Some Fantastique Favorites

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.

Aster

English; Amharic

"star"

This is a fresh new addition to the botanical list; comedian Gilbert Gottfried made it a real bouquet when he named his daughter Lily Aster. And the name of the little girl on television's Dexter…

Althea

Greek

"with healing power"

Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at…

Brigid

Irish variation of Brighid

"strength or exalted one"

Brigid is the simpler Irish version of the name of the goddess of fire, which may also be spelled Brighid. Other variations include Bridget, the most usual spelling in the U.S., and the French…

Aislinn

Irish

"dream"

Old Irish name that's taken off in its Anglicized forms, mainly Ashlyn or Ashlynn. Nonetheless, this more traditional version debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015. Aislinn Paul is a Canadian actress…

Theoni

Theoni is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'theos' meaning 'god' or 'divine.' It's the feminine form of Theon, and both forms have ancient roots in Greek history and…

Penrose

Cornish and Welsh place name and surname

"top of the heath"

Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky…

Monet

French artist name, from diminutive of Simon

A new favorite of the bohemian set, brought to light by actress Monet Mazur, daughter of the artist who designed the Rolling Stones' mouth logo.

Marian

French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…

Vesper

Latin

"evening star"

This Latin word used for evening spiritual services was introduced to baby namers by the Eva Greene character Vesper Lynd in the modern James Bond film Casino Royale in 2006, based on the Ian Fleming…

Branwen

Celtic

"blessed raven"

This is an attractive Celtic mythological name, popular in Wales and a cousin of the better known Bronwyn. In Welsh mythology, Branwen was turned into a bird.

Mabyn

Cornish, from English

"youth"

This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.

Linden

English tree name

"tree of the genus Tilla"

Though this name of a sturdy tree that can live for centuries was quite popular for boys in the first half of the twentieth century, at this point in time we can see Linden as a fresh-sounding…

Amorie

Spelling variation of Amory

"industrious"

While Amorie might be strictly a feminizing way to spell the unisex Amory, it also relates to the word Amore and the name Amoris, which mean love,

Merrit

English surname

"boundary gate"

This unusual unisex surname name is pretty evenly divided between the sexes these days than it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when it was almost entirely male. Merritt was a female character…

Corin

Latin

"spear"

Corin is a Shakespearean male name that could easily be adapted for a girl, making a strong update for Corinne or Karen.

Dionne

Greek, feminine variation of Dion

"divine"

Dionne is an Americanized version of the Greek Dione, with many sub-versions of its own, identified with singer Dionne Warwick. It was also the surname of the Canadian quintuplets born in 1934, who…

Mabry

Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish

"mud hill"

Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.

Ellette

English compound of Elle + Etta

"little light; Little girl"

A little like Elliot (or Elliette), Electra, and Etta, Ellette is a zippy but rarely used compound name.