for little known alternatives to Penelope or Persephone. While some sources suggest the name means "maiden's face" or "virgin appearance", others interpret it as "maiden's voice".

Demetra is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. The name carries significant mythological weight, as Demeter was one of the most revered deities in ancient Greek culture. Demetra has maintained consistent though modest usage, particularly in Greek communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name conveys strength, nurturing qualities, and a connection to the earth. With its classical roots and melodic sound, Demetra appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine grace that isn't overly common. The name often evokes images of abundance, nurturing, and natural beauty.

A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English variation Tiffany may be more wearable, but with a much less elegant image.

This Spanish form of the yet-to-be-revived Ignatius was borne by an early and influential Philipina nun known as Mother Ignacia.

Accalia was the human foster-mother of twins Romulus and Remus. Her name is even more obscure than theirs.

Lace-hankie name with Shakespearean pedigree.

Victoriana is an elaborate feminine name derived from Victoria, which originated from the Latin word 'victoria' meaning 'victory.' This extended form adds a romantic, vintage quality to the classic name, evoking images of the Victorian era and its ornate aesthetics. While Victoria has been consistently popular throughout history—particularly associated with Queen Victoria of England—Victoriana remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive with historical resonance. The name carries connotations of triumph, dignity, and classic femininity, enhanced by its elaborate suffix. Victoriana might be chosen for its grandeur and vintage charm, offering a more elaborate alternative to the timeless Victoria while maintaining its strong etymological roots of achievement and conquest.

Originally a Dutch surname, imported by the early Dutch colonists, has been all but overpowered by the phonetic spellings in the US -- Skyler for boys and Skylar for girls. With the surnames-as-first-names trend, however, and the popularity of the Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton, which features the Schuyler sisters, perhaps Schuyler might receive some more interest in the coming years.

Bae is a succinct, modern feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Korean, it means 'inspiration' or can relate to the surname meaning 'pear.' However, its recent popularity stems largely from its use as an acronym for 'before anyone else' in English-language social media and youth culture, where it became a term of endearment for a romantic partner. This contemporary usage has influenced its adoption as a given name in Western contexts. In Danish and Norwegian, Bae relates to the word for 'dwelling' or 'home.' The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal, while its cross-cultural connections offer depth of meaning. Despite its trendy associations, Bae remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name, appealing to parents seeking distinctive, contemporary options with international flair.

Amadora is a beautiful feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the word "amador," meaning "lover" or "one who loves," with the feminine ending added. The name essentially translates to "loving woman" or "gift of love." Amadora carries romantic connotations and evokes warmth and affection. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has some usage in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and romantic roots. Amadora might appeal to parents looking for a distinctive name with a positive meaning and European flair.

The island home of Odysseus, and city site of Cornell University, sounds soft and pleasant enough to make it a candidate for babynamehood.

There are several fine Ben-beginning boy's names, such as BENJAMIN and BENEDICT, but girls names like this and BENJAMINA don't fare as well.

A Danish variant of Kaja (Kaya) or a Cornish word name derived from kaja "daisy".

Medeia is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the mythological figure Medea, a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology. The name carries connotations of wisdom, magical power, and strong will. Though the mythological Medea is a complex and sometimes tragic figure, the name itself possesses a mystical elegance. Medeia is a less common variant spelling of Medea, giving it a distinctive touch while maintaining its classical roots. Despite its rich historical significance, Medeia remains quite rare in modern usage, making it an uncommon choice that offers both historical depth and uniqueness. Those named Medeia may appreciate the name's association with intelligence, determination, and formidable strength of character.